I had my first hot stone massage this week. I’d been given a gift certificate and thought I’d go crazy and try it. My friend knew I was having one, and so he asked me how it went in an email.

“I know they put hot rocks on your back or something. Is that it?” he asked.

I replied. “A stone massage is an interesting thing. It’s somewhere between a blistering third degree burn and “that feels nice.” They massage you with oil and then rub some hot rocks into your muscles (understandably, mine are hard to find). The massage lady asked if the rocks were too hot and though I was about shrieking inwardly and smoke was pouring out of my ears, I said “No, that’s just fine” because I can’t admit anything being more than I can handle. “

I’d say that’s a pretty accurate description.