blue artichoke

It's been quite a while since I've done anything new to add to my 30 New Things list. My visit to a spa wasn't recent, last March, actually, but I neglected to tell you about it and forgot to add it to my list. The spa was in Mexico, and a birthday present from my brother. My mom and I went together, first for a foot massage. Neither of us are the pampering sort, so it was probably quite comical how uncomfortable and awkward we were. Given a key to a locker, we were ushered into a silent and wooden locker room. Unlocking the locker, we found a robe and a pair of slippers. Did we have to get all the way undressed if we were only having a foot massage. We whispered back and forth, trying to figure out just how many clothes we needed to shed. Luckily, another lady came in and we asked her what to do. I can't remember her answer, but I think I took off my pants. I might have left my shirt on. Anyway, we were led to a waiting room with low light, quiet spa mood music and candles. Other ladies were there, all dressed in robes, some reading, some meditating and some snoozing. From this waiting area, a glass door led to the showers where, from my seat, I could watch nude ladies scamper about from shower stalls to other changing areas. A small Mexican lady came around a corner and whispered my name. I've forgotten her name, but I liked her immensely. She was concerned because I wrote on my form that I didn't want smelly creams slathered on my feet. I'm allergic to a lot of fragrances added to lotions, so I was hoping to avoid a post-massage itchy allergic reaction. She opened several bottles and had me sniff each one, very concerned that I pick the right one. I picked the lightest scent. Relieved, she laid me on a massage table, put a warm towel over my face, massaged my head for a minute, then got to work on the feet, ankles and calves. She had very strong hands, not painful, but very firm and relaxing. I probably could have fallen asleep, but I was too afraid that I'd drool or, even scarier, kick her in the face in my sleep. The massage lasted 30 minutes, and was amazing. And no allergic reaction.

Foot massages always seemed silly to me. I can rub my own feet. But now that I've had a professional spa-quality foot massage, they no longer seem silly. They're decadent. Every 30-year-old should have a foot massage.

Here's the list so far:

1. Roast a duck
2. Learn to make glass beads
3. Swim in an underground river
4. Sea-Trek
5. Touch a sea turtle
6. Make a chocolate meringue pie
7. Eat collard greens
8. Cirque du Soleil: Ka
9. Make ice cream
10. Eat lunch with a down's syndrome guy
11. Learn to post pictures on my blog
12. Wear shorts, a tank top and a thong on purpose, all day and in public
13. Join a Ladies’ Disc Golf League
14. Begin Muay Thai lessons
15. Visit a Spa and Got a Foot Massage

Next week I'll tell you about Part II of the Mexican Spa Adventure: the pedicure.

Getting to Know All about You: What do you do to relax after a difficult day?