Well I've lived here a little over two months now and I'm proud to say the altitude hasn't killed me. Yet.
Here are some observations now that the dust is settling:
1. I'm breathing easier. But it's still hard. I have mastered walking, but the stairs really throw me for a loop, even just a couple of flights. My legs are like, hey, what's the holdup? And my lungs are exploding. At a dr. appointment a few weeks ago, as part of their standard procedure, the nurse put my finger in one of those oxygenation (sp?) sensors. Apparently it makes sure oxygen is being transported as it should to the various parts of your body. She said mine was superb. I was like, of course it is! My body doesn't get enough oxygen as it is, so when I inhale, my cells rush forward to take what's rightfully theirs. They are out for #1, man.
2. I'm establishing a pseudo routine. Of course when things get busy, I'm thrown off course, but in general it is working for me to walk to work and back about four days a week. After the past couple of weeks of driving, I have decided to drive in one day per week to give myself a taste of convenience. Type A, anyone? 85% of the time, I want to have the discipline to walk because it is a natural way to workout daily, because it gets me out into the fresh air, and because the slight exercise factor of it is a good stress reliever. But driving in one day per week will let me truly enjoy what a 10-minute commute feels like. This has been in the works for decades, people. Well maybe not that long, but close!
3. Lotion is my bff. Hands down, the new love of my life besides Chipotle and Sonic. I have naturally oily skin, so I really don't know how people with dry skin survive in this climate. I put lotion on twice at night before I go to bed (it's like the first layer just absorbs into my very being and disappears), then first thing when I get out of bed in the morning. A couple of hours later before I walk to work, I put on a layer of lotion mixed with sunscreen. Then I usually end up putting on at least one layer sometime during the work day. This is in addition to drinking several gallons of water a day. Ok, liters. Seriously, though!
4. My hair frizzes all the time. Because of the ever-present static electricity. Do you know of any products I could use that would help control this?
5. I get shocked about 400,000 times a day. Blue sparks and everything. This is very annoying and painful. Ask G - he will totally confirm this, as I have come close to divorcing him for it. We high five each other several times a day when he's here so we don't accidentally fry each other. I hate it and should probably buy a humidifier.
6. I do laundry every day. If I'm slacking, I do it every other day. This is where I remind you that I live alone. No husband. No kids. No bun buns. My washing machine will only hold like two items of clothing at a time! And remember, it sounds like a jet airliner! I'm going to completely freak out when G moves out here and we have his clothes to contend with, too. I already dread it.
7. I still enjoy apartment living. I'm sure that it will eventually get old, but I am still very much appreciating having just a few rooms, and just a handful of items, to clean. The bad news is that the place gets messy very quickly. The good news is that it can be cleaned up just as quickly.
8. Most importantly, I have found a hairdresser. You know how important this is, don't lie. She is every bit as eccentric as my former hairdresser and I foresee a long and productive relationship ahead of us. In addition to doing hair, she teaches several spin classes a week and - I'm not kidding - is a Burlesque dancer. Not to mention she is a single mom to a handicapped child. I sat in the chair, gawking at her in the mirror (over my foiled head), simultaneously energized and exhausted by stories of her life. Then I went home and laid on the couch for like an hour. The introverts can't take it.
9. And most, most importantly, I may be able to drink wine again soon. After living in fear (and hydration) for weeks, I had a sangria the other night. Drank the whole thing. No headaches! This leads me to believe that I should start introducing a few sips of straight-up vino every few days. Maybe I'll begin tonight since my loves will be on TV. Hello, Vampire Diaries!
10. As much as I am dying from the dryness, I do not miss humidity. In this dry climate, the hot air feels moderate, and the freezing air feels simply cold. The air doesn't feel wet and once my sinuses adjust (please, Lord) I think I will truly enjoy it.
I have a great hair dresser here who has taught me a lot about caring for and styling long, thick hair so I will pass on the products she told me about which have helped me. For me the issue is that my hair is a lot frizzier because of humidity and these products help make it smoother and less poofy. KMS silk sheen styling cream (this goes in with wet hair before you blow dry) and then polishing serum to smooth flyaways after it's dry and styled. KMS is the brand they sell at the salon but I think most brands have comparable products. Oh and never use mousse - she says that just makes it poofier.
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