first week down... 7 to go

so i’ve survived my first week in va beach.  it’s been a whirlwind of going to clinic, running, eating, sleeping, and repeat.  i’m getting the hang of where everything is around my neck of the woods.  this is a huge city so it’s doubtful that i will become familiar with all this town has to offer.  it is surreal that i can run on a boardwalk along an ocean.  when i get out there, i glance at the waves every now and then and think how odd it is that i can look at this same scene whenever i want.  the beach has always been something special that i only get to see on vacations but now it’s a daily ritual.  very different.  the air smells like saltwater and it’s always windy.  

last night i met up with steph and we went on a halloween adventure, she as cloudy with a chance of showers and i as a caveman.  it was both of our first night out in this town.  it was just like being out anywhere else, really.  she was able to see some old friends from undergrad so that was good.  earlier this week i carved a pumpkin with brandon while we drank pumpkin ale.  ’tis the season!  he cut into the top of the pumpkin at the wrong angle and the only way the top stayed on is if it was crooked.  we decided to play off of his crooked hat and make him a little french pumpkin named pierre.  i really liked the end result.  i never thought i would carve a pumpkin into a french man.  

the clinic is going well.  i get so frustrated with myself so that can stand in the way sometimes.  patience would go a long way.  i especially hate those urges to quit; they come every now and then.  sometimes i spend the day daydreaming about what i would be doing instead.  i have come up with all sorts of alternatives such as being out on some rock climbing or camping adventure, traveling the world, or living in some hippie colony.  okay so the last one isn’t my top choice but it’s just one of the ideas that have popped in and out before.  

i would really like to make some new friends here.  since most of my time is spent around whiney women doing exercises, i don’t think there is much of a chance for that to happen.  there are a few stops i have yet to make which would be good potential friend-making joints.  there are two local running stores i’ve been meaning to check out and a local gym i may join, depending on their student rates.  

today was a gorgeous day, high of 70.  it may be one of the last of the season and i’m afraid i wasted a good portion of it digging through racks in tjmaxx.  considering my long run this morning was a train wreck, i never really took the time to enjoy the outdoors.  it’s funny how i’m getting more of a tan now than i did over the summer.

new home

i have had a wonderful day in va beach; my second day as a beach resident.  i woke up this morning to see a couple of missed calls from theresa and a notification on facebook that she and tony were engaged!  i couldn't wait until it was a less rude time to call and tried calling her back at 7 a.m.  thankfully she called back about 15 mins. later so we could do some squealing.  i'm really happy for her.

afterwards, i dressed into my running clothes and headed out to first landing park.  i was a little disappointed to discover it was 5 bucks to get in but i figured, i've already driven out there so might as well go.  it was beautiful!  i ran a long run through a well-kept trail that led through bits of marshes, swamps, and small grassy fields all covered with trees and moss.  i would love to go back but i think i will still to the free oceanfront for the most part.

once i showered, i drove around for a long while to do some exploring and to find a tj maxx to return a dress.  there is everything you could possibly need in this area; tons of stores and restaurants!  i came back to make a sandwich and then headed to the ocean on a little red beach buggy bike.  the oceanfront is a mere 5 minute bike ride from the house.  it was an amazing 76 degrees out there.  the water was absolutely freezing but there were still some that were able to brave the cold and dive in!  to top it off, a school of dolphins swam by.  it was the perfect day.

i feel so lucky.  i'm living in a beautiful place with an incredibly nice housemate.  he is unbelievably helpful and hospitable.  he has made me feel completely welcome and i am so grateful.
i start my clinical tomorrow.  last night i read some information my c.i. sent me about postural restoration and my mind was pretty much blown.  i have never heard of this kind of therapy before so i'm eager to see what it's all about.