Any posters here in Olympia WA?

I am a newer swimmer trying to work up the guts to join the local Y (Briggs branch) masters. I'm thisclose, but it sure would be nice to know someone going in to that first meeting... I am 38 and had never swum a stroke til last summer, when I got a wild hair and decided to enroll in a series of lessons at the Y. I thought I was afraid of the water, but it turned out that I wasn't afraid at all! I love it like crazy, and I took to it right away. Now I am in the awkward position of being more adept than the other people in the adult group classes I've tried, but still not technically strong enough (or disciplined enough!) to swim independantly without hurting myself. I really like having the accountability and support of classes, but wind up basically swimming unsupervised laps while the other people who are afraid of the water get all the attention. Without outside feedback, I revert to bad habits and get hurt (I keep pulling a muscle in my neck, plus I have unstable, easily insulted shoulders). Also I am humilated by my lack of stamina. I use all these excuses to put off going to that first meeting. Basically, I am enthusiastic but fragile, and need a little encouragement to get my butt to that first morning meeting. Anyone want to take me under your wing? Willow in Oly