My first WW meeting

24/1/2011

Today is the day I go to my first HK meeting as a member. While I had tried and tried to attend WW meetings as a member in Seattle, I never “gave” myself the time to do it. Like working out, there is absolutely NO reason it cannot happen here.

I woke very early this morning b/c the football games were on. As one friend mentioned, it is odd to watch football with a latte and not a beer. (Actually, I did neither b/c that would have meant going out and missing some of the game). The slingbox worked beautifully. It was pretty funny though b/c some of the plays would go into “hyper drive” to catch up with the feed…so Mendenhall really DID look super fast to me!

After a stressful 3 and ¾’s of the Steeler s’ game, I had to leave. Kirk and I had been emailing each other the whole game (not the most fun way to watch a game with someone, but at .35cents a text…it’s cheapest and I got SOME feedback on my thinking)… it was almost like we were together…almost.

Corey called to make sure I had a map…nah…I didn’t need it. I knew JUST where the bus stop was

The website said meetings last an hour, and this one started at Noon. Hmmm an hour ? I didn’t envy THAT leader. That could lead to a whole lotta tap dancing if the topic was dry. I was leaving in plenty of time just in case “lost lost lost lost lost” kicked in.

Off I went. Under the harbuor to Central Station via the MTR (train). I knew what exit I needed to take to get my bus (K). As I was walking out, some poor sap asked ME for directions. I had no idea where the building was that he wanted, and in typical “Kate” fashion, I suggest he throw money at the problem. “Walk outside and get a cab” He was not impressed.

Once I made it outside I realized my bus stop was nowhere to be found. Neither was there a handy hotel where I could grab a map. Sigh. One thing I did know. The bus was going to take me to the Lower Peak Station (that will be a whole day field trip and very soon). I followed the signs to that.

Hong Kong is hilly. Very hilly. Seattle and San Francisco hilly. I climbed and climbed, following the signs to the station. I knew the YWCA was at “the top” somewhere. I passed some amazing churches and courts that I will go back and see.

Somehow, by God’s good graces, I saw the street sign for the road the Y is on. (HK is amazingly well signed in two languages no less). I spotted a woman who I just KNEW would speak English (she was blonde…but I have since learned this is a BAD assumption). I asked her where the Y was, and she pointed over my shoulder. Yep. If it had been a snake. I thanked her, calling myself an idiot. She was gracious to say she “used to do that” all the time (here’s hoping).

The meeting is on the 3^rd floor of the Y. As I am morally obligated to take all stairs when presented, off I climbed, only remembering after the first set that I would be climbing 4 floors due to the ground floor being , well, G.

Here I met Tanda, leader and Area Manager. She is 5 years removed from St Louis and Lisa very recently removed from Dallas.

Yes, I was the first one to arrive. As usual, WEIGH IN is at noon, meeting at noon-thirty. Lisa and I chatted (gossiped) a bit while Tanda went back to her car for the rest of the supplies. The Y does give them storage, but Tanda is the Sherpa of HK.

I filled out my paperwork, finding out that my range (thus goal weight for now) dropped a pound. DARN IT . When I weighed (in jeans no less), I was DOWN .4 from my Staff weight in Seattle. SAWEET. I am attributing that to the “last chance workout” I had finding the joint. I also found out that Lifetime members get a 2 kilo (4.4 pound cushion). SAWEETTER. However, one LT member was heading home and she admitted she got too comfy being “over” Sound familiar? (yes)

The meeting was very nice. Small. I have written collegues that I know truly appreciate the Location Coordinators even more and I appreciate the pricing in the States. The Complete Food Companion was $25.60 US. (no, I did not buy one) The weekly fees are over $16 US!

After the meeting I stumbled down to the Lower Peak Station and grabbed the elusive 15C to Central Harbor where I took the Ferry home. ( I only needed one reassuring phone call to Corey to get on the right ferry. He will be VERY glad when I have a better clue). Jumped off the ferry and walked ALL the way home without taking a wrong turn.

Things are starting to look more familiar. However, the suit makers and “copy handbags copy watch” people still torture me…I’m not familiar to them as a local…yet.