pampering and packing

I have had an incredible day!

I woke up this morning and went to a free one-hour massage, beautifully provided by a massage therapist who has recently joined CNC. When Jason and I returned, she gave us each a card for a free hour! It was so excellent--she really worked out some kinks in my neck and shoulders, plus generally made me feel good. Also, she is so interesting to talk to! We had a really good conversation about all kinds of different things. I have used a lot of exclamation points in this paragraph, but Gail is worth it. If you're in the Atlanta area, you need to go. She's fantastic.

When I got "home" I ate, read a little, and took a nap! woohoo! Then, this afternoon Martha and I went for pedicures. I've never had a pedicure before. I see why people do this. It was fantastic. They made even MY feet feel and look pretty! I'm so happy. I have pink toenails, soft feet, and got another leg/foot massage! It was great. If it wasn't so expensive, I could make it a habit. I mean, really--you soak in a whirlpool, someone massages your feet and pumice-stones the rough patches, and then paints your toenails some cute color! What is better than that? It's so luxurious. If only the place didn't smell like nail polish remover....

Tonight I've been packing my things. I'm leaving a suitcase full of stuff here (things I don't need to cart around the country because they're really just for when I finally move somewhere for good). I'm taking one big suitcase (which currently weighs 49 pounds) and one small roller-board carry-on, plus my computer, home. Tomorrow afternoon Jason and I will fly to Chicago and spend the weekend in Crystal Lake. We are really excited about this--meeting new people, scoping out a new place, and trying to get a feel for where God is calling us. And, of course, the people there are trying to get a sense of who God is calling to them! Sunday afternoon we'll head to Chicago on the Metra train, where we'll spend a couple of days (with my CPM meeting taking up a big chunk of Monday) hanging out in a great town. I think Jason is planning to go to the Art Institute--one of my fave places in the city! I don't know about him, but I'm planning to eat some Bacino's pizza, too. mmmm, stuffed spinach pizza. yum.

And so my Americanized life begins--with luxuries and mobility. It's nice to be home. Strange, but nice. I can't imagine many Egyptian women get pedicures or massages the day before they go to job interviews. I can't imagine I'll be doing much of that in my future either--but it was nice to have the experience. What a great day! :-)

I doubt I'll have internet the next few days--I suspect you won't see me again at least until mid-week, or maybe even next weekend. be good while I'm not watching! ta ta!