Life Changing Massage

As a new mother of a 6 month old, I am here to say that I could use a massage at least once a week. It all started when Ryan was born and I did more "looking down" than ever before. I couldn't get enough of looking at his sweet little face. Along with that new neck move, came a constant tight neck. Since Ryan was born at 9 pounds and grew to be over 20 pounds in 6 months, picking him up also did a number on my back. I really need to go back to the Chiropractor. For a quick fix, I tried to book a massage from my favorite Masseur, Nick Shade at Amenity Day Spa in Ashburn. I don't know who I thought I was, trying to get a walk-in massage on a rainy Saturday afternoon. I mean, isn't that what everyone does on a rainy Saturday afternoon?

When I got the news from the receptionist, that they were all booked, I immediately got my sad face out. I called Jasmine Day Spa in Leesburg and asked if they had an opening. They said, "Sure, come by in 30 minutes". Sweet!

Let me back up a minute. I went to Jasmine one time to get a broken nail mended. I hate to generalize, but it was a very typical nail place (you all know what I mean). They definitely need a better vent in there, as it smells of methyl methacrylite.

For some reason, when I called to make the appointment, I thought I booked at Lotus in downtown Leesburg, then I remembered, "Wait, this is the nail place I went to before".

Well, the appointment was scheduled and I didn't care, I NEEDED a massage.

I am sorta a snob about sushi and vacation spots. I would add that I am a bit picky about day spas as well. I got into the salon and was greeted by the smell of nails (which made me nervous). I was escorted to a back room, which they must use as a catch all for waxing, facials and massages. Normally, when you get a massage, the room is simple, calming music is playing in the background and the smell of ylang ylang and sandalwood dance around the room. This room was quite the opposite. I actually got a little freaked out because it was so cluttered! Again, I put my feelings aside and hope for the best.

Ruba, I believe she is from India, comes in and starts the massage. She immediately makes a verbal note that I am quite tense in my shoulder area! I asked if she would spend most of the hour on my back, neck and shoulders. This is when a tiny bit of heaven started to kneed my muscles. I don't know if you are all like this, but when I get a massage, I like to feel it. When I am paying good money, I want my muscles to feel refreshed. I don't want someone to tickle my back. Ruba was stretching my neck, arms and legs. She moved my body around so that she could reach different parts of my muscles. I never had a massage like this before and almost questioned if she was even a licensed masseur. However, it felt so remarkable that I didn't care if she was a licensed truck driver. I just wanted her to keep going.

I was able to put the sounds of dogs barking (the day spa is connected to Pet Smart), I missed out on the smell of essential oils and didn't hear the soothing sounds of a waterfall or ocean. But I got one of the best massages of my life coupled with a chakra cleaning (which may have been the best part).

I chalk this massage up to one of those little hole in the wall Italian restaurants that serve the best food ever. You are a little nervous about clean silverware, but once you taste the perfectly roasted garlic, you are sold!

I have to also confess, that I was getting flu like symptoms (chills and an achy back) and they completely went away after the massage. They are moving to a new location, by Gold's Gym across from Super Target, next month. I am going to see Ruba before and after the move. This may be my new addiction. I feel as if I am cheating on Nick Shade, but Ruba is amazing!

Sweet mother of Jesus, I feel wonderful!

Coming Down To The Wire

I can't believe I haven't blogged in 7 years. Its not that I don't have the time, I think facebook just took over. Most of you know that Marc and I are expecting our first child at the end of this month (Aug 28th). That is the official due date, mentally, however, I think its more of a range. So, I have been saying "toward the end of August". My prediction of Aug 18-22 has come and gone. However, Marc has been thinking Aug 27th for many months now. I guess we have no control over it, the baby will come when he is ready.

I have been trying to document the pregnancy through photos, but only really started at 29 weeks. I got big so early on, I guess it wouldn't have mattered if I started at 15 weeks or 30. Can I even tell you how many people months ago asked, "Any day now? Are you having twins". The answer is NO! Marc and I are not small people, its not a surprise we are having a big kid.

Anyway, if you are not on facebook, here are a couple photos to see what is going on with Marc and I.

So Cute

Its little items like this, Marc and I are starting to collect, that is making me even more excited for our expected arrival. Seriously, look at these little slippers.

It's Been So Long

I can't believe I haven't posted since the Superbowl. This is what has been going on since Marc and I left for Florida for the 'big game'.

For starters, as you know, the Steelers won the Superbowl. We were able to upgrade our tickets (for free) for club level seats on the Steeler's side. It was the best sporting event I have been to. What a great experience.

It was so nice to hang out with Aunt JoAnn and Ron for a few days!

Lets see, what else has been going on? Oh yeah, Marc and I are expecting our first child. The baby is due at the end of August. However, at our last ultrasound, not only did they tell us we are having a baby boy, they said I was two weeks ahead of the due date. Well, either the date is wrong or I am just having a big baby. Considering Marc and I are not small people, I could give birth to a toddler sized infant.

This news may very well be the reason I haven't written anything in such a long time. I am finally over the awful morning sickness, but I am still pretty tired.

All in all, we are doing really good.

Here are a few pictures of the happenings over the last few months.

Super Bowl Bound!

Marc and I are going!!!



Go Steelers!!!!

Happy Birthday, Ray!

Hope you have a great day!

Christmas List

Dear Marc,
Just in case you wanted to know what I may want for Christmas this year...

1.) A kitten -- possibly an orange and white one.
2.) Yankee Candles and more Yankee candles (tarts are acceptable and welcomed)
3.) A fennec fox
4.) A trip to Aruba
5.) A trip to Ireland
6.) Bath and Body works bath bubbles
7.) A new coffee table
8.) More time with you...like we don't spend enough time together anyway. But its never enough.
9.) Tickets to the new Yankee Stadium (not against the Red Sox, please)
10.) A miniature donkey, which we will call Nicodemus.
11.) MyFarm trees and chickens (Peach trees and Black chickens)
12.) A massage with the one and only, Nick Shade
13.) Dance lessons with you
14.) A pigmy sea horse, which we will call peanut
15.) Skybars
16.) Coloring books and new crayons (I love coloring during the winter)
17.) New clothes for Isabella, our (or should I say, MY) dress up goose
18.) Gunga Din (the DVD)
19.) A Dwight Shrute $2.00 bill
20.) Perhaps a lunch with Johnny Depp or Rue McClanahan

These are just some general suggestions. Christmas is certainly not about gift giving, but just in case the 'media' gets to you and you feel like you need to reach into your wallet and spend money, you know, to pump up the economy.

I thank you for your support.

Your loving wife,
Amy

Pure Awesome-ness

Wow, its really the little things these days that make me laugh. A friend of mine from softball, posted this story on facebook. I thought it was funny enough to put on my blog.

Man tries to pay bill with spider drawing (read email chain), click here.

Can't Handle This--

Anything involving baby tiger cubs makes me totally insane. Actually, anything involving baby animals makes me insane. Two things I am pretty sure I need to add to my bucket list:
1.) Swim with dolphins
2.) Spend the day playing with a tiger cubs (alone). I don't want to be at a zoo and have to battle 100 kids to play with a tiger cub. Even if the 100 kids are the cutest things I have ever seen. I want to play with the baby tiger cubs too.

Cool Person- Alert!!

Tracy Bowers, do you know her?

Steelers vs Redskins

I know there are Steeler fans everywhere and a lot live in the DC Area That being said, it was awesome to be a Steeler fan during Monday night football. Steeler fans made enough noise to force the Redskins into a silent count. The noise was enough for even the Redskin's players to comment.

This was the second away game (the other in Atlanta) that I have experienced a massive turnout of Steeler fans. Job well done!!