Thursday, April 03, 2008

Spa-aaaahhhhhh

The smells mingled in the thick steam, but not unpleasantly: cucumber and aloe face treatment ... citrus hair mask ... white tea body rub. My skin was pink and as the heat opened my pores and brought a flush to my face I could feel the tension drain out from my shoulders. The high-pressure hot water jets pounded away at the sore point on the back of my neck and it seemed I got looser and taller all at once. Deep breaths of fragrant steam and the meditative effects of the gurgle of rushing water blotted out the whole world, except for the sensual one. The smell, the feel, the warmth, the quiet. Depilation and lotion, exfoliation and aromatherapy. Ahhhh.

After, my scalp still zinging and the skin on my face aglow attention was turned to my feet: buffed and scrubbed and soaked and polished I marveled at the enforced laziness of a pedicure. Sit back and wait. It takes the time that it takes. No matter: I idly flipped through my design magazines, my Saturday paper, alternating the contemplation of big ideas with the contemplation of stainless steel appliances, a perfect balance.

Later still, wrapped in soft terry cloth and bundled under feathers and linen, I let the heat build up around me as I let it all go ... the deadlines, the tantrums, the packing, the planning, the bills. Let it all go and fell softly asleep.

Can you guess what I did on Saturday night?

Yup. I had an obscenely long shower, painted my toenails on the couch while reading the paper and spying on the neighbours, and went to bed early. Extra large pumice stone and fancy face wash? 10 dollars. Shaving my legs for the first time in two weeks? Priceless.

Luxury: the toddler years.

15 comments:

Amy Urquhart said...

I think you just gave all of your readers a virtual spa in the middle of the day, so thanks!

Assertagirl

Anonymous said...

That sounds fabulous :) I had a nice long bath earlier today and am just appreciating the smell of my hair... Before it smells of burning because of all the straightening!

Thanks for the comment by the way... And in Britain there are separate tests for manual/automatic cars. With a manual test, you can drive an automatic, but not the other way around. Most people tend to drive manuals anyway... So it's pretty normal! Most first lessons involve: the clutch. And that's it!

Beck said...

That sounds gooooood.

kittenpie said...

OMG that sounds fantastic. I wish I had a decent bathtub.

Jenifer said...

Nothing makes me feel better after a long day than a nice hot, long shower . We all need a little TLC now and then.

Unknown said...

affordable luxuries are really the very best kind.

Debbie said...

Long showers and painted toenails are heavenly indulgences when you have kids around. Sounds like your Saturday night was Fan-Tas-Tic.

Don Mills Diva said...

I can't tell you the yearning this post induced in me...

Melanie D. said...

Two weeks is not all that long to me. I've just shaved the winter fur of my legs also. (Sorry, that's gross)

I suddenly have the strongest urge to go buy some fancy face wash.

Run ANC said...

Can't remember the last time I had time for a bath. These days I can barely shower.

Dawn said...

It never occurs to me to indulge in such luxury at home and then I get all depressed because I can't afford to go to the spa. You've inspired me.

Although I did give myself a mini-pedicure last week because I knew I'd be wearing sandals the next day.

Maybe I can get it together for a little home luxury this weekend.

the new girl said...

I'm with DMD.

YEARNING.

Cheryl said...

Lucky you, I'd give anything for an uninterrupted shower! (3 children under age 5) Sounds so wonderful.
BTW- I tagged you for a "7 Quirks/7 favorite blogs" meme. You don't have to do it...you'll still be a favorite.

NotSoSage said...

Like kittenpie, this makes me yearn for a decent bathtub. I realise that you showered, but I used to love baths like I loved chocolate and it's the exceptional pain or sadness that leads me to draw a bath in our piece of crap. I can't wait to start house-hunting.

Sandy said...

Oooh... reminds me that I need to see my chiropractor and his massage therapist! I'm getting all tight and crooked with stress and need to be smushed and twisted and cracked into looseness! I'm happy you have taken this relaxing break!