Letting it all go.

Another week of celebrations!  I'll admit that January is a very celebration heavy month in our family.  First we celebrate our twins birthday, then our wedding anniversary.  Lastly we celebrate my birthday...and that's what this week brings us.

We celebrated my 39th by going to Le Nordik Spa in Chelsea Quebec.  A full day of lazing in saunas and hot tubs.  How perfect! I have wanted to go to this spa since moving to this area ten years ago.  Now was my time!

Our day started off with a quick bite of tapas and beer in the restaurant.  It really was a perfect way to start our afternoon and just enough food to tide us over until the wonderful dinner we had planned.  Once lunch was done we headed out to the outdoor pools and saunas.  Our first was the Kalor Whirlpool.  As we sat in the warm water, jets working out sore muscles in my back the snow began to fall from the sky.  It was picture perfect.  -3 temperatures in the air but the tubs were so warm.

I'll admit something here.  Although it was beautiful and a very romantic setting I couldn't let go.  People around me were irritating me and there was something in me that just couldn't enjoy it.  Control.  I couldn't give up control and just let myself enjoy the experience, go with the flow, ride it out.

I followed Mike from the Vaporo steam saunas to the Iceber pools.  And yes, it is exactly how it sounds. Get all hot and sweaty in the saunas while breathing in the smell of Eucalyptus or Orange and then run outside and jump into a freezing cold pool.  It was truly exhilarating.

For three hours we went from one pool or sauna to another. We explored the grounds and took in the beauty of the Gatineau Hills.  As we floated around the Nakyma Panoramic Pool I realized I was totally and completely relaxed.  I had let go and had let the experience take over.  It was amazing.  It was invigorating.  It was exhausting.  To be that relaxed and to really let go was hard for me but it was exactly what I needed.  What we needed.

For a couple years now I have wanted to go to Mill St Brew Pub for dinner.  With a gift certificate from my in laws in my hot little hands off we went for supper after the spa.  With its rustic charm and exposed wood beams it was the perfect place to sit back, enjoy a beer flight and watch the Seahawks/Packers game.

If this day was any indication of how my year as a 39 yr old will go, I think it's going to be pretty fabulous!  Thank you again to Mike who is always thoughtful and knows how to make special days extra special.