A routine begins...

MIAMI IS FLAT. Running around here is a totally different experience because of that geographical characteristic. The only inclines are where tree roots have tried to pop through the sidewalk creating little minuture mountains in the concrete. These don't do much to the glutes, but boy, running in the sand sure does.

Today I had orientation for my new job. I sat among 5 other people in a tiny little office and learned the ins and outs of this tightly run ship. In fact, we'll even be quized at the end of the week on all the information we'll hopefully gather throughout the week. My fellow trainees come from all walks of life. Some are older, some look younger, some from South America, some from New York. It's funny how once I state that I'm from NH and have only been here for a few weeks, people are suddenly divided into two different groups. Group 1 seems very impressed and usually comments on how brave that was. Group 2 takes the opportunity to educate me on every detail that they feel I must know, and couldn't have possible figured out on my own. Like "honey the parkin down here is impossible." Figured that one out the first night I was on my own and had dropped dad off at the airport. Or there's the "Oh yeah, Miami's different. It doesn't snow here ya know." Wait, really? I came down here for the excellent skiing! I suppose it gives some people a feeling of importance to bestow these tidbits on me. Of course some people are very helpful and those are usually the ones who don't realize it.

Yesterday when I was running I headed down my usual route: up Euclid to 15th street, turn south down Meridian to 1st street, then down to South Pointe Park, which is under construction 85% of this island. Here I take a left and head towards the beach. Theres a path that takes you to the farthest south point of the island. Here is where the Intercoastal Waterway meets the Ocean and it's absolutely stunning. This is the most beautiful spot, especially around 4:30-5pm when the sun is setting and the cruise ships are departing for their caribbean destinations. Yesterday when I got down here the Norweigan Dawn was departing. I thought about the bimini bar, and the jacuzzi on the top deck. So many memories were floating past me as I stood there. When I run down here I usually walk out on the jetty and take in the beauty of Miami Beach. The line of hotels and highrises on my left and the vast, beautiful, turquoise Atlantic on my right. This really is an absolutely stunning area and I feel so fortunate to call it home.

So I actually have a routine. I've been craving this since I got down here. It's not exactly what I was expecting but it will be an experience that I'll grow from, like many others. Tomorrow begins real training. I have to show up in uniform: white button down shirt, black skirt or pants. I need to ask Roxx if I can borrow a tie. Which reminds me. I know there's been some confusion in my reference towards Roxx. Sometimes I write Rodrigo and sometimes Roxx. Honestly, it's not that our friendship fluctuates at all, it's more my feelings towards him at the moment. For now, we're on good terms. I feel comfortable calling him Roxx. A few days ago, he was not in my good graces. I got up and went to open the blinds around my desk and I heard him whimper and realized he was shielding himself from the bits of light coming in. Keep in mind our unit is on the bottom floor so it's not like we were being flooded with sunlight. I asked him if he was aright and he mumbled he was really busy and could I please keep those closed. Yeah because we all know the darker the area, the faster one can work. So that day I stuck with Rodrigo.