Monday, November 30, 2009

PILATES VS YOGA

Ok... I know the title of this post sounds cheesy. I mean, could it get any more L.A. than this?

So, the conversation came up this weekend. Yoga versus Pilates. I tried yoga once a long, long time ago. And, it was well...painful, to say the least. But, I know yoga gurus and they swear by it. My best friend says she lost weight doing yoga. My pregnant friend in NYC says I need to do it LA-style because it's the best. In fact, I talked to 2 GUYS this weekend who are totally into it.

Hmmmm. I just know that when I sat cross-legged for an hour, I couldn't get up and my back killed me more than before I sat down. All these poses: the cat eating the mouse or something along those lines....or what about that duck pose? I just don't know how I feel about all of them.

Yes, yes...I've been told I need to talk to the instructor. Tell them all about my back problems, etc. But, someone else suggested I take up Pilates. I mean, both of them strengthen the core. Right? And, I've heard Pilates really changes your body.

I don't know. Maybe I need to try both of them again. Well, not again. I mean, I've never even gone there with Pilates. The machines are a little intimidating. What to do? So many options and no solutions!

Plus, I still need to get that trainer or start up salsa. I'm determined. I was looking pretty good when I got back to LA...and now, I'm feeling a little soft. Although..it is more about feel-good. I'm thinking that I may have to go yoga to clear my head and salsa for my heart & soul.

Any takers? Anybody willing to jump in with a yoga novice?

Sunday, November 29, 2009

RECONNECTING

There's something about being in a new place and reconnecting with old faces.

It's something I'm really excited about. Not just because a lot of my friends no longer live in L.A., but because it's nice to get to know someone all over again.

This weekend I connected with L.M and L.L (as I know them) and their beautiful families. And you know what? It feels like no time has passed at all. It's those old connections that will stay the same forever. Yes, they have kids now. L.M has 3 and L.L has 2. But, I could still talk to them and be comfortable with them just like it was yesterday. I've known one of them since I was born and the other one since I was about 5 years old. And, it's been more than 10 years since we've talked or seen each other. But, it was just like it was back when we were kids.

I ran into another family friend at a super market the other week and we ended up catching up at the store for about an hour. And, I ran into another very fun friend who I literally hadn't seen in 20 years!

Facebook now makes it so much easier to connect and re-connect...but, getting together in person is something different altogether. And, I must say...I like it! Hoping to see more of these faces from my past. I see fun times in my future.

LOVING LA

The longer I am here, the more I love LA.
The more I explore, the more I love it.

I have a new perspective. I spent a glorious weekend driving a friend around town and it turns out that I'm learning more and more about this amazing city. There is so much to do and the older I get, the more I appreciate it.

We drove up and down hills, to parks and beyond. The Griffith Observatory, Los Feliz, Silverlake, the Huntington Library...I haven't been to these places since I was a kid. So nice to re-explore and there's so much more.

Today, I spent an amazing day with B.W. down by the beach in Palos Verdes. Could life get any better? I think not. I'm learning to appreciate things...things that I did not appreciate when I lived here before.

Back to the original out-of-town friend. This friend doesn't live in LA, but nearby and he is thinking of moving back home...far away....to a city that's not that great. In fact, he lives in a town that's so much better than LA. right now. He's got an amazing home in a beautiful town. Nobody in their right mind would ever want to leave. Personally, I think he's trying to escape. From what? Not sure. It's such a shame though because I've just recently realized there's no better place in the world to live than here in Southern California. Either he's escaping or he's chasing something that may end badly. But, I can talk until I'm blue in the face. I've told him all of this and apparently, he'll never see the L.A. and socal that I see.

He's blind. Not literally, but figuratively in so many ways. It's sad and it makes me sad. For many reasons. Will he ever be able to see clearly again? One can only hope. In the end, I just want him to be happy. So if happiness is somewhere, I hope he finds it. Maybe some day he'll be able to see what I've learned to appreciate. Or not. Time will tell. He's in such a unique position. And honestly, if I were in his position, I would definitely travel a bit. But, I need a job to pay the bills unfortunately. So, in the meantime...until I hit it big...I've got to take what I've got. And that's LA for now. Doesn't mean I'll be here forever, but it's in the cards for me right now.

I'm excited to explore more. Finally.

Monday, November 9, 2009

THE HUNT IS OVER

Yes, it's finally over.

I found a place and I'm officially a "Valley Girl." The apartment is a decent size (well, in comparison to NY-style). The location is great (right at the 405 and the 101). And, it's all starting to come together.

I've been in the worst of moods. Driving here, driving there, trying to find a place with a decent price...with all of the amenities that I need. And now, I can say "home sweet home." It's a huge relief and I can just feel the stress melting away.

After I signed the lease, it was a run to one furniture store and then, another. And get this -- I actually had to BUY a fridge...ummmm, that's a first for me considering I'm renting! Back east, you actually get a fridge with an apartment. Nope. Not in LA. And -- the best purchase? My giant bed -- the California King. I'm a huge sprawler and I sure am taking advantage of it.

A month of shopping (and if anyone really knows me --it was pure torture). But, it's over and now I have most of my furniture. Just putting together all of the odds and ends. Oh, and I'm totally broke, but I'm happy to finally be settling in two months after my big move. Now...if only I could figure out my TV remote.

But, at least I have cable. Hallelujah! That's all that really matters.