Chlorinated culture shock

I got back into triathlons this year. My last one was....2005? Ages ago. Seriously, seven years it's been. My excuse? I got busy. I got distracted. I got lazy.

I've been training for my races, and decided to join two gyms this summer - once close to home, the other close to work. I needed the flexibility, and wanted to really commit to the four races I've signed up for. They're on opposite ends of the spectrum in every way - cleanliness, amenities, members, etc., but I love 'em both.

My home gym is 24 Hr Fitness. There's a large spinning room, where we do our indoor cycling when the weather isn't cooperating. The small lap pool is usually comfortable and mostly empty, and there's a dry sauna which helps relax the muscles post-workout. It's not the cleanest place, no towel service, and much of the equipment is junkified (frayed seats, missing parts, squeaky), but the staff is beyond friendly.

Did I mention freaky cheap? Supacheap, but you get what you pay for. BUT, the best part is, it's ALWAYS open! 24 hours - der. I have been known to go as late as 11 pm and as early as 4 am, depending on my wonky schedule and mood. I have a nomadic, spontaneous spirit, and this gym fits me to a T in that sense.

My other gym is a slice of heaven. The Jewish Community Center, or J, is primo. Locker rooms are superb, the pool is the perfect temp and there's always a lane for me, spinning, and the best in equipment. It's super close to work so I can get a good workout in over lunch, or hop on over after work if there's a class I want to take.

Now, the one ick factor that both gyms share is what I might call an anomaly. It rarely fails - as I'm doing my drills in the pool, I often end up gazing at the hairy belly of a geriatric who dips his feet in the water to cool off, post workout OR post sauna.

Really? C'mon - take a shower already! My lap pool isn't your personal pedi puddle. Take those tootsies elsewhere, Wilford Brimley. We don't want no fungus amongus.

Sidebar: I was distracted for the past 10 or so minutes watching Antonio Banderas on screen (Once Upon A Time In Meheeko). That man melts my ladyparts something fierce. Actually, Antonio circa 2003 does. The Antonio of present day does nothing for me, because Mark Duplass and Paul Schneider are currently my fantasy blouse-rippers. What can I say, I like 'em indie.

My heart is monkey meat

If you haven't seen the new series "Girls" on HBO, you, my dears, are missing out.

Yes, it could resurrect memories of those tremendously hideous situations you maybe suffered during your 20's (and for some of us, our 30's). And yes, it might remind you of a time (or two) in your life when you thought you were hot-shit untouchable and then realized in a brain-melting moment when you're, say, at your local Walgreens in the middle of a tampon emergency that you were not untouchable, and your only wish at that moment was for a time machine and common sense.

But, if you're lucky, it might make you feel as if your former self, your hot-shit untouchable, Ani DiFranco-worshiping, Doc Marten-wearing, earthy-crunchy/goth/grunge twenty-something version of you was not alone. There were others dealing with the same insurmountable drama, the ridiculousness to the  Nth degree, much like you did. You survived - battle scars to prove it, but you're here. To see a semblance of a younger you that makes you giggle and cringe and cover your eyes, well, it's damn refreshing.

Plus, the music - oh man, it's tight and right on. Robyn, "Heartbeats" by The Knife, "Same Mistakes" by Echo Friendly, Scissor Sisters...it's worth it just to get your dance on.

The clip below is T-A-M-E. If you do decide to give it a shot, be warned there is nudity, but in such a blatant, non-sexual way it's almost too real. There are no good angles here - everyone just lets it hang out.

The writing is genius. You can quote me on that.

Seriously, check it out. The first episode is my least favorite, but it sets the scene for whats to come. Such goodness! Are you tempted? Take a bit outta Girls - it's tasty.

Next stop....Smileville

So, yeah - new blog. Birthdays tend to pull my chain, and I fight against the urge to follow thru on any and every non-sensical whim that knocks about in my brain. But since I've been AWOL from blogging for the last several months, I thought that starting a new blog might actually be a good idea, and I've officially boarded that train. Chuga-chuga, toot toot.

Since September of last year life has been, well, pushy. Yup, I'm going with pushy, because I feel like life keeps poking me, tripping me up, and I'm about darn done with the shenanigans.

I've had close friends fall in love, get married, get pregnant, give birth or graduate (not in that order, and not in one fell swoop). All good & amazing life milestones, all of which I feel so very fortunate to have been witness to. Others have passed away (the number has now climbed to 3 as of last month...seriously, why?), and this has left me feeling shocked & in denial, and brought on a sadness that pulls me down like there's a brick in my chest where my lungs should be. Makes it hard to breathe sometimes.

This blog is part of the moving on and getting better. I need to get back to the creative, the humor, the bright light that I've been missing in my life for what seems like forever.

Here goes.

Disclaimer: I will, probably frequently, dork out on this blog. Lame-o sound effects, sidebars and the aformentioned non-sensical whims. I dare you to get on board - I promise we'll have fun.