The IE and ME

As some of you know, last year when I moved out to the IE (Inland Empire) I decided to "live in Rome" and joined a boxing gym. That in itself was high comedy. I'd waltz on in with my semi-corporate attire after work and join the UFC guys in training at the gym. Even after changing into my boxing attire (ie: yoga pants and cute top) I never looked like I fit in. I'm sure my former UFC guy who gave me lessons had a hard time not laughing at me as I learned how to throw a punch. In fact, when he broke some ribs training, he cancelled all of his other clients' lessons except for this powerhouse over here. Apparently he wasn't threatened by this 5'3" girl sans any muscle. A little embarrassing that I was the biggest weakling in the gym, but whatever I got my lessons. That was then, this is now.

Yesterday I get a phone call from Brian. He was at tennis lessons with Jake and Rebecca at the dreamy country club. He tells me that they are having an open house that night and if we joined that night, they would waive the initiation fee. So we went on down to our first "mixer". It is very apparent that 1) we are way underdressed for the event - everyone else is in cocktail attire 2) most people are already members and are just there for the free gourmet food and drinks 3) we are the youngest people there by a good 30 years. Who could resist - awesome tennis courts, beautiful golf course, empty heated pool. After seeing the crowd it all made sense why nothing ever seemed too crowded. We couldn't resist the offer and are now part of the elite of the IE. While all of our neighbors are out being tough guys on dirt bikes, throwing punches, and hanging at the tatoo and piercing parlors, we'll be kickin' it with grandma and grandpa at "The Club" . Of course our budget didn't allow for the private jet option on the membership.