Indulging in a full body massage

     The week-long Chinese New Year break draws to an end. It's back to the grind again tomorrow. To end the break in style and to cushion the woes of working again, I decided to indulge in a full body massage.
     I vividly recall the last time I went for a massage. It was in Chiengmai last October. Together with a bunch of good friends, we tried the ever popular Thai massage one evening, and loved it so much that we returned for another round the following night. There was nothing seedy about it. Prices were extremely reasonable and the masseuses were excellent!
      Many beauty salons in Ipoh offer spa and body massage services as well. Prices can range from RM39.90 to above RM150 an hour. Being careful with my pennies, I have scouted around and found one that offered a fairly good deal.
      Pushing modesty aside, I lie down on the bed, revelling in the scent of aromatherapy oils. Soft music was being played in the background. Lights were dimmed. Jemmy, my masseuse for the day, proceeded to knead my aching muscles. She started with gentle cautious strokes and after confirming with me, her massage gathered momentum and pressure. At one point, it was so relaxing that I even dozed off for a while.
       At the end of the massage session, I felt so relaxed and rejuvenated. The tired, aching and knotted muscles will soon return (as they always do, after a few days of hard work) but at least, for now, I can say that I'm recharged and ready for battle. Unlike the tai-tais, I cannot afford to go for weekly massages of course. So when the body screams and protests in pain again, I'll opt for another tactic, "Darling, I'm aching all over! You love me, don't you?"  ;)

       

Tossing to good health

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      "Lo hei, lo hei!" or tossing of the "yee sang"... that's what my parents and I did this evening. We were given a box of "yee sang" by the proprietor of Public Restaurant (he's a relative of ours) and we tossed to good health in the comfort of our own home. Thank you, Uncle Kok.
     As a child, I never delighted in this Chinese New Year must-have specialty. I detested the smell of the coriander and raw fish. So when my grandparents, aunts and cousin dug into the dish with ardent fervour, I picked out only the crispy bits. 

Funny how one's taste buds can change. As an adult, I had somehow developed an interest in this "yee sang". I still keep the despicable coriander at arm's length (or is it chopstick's length?). But I now dig and toss the "yee sang" in search of the elusive raw fish! Sharing "yee sang" with my dad is a bonus as he still shies away from the raw fish. So he'll rummage through his scoop for the raw fish and transfer it to my pile. Mmmm...

         

 Well, this has been my fourth "yee sang" for this year (the first was courtesy of my boss, the second was eaten at the family's reunion dinner and the third was part of a dinner given by hubby's aunt). I doubt I'd be having any more for this Year of the Water Dragon. So whilst performing the obligatory "lo hei, lo hei", I tossed to good health. Good health for not only myself, but more importantly, for my loved ones  :)