What? Summer Vacation?

I feel 12 again, this is fabulous. I have the Summer off. Perks of being a student with supportive parents and a healthy (i.e. substantial) amount of student loan debt.

Downside of being a student at 31, there's no PE class. I'm also not fudging around with taking beginning volleyball or any  "fun" classes.  I've picked up a fairly sedentary lifestyle, the impact of which I did not feel (nor did I see) until school wrapped. I went home, looked in the full-length mirror, and...and... I went online.  Which brings us to this particular blog entry:  FREE SHIT IN LOS ANGELES!

Pardon the language, but it was too catchy to avoid.

I hadn't realize that most gyms/workout spaces in the area extended a first class for FREE --- a trial for you to figure out if it works for you. So for each of the places that I found interesting, I have officially signed on to a free class so I can figure out what I can commit to and what fit my ADD exercise style. And so, Operation Body Shock is now underway...

Pure Barre, Pasadena --- There's something to be said about being the first one in class. It's slightly awkward, especially since I'd never been there before. The receptionist girl was friendly and helpful, although I don't think she realized the extent of my uncertainty.  "Oh you can go ahead and stretch in the studio if you'd like."  Oh... stretch huh... just walk into the studio and stretch...  Yes I know it sounds simple, but I'd no clue what I was in for, where I should put myself, etc. And then people showed up, one smiled when we caught each other's eyes. No one else did. Four other girls who clearly had been there before, arrived, grabbed the weights and ball, sat and well, stretched. They avoided eye contact with each other and absolutely did not smile. STRANGE.   Anyway, to the workout, no introduction, no coddling, no differentiation between newbies and none, just straight to the exercises. At first I was a bit disconcerted, and then I kind of liked it... the quick transition from move to move, the jello-like shaking of my legs, the exasperated gasps of people failing a move, the chuckles at a particularly difficult routine.  It was a lot like Pilates, and a lot less actual bar work than I was expecting although I didn't have too much expectation, I've figured out that's the best way to approach anything new. I spoke with Melanie the trainer after the session, she said I did well for my first time and I asked her at what point do my muscles stop jiggling. Apparently it doesn't ever really.

The Cycle Annex, South Pasadena --- Michelle, the trainer for the 8:30am session welcomed me, I liked her immediately. I enjoyed her style, very matter-of-fact, "just-do-it!" directness that I appreciated. She fitted me for my bike, told me to start peddling as I waited for the 9:45am class to begin. Folks filtered in (friendly, direct eye contact...lol), along with Leslie, the trainer. She was bubbly, energetic and very encouraging. What followed was a lot of breathing, watching my form, concentrating on getting through the muscle spasms and minor freakouts where I'm panicking I can't get through the next 10 seconds, the breath goes away and I have to sit instead of ride off-straddle. HOWEVER, I think I did fairly well for a first-time, again, no expectations, just a lot of uncertainty yet willingness to push myself. My thighs are burning.  Leslie too said I performed really well and didn't appear to be a first-timer. I met Brandon, who started the gym. Overall, I really like the space, their philosophy, the ease of it all... AND, the fact it's in my favorite part of town. Right next to Heirloom, which I promptly visited for a French Chicken Sandwich and coffee. 

Next, Rock It Workout for a routine they call Barre Fly --- this is definitely a fancier gym, complete with a tea bar and a DJ for every group class. In some respect it's not my kind of environment, but I'm determined to keep an open mind, especially when they have the most inexpensive deal that I've seen for their group classes.

Oh!  It's not just workouts that are free in LA ---

Downtown Property Tour, Los Angeles --- Hal Bastien is an excellent tour-guide given his insight into the history of Los Angeles and his passion for its growth. This free tour is a great way to see different parts of the city and to get an idea of the neighborhoods.

Self-Guided Audio Tour, Disney Music Center --- Despite the fact that I've attended numerous concerts and have actually sung at the venue, I'd never attended the tour. A tip --- use the self-guided audio option, it's fantastic! John Lithgow is the narrator, and the guided tour gives the exact same information, and unfortunately when my brother and I were on our tour, we came across the group that was being guided by an actual tour, and she was really not good. She didn't have the same delivery as John Lithgow :)   Very insightful, and completely free! 

Tonight I'm headed to the KJAzz series on the westside at the Century Mall for some free Jazz... free jazz!!!  I met a new friend at the Vox Gala awhile back and she has her own trio... it should be marvelous.

Free shit in LA, who'd thunk it ;)

Sure signs that I'm putting off writing a paper

* The laundry is done
* Some form of re-organization has taken place with the BF's closet
* The furniture has been re-arranged
* The dishes are done (not yet, but they will be)
* My Hulu queue is decidedly shorter
* ...I'm blogging.

But unlike any other day, today is a special day. Today, I get to stand on the stage at Disney Music Center, albeit not to give a performance, but I get to rehearse in the magical space! In front of Grant Gershon and with many many many many many other choral singers!

Vox is a part of Mahler 8, billed as the "MUSICAL EVENT OF THE DECADE!!! DUM DUM DUM!" Along with the LA Phil (DUDAMEL!), LA Master Chorale, National Children's Chorus, we will be 800 choral singers strong for a SYMPHONY OF A THOUSAND!!! And while my dear friend Marcela will tell you, Mahler did not truly intend for it to be 1,000 people when he wrote it and only 300 actually performed in that first performance, it will be quite awe-inspiring. We will be a part of a sold-out performance (4,300 tickets!) at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, and I will undoubtedly, be quite frankly, petrified.

19 hours in formal rehearsal between now and the evening of February 4th when we are scheduled to perform. That's 19 hours to put on my big-girl's choral pants and truly learn the piece and be able to do it justice. That's 19 hours until... THE MUSICAL EVENT OF THE DECAD...

You get the idea.  So can you blame me for being so distracted that I cannot complete my paper that was in fact, due, yesterday...? 

That's just an excuse, I really do need to finish this paper. For more info on this epic performance, check out www.LaPhil.org!