Today I am cashing in on a treat I’ve held back enjoying until now: a massage gift card Hubbs gave to me at Christmas-time.
I’ve been tempted to indulge sooner but put it off because of illness and and a stretch of grey, uninspired days that ran into weeks.
Instead, I’ve saved it for now – for that time in winter when something delicious to look forward to is welcomed. I’ve saved it because sometimes anticipating something wonderful is nearly as much fun as experiencing it.
I’ve decided today’s the day.
Why?
Because it’s Tuesday, a “nothing special” kind of day. Yes, there is work to be done, both at home and in the office but there’s also a fridge full of Sunday’s leftovers and nothing pressing on my event horizon.
I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to my “hot stone massage,” in a soothing spa permeated with natural lavender and staffed by people who whisper. (In my family of mostly men, no one whispers naturally). I’ll leave work a little early, arrive with a smile and step into a dim room illuminated only by a starred ceiling. I’ll sip my chamomile tea, slip into a heated cotton robe and relish the soft sounds of woodsy gongs, chimes and waterfalls. I’ll feel like a girl .. a girlie girl who whispers. I’ll very likely fall asleep and there’s a good chance I’ll snore or reveal family secrets. I’ll ooh and ahh as my sore muscles and computer neck get worked over and afterwards, I’ll greet the fatigue that arrives as my tender limbs announce their existence. I’ll drive home and pour myself into the comfiest clothes I own, have a chat with my guys and later, later I’ll sleep the sleep dreams are jealous of.
* * *
“Well,” said Pooh, “what I like best,” and then he had to stop and think. Because although eating honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn’t know what it was called. ~A.A. Milne
image from dailymail.co.uk
Oh, MJ, that sounds absolutely wonderful. (Girlie girl is one of my favorite expressions!)
I’ve never, ever had a massage. But I think I’m very close…..
Enjoy!
One word = heavenly!
MJ
It takes my girlie girl #1 daughter to gift me one of those. It’s been a while since she moved away. It is the most wonderful of things to do and indulge. Thank you for the “before” filled with anticipation and enjoy….maybe add a sentence or two about the “after”.:) Happy Tuesday.
It was a wonderful indulgence; I’m a little sore today, but in a good way. Cheers! MJ
I LOVE the concept of the delight of the moment before something wonderful…delicious…
Felt like a kid waiting for Christmas morning to arrive!
MJ
Awesome, anticipation! Enjoy!
It was worth all that anticipation and the hour flew by way too fast! 😉 MJ
Sounds wonderful. Wish I were scheduled for a massage today. Enjoy, my friend!
Hugs,
Kathy
I think I should consider doing this much more often than 1 x a year 🙂 MJ
Enjoy! 😀
Thank you, Marion – and I did 🙂 MJ
Oh wow…I love indulging that way, though I can count on one hand how many times I have. I hope your afternoon is everything and more!
Sleep well MJ!
~d.
It was a treat worth waiting for … and indeed I slept so hard I have lines on one side of my face this morning – I don’t think I ever turned over 🙂 MJ
A blank sheet of paper (now a blank screen) gives me that feeling. Ah, the possibilities are endless. Hmmm, I may have to blog on this subject, too! All joy today. HF
The blank screen sometimes give me a moment of dread, of anxiety…can I or can I not stream my thoughts out smoothly…
Take a deep breath. Clear you mind. Now, what thought comes to mind? Write about it! HF
“all joy today,” Love that Harper and thank you for visiting .. and commenting! MJ
I’ll be back! HF
Good for you, MJ, enjoy! I’ve never had the hot stone massage, usually get deep tissue/trigger point work done. You’re right about the anticipation of something special, and glad you found Pooh’s take on it. Love Milne’s writing style.
The hot stone is my favorite b/c it combines the heat of the stones with the talent of the masseuse – it’s not so invasive but it is effective. Delicious! and I’ve always loved the wisdom that’s found in Pooh Bear (AA Milne).
Cheers! MJ
You and Pooh made me remember the joy of anticipation……and I have a massage scheduled for this week too so all the better 🙂
ooh — enjoy every moment!! MJ
Good for you, MJ! I hope you enjoyed it.
Loved every morsel of it – from the fragrant oils to the soft music and the chimes/bells .. to the darkened, quiet room and peaceful escape I enjoyed. No phones, no stress, no nothin’ – bliss!
MJ
I have never wanted a massage before! But I do now!
What have I savored lately? I quiet, cold, peaceful, beautiful morning walk.
Oh it’s simply delicious! Schedule it when you have time to do a lot of nothing afterwards – because you will feel tired and spent afterwards. IE there’s no way I could do this on a date night – I’d be snoring by 9pm (and was last night).
I love those peaceful morning walks you write about … still a bit too dark here in the mornings. Enjoy!
MJ
Go for it MJ….love Pooh too:)
I did and then some 🙂
MJ
Sounds perfectly divine – and soundly deserved. I’m looking forward to the followup post about the experience.
It was everything I imagined it would be and then some .. the only possible negative was, unlike conference calls and meetings, THIS hour went by in a flash!
Cheers 🙂 MJ
I savored reading your post..my life has been a little hectic lately so loved stepping into your shoes for a moment.
Well .. thank you very much! I enjoyed writing it and the massage? Blissful. I’m still smiling 🙂 MJ
So glad to hear you had some girlie girl time for yourself…I am looking forward to a couples weekend getaway to the Trade Days in Canton Texas….I already know it will be filled with endless laughter and memorable moments!
Oooh – sounds wonderful. Have a great time!!
MJ
I love Winnie the Pooh! Such wisdom in such a simple and sweet character!
Hope your massage was as wonderful as your anticipation! And I completely agree, anticipation is half, or more than half, the pleasure in life! ~ Sheila
It was wonderful – complete bliss!
MJ
I could so use a massage right now! Good for you for indulging!
I’ve decided to ask for one again as a combo mother’s day/birthday gift — ooh ahh! MJ
Pingback: Filling the tank | Emjayandthem's Blog