March 23, 2017

Thursday in paradise.  I know it's an extremely crazy busy day at home.  I'm soaking up all the relaxation I can, while I can, because I'll be back at it in a few days.

After sitting on the beach for a few hours, reading this crazy book about women's basketball in the 1920s, and how everyone was so concerned that basketball was much too strenuous for girls so they made special rules, like girls weren't allowed to dribble and the defense and offense had to stay on their own half of the court to prevent much running, I got brave enough to go play in the sand.  Alone.

I shaped a whale.  And it was so fun.  And every child that passed by for the rest of the day stopped to admire my creation.  :)

My Whale!

I did some writing and some reading, and when Greg came to join me, we went out and bobbed in the waves.

Before coming on our trip, I bought some Spa Finder gift cards.  I used a few the other day, but I had extra in case Greg wanted to go get a massage with me.  He was a little hesitant.  He's never had a massage before, or been to a spa, of course.  But as I thought about it, I came to the conclusion that if you are ever going to try a spa massage, this was the place to try it.  You might as well start with the best!  So I booked us for a couples massage.  By the time we were walking in the doors in the late afternoon after our swim in the ocean, Greg was visibly nervous.

I tried to give him a few tips and reassuring words, and I kept my promise of no "spa selfies" with him (he was adamant!), but in the end, I had to kiss him goodbye because the men's and women's spas are mostly separate.  Again, I got to soak and dip and relax in all of the baths and pools for an hour before my massage.  It was so peaceful and fun.  I kept thinking about Greg and wondering how he was faring.  I had thought that late afternoon might be less busy than the morning, but the women's side was humming with spa goers.  And a large number of them were very n*k*d.

By the time I came out onto the beautiful veranda that overlooks the ocean in my robe and slippers, I was anxious to see Greg.  He was there, waiting for me and waiting for our names to be called for our massage.  The look on his face, literally, was worth a thousand words.  It was a strange mix of shock and horror, and relief to see me!

Apparently, there were many men at the spa.  And apparently, many of them were taking advantage of the "swimsuit optional" option.  And apparently, some of them were there with their partners.  And apparently, Greg just wasn't so sure if this was his idea of fun!!  Ha ha!

The massage part was great.  I enjoyed the best massage imaginable.  She helped work out my back in an amazing way.  It felt so heavenly.  At one point, as I turned over, I took a peek over at Greg.  I had to stifle a chuckle.  I just knew this was the sort of thing he would be rolling his eyes over.  And if you can roll your eyes while they are closed, I'm sure he was doing it!  But actually, when it was all over, he agreed that the massage felt nice, and well, it was an experience, to be sure.  For me, I'm just glad to know that I no longer need to feel bad if I ever want to go to the spa and leave him behind.  Greg said he would have found infinitely more pleasure up in our room watching the Sweet 16 games, than lounging around with "swimsuit-optional" men in a hot tub.  I'm still laughing at the thought.  Oh, good times.

Lunch by the pool!

Kissable lips! Greg's always the jokester!

 After fixing ourselves up, we went down for our dinner reservations.  Thanks to the Disney Jr. show, Octonauts, I knew how to pronounce the name of the restaurant--The Humuhumunukunukuapua'a. And it was as beautiful as the name is long.  We ate over the water in these big tiki huts.  The sun set into the ocean while we dined.  It was beautiful and delicious.  Greg's steak was on a bed of kale.  He didn't really like the kale, and I'll admit I didn't really like it either, but it just totally solidified Greg's final take on spas and massages and kale--that's not the life for him!  And I love my man just the way he is!

Ready for dinner

Beautiful Evening for Dinner at The Humuhumu...

We ate in Tiki Huts over the water.

We loved the scallops Greg ordered!

My salad was amazing!

Crispy Mahi Mahi on a bed of forbidden rice.  Are you kidding me?? That's delicious!!

Greg's steak (marinated in Dr. Pepper---when they mentioned Dr. P, he was sold!)  on a bed of kale!  It was the best steak ever.  We are gonna have to try the Dr. Pepper marinade at home.

Another beautiful sunset!

Just lovely!

We walked over to the Wailea shops when dinner was over.  Ice cream was calling Greg's name.  It was a beautiful night time walk, hand in hand, and a great end to a relaxing, gorgeous day.