Spa day at Canyon Ranch
Hi guys! I’m so happy you enjoyed today’s workout 🙂 I’m always excited to hear that you had an awesome sweat sesh.
Today, I was off on a relaxing and lovely spa day with Meg at Canyon Ranch.
The Pilot surprised me with a spa day as a gift for finishing the first draft of the book. It couldn’t have come at a better time; it was such a nice bit of “Zen” before the moving craziness begins. Whenever i go back to Canyon Ranch, it makes me remember how much I loved working there. The classes, amenities and food are incredible, but the people truly make the place. I still see many of my work friends on a regular basis, but it was so much fun to take their classes and see the resort through the eyes of a guest. It’s a magical place.
Even though I’ve talked about the upcoming move (maybe a little too much?) on the blog, I’ve tried not to emphasize how sad I am about it, even though I’m sure you can tell. It’s nice to move and feel like we’ve got the hang of it -we’ve done this rodeo quite a few times, and this time we’re having movers instead of doing it ourselves- but the emotions are entirely different than those I’ve previously experienced. When we lived in NC and Georgia, I made it through deployments in a new place, made new friends, and dealt with the issues that popped up along the way (like moving across the country mid-deployment and the nighttime emergency vet visit when Bell was attacked). In Tucson, there was a huge comfort in knowing the family is only a phone call away instead of on the other side of the country. Even though I’ll obviously miss their support and knowing someone in the family will meet up with us at anytime (especially for breakfasts!), the part that makes me the most sad is that I feel like I’m taking “the baby” away from the family. We were blessed to have been stationed in Tucson at all, but it breaks my heart to have seen how much Liv enjoys our family to move her away, and for everyone to hurt from missing each other. It’s a weird thing to explain. It will certainly make the times we are together even more special, and I’m very thankful we’re a drive away instead of a flight.
Today at Canyon Ranch, I was able to relax before the move, spend some extra quality time with my only sis (who’s my sis-in-law, but you know), and enjoy a wonderful day <3
This morning, I met up with Meg in the gym, and ran next to her on the treadmill (she was taking the cardio circuit class) for 20 minutes. Next, we went into yoga.
My beautiful friend Elizabeth (who was also in Soli Beat!) led the practice, and we did 75 minutes of heart openers, strength (holy chair holds) and arm balances (my favorite). There was a little bit of an *event* during class when we heard a loud squawking sound. It sounded like a bird was trapped in one of the light fixtures, and my friend Kay frantically called management to send someone with a ladder so we could save the bird. Everyone was almost in tears because it sounded like the bird was really struggling. Turns out… it was an air freshener that was empty and squawking to be refilled. Thank goodness it wasn’t a bird 😉
After yoga, we went to lunch at The UU Cafe.
(salmon burger on gluten-free bread and Greek salad)
We washed it down with cookies, lattes and chocolate frozen bananas (INSANE),
and went to lounge by the pool for a while.
After all of that, I had my first ashiatsu massage, and it was GLORIOUS. I wasn’t sure if the feet thing would weird me out, but it was really cool. I couldn’t help but think of the killer upper body workout the massage tech was getting from hoisting herself up the entire time. Per the usual, I had two goals: do not smile like a creeper, and don’t drool. I succeeded 😉
Hope you had a great day, too <3
What’s your go-to solution when you’re feeling emotional or stressed? A nice long walk or yoga class usually does the trick for me.
Enjoy the night and I’ll see ya in the morning!
xoxo
Gina
39 Comments
Leave a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Great massage goals! My goal is always to not have snot running down my face when they make me roll over from my front to my back. 🙂
P.S. I LOVE your hat — super classy-chic!
Ashiatsu is my addiction! I am so excited that I’m not pregnant (early) and can have an ashiatsu massage Saturday instead of a prenatal! I couldn’t even tell she used her feet the first time!
I love your top (or dress?) in that last photo! Where did you find it?
Also having moved a LOT as a kid and as an adult, I completely understand the sadness of moving away from family, but it seems like you’re staying so positive about it. I hope you’ll be able to visit each other often! Good luck with all of it! 🙂
Oh Gina, I totally am understanding your emotions with moving. We’re going through a big move right now too, and saying good-bye to people has been really hard for me. It’s an exciting new journey, but it sure is sad to leave those you love – bittersweet for sure! I’ll be thinking of you as you make this transition. I’m sure a spa day was just perfect as you’re trying to get everything packed and ready to move. A good massage or a relaxing bath always help calm me down when I’m feeling extra emotional. Hugs!
Oh, and I’m so glad you told that story about your yoga class! I had a good laugh!
Things will work as they should, just have faith. You’re just a drive away from the family. My parents live in WI and I wish everyday they were closer. My Mom is having hear surgery tomorrow and I can’t be there due to my foot injury and it’s killing me. I can relate to your fears for sure.
Sounds like bliss. Moving, especially when you are leaving family is always hard. You will love SD though!
Glad you had a wonderful and relaxing day! Moving is HARD I am about to do it again in a few months even though we have been looking forward to this move for years. Enjoy the last few days and know you won’t be far away!
The mixed emotions of moving are what makes it so hard. New adventures are always exciting and nerve-wracking, but saying goodbye, especially to family is so tough. A spa day definitely helps! Hopefully, your family will find as many reasons to make the drive to you as you find to go back and see them!
my go-to de-stresser is a run, some yoga, or a cup of tea and some blog reading. never fails. 🙂
A good workout definitely helps keep the stress away.
I moved away from my family almost three years ago. I’m in LA and they’re in Phoenix. It is tough not to get to see my 16 month old nephew whenever I want to, but the fact that it is so easy to do weekend trips really does help.
What an amazing day! I definitely have to relax by reading a good book. I wish I could do the workout angle, but honestly? I’d rather be in a prone position when I’m stressed! 🙂
I love moving! Organizing things, making plans, drives, new things. Out with the old in with the new.
Alright, super serious question here. I moved across the country about 4 months ago away from all family and friends. How the heck do I make new friends?! I had always lived in Baltimore so the whole California thing is totally opposite plus I don’t have a job (we moved for my husband’s job and I’m currently working on a personal training certification.) But seriously, it’s hard to meet people do any tips you have would be greatly appreciated!
Have you heard of meetup.com? It sounds creepy and weird, but there really are so many different groups with every different interest…I actually met a few amazing friends that are still in my life (even after I moved away yet again) through a women’s meetup group. Check it out!
What a perfect day!!
And I can absolutely understand your sadness about moving and your family missing you and Liv. Though the positive side is that you will enjoy the times you see each other even more and they will be more intense cause they are rare.
lol, the poor air freshener. I’m glad someone was able to help relieve it’s suffering 😉
I usually go for a run when I am stressed but lately all I have been wanting is a massage. I think I may need to splurge on one soon!
at least the little one did get time with family, yes? i know it must be hard. Soak it up all while you can . You’re an amazing mama!
that massage!!!!!! i’ve always wanted one!!!!! so happy for you!!!!!!! you so deserve it babe <3 and a long walk always helps me <3 i wish i could give you a hug! i could tell your heart was hurting and i totally understand what you mean about the move. i am here for you! <3
A HARD run gets me out of any funk I’m in, 99.9% of the time. But I would never say no to a massage. 😉
Looks like a relaxing day. One of my bucket list items is to spend a weekend at that resort.
Ah, thinking of you and the “move”, i can certainly understand how this is different this time around with Liv. You are right though, be thankful you can drive to visit. And not that you don’t already make the “most of” every visit with family, you certainly will now that you don’t live as close. I live on opposite coasts from my family and i feel our ‘quality’ time is MUCH better:) Trying to find the silver lining for ya girl!
What a fun day with your sister in law! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Even in the best of circumstances moving is hard. I’m thinking happy thoughts for you!
Wow, that sounds like a fantastic day. I have to say I also do well with a walk or yoga to de-stress but what also helps me is watching a beautiful sunset or just being in nature. Also some pet love helps with emotional times as well. Hope the move goes smoothly with as little stress as possible. Namaste 🙂
I know where you’re coming from. We relocated about seven hours away due to my husband’s employment. We’re about six months in and while I love the excitement of truly being on our own and enjoying the time with my husband it’s hard to be away sometimes. My grandpa and I are very close so it’s tough to be away from him, especially when he’s not feeling well. But he knows this move was a good thing, so his understanding makes it easier 🙂 I’m glad you’ll just be a drive away!
Looks so wonderful and relaxing! I’m glad you two enjoyed your day. When I’m feeling really overwhelmed emotionally, I usually either lace up and go for a “naked” run (run without my phone, music or tracking devices…just run until I’m done!) or have a big ol’ cry sesh. Sometimes you just need a big cry!
How nice! I need a spa day soooooo bad! Glad you and Meg got to enjoy a wonderful day together before the big move.
I know it’s hard to be moving away from family, I have been through that, as you have too before. Stay strong, and I am sure they will be visiting lots!
<3
I have to admit, reading about your move has made me a little jealous. Although I didn’t love everything about SD when I lived there, I really loved Coronado, and have been missing it an awful lot lately. I know it’s not going to be home for you like Tucson is, but it’s still a good home, and I hope you enjoy your time there <3
Moving is tough, and I can totally see why it’s an emotional challenge. Hang in there, you have great perspective and a lot of support surrounding you 🙂 We’ve relocated twice and I find that if I find one little “niche” (a running route I like, a cute part of town with a view, a relaxing place to have a coffee and call a friend) that it helps with the initial transition into the new place. Love the treat planned for you, pampering was definitely in order. All the best over the next few packing days
Oh Gina, your post made me tear up a little. I can’t imagine the mix of emotions you must be feeling. We recently moved by choice and it was exciting and sad all at the same time. We are now in the same city as my husband’s fam, which is great, but farther from my family. We don’t have kids (yet!) but I would love for my parents to be physically closer when the time comes. Plus, it was just hard to leave my dear friends and the comfort of years in one place. Someone else above suggested a good cry and I think it’s so important to let out your emotions. We all try to be strong but it can be so therapeutic to let it out. So my suggestion would be to watch a movie you love that will get all the emotions out for you – for me it would be Love Actually. Your blog friends are all here supporting you.
<3 <3 <3 thank you!
How sweet of the Pilot to do that for you! I’ve never had an official spa day – that looks absolutely wonderful!
When I’m feeling emotional or stressed usually, a few things will do it for me. A nice run, followed by a mani/pedi, followed by a hot shower, followed by a glass of wine will usually make me feel better.
And I so apologize, I haven’t been following along with you for a TON of time, but please tell me, where are you guys moving to? Anywhere close to me on the east coast? That would be fun 🙂 hang in there, lady 🙂
What a wonderful day. Hope you enjoyed it!
What an amazing day!
Looks like a blast! Definitely a well-deserved day to relax. Praying that you have a smooth transition as you enter into the moving phase!
I’m so glad you had a nice day at the spa and I’m sure it must be so hard to be moving away from your family. I can only imagine how many sacrifices you have to make being a military wife/military family in general, so it must be hard to be moving again. I hope San Diego is good to you (I’m leaving SD today and at least it’s sunny! Not that you don’t get sun in Arizona but you know what I mean…) and that you get to see your family often! <3
That bird story made me giggle. One time I was with a running group and we heard some very loud rustling that sounded like a very large animal. We all freaked out, someone almost cried, but in the end it was just a little porcupine. No big deal.