Day 5: Finding My Rhythm

This time change is messing with me a little.

Charlie is up at 7 a.m. sharp, full of energy and ready to go — which for my Minnesota body is 6 a.m. I’ve always had this idea that I wanted to be someone who gets up “early” and starts the day with intention… so I guess here we are.

We started the day at the gym. I got in a solid workout, felt strong, felt awake, and then headed to the salon for my first day at J. Bauman. Charlie came with me on all my adventures today — it’s a little cold out, so it actually worked perfectly.

Also — it was 60 degrees today, which somehow felt way colder than 60 😂 Bring on the warmth.

At the gym, I met a woman in the locker room who lives in the exact neighborhood I’ve been looking at for a rental. I’m choosing to take that as a sign that I’ll find a place and it will all work out the way it’s supposed to.

My first day at the salon was really good. The women are wonderful — all my age or older, grounded, kind, and real. The owner came in to make sure I was all set up and to check in. He’s awesome — really chill — and we even ended up talking about peptides. He’s been hearing a lot about them and is thinking about trying some for his shoulder, which felt like such a funny full-circle moment for me. New city, new salon… same passions finding their way into the conversation.

I didn’t have any clients today, and honestly, that felt perfect. It gave me space to get a feel for the place, the energy, the people, and the flow — to just land instead of perform.

At one point I mentioned that Charlie was waiting in the car, and Jes (the owner) immediately said, “Oh no — bring him inside! We love dogs. Clients love dogs.” So Charlie ended up hanging out in the salon with me most of the day, which made it feel even more welcoming and human.

The day ended quietly and sweetly — back on the pool deck with a fire, dinner, and Charlie and Buddy hanging out beside me.

It feels like the beginning of something really good.

Not rushed.

Not forced.

Just gently unfolding.

And I’m really grateful to be here