Terrific Tuesday- 10-18

Things are good here in West Hollywood today.  Started with the early morning Runyon thing again, shorter than usual today just over an hour.  We started in the dark which didn't work very well... my companions (Gus and Tink) felt they needed to alert me by barking furiously at all other hikers.  Unfortunately there are a lot of other hikers out there at 6 am and so they did some leash time until it got light out.  At the top of the hike it was clear and beautiful and you couldn't see the city at all because of the cloud cover.  People were friendly this morning at least after it got light out and my companions were unleashed and NOT making a racket... (maybe they were friendly because they forgot they live in a city since we couldn't see it through the clouds) and all in all good start to the day.

Then it got better...

I found a 7:30 am AA meeting off of Hollywood Blvd, close to Runyon (found parking and made it early nonetheless).  I was greeted at the door by three very enthusiastic gay men and I felt like I was the belle of the ball.  (which you all know how I enjoy being the belle of anything). I've been to some good AA meetings but this one was super. We read about step 4 (which for those of you normies reading is all about taking a personal inventory and can be quite a dreaded step in AA circles).  People were chuckling and teasing each other and it was wonderful.  After a 20 minute speaker, the meeting was open to sharing.  I finally raised my hand and got called on... see it's my 8 year birthday tomorrow and I feel like its a good thing to stay connected and that's easier to do when sharing.  So I shared that I was new to the area and didn't know anyone and was feeling a bit isolated.  Well, that was the magic thing to say as I was introduced to tons of people post meeting.  Several of which were from Idaho- ha!  OH and the hugs- oh my, I'm not really a hugger but I have to admit that it was nice.  I felt really welcomed and I think I have found my home group for the next 3 months. AND I get to have a birthday cake on Friday with everyone (not a real cake, but real candles) so YIPPEE for that.

My last workout today at the Brick.  I keep trying it and thinking that I will like it and I just really don't.  Too much standing around.  We didn't even start the warm up until 9:30.  (class time begins at 9:15- and you guys think my demos are long- ha!)  The warm up was interesting, we laid on the floor on our bellies and then she'd countdown and we were to run to the other side of the room, trying not to trip on the equipment (or each other) and do the something she told us to do while we were on our bellies. So first time push-ups, second time fast jacks, knee tuck jumps, hip thrusts and high five at least 5 different people (naturally that one I liked).  It was funny but not really much of a w/u really.  Anywho.. the workout was fine.  She didn't like my push-ups and I won't do dips (both because I think it's just silly to jeopardize your shoulder health for a stupid exercise or depth)... and I did sweat although not that much.  We finished with 5 minutes of traditional non impressive abs.  All in All I have to pass on doing more over there.  I was going to try the cross-fit but the hairs on the back of my neck rise up at the thought of A. Standing around during my workout time and B. upright rows and shrugs (I mean really, bigger traps- yucky).  

I'm officially out of clean workout clothes so today is laundry day.  (not my favorite but at least the machines are in the building complex and I can work while waiting for the dryer- which by the way, my timer just dinged, so off to more fun for me!)

I miss my friends and clients, Griswald, the snow and especially Rob today but grateful for the opportunity to be here to see if this can happen.

oh and last thing- getting my hair done today from someone not named Tracie Smith and to say that I am nervous about it is an understatement.  yikes.