As previously mentioned (and common sense dictates), moving to a new city and meeting people is not easy. (Unless you're in college. Then it's awesome.) But after the most recent, I am beginning to question my karma in this genre.
Admittedly, I can be overly dramatic sometimes (shut up). I recently called my bff in Indiana complaining about my woe-is-me social life. She gave me an inspiring pep talk (which is why she's my bff). "You need to meet some people who surf or bike... or a running club...join a club; you'll find your people and find your niche." She was right. I had an invitation from a colleague to join his running club; another friend encouraged me to join the local triathlon club. Both good ideas; but without explicit detail (such as, "meet me here at x time"...or better yet, "I'll pick you up at xpm.") I lack the follow-through. And since no one else follows through either (see my February 5th post on flaky California), I rather spend the evening watching reruns of Glee. ...because honestly, I'm exhausted.
In a new town, everything is a chore. Example: I need to go to the dry cleaner - I have to (a) go online to research; (b) locate a reliable dry cleaner; (c) find directions to reliable dry cleaner; (d) complete the task by driving to said dry cleaner and dropping off clothes. ...You really start to appreciate all those little things you were able to do on auto-pilot in your previous life.
I was discussing my transition to SoCal with a colleague who mentioned how his wife had a lot of luck meeting people through meetup.com. I took his advice and went onto the website... and more of the same occurred. Example #2: "Let's go Mountain Biking." I have to figure out where said mountain biking location is; I have to look up directions; I have to load my 40 pound mountain bike on my car; I have to actually find said location, unload bike, and THEN - and only then do I meet new people (on my best behavior), and try not to make an ass out of myself with my sub-part skills while riding a new course.... Fuck it, I'll stay in with Finn.
Then low-and-behold...I find an all-female surf club. This alleviates a big fear of mine: being judged. Women are more encouraging and less competitive when it comes to outdoor activities. Someone might actually teach me and give me advice to improve my skills. (It also alleviates my fear of drowning. Because if other people are around who know me (or at least know of my existence), they will be less likely to let me drown...or surf into a rock... and then drown.) I fill out the sign-up form, explain that I'm new in town, I've surfed a couple times, and I want to make friends and improve my skills in a non-competitive environment.
A few days pass and I receive a confirmation email that my membership is approved (hurray!). I open the email which gives some basics about my new super-cool surfer girl friends. The headline reads (and I swear to god, I'm not kidding), "Welcome to the Lesbian Community."
...definitely think karma might be telling me a few things there....
Admittedly, I can be overly dramatic sometimes (shut up). I recently called my bff in Indiana complaining about my woe-is-me social life. She gave me an inspiring pep talk (which is why she's my bff). "You need to meet some people who surf or bike... or a running club...join a club; you'll find your people and find your niche." She was right. I had an invitation from a colleague to join his running club; another friend encouraged me to join the local triathlon club. Both good ideas; but without explicit detail (such as, "meet me here at x time"...or better yet, "I'll pick you up at xpm.") I lack the follow-through. And since no one else follows through either (see my February 5th post on flaky California), I rather spend the evening watching reruns of Glee. ...because honestly, I'm exhausted.
In a new town, everything is a chore. Example: I need to go to the dry cleaner - I have to (a) go online to research; (b) locate a reliable dry cleaner; (c) find directions to reliable dry cleaner; (d) complete the task by driving to said dry cleaner and dropping off clothes. ...You really start to appreciate all those little things you were able to do on auto-pilot in your previous life.
I was discussing my transition to SoCal with a colleague who mentioned how his wife had a lot of luck meeting people through meetup.com. I took his advice and went onto the website... and more of the same occurred. Example #2: "Let's go Mountain Biking." I have to figure out where said mountain biking location is; I have to look up directions; I have to load my 40 pound mountain bike on my car; I have to actually find said location, unload bike, and THEN - and only then do I meet new people (on my best behavior), and try not to make an ass out of myself with my sub-part skills while riding a new course.... Fuck it, I'll stay in with Finn.
Then low-and-behold...I find an all-female surf club. This alleviates a big fear of mine: being judged. Women are more encouraging and less competitive when it comes to outdoor activities. Someone might actually teach me and give me advice to improve my skills. (It also alleviates my fear of drowning. Because if other people are around who know me (or at least know of my existence), they will be less likely to let me drown...or surf into a rock... and then drown.) I fill out the sign-up form, explain that I'm new in town, I've surfed a couple times, and I want to make friends and improve my skills in a non-competitive environment.
A few days pass and I receive a confirmation email that my membership is approved (hurray!). I open the email which gives some basics about my new super-cool surfer girl friends. The headline reads (and I swear to god, I'm not kidding), "Welcome to the Lesbian Community."
...definitely think karma might be telling me a few things there....
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