Saturday, March 26

FRIDAY, MARCH 25TH:
MONEY BUYS HAPPINESS AT LAKE AUSTIN SPA
(warning: this post is long)

....You've all heard how much i've been working in the last few months. And it should come as no surprise that i'm not one of those people I know that just loves to work all the time. Maybe if I was working on some fabulous design project, then I wouldn't mind working. But lately i've been running about 10 different projects and none of them are anything special.

Anyway, about a week ago I decided that I would take day off to preserve my sanity (that day would be yesterday). And, Sweet Snail has been bugging me for probably a year to treat myself to a spa treatment and it all came together on friday. Friday would be my day off and my spa day. It was all set up. To boot, Snail insisted that I go for gold and take my spa day at Lake Austin Spa. And, Sleepypie readers, that's what I did.

I was seriously reluctant about spending all that money and mainly because I was sure that some hot rocks on my back and having my feet wrapped in seaweed, wouldn't be worth it. I didn't want to leave there thinking about all the clothes I could have bought for that much money. But, it's true that it would fall under the heading "Something i'd like to do once before I die." Without further delay, I'll go ahead and tell the story.

-=-=-

The day was completely overcast, but i had heard it would clear up later in the afternoon. I drive out to the place yesterday morning and pass my place of work on the way. I wave. I keep going further still, driving through a series of neighborhoods, and tucked away between some nooks and crannies, there I see the gated entrance to the spa. I roll down my window, push the call button, and a voice comes on, asking me the how and why. The gates roll open and I proceed to a normal parking area. The 2-story building is limestone and what I would call the common texas/contemporary look that you see around Austin.

I call Snail and tell him i've made it. Its 10:00am, thirty minutes before my first treatment. Snail wished me a relaxing day, and I break into about 3 tears of joy as I approach the double glass doors. It was that moment when it all hit me and I realized what the hell I was about to do. I was excited.

I walk in, talk to the receptionist who hands me a printed itinerary for my Half Day Rejuvenation. The packages included 2 50-minute treatments (selected by me), lunch, robe with slippers and full use of the facilities.

She leads me into the women's locker room. I am given my thick white robe and my Lake Austin Spa rubber slip-ons. She takes me through the ladies locker room, which includes a sitting room, the locker area for changing, the toilets, the row of sinks (with hair dryers, q-tips, lotions, tampons, curling irons, sterilized combs, mouthwash with little plastic cups, tissues, rolled washcloths for drying hands, and everything). From there you go through a door, and there you see the dry sauna, the steam sauna, the jacuzzi and the 3 showers. The backside of the room is floor to ceiling glass windows, and outside is a small courtyard full of fountains, flowers, and lounge chairs.

I got changed into my robe and was taken upstairs to the Blue Room. The Blue Room is the waiting area for your treatment (is anyone still reading this?). Its a big living room decorated blue and kind of country french. There is iced tea and water. There is a screened-in porch with rocking chairs, which overlooks the palm pool. That's where I waited.

Shortly, Kyle arrives and takes me back for my Rosemary Sea Salt Scrub. (ah-ha, you thought it was a guy!! but its a woman!! ha!)

We go into a small room that included a massage table, a tub, a shower and sinks. She explains to me in detail how its all going to work and she steps out while I slip off my robe and get onto the table. (everything is very strategic with protecting your privacy in the places you want to keep hidden if you know what I mean). I was a little nervous. The lights are dim. She comes back in and asks me what music i've selected from the choices. I pick Nature.

I am lying face down, and I feel warm salt being rubbed onto my legs. I can faintly smell the rosemary. The therapist speaks only when spoken to. I am liking this.

After about 30 minutes, I get into the shower to wash off all the salt. I have my own mini little body soap to use and a neatly folded washcloth.

I dry off, get back onto the table, under the top sheet and she comes back in. Next is the part where she sprays some kind of lotion on me. It was very nice.

-=-=-

Kyle takes me back downstairs, and I see that the sun is shining. I go back to the locker room and pick up my sunglasses then I head over to the small cafe. I find an open table outside and ask the waitress what's included in my half day package. She tells me to order whatever I want. I am happy about her answer.

I see guac and chips and order that right off and this is where I have to tell you that what you've heard about spa food is all true. Tiny and healthy. The ball of guac is about the size of a baby chihuahua's head and the chips are baked and stuck into the guac like a pine cone. Dainty comes to mind.

The menu is full of fat-frees and baked and healthy stuff. I also order a small salad with feta dressing & candied walnuts and chalupas for lunch. The food was all plenty tasty and the weather was marvelous. I sat there for a while. My next treatment wasn't until 1:30 and I had some time to check out the rest of the grounds. It was hard to decide what to do next. Somehow I managed.

I leave the cafe area, passing the palm pool on the left and the barn pool (for laps)(it just wouldn't be a spa in texas without the barn) on the right and am led down a winding path through a garden and fountain. I keep walking downhill a bit until I reach a wide lawn, speckled with trees and benches and about 3/4 hammocks. The Lake Austin Resort is off to my right. I pick an empty hammock that hangs about 4 feet from the water's edge. I start thinking about chocolate cake.

The spa sits on a narrow span of lake, maybe 200 feet wide. Across from the lake is a sharp hillside, covered in trees. An occasional boat passes by. Its very quiet and I enjoy laying there in my robe and listening to the birds and the water lapping on the shore (ok, not really a shore, but a 1-foot high rock wall that divides water from land). But a sandy shore would certainly have been sweet.

I didn't have a watch on and had no idea if it was time for my next treatment. (I guess you have to pay extra for them to come find you). I head back up to the spa building and see that I have some time. I go back into the ladies locker room and lay out on one of the lounge chairs. There is a naked lady next to me and I tell her that I want a margarita. There are ladies around of varying ages and states of naked-ness.

-=-=-

At 1:25 i head up to the blue room to wait for the Texas Starry Night massage. I reached a deepened state of relaxation.

I discoverd that I love having my feet wrapped in hot towels. (Snail will be doing this for me for free at home) The 10-minute scalp massage wasn't my thing. After that treatment, I really wanted some hot salty fries.

The rest of my day was spent doing all the things there were to do. I did six laps in the lap pool (heated). I laid by the regular pool (not heated). I got in the jacuzzi. I got in the heated sauna (just so i could say that I did). I went out to the hammocks again and walked around the resort. The lake traffic had picked up considerably by that point. Someone's boat was playing BOSTON.

I finally found a banana and ate that by the pool.

About 5:00, i decided to wrap the day up. I could have stayed until 10pm that night but there's a point where as much as you hate to leave, you're ready to leave. I took a shower, using their lemon-scented shampoo & conditioner and their grapefruit body wash.

I guess it was 6:00 when I finally paid up and was given a small gift ( a metal tin with a candle in it. Grapefruit scented.)

All up, I would say it was totally worth it for a treat. I don't think i would have appreciated it AS much, it i hadn't been feeling so overworked. And the perfect weather was the icing on the cake. I hope to go back some day, but can't say when that would be. It's definitely something to experience once in your life. There's nothing like lounging around from one fabulous thing to another, in a poofy robe on a spring day.

.....(But, if *I* ever open a spa, it will have fatty foods with lots of refined sugars for day-long grazing.)

Monday, March 21

....Today was a different day. I was working from home and Snail was home sick. I don't ever work from home but I needed to get some things done and I needed complete focus. I accomplished my goal, and was simultaneously able to cater to Snail's need for food, fluids and cheesecake. All is well in the house tonight.

Saturday, March 19

....I have a few hours before the bbq birthday dinner with friends tonight. I should paint but i'm kinda sleepy and hungry. I think i'm going to go get a pedicure and some sweet tea since i'm otherwise useless. Must prepare for sandal season.

The weather is so nice. This morning Snail and I did a little shopping at a local boutique and I cashed in on a purse, a tshirt and some new shoes. Then we had a terrific lunch. Its wonderful to be in Austin in the spring, hanging out with my husband. (i'm trying to get used to saying that word)

The trip to Chicago was uneventful. We were in the suburbs this time at a mediocre hotel, behind an IHOP and a Chili's. Thankfully i was only there for a few days. On 'team building' night, we went to the Rainforest Cafe, in the mall, and if you ever get the chance to go, don't. Unless you have kids. Its everything you would imagine; fountains, rainbows, dolphins, $10,000 worth of plastic plants glued to the ceiling and a gift shop of corresponding trinkets. (Snail forgot to thank me for NOT buying him that mug....). After a round of margarillas, we all left and went to a more adult place for dinner. Good call on that.

Sunday, March 13

....If I need to complain on my blog, then that's what I'll do. I worked all day yesterday. And what's worse about working on a saturday with perfect weather, is working on a slow mac no where near a window (someone else's machine). Ugh. Didn't get home until 7:30 and when I did, Sweet Snail was ready to fix my cranky bones up. We had enchiladas and a margarita and everything seemed better after that.

This morning we ventured off to the new super duper giant Whole Foods Market. That place is packed to the brim with goodness. Get there and eat something now!

See you thursday.


Friday, March 11

....I got a papercut under my nail this morning.

...I think that Target should get rid of its clothing and put an Old Navy in its place. Doesn't that make sense?

....I have to work tomorrow. Then I get my haircut. Then I leave for Chicago, on Sunday. This time, I'll be in the suburbs. Anyone want to place a bet on Chili's or Macaroni Grill? It's sure to be a culinary adventure in mediocrity. I'll be back late wednesday.

....We went to dinner at this Thai place that we used to go to about 6 years ago. The reason we stopped going was because there's a bunch of cats behind the place, which also happens to be where the parking is. Tonight, we scored on a spot out front and didn't have to face the cat music. The food was great. I was reunited with my favorite Thai soup in town...the one with the lemongrass and the coconut milk and the mushrooms. I love that stuff. I like their spring rolls too but I knew I wouldn't be able to eat that much food. Oh, and we got some sticky rice with mango for dessert and that was tasty also.

...Its the first sunny weekend and I have to work. Nice. Hopefully, i'll have 5 minutes to paint and 5 minutes to sit in the sun, on sunday before I leave.

Thursday, March 10

....I bought Snail his favorite flowers. The store had them......5 stems of stargazer lilies for $x.xx. Why oh why did I buy that many? This house is already stinking up like perfumed spoiled ham. Help!

...I was at the GAP today at lunch and I was thinking.....Am I the only one that feels compelled to hang or fold everything after I try on clothes in a dressing room at the mall? Lately, i've been doing a little therapy on myself, saying in my head the following: "Leave them laying there. These people have all day to fold up the 2 pair of pants you just tried on. Just leave them. Don't hang them up. There you go, hanging them up again. Next time, you must learn to leave them. Just leave them for the high schoolers. They get paid to fix your mess."

Wednesday, March 9 (warning: bugs)

....I had a dream the other night that i went to the doctor under the suspicion that I had a bug in my ear. The weirder part of the dream is how he made his diagnosis, which was by putting a small handful of cooked rice and laying it on my ear. He said that if I could hear the bugs eating the rice, then that meant I had bugs. oh, that creeps me out just writing about it! And in fact, I had not only bugs, but wasps. Yikes. I don't recommend having this dream ever.

Leave it to Snail to sweeten the experience by telling me that the reason I dreamed that was probably because there were real bugs crawling on me during the night.

.... 2001 came on TCM last night and we made it through about half. I guess I saw it years ago, but the only part I remember was where HAL can read their lips. Anyway, that is one crazy movie but I love seeing the sets and I like that the pace of it is so slow and eerie.

...I am ready for a haircut.

Sunday, March 6

....These dolls by Mia Hansen.

....We had a Bad Movie Night on friday where we saw yet another John Carpenter film, called THEY LIVE. Another enjoyable music score and tons of robot/skeleton/zombies.

...These colors remind me of a shirt that I used to have.

...Last week, a coworker was telling me all about blogs and how easy they are to maintain and how he is sure that they are going to be the next big thing. Something to think about, eh?

Tuesday, March 1

....Work has been busy lately and has left me with a 'one day at a time' state of mind. I don't like living that way. Just trying to get through the day is no way to spend your weeks. Hopefully it will calm down soon. Its good to be old enough to know what you can and can't handle and what you're willing to deal with. A day crammed with meetings and emails is not it for me.

...My cream cheese frosting was tasty but my box cake couldn't hold its own. And since I'm not willing to take on a 100% scratch cupcake situation, I must find a new icing. Something a little more sweet and something with a more generic sweet taste if that makes sense. It was the distinctive cream cheese flavor that was entirely too overpowering.

...Saturday afternoon we bought me a new light, which I will use to paint by. I couldn't be happier! The stuff that I've been doing lately is super detailed and lighting has become essential. Supposedly it simulates the balanced spectrum of natural daylight and I believe it cause it's rockin.

...Sometimes on the weekend, I cook us up some oatmeal for breakfast with sauteed hot toppings. I'm sure you've seen my posts about this before. You take a little fruit, some butter, brown sugar, nuts and cook them up in a pan and toss it on top of your oatmeal. The newest variation on this is CHERRIES! Enter the jar of Zergut pitted cherries that we've been enjoying. They are in liquid and they are kind of sour. You'd be surprised how many things taste better with cherries on top.....oatmeal, a brownie, yogurt and more!

February