Biker's remorse

(This is my view from the balcony)

Today was my first day in sunny California. This morning my roomie took me to the AMAZING Whole Foods and I got groceries, while marveling at how AWESOME it is. She showed me around a little and then I was on my own, her being on her way to San Diego.

She is so graciously letting me use her bike while I am here, which is really different for me because in Memphis, though biking is becoming much more common, it is definitely not something I am used to. I had to put air in the tires, and found it pretty difficult to find a gas station! I eventually saw a Goodyear Tire place and stopped by asking if the guy would put air in it for me. He joked "we only do cars!" and then said "I'm just kidding...bring it over."So I got aired up and was on my way towards the BART station.

Having never ridden a train like that, I wasn't sure what to expect. Once I got there the lady recommended I take the free shuttle, and I am all about free! So I took a shuttle (bus) from Oakland to Berkeley, and promptly got lost. My GPS was sending me in circles and then died. So, I asked for directions from some funny guys in greasy clothes who were exclaiming over a forklift running into a fence. They basically gave me the right streets and everything but told me the streets were in the direction I had come from. So I was almost back to Oakland before I stopped and called Kala.

Finally! I made it to Kala and signed my contract. I am officially and artist-in-residence. By the time I got there, my ponytail holder had snapped, leaving my hair to whip around into my face and tangle up into a rats nest. My butt is so sore from the seat I can barely sit on it. My hands are going numb, because that's what fibro hands do when you keep them in the same position for a long time. My shoulders and neck hurt from the flight and carrying bags around yesterday, and are even worse today. Even my stomach muscles hurt from biking, and my legs and knees are about to go on strike.

The way back, I decided, had to be much easier. I also decided that I would bike all the way back just so I could see how it was. Going back was much easier! It is not a bad bike ride at all, especially since it is 68-70 here. Go ahead, be jealous.

So I decided that I will most likely bike it to and from because it is easy enough and will get me the exercise I need to counteract the donuts and crazy good food surrounding me.

I like Oakland, it is actually a lot like midtown Memphis. And Berkeley smells like coffee and lumber! The people have all been super nice so far, and I have only encountered one scary man and one drug dealer shouting "wanna try somma this" as I whizzed past him on the bike. A few most likely mentally ill people talking to themselves but who doesn't do that now and then. I feel pretty comfortable.

The people at Kala are very nice, and I have my orientation tomorrow morning. I can't wait to get started working! The facilities are in the old Heinz ketchup factory and it is really cool.

I don't actually have any remorse about my day, but my body does! I kind of wish I had planned my route a little better but I think actually it worked out great because I know my way around a little now. It is really beautiful here, seeing mountains in the background is amazing. The sun is really bright and there are no clouds.

Right now, all I want to do is take a hot bath, put on pj's, and chill out and cuddle with the puppy, and eat food the rest of the night. Tomorrow, orientation, and planning. This weekend, REDWOODS!