Day 1—As a teacher and a mom, the end of the summer brings on mixed feelings. As a teacher I am excited for the new year, but sorry to see the summer slipping away.
As a mom I will be glad the kids are back in school because I am running out of ideas to keep my 9 year old occupied, but was thrilled to have a so much quality time with both my boys. But as summer was coming to a close I thought I could use a little “me” time and wondered about places close by that maybe I could test out for use later in the year when things get hectic and I need some rejuvenating.
I really could use a short break from the kids as I had just returned from a four-week trip with my youngest son, sightseeing in Chicago, a total of six days on a train, canoeing, and doing things that nine year olds like to do. Don’t getme wrong it was a fantastic and memorable trip, but I was a little wiped out.
I decided to try the newon Ventura Boulevard. I just wanted a place to read quietly,swim a little, watch TV I wanted to watch, and maybe get a massage or facial. (The for a few months, and the spa just opened.)
I checked in The BLVD where the lobby was small, but quiet. There was a bar and snackbar there and very relaxing looking.
I later was a little upset that there was no room service, but there were places to walk to. I got my room key and went upstairs. They put me on the top floor (3rd floor) looking over the 101. Not the best view in town, but the best view at the hotel.
My heart leapt with the rest of the room. I was thrilled to see a beautiful king-size bed with all whitesheets!! That has always been a dream of mine to have all white linens, but with dogs, a cat and kids that dream will have to wait a bit.
The bed was a dream bed—comfortable, tons of pillows and cotton sheets. The room itself was very peaceful also,with wooden floors and a little sitting area to work if you chose to. The bathroom was quite nice too, but there was just a shower (with two showerheads) and no bath tub. So soaking in a relaxing bath was not going to be on the agenda. But I could get over that.
While unpacking I thought I would check out the cable. There were so many stations that I almost had an anxiety attack trying to figure out what to watch!! Wound up watchingthings I never have seen before, and will probably never watch again like LA Ink, and Deep Fried.
That is the fun part about hotels! At least I got to pick the channel and didn't have to watch I Carly or SpongeBob again!
I then decided to walk around and check out the spa and make an appointment for thenext day. Stopped in at the so called “gym” on my way to the spa. It really was just atiny glass room with three machines and two TVs that did not work. The equipment was nice, but it was hot in there. I guess you don’t go to the spa to work out and it gave me an easy excuse to take a few days off from exercise. There was always the option of wandering Ventura Bouelvard or walking across the street to Universal Studios for a nice energetic stroll.
The spa itself is small, but very nice and the ladies were very helpful in helping me decide which facial to get. They suggested the “Fountain of Youth” facial ($115) which I am not sure as I am approaching my 50th birthday in a year, if I should have been offended or not. I booked an appointment for the next day anyway.
I would have like to have a manicure and pedicure too, but they did not offer that there. They did have many types of massages though, so it really was a place to go and unwind and relax without the smell of nail polish.
I then decided to explore the indoor pool. It wound up being at the end of the parking garage, and it was very small, no sun, and the temperature on the cool side. I just got back from Lake Michigan and had my share of cold water so I was looking forward to a slightly warmer temperature. So, it looks like there would be no swimming there.
There were some really lovely tables and chairs there but I was still sitting in the parking garage, so I walked up the stairs to a little outdoor patio. That was a pleasant place to sitand read for a bit and take in some sun.
Although I live in the area, I didn’t know all that was around Ventura Boulevard so for dinner I wandered north and stopped at this great vegan restaurant called. It was so fantastic! And the prices were amazing. It was relaxing to eat there without my two lovely children I have to say. Some people do not like dining alone, but I relish (no pun intended) the experience every now and then. Don’t have to say “stop blowing bubbles in your soda" and "no they don't have Kraft macaroni and cheese.”
I then retired to my most incredible bed and watched some bad reality tv and feel asleep. Slept 'til 8:30 am! Which may not be amazing to some, but it was heaven for me. The curtains are very dark so I saw no sun light in the morning and didn’t hear too much noisefrom the freeway. I hadn't slept that well all summer.
So to start off my second day of my sabbatical I had a facial. I have only had a few facials in my life, and I have to say this one was great. I think I even fell asleep a few times because I kept jumping when I started snoring. Not sure if I look like I went to the fountain of youth, but I felt like it. It really was incredibly relaxing and enjoyable, and even if I don’t stay at the spa, I think I will make occasional visits to get a facial.
To be honest the rest of my day I got antsy. I read a bit, went on the computer a bit, but there was nothing much else to do there because the pool was a bit lame, and there was no hot tub either. I also kept thinking about my 9 year old who was at home and that in a few weeks we will be back in the groove and my time with him will be limited or just hectic.
As much as moms need a break, I think a day or two of pampering is just enough for me, and I speak only for myself. I love some quiet time and the freedom of being alone, but I love getting back home too.
I think this is the main reason for moms to get away for a day or two. To realize that although we need to be pampered every now and then, and have a little “me” time, that we appreciate the things we have. Although many days I am tired, frustrated, and stressed out, I wouldn’t change it for the world.
I just need that day or two to remember that and to re-energize my mind to continue the wonderful life of a working mom! Or just go get a really nice 60-minute facial to make you feel special again!
The rooms run seasonal from about $155 a night to $249 for suites and more. Check the website or call for rates.
