Good news! As I packed up the closet yesterday morning, I heard the loud motor of a truck outside and ran to the window to check things out…
Our giant pile of garbage is gone! Whew. Hopefully these nice fellas didn’t see me taking creepy pictures of them through the blinds.
I spent the entire morning and afternoon clearing out the closet and packing everything into luggage. I probably ended up donating half of what was in there – no one needs that many clothes! Around 2pm, I decided to take a much needed break. Even though it felt very self-indulgent since we are so busy right now, I headed across town for a fabulous MASSAGE appointment!
Back in May, just a few days before the Flying Pig Marathon, Groupon emailed a deal for a 90-minute Swedish massage for only $35 – score! I figured I would be really sore from the marathon and it would be the perfect post-race treat. Little did I know that the marathon would be a nightmare of thunderstorms and torrential rain, and no massage would be needed since my race was so horrible. So the Groupon has remained tucked in my drawer ever since. And let me tell you, I was NOT leaving Charlotte without redeeming that sucker.
I headed to Zen Massage, a cute little place set in a bright orange house. I wish pictures could capture SMELL – man oh man that place smelled amazing. It reminded me of our vacations in Mexico, and reaaaaaally made me want to go back. Family Christmas in Mexico – any takers?
I loved that this place was actually a house – upstairs all of the massage rooms were former bedrooms! They really kept the charm of the house, while also making it very luxurious and nice.
My room was beautiful – sooooo much light pouring in from the windows, I loved it.
And there was a fun drapey curtain-type thing hanging from the ceiling which I thought was cool too.
Believe it or not, I have only actually had ONE massage in my entire life. I bought it as a treat for myself after my very first marathon back in 2008. Today’s massage was 90 minutes of heaven, and I never wanted it to end. I think next time (hopefully not another 2 years from now), I want to try deep tissue. I have sooo many kinks in my back that could use some serious muscle.
Back in my car, I was so relaxed and peaceful. Exactly what I needed during such a stressful and draining week. I was also so relaxed that I was concerned I was going to fall asleep driving home!
The ONLY negative thing about my massage was that I got so carried away with packing and moving that I ran out of time to eat before I left. Mid-way through the massage I could hear my stomach rumbling (embarrassing), so I went running to food the minute I hit the house!
Creamy PB2 with a banana – food at our house is slim pickins right now. The pantry is PACKED, so we are in weird makeshift limbo mode.
I promise I did get more accomplished yesterday than just spying on the garbage men and pampering myself with massages (perhaps I am a candidate for Real Housewives of DC?). CHECK OUT THE CLOSET!
All that remains are the few things I plan to wear over the next 5 days or so, and a bridesmaid’s dress that I didn’t want to get crumpled up by packing into a bag.
I seriously cannot believe how long it took me to pack (and donate) all those clothes. Under no circumstances am I allowed to buy anything new for a very long time!
Here is the massive pile of all the clothes and shoes in their packed state – I hope our truck is big enough – eeeeek!
I spent the rest of the evening packing and cleaning, and finally stopped for some dinner around 8pm. Due to my poor planning and our empty fridge, it was another take out night – Brixx Pizza!
Everyone in Charlotte raves about this place, although somehow we had only made it there once before. I got two big salads to get us started, so that we could make sure we were getting enough greens.
And we split two of the 10 inch pizzas – wild mushroom…
And the artichoke pizza with their soy-vegan cheese (part of the reason we went there!). I thought it was really strange that the cheese wasn’t melted, and the pizzas were barely lukewarm. We even tried microwaving it to melt it a bit, but then they just got soggy.
We set up a temporary dinner table in the middle of our empty living room. Indy checked it out to make sure he approved.
To be honest, dinner was pretty disappointing. The “cheese” was nasty and left us both with bad stomach cramps afterwards. Never again. Now I know why we don’t buy vegan cheese to eat at home!
And now I’m off for – you guessed it – more packing, hurrah! Exciting stuff – OUR MOVING TRUCK COMES TODAY!
Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
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I am sure the massage was much deserved (and enjoyed) after all of that packing!
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Sorry about dinner. At least it was a good feeling productive day, right?! Oh and really you can never go wrong with bananas and PB!
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that massage place looks wonderful! so cute and cozy! Good luck packing the truck today!!
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90 minutes for $35? Wow!!
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
September 1st, 2010 at 10:23 am
I know! Couldn’t pass it up.
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a 90 minute massage would be perfect during a busy moving week! I’ve actually never had a “real” massage before…someday though!
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glad the trash men came! I have NEVER had a real massage, I know crazy right. I want one after my first marathon in January!
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You’ve accomplished so much! What a great feeling to have downsized and know you are moving only the important things with you to start your new chapter in D.C. Your massage couldn’t have come at a more perfect time…funny how those things work out! And I’m not sure what to say about the pizza – but I tried vegan cheese on pizza one time and knew it was not going to work with my stomach. :)
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
September 1st, 2010 at 10:23 am
Thanks, Dorry! :)
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What a bummer about Brixx..I have had it a couple times and it has been great! Must have been an off night for them.. Massages are the best thing ever! I find any excuse to get one. Have fun with the truck today! :)
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I ran the half Flying Pig this year, and it was so miserable! I also battled stomach trouble and lead feet. I was terrified of blisters, which had plagued me throughout training, but I didn’t have a single one. I finished, but my time wasn’t great: 2:32! Are you running next year’s Pig, too? I live in Cincinnati–would be great to meet you!
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
September 1st, 2010 at 10:22 am
I am planning to run the Pig every year as long as I’m able – it’s my favorite marathon. And my hometown too! :)
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Stepf @ dailyspark Reply:
September 1st, 2010 at 10:26 am
Nice! Cinci isn’t my hometown, but I’ve been here for 4 years and I’m staying put for now. It’s a great city. That was my first half-marathon, and I suspect that any race after that one will seem so much better!
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ickk – the ONE time I had vegan cheese it gave me really bad stomach aches too. I told myself never again.
I found it ironic because most people can’t eat real cheese because it gives them stomach aches, I can’t eat fake cheese because it gives me stomach aches.
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I’ve only had 1 massage too (actually 2 if you count the cheap one in Mexico but that doens’t count!). I got a deep tissue one and it was so far from heaven but so close at the same time. The lady obliterated my back to the point that I was cursing under my breath. It hurt SOOOOO good. You must try it next time.
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Hi Emily! First time here -just found you through Kath (and Twitter)!
Wow, you are a packing master! I am so bad at packing/moving.
Your massage sounds HEAVENLY and reminded me that I have a gift cert for one in my nightstand to use! Whoo hooo!!
Good luck with your move and I’m looking forward to reading through your Culinary School page!
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 8:12 am
Hello – welcome! :) So glad you found the blog.
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SO impressed with all your progress! :)
I’m not a huge fan of Brixx either… but I thought I was the only one.
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That massage place is precious! Makes me want to go get one! Good luck with the rest of your move!
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I’m also in the one massage club. I’d like to change that, but they seem so darn expensive.
Congrats on downsizing the closet. I don’t have too many clothes, but I could stand to go through and apply the “if I haven’t worn it in the last year (or two!) rule.” For my rare new clothing purchases, I’m concentrating on buying really high quality, timeless things that will last and not go out of style.
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 8:12 am
That is exactly how I feel. Enough with buying three or four cheap shirts, I’d rather buy one nice one that will last! The nice part about only living in Charlotte for one year was that it was easy for me to decide “if I didn’t wear it or use it in Charlotte, it’s gone!”
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That little massage place looks divine! I saw it when I was running last Saturday and I was wondering about it. Good to know for future reference! Sorry dinner was not a hit – that’s such a bummer :(
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I adore Groupon just for that reason! I’ve got a groupon massage scheduled tomorrow that I’m so excited about, I’m close to losing sleep… Sad but true. :)
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I have been wanting to get a massage so bad! I just can’t seem to justify spending the money.
Seems like you really deserve it with all of the work you’ve been doing! And that’s too bad about the pizza!
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your PB2 always looks so much better than mine. i tried microwaving for 30 seconds three times but it still comes out all clumpy and weird…what am i doing wrong?!
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 8:09 am
Are you using enough water? I find that you have to use more water than you would initially think.
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Kelsey Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 1:42 pm
I’ll try it – I’ve only been using 1 Tbs.
Your blog has officially reached many readers in Des Moines, Iowa. A group of nursing students at Grand View University came across your blog while researching vegetarian recipes for a community service project. We often find ourselves checking your page whenever we are trying to pass some time at the library. It helps to ease the stressfulness of studying! ; )
Happy moving!
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
September 7th, 2010 at 10:18 pm
That is so awesome! I read this comment mid-move and it brightened my day. Thank you! :)
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Why did you get the soy cheese again – it gave you stomach cramps last time!!
You just gotta try Brixx with regular cheese. It’s the bomb
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 8:08 am
Last time it was Caitlin! But I know, fool me twice…
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kATH Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 8:10 am
I could SWEAR it was you!!
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 8:13 am
Remember, we all went running on the greenway the next morning and she was dying with stomach cramps? That was actually the day that I did Superflow AND a run!! I don’t think I can do that anymore. We missed you last night :(
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1…fam Christmas in Mexico for 2011. What do you think!? (I have to work on Christmas this year…BOO!)
And 2. Is that a bridesmaid dress I see hanging in your empty closet?!
GOOD LUCK this weekend!
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 8:08 am
1. Working ON Christmas? Unnacceptable!?! I want everyone to scrap the presents and all the $$ spent on expensive meals and giftwrap, and all just go on vacation together.
2. Just so you know, every article of expensive and nice clothing I own got jammed into garbage bags and luggage for this move. The ONLY exception was my wedding dress and your bridesmaid dress so that it looks as perfect as can be come October! :)
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Oooooooooooooooooh, is that a champagne colored J.Crew bridesmaid dress? If so, my bridesmaids wore the same thing for my wedding. If not, I just look like a creepy stalker…! Ha! Good luck these next few days!
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 8:06 am
Haha you are not creepy, you are correct! Look for it mid-October. :)
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I love massages – if I could get one weekly, I would!!
Great work on the packing! You’re in the home stretch!
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book our family mexmas right now.
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MA* Reply:
September 1st, 2010 at 4:26 pm
If holcombes AND ritzerts are in mehiko for Xmas, Jude or Size HAVE to adopt me.
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 8:03 am
I have a HUGE pink suitcase you can climb into. And we all know my family will NOT get it together for a vacation. I’ve been trying for like five years.
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 8:06 am
HA – love what it takes to break your silence. Seriously, if the rest won’t get on board – just you, me, and Casey?
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I have never had a massage in my life! I think you most defintiely earned yours with all the work you’ve put into packing your life up recently! Too bad dinner was disappointing. I hate getting food from a restaurant that turns out to be bad, because I just think about what a waste of money it was.
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Healthy living is all about balance right? That makes the middle of a super stressful week the PERFECT time to get a massage!
I’ve only had one too (sort of) and I honestly didn’t like it. . . maybe it’s because I was six months pregnant, supposed to be getting a prenatal massage, and the lady insisted I lay on my tummy (not breathing for 30 minutes does not a good experience make).
In that same pregnancy though I did have back problems and was sent to a chiropractor to help alleviate it. They did deep tissue massage there. The first six times or so I HATED it- seriously felt like I’d been punched repeatedly in the back. Once they worked some of the deeper knots out though it came to be my favorite part of going to the chiropractor.
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Have fun packing! I’ve never had a massage before (which I’m sure is a sin in the world of running!) but lately I’ve been thinking about it more and more.
And I’ve had that same pizza from Brixx and it hurt my tummy too! Vegan cheese and myself do not seem to mix. Their wood-fired veggie pizza is good!
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re the garbage – could you tell if there had been any ‘pickers’ before the truck came? Being out that long, I’d guess some of it would have disappeared before the truck got there – but maybe that’s a regional thing
Nice work on the ‘right sizing’ of the wardrobe
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 8:04 am
We live pretty far back in a neighborhood at the end of a culdesac, so we don’t get many drive by’s. But at my old house in Cincinnati there were people who would drive around every trash night and loot through the piles!
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I think I might have that same bridesmaid dress in purple! JCrew? ;)
I’m afraid to eat soy cheese for that exact same reason. Maybe they only half-baked the pizza, and you’re supposed to finish it off in the oven? That’s what my local pizza place does.
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 8:04 am
Yes, totally JCrew! Look for it in October. :)
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So envious of your 90 minute massage – one day I’m going to be able to afford a massage a week! It’s amazing how 90 minutes getting rubbed down can relax you so much. Glad you enjoyed it!!!
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Yeah fake cheese completely weirds me out. I’d rather just do without than eat that stuff.
I actually have never had a massage before! I keep thinking about saving up and treating myself, but I don’t know. I’m afraid having someone I don’t know massaging me would be awkward!
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You just reminded me to schedule my 90 min massage I got from Groupon earlier this year. I could certainly use it right now.
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I need to book a massage very soon! I have a gift card that just calling my name!
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I never actually received a professional massage before.. crazy, I know. I get groupon deals all the time too so maybe I should try it out.
Good luck with moving everything out! Looks like you have alot of work ahead of you.
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sounds like a fab day! the massage sounds lovely, i’m desperate for a massage but with the wedding less than 12 weeks now, the funds wont justify a massage, one of the first things i’m doing when i get to mexico for the honeymoon, is getting a long relaxing massage!! bliss i tell you bliss!!
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that massage house looks incredible!
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good luck with moving!! and congrats on donating/getting rid of alot of clothes!!I have a hard time letting go with things lol…email me your new address so I can send you some peanut flour! hope everything goes smooth for you.
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I’m so glad you got a massage! That wasn’t a “want,” that was a need!
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the grumbling tummy made me smile, that ALWAYS happens to me during a massage! fun fact: there is a good reason apparently, my masseuse told me that because your body is relaxing, your digestive system takes the cue and puts itself to work. I highly recommend trying a hot stone massage, they are absolute bliss. even better, make it a couple’s hot stone massage, such a romantic treat :)
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I think it was perfect timing for the massage with all the stress & packing lately! I checked out the link to your Mexico trip. My husband surprised me with a trip several years ago. Contacted my boss to get the time off and everything. We are looking forward to going again with our twins this year or next. ;)
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 8:01 am
Oh that is so fun! I LOVE Mexico!! We’ve been there twice. Hope to go back soon!
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when you move to the DC area you MUST, MUST try Zpizza :) they have an amazing vegan pizza with melted cheese. i promise you’ll love it!
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 8:00 am
Yum! If that vegan cheese makes me sick again I’m coming after you… :)
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I would most definitely not call the massage “self-indulgent” but instead “totally necessary.” Never forget self-care, particularly during a move – one of the most stressful things you can do (seriously! We know this from research! And of course we all know from experience…).
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Amen to the vegan cheese thing! I’ve been told by vegan friends that it ‘tastes just like the real thing.’ Maybe it’s because they haven’t had the real thing in so long, but it did NOT taste like real cheese!!! I tried to like it, I wanted to like it, but after the hours of stomach cramps, I just couldn’t. I think I’ll stick with the real thing! ;) Oh, and the massage sounds WONDERFUL! And so well-deserved in the middle of a stressful week!
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Emily @ The Front Burner Blog Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 8:00 am
It does not taste like real cheese at ALL. Gag.
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