As I waddle through my construction worker "adventure," I am becoming increasingly aware of one thing: this line of work and my body are frenemies. Sure there's been some upsides, I secretly love how tired I feel at the end of each day and I'm convinced there is some definition in my abs that's happening beneath the layer of skin that is literally "bodyguarding" them. I have also probably bulked up in the bicep/upper arm region.... although that outcome is straddling the friend vs. enemy line. But one thing is certain, after slinging the shovel for four hours my back will feel like a boy scout's practice rope. Today, the glamorous task of "handwork" was bestowed upon me. What's "handwork" you ask? It's the job-site euphemism for moving dirt with a shovel that you are holding in your hand.
I feel ya, B.
Luckily for me, however, I received one of the best gifts I've ever gotten, earlier this year, from my mama: A monthly membership to Massage Envy Spas, a national chain of spas which offer professional (and might I add: excellent) massages and facials. .... And the perfect antidote for "handwork." (ba dum tss!) When I first "opened it" I did not believe it was real.. A guaranteed massage every week?! Shut the front door! But now that I'm a "member" I can attest, it is the real deal. ladies and gents. And it is every bit as glorious as I imagined.
It's just delightful!
If you weren't quite sure what the "Massage Envy Spas" you've no doubt seen around your local center of commerce, were all about, now you will know. They are a "regular" wellness spa where anyone can go to get a facial or massage but they also have a very unique element as well. You can get a membership where you pay in advance for one year's worth of massages or facials once a month, at a reduced "membership rate." If you do not use your massage for that month, it rolls over. I personally like to accumulate mine so that I don't have to go through that feeling of having to wait another whole month once I've used one, for the next (yes I know, that is totally sane advice :). A little insider tip: the prices of the monthly massage vary based on where you sign up for your membership, so I might recommend shopping it around if you care about saving a couple dolla bills, but I have seen them in the range of $40 to $60 for the "membership price." The best part though, is that you can use them at any Massage Envy location... So if you travel for work, or your nearby location is all booked up, you can go to another location and your membership will apply.
All of the locations I have been to (5) have been very nice inside and since they are franchised and have to maintain the brand's image, I am confident that all of them are nice. I personally like knowing what I can expect from a brand... But I also like Starbucks, so take that as you will. The waiting and treatment rooms are spa-like, relaxing and clean (there's no "funkiness," if that means anything to you) but most importantly, the therapists are highly qualified and extremely good, in my amateur opinion. They also have couples massage treatment rooms if you're feeling so inclined. Basically, it's amazing. That's best word I feel I can use to describe it.
So, if you can swing it, like I can swing a shovel full of dirt, I say you treat yourself to a once a month treatment, because by golly, YOU DESERVE IT!
