My daughters gave me gift certificates for several massages for my birthday and today Rachael and Liz took me to the “Oasis Relax Spa Foot Massage” location, where we all three had an hour-long massage for 20 bucks a piece. Yes, that was an HOUR for TWENTY bucks and it wasn’t just a quick slam, bam, thank you, ma’am affair, but a genuine, deep muscle massage that made me realize just how badly I need to get my body moving. Feet soaking in “genuine Chinese herbs” to begin and then neck and shoulder massage sitting up – at least 20 minutes of neck and shoulder massage – before lying down on a table. Then for another 45 minutes, my masseur rubbed and released tension everywhere else on my body besides the few spots that are illegal to touch.

The only differences between this and a “traditional” massage (besides the price) is that you go in loose-fitting clothes and keep them on. You are also in a room with other people getting the same treatment.  That’s it.

I will be enjoying this gift another 2 times with my gift certificates, and then I might actually spring for the $20 on a regular basis. We left a $10 tip each because, after all, it felt like slave labor for these people to work an entire hour with such intense precision for only 20 bucks.

So, if you live in LA, check it out. If you don’t live in LA but will be visiting, then also check it out. You will not be sorry, though if your old muscles are as tight as mine, you might groan a time or two. But afterwards, you will definitely know you received your money’s worth, plus a lot.

I can breathe deeper and feel more relaxed than I have in quite a while.

Thank you, Sarah, Liz and Rachael. What a perfect birthday gift for a mother who sits far too long in front of a computer.  I am most grateful!