When Andrew Sent Me Away...

I can't believe it has been almost a year since Andrew sent me away. To where? you ask? TO A SPA WEEKEND GETAWAY!! Yes, last February Andrew booked a weekend down in Phoenix for me. Marriott Desert Ridge Hotel and Spa. I've never been out of town on my own before. Just imagine...no children for an entire weekend. Heaven.
So while it was winter here in Utah, it was 70 degree weather down there. I laid out by the pool, reading my book, and I didn't have to think about which child could be wandering too close to the edge and accidentally fall in. I even got up at 6:00 A.M. and went for a sunrise desert walk with an instructor. I spent 2 hours in the gym and then went to my spa appointment. It was just like you'd imagine...women walking around in robes and slippers, lounging on chaise sofas. Drinking strange juices and eating healthy nuts and dried fruits while waiting their turn in the massage rooms.
When it was my turn, my personal attendant took me to my german bath. It was a huge jetted tub with separate places to put each leg and arms. While the jets went through their series of massage patterns, my attendant would come in and spritz scented oils in the air and brought me a fruit plate. Ahhh.
Then we moved on to the body wrap. First step was exfoliation. Sea salts and aromatherapy. Then a shower. Then hydrating oils and shea butter was applied. Then I was wrapped like a mummy in plastic and a warming blanket. (Whoever thought of this should receive a medal!) While I was snug and warm, I had a facial. Then I was left alone for about 15 minutes. Then unwrapped and another shower. The final step was another hydrating massage. If you weren't relaxed by now, you need therapy. After the wonderful wrap session, the spa jacuzzis and the pool outside were free all day. They had cabanas out by the pool with waiters and food. I truly felt like royalty. At that point, the only thing missing was my husband to talk to.
The rest of the trip I spent shopping and getting my hair done. All in all, my favorite weekend getaway. I highly recommend it.

These are a few of my favorite things

I've decided to enter the 21st century and let people read my mind. I already talk too much, so now I just need to type too much. Get ready...
Elena's Favorites
Books

1. Harry Potter Series. If you want to discuss, I'll listen anytime.
2. Life of Pi by Yann Martel. If you want to read a book all the way through and at the end have to think of the book in a completely new light, read this book!
3. Follow the River by James Alexander Thom. Kidnapped by indians. I didn't really think I would like this but it is an amazing story of hope and courage. Wow.
4. Precious Bane by Mary Webb. A book that survives by word of mouth. It has been reprinted 26 times since 1924. Great book.
5. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson. A comical look at hiking on the appalachian trail.
6. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. It's not a fast paced book. It's about life at the pace it's supposed to be. It can't be explained by a plot. Read it.
7. Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan. Once you get passed the alzheimers story line it is a great book. I'm reviewing it for book club in Feruary.

I have loved being a part of a book club. I love that I probably would not have chosen 75% of what I have read and wound up liking the book. I also love being part of a group and not because they are paying me to be there for them. Just relaxing and talking.
More favorite lists to follow.