6/10/14
1. So I went and joined the fancy gym. I have a little bit of sticker shock, because it's like, double what I have been paying. But it's also got a lot going for it that the other gyms didn't have. I have already swam in the pool and taken a yoga class. We will see if this turns out to be true, but so far, I just like going there, like being there, because it just has a classier vibe. There were actually women in the spa when I was in the pool yesterday. This is different from other gyms I have gone to, where only men hang out in the spa/sauna, creating a weird vibe for any women who might want to use it. The 24 HF in Vallejo was the worse, because the spa was kind of tucked away, in kind of a dimly lit area, and it was really off-putting. Not that I have a huge need for a hot tub, especially during the summer. But it was always vaguely annoying that it was right there, but I felt uncomfortable using it. The YMCA in Oakland was the best, because they had a spa connected to the lady's locker room. Of course, it was always populated with naked elderly Asian ladies. But whatev, that's better than a bunch of creepy male strangers.
But I digress. I went to a yoga class for the first time in probably a couple years this morning. I liked it. I liked the instructor. I will go back next week. At first I thought it was going to be too easy and I was going to get bored. But then it kind of started kicking my ass. My legs might be sore tomorrow. I was not expecting that. It felt good though. I am pretty happy about adding some fun variety to my exercise plan, as that treadmill/elip/weight machine routine was really getting old. There is also a "bodyflow" class that is supposed to be sort of a yoga/pilates kind of thing that I might check out, and a "balletone" class that is like, ballet exercises or something. And then there's zumba, which I have never tried, because I am too self conscious about looking like a spazz... but I might give it a shot someday.
2. So, apparently Porter's ex-girlfriend/friend/it's complicated/whatever (her name is Kara) IS going to move in with us. Or so he says. I will believe it when she signs the sub-lease and writes a check. If this turns out to be true, that means that I get a roommate that I already know and like, and we don't have to vet any more flaky craigslist strangers. If it turns out not to be true, I will be kind of annoyed because every time she says she is moving in, we put the housemate search on hold, and then she changes her mind and we have wasted days or a week that could have been spent trying to find someone else. Also, Porter has been stalling on getting any furniture for the living room or dining room, because if Kara moves in, she will bring all that stuff with her.
She came over on Sunday night and I think that may have been a turning point. We went out to dinner in Benicia, and then hung out in the backyard because it was a nice warm night, and she spent the night. I think spending some time here might have convinced her that this is an okay place, and she really seemed to like Benicia.
3. Requisite babbling about Burning Man:
So, as it stands right now, I am looking at being on the playa for 12-14 days. Arriving Tuesday or Wednesday before the event starts, and leaving Monday or Tuesday after it ends. I have been to BM 8 times in 12 years, but never for that long. This is kind of giving me packing anxiety, because, two weeks of food? Two weeks of clothing? Without a refrigerator or laundry? Oy vey. I know it can be done, but I am glad I am already starting to think about it, because it will take some careful planning. Based on how filthy everything gets, I will probably need like, two dozen pairs of socks and underwear. I can take some perishable foods in a cooler and keep it stocked with ice, but by the second week, I will probably have to transition to non-perishables. But, I also might be able to arrange to have some provisions brought up by someone coming up during the second week, since that's when the event is officially open and non-early-entry folks will be arriving. I am sure there is info on the internet somewhere about how to keep food in a cooler for extended periods of time.