Location
There are two convenient locations near my apartment, although neither location is directly between work and home. However, the location I've been going to is only about 1 mile south of me, on the same street. There is convenient shopping in the area as well. The Trader Joe's is MUCH less impacted than the one in my area.
I was happily received by Jeff, trainer at the gym. He toured me around the gym, listened to my fitness goals, told me which classes to try. I understood after the tour that the weights are arranged by target areas (legs, arms, core, etc.). Jeff took my BMI and offered me a free training session. Um, THIS was the kind of tour I had in mind... are you listening, Golds? Jeff is a trainer, not even a membership representative, so giving me a tour isn't part of his job. (Duh, I know he was trying to sell me on the training session -- and he succeeded.)
Cardio
There are two cardio areas at Ballys. The upstairs area doubles as a TV viewing room. All of the equipment faces the same direction (maybe this is the way it's done?). The downstairs cardio area is the "newer" machines. I prefer this area, although I don't like watching myself run in a mirror. Maybe exercise is all about facing yourself... all sweaty and red. At least the fans are not so loud that I can't hear music. I was unfortunately also stuck next to dreaded Mobile-phone-walker-woman. CG has a strict "No Cell Phone" policy.
Weights
Weights and other equipment (core balls, etc.) are arranged in rooms by target area. I already mentioned that.
Stretching area
This place is huge, so there are plenty of stretching areas. The main stretching area is larger than CG.
Classes
Ballys has 3 large studios. One is for aerobics/core/spinning, another for Yoga and another with Pilates equipment. A friend goes to another Ballys regularly for spinning and enjoys it very much. This Ballys also has racquetball, which kind of gives the place a different, competitive vibe.
Locker Room
The locker room, again, is older but it has a steam room, sauna, showers and a WHIRLPOOL. Hell yeah! It also has all of the extra stuff to get ready in the morning (shampoo, gel, lotion, etc), but no towel service, of course.
Environment
It's an old building, and older equipment, but it has everything that I use, and it seems like they are working on upgrading the place... putting in carpet, painting. The entire gym used to be a racquetball club, so you can tell they are redoing some of the rooms.
With such a variety of activities, it seems to attract a variety of people as well. The old guys and corporate types do the racquetball thing, the hipsters do Pilates. There is also a lap pool outside. I would much rather hang with somewhat normal people than the sad steroid induced people at another gym. Are steroids airborne?
OVERALL REVIEW
Location = B+
Tour = A (Thanks, Jeff)
Weights = B- (Older equipment)
Cardio equipment = C
Stretching/core area = A
Classes = N/A (Would have to try it to believe it.)
Locker Room = B
Noise level = B
Cleanliness = C (Building is a little old, but I saw housekeeping!)
People watching (for fun)= C
People watching (for fitness) = C
Amenities /Extras = B
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Gold's Gym D+
Don't be such a girly-man loser!"It's not all about lifting weights there anymore. They have a lot of cardio equipment."
"Everyone attaches a stigma to Gold's from the 80's that it's just a bunch of guys taking steroids and lifting weights."
"What else do you need?: a rubber floor, some weights, and some cardio equipment. It has all of that."
These are all comments I've received from Gold Gym members who think that my gym standards are too high. I took all of this into consideration as I embarked on new gym territory last night after work.
(CG = Current Gym)
Location
I didn't like the drive TO Gold's Gym from work, but was amazed by the zippy ride home.
CG is a nice distance between my residence and work. The parking is horrible during Christmas and summer because of local shopping.
The facility "tour"
From the outside, the look in is very industrial - very fitting for a gym. The reception area was nice and I was greeted kindly by one of the reception staff. Let's call her Emily. I told Emily about how much I liked my CG, but was willing to try out something else because $80 a month for free towels seems a bit expensive. I asked her if I could get a tour of the gym, thinking this was something complimentary that prospective members would receive: showing me around, telling me about the benefits of the gym, where specific equipment is located... Apparently not. Emily took me to the edge of the reception area and said, "The cardio and locker rooms are upstairs, and the weights are on the first floor." Hmmm, not the tour I had in mind, but ok. Maybe she is new.
Hans and Franz are going to pump *clap* you up.
The weight area alone is the entire size of my current gym. Special K, a Gold's Gym member, told me that Gold's has special weights that conform to your movement, giving you the best possible workout for each muscle group. That's impressive, I thought. Unfortunately, the weight room was large and it confused me. If I would have had a tour, perhaps they could have told me if the weights were arranged by target body area... (?) They obviously were not arranged by type. There were circuit weights mixed in with free weights mixed in with pulley weights. I didn't even want to search for the "special" weights my buddy Special K was talking about.
CG has circuit weights arranged on one side of the gym, pulley weights generally in the middle section of the weight room and *gasp* free weights in their own special section. Wow! The area is small, but well arranged. You do not need to go more than 3 feet to find the next appropriate machine or weight.
I'm more of a cardio girl. So, let's go UPSTAIRS!
Bikes, treadmills, elliptical trainers, Stair climbers, oh my!
...and all of them set up to face the same direction, which looks at about 10 overhead TVs and windows facing the expressway (except for the windows that are MIRRORED, so you can stare at yourself and those behind you while you work up a sweat). The windows, by the way... have they been cleaned in the last year? Ugh. I don't think so.
I'm more of a people watcher while I do cardio, and am not all about the TVs. CG has a TV at every cardio station. I think TV is distracting; it takes away from what you are supposed to be doing = exercising. But, I can appreciate those who need a TV to sweep the time away. The TVs are also adjustable, so you can move them out of the way and watch the other patrons and trainers. I've learned a lot about weight lifting, core exercise, and just people in general while doing cardio. What can I say? I'm a multi-tasker, extraordinaire!
Stretching my tolerance
There was no stretching area.
CG stretching area is one of the most popular areas of the gym.
It's a group thing
The group fitness classes looked fine. Gold's does Yoga, Gold's does a core training class. They do not have pilates, but I've never taken pilates so I can't complain. Emily tried to sell me on all of the fabulous aerobics classes, but I don't do aerobics. I don't like to clap when I exercise. The possibility that Gold's has fabulous group fitness is not enough to sell me on a membership.
CG has a LOT more group fitness classes, some of which cost extra (which I think is a rip-off). But, I've enjoyed a Wednesday morning Yoga class and they constantly run "special" classes that you can try out. Again, group fitness is not the main focus of my exercise routine, but it is nice to have options.
WHAT? WHAT DID YOU SAY? I DIDN'T HEAR YOU.
The noise level of Gold's is uncomfortable and out of control. There is a constant loud whizzing noise of fans. I understand they are trying to keep it cool and ventilated in there, but geez... look into some noiseless airconditioning units. Also, because the cardio equipment is older, it is by no mean noiseless. It's time they upgraded enough to be able to play music in the background.
I did complain to my CG staff last Christmas for playing annoying holiday music in the locker room, but they typically play some good background tunes - at least music that can be blocked out.
Going to the ladies.... locker room
The ladies locker room was the cleanest part of Gold's Gym. It was a bunch of lockers, some decent looking shower stalls, bathroom stalls, and a place to apply make-up/do hair if I were to go in the morning before work.
CG's locker room is fabulous. They have a towel service, build-around shower stalls without curtains, lockers equipped with locks, hairspray, deodorant, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, bamboo floor mats, floral arrangements... clearly much more that what is needed. Everyone knows the names of the housekeeping staff because they are constantly making sure everything is spic-n-span in the locker rooms. Furthermore, I know that Maria, everyone's favorite member of the housekeeping staff, is on maternity leave and is having a boy. It's like a family. Clearly more than what is needed. :)
Personal trainers
I only saw one trainer working with a client at Gold's Gym.
CG has at least 3 trainers on duty at any time, and they all wear bright red. If you have a question, you can ask them. Because I'm quite the people-watcher, I often watch the trainers work with clients and pick up tips from them. I've never used a personal trainer myself.
Are these my peeps?
If you are in denial that muscle-heads don't hang out at Gold's anymore, you are sadly mistaken. When a large majority of the gym is weight machines, you are bound to get those who main focus of exercise is weight training. Also, don't think for a second that this doesn't apply to women. I saw some pretty tough looking chicks in there too. Upon telling Special K my experience at Gold's, he referred to most of the muscular-types as "posers." Maybe, but I still wouldn't want to get into a brawl with any of them. (Luckily, I'm sure I could out-run them.)
I also got the overwhelming feeling that I was being stared at. Perhaps it was because I didn't know what I was doing, or where anything was, and people sensed that I was new. It could have also been that the guys behind me while I was on the treadmill (I saw them in the mirror) were looking at the TVs over my head. Perhaps I'm just crazy. At least when you catch eyes with some (creepy) person at my CG, they will come over and talk to you. When someone watches you in silence = scary.
I admittedly given a lot of flack to my CG-peeps. The OLD PIBTY in the locker room, the guy who shouts out Bible verses while he pumps iron, the muscle-kissing guys who flex in the mirror, the women with fake breasts and the old men who love them... But, let's face it - strange people are everywhere, and who's to say that someone doesn't think I am a freak too.
OVERALL REVIEW
Location = B+
Tour = F
Weights = B- (Assuming I could figure out where everything is.)
Cardio equipment = D-
Stretching/core area = F
Classes = N/A (Would have to go back.)
Locker Room = C
Noise level = F
Cleanliness = D (It would have been an F, but the women's locker room was fine)
People watching (for fun)= B
People watching (for fitness) = F
Amenities /Extras = C
"Everyone attaches a stigma to Gold's from the 80's that it's just a bunch of guys taking steroids and lifting weights."
"What else do you need?: a rubber floor, some weights, and some cardio equipment. It has all of that."
These are all comments I've received from Gold Gym members who think that my gym standards are too high. I took all of this into consideration as I embarked on new gym territory last night after work.
(CG = Current Gym)
Location
I didn't like the drive TO Gold's Gym from work, but was amazed by the zippy ride home.
CG is a nice distance between my residence and work. The parking is horrible during Christmas and summer because of local shopping.
The facility "tour"
From the outside, the look in is very industrial - very fitting for a gym. The reception area was nice and I was greeted kindly by one of the reception staff. Let's call her Emily. I told Emily about how much I liked my CG, but was willing to try out something else because $80 a month for free towels seems a bit expensive. I asked her if I could get a tour of the gym, thinking this was something complimentary that prospective members would receive: showing me around, telling me about the benefits of the gym, where specific equipment is located... Apparently not. Emily took me to the edge of the reception area and said, "The cardio and locker rooms are upstairs, and the weights are on the first floor." Hmmm, not the tour I had in mind, but ok. Maybe she is new.
Hans and Franz are going to pump *clap* you up.
The weight area alone is the entire size of my current gym. Special K, a Gold's Gym member, told me that Gold's has special weights that conform to your movement, giving you the best possible workout for each muscle group. That's impressive, I thought. Unfortunately, the weight room was large and it confused me. If I would have had a tour, perhaps they could have told me if the weights were arranged by target body area... (?) They obviously were not arranged by type. There were circuit weights mixed in with free weights mixed in with pulley weights. I didn't even want to search for the "special" weights my buddy Special K was talking about.
CG has circuit weights arranged on one side of the gym, pulley weights generally in the middle section of the weight room and *gasp* free weights in their own special section. Wow! The area is small, but well arranged. You do not need to go more than 3 feet to find the next appropriate machine or weight.
I'm more of a cardio girl. So, let's go UPSTAIRS!
Bikes, treadmills, elliptical trainers, Stair climbers, oh my!
...and all of them set up to face the same direction, which looks at about 10 overhead TVs and windows facing the expressway (except for the windows that are MIRRORED, so you can stare at yourself and those behind you while you work up a sweat). The windows, by the way... have they been cleaned in the last year? Ugh. I don't think so.
I'm more of a people watcher while I do cardio, and am not all about the TVs. CG has a TV at every cardio station. I think TV is distracting; it takes away from what you are supposed to be doing = exercising. But, I can appreciate those who need a TV to sweep the time away. The TVs are also adjustable, so you can move them out of the way and watch the other patrons and trainers. I've learned a lot about weight lifting, core exercise, and just people in general while doing cardio. What can I say? I'm a multi-tasker, extraordinaire!
Stretching my tolerance
There was no stretching area.
CG stretching area is one of the most popular areas of the gym.
It's a group thing
The group fitness classes looked fine. Gold's does Yoga, Gold's does a core training class. They do not have pilates, but I've never taken pilates so I can't complain. Emily tried to sell me on all of the fabulous aerobics classes, but I don't do aerobics. I don't like to clap when I exercise. The possibility that Gold's has fabulous group fitness is not enough to sell me on a membership.
CG has a LOT more group fitness classes, some of which cost extra (which I think is a rip-off). But, I've enjoyed a Wednesday morning Yoga class and they constantly run "special" classes that you can try out. Again, group fitness is not the main focus of my exercise routine, but it is nice to have options.
WHAT? WHAT DID YOU SAY? I DIDN'T HEAR YOU.
The noise level of Gold's is uncomfortable and out of control. There is a constant loud whizzing noise of fans. I understand they are trying to keep it cool and ventilated in there, but geez... look into some noiseless airconditioning units. Also, because the cardio equipment is older, it is by no mean noiseless. It's time they upgraded enough to be able to play music in the background.
I did complain to my CG staff last Christmas for playing annoying holiday music in the locker room, but they typically play some good background tunes - at least music that can be blocked out.
Going to the ladies.... locker room
The ladies locker room was the cleanest part of Gold's Gym. It was a bunch of lockers, some decent looking shower stalls, bathroom stalls, and a place to apply make-up/do hair if I were to go in the morning before work.
CG's locker room is fabulous. They have a towel service, build-around shower stalls without curtains, lockers equipped with locks, hairspray, deodorant, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, bamboo floor mats, floral arrangements... clearly much more that what is needed. Everyone knows the names of the housekeeping staff because they are constantly making sure everything is spic-n-span in the locker rooms. Furthermore, I know that Maria, everyone's favorite member of the housekeeping staff, is on maternity leave and is having a boy. It's like a family. Clearly more than what is needed. :)
Personal trainers
I only saw one trainer working with a client at Gold's Gym.
CG has at least 3 trainers on duty at any time, and they all wear bright red. If you have a question, you can ask them. Because I'm quite the people-watcher, I often watch the trainers work with clients and pick up tips from them. I've never used a personal trainer myself.
Are these my peeps?
If you are in denial that muscle-heads don't hang out at Gold's anymore, you are sadly mistaken. When a large majority of the gym is weight machines, you are bound to get those who main focus of exercise is weight training. Also, don't think for a second that this doesn't apply to women. I saw some pretty tough looking chicks in there too. Upon telling Special K my experience at Gold's, he referred to most of the muscular-types as "posers." Maybe, but I still wouldn't want to get into a brawl with any of them. (Luckily, I'm sure I could out-run them.)
I also got the overwhelming feeling that I was being stared at. Perhaps it was because I didn't know what I was doing, or where anything was, and people sensed that I was new. It could have also been that the guys behind me while I was on the treadmill (I saw them in the mirror) were looking at the TVs over my head. Perhaps I'm just crazy. At least when you catch eyes with some (creepy) person at my CG, they will come over and talk to you. When someone watches you in silence = scary.
I admittedly given a lot of flack to my CG-peeps. The OLD PIBTY in the locker room, the guy who shouts out Bible verses while he pumps iron, the muscle-kissing guys who flex in the mirror, the women with fake breasts and the old men who love them... But, let's face it - strange people are everywhere, and who's to say that someone doesn't think I am a freak too.
OVERALL REVIEW
Location = B+
Tour = F
Weights = B- (Assuming I could figure out where everything is.)
Cardio equipment = D-
Stretching/core area = F
Classes = N/A (Would have to go back.)
Locker Room = C
Noise level = F
Cleanliness = D (It would have been an F, but the women's locker room was fine)
People watching (for fun)= B
People watching (for fitness) = F
Amenities /Extras = C
Friday, January 19, 2007
Thursday, January 18, 2007
The Two Faces of Coffee
My co-workers are confused by my lack of personal or inanimate objects in my work area. I'm a minimalist, what can I say? So, I'm thinking of buying and framing a print of a comic strip that's been hanging in my cube since May of 2005. It's from a strip called Rhymes with Orange.
Doesn't the character look just the tiniest bit like someone we know? Hmmmm....?
I put the strip up at a time when we had a coffee maker in the office. Because I was the person closest to the coffee maker, I was somehow expected to make coffee. (Please refer to post NOT a Secretary.) Unfortunately, I would also partake of the coffee as it was so readily available and would end up feeling like a zittered zombie by the end of the day. I was regrettably horrible at cleaning the coffee maker (again, because I didn't feel like it was my responsibility) and eventually it went too long without being washed. The office collectively decided that the coffee maker was disgusting, and it was no longer welcome in the office. Since removal of the coffee maker, I drink considerably less coffee. Once in awhile someone will come in and ask where the coffee maker went and I will give them a sigh and say something like, "What coffee maker?" or "It ran away," before pointing them in the direction of the cafe across the street.
Thanks for listening. I'm going on a coffee break now.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Alien TV Sightings
It's true. The roommate broke down after Christmas and bought a pair of rabbit ears so we can watch a few channels. I have been both mesmerized and completely perplexed by TV in the last month.
#1 Raj Mathai, NBC 11 News
Isn't he a beautiful man? Ethinic AND can talk about sports. Wow. Speaking of good-looking Sportscasters... (see #2)
#2 Extra
This show is sad. I can't believe people watch this. What's worse is that it's followed by Access Hollywood, which is the SAME show. Why Jon Kelley, did you go from being a one of America's best sportscasters to being on Extra? Oh, lured by the money, were you? You were so much cuter talking about the Chicago Bears than you are talking about Lindsay Lohan. I'm sorry you had to come to this.
#3 The President's Update on Iraq
Did charisma leave the building? What is he squinting at? Oh yeah, he's reading.
#4 Doggy steps
They should include a disclaimer that reads:
WARNING SINGLE PERSON! Did you know that your bed is one of the dirtiest places in your house? Do you know how many perfectly wonderful mates have allergies? I don't care how cute and cuddly your dog is! He's a dog -- he can sleep on the floor. You can even buy him his own custom bed! If you do like sleeping with your pet, your chances of having another human being sleep in your bed GREATLY decrease. Don't trade in human companionship for Fluffy or Fido.
Doggy steps are perfect couples who mutually love their canine, older people who live alone with their canine, or people who want to be single forever.
#5 Deal or no Deal
Is that IT? They just open cases? Are there any other games, or is that it? Geez, at least the original show had different games and people in costumes. I'm greatly disappointed.
#6 Music concerts on PBS
I'm suddenly a fan of James Blunt. He wrote other songs besides "You're Beautiful" and they are GOOD! Yay! (He also has nice lips!) I'm also very appreciative of the Stix concert with the Cincinatti's Contemporary Youth Orchestra. Old guys with mullets, a spinning keyboard, and kids rocking out on violins?! Heck yeah!
#7 Housewives of the OC
I watched about 15 minutes and was bored out of my mind. I refuse to get upset; really it only makes me feel smarter. (he he more smart)
#1 Raj Mathai, NBC 11 News
Isn't he a beautiful man? Ethinic AND can talk about sports. Wow. Speaking of good-looking Sportscasters... (see #2)
#2 Extra
This show is sad. I can't believe people watch this. What's worse is that it's followed by Access Hollywood, which is the SAME show. Why Jon Kelley, did you go from being a one of America's best sportscasters to being on Extra? Oh, lured by the money, were you? You were so much cuter talking about the Chicago Bears than you are talking about Lindsay Lohan. I'm sorry you had to come to this.
#3 The President's Update on Iraq
Did charisma leave the building? What is he squinting at? Oh yeah, he's reading.
#4 Doggy steps
They should include a disclaimer that reads:
WARNING SINGLE PERSON! Did you know that your bed is one of the dirtiest places in your house? Do you know how many perfectly wonderful mates have allergies? I don't care how cute and cuddly your dog is! He's a dog -- he can sleep on the floor. You can even buy him his own custom bed! If you do like sleeping with your pet, your chances of having another human being sleep in your bed GREATLY decrease. Don't trade in human companionship for Fluffy or Fido.
Doggy steps are perfect couples who mutually love their canine, older people who live alone with their canine, or people who want to be single forever.
#5 Deal or no Deal
Is that IT? They just open cases? Are there any other games, or is that it? Geez, at least the original show had different games and people in costumes. I'm greatly disappointed.
#6 Music concerts on PBS
I'm suddenly a fan of James Blunt. He wrote other songs besides "You're Beautiful" and they are GOOD! Yay! (He also has nice lips!) I'm also very appreciative of the Stix concert with the Cincinatti's Contemporary Youth Orchestra. Old guys with mullets, a spinning keyboard, and kids rocking out on violins?! Heck yeah!
#7 Housewives of the OC
I watched about 15 minutes and was bored out of my mind. I refuse to get upset; really it only makes me feel smarter. (he he more smart)
Monday, January 08, 2007
Back on the Fabulous Campaign horse
Howdy Partners! YEE HAW!
For the first morning in about a month, I made it back to the gym this morning. MY gym -- the one that I love despite OLD PIBTY and old men hitting on me. I haven't brought myself to terminate membership after they decided to raise my monthly fees by $31. Some gym-shopping is in order before I decide that $79 per month is just too much. So, I'm shopping all of the typical places first: Golds, Ballys, 24 Hour Fitness... a gym report coming soon to a blog near you. Any suggestions appreciated.
My first M.A. course of the Winter quarter is already over. One class = one weekend. Woo Hoo! The topic? "Ethics in Higher Education." I didn't get to sleep in this weekend, but it was worth the sacrifice. For the next 5 weekends, I will be taking "History and Philosophy of Higher Education," which will at least give me Sunday free to roam around the house, have visitors (one in particular -- see below) or take a partial weekend trip somewhere. (Central Valley, maybe?)
I'm not really cereal dating any more. I went to pizza with Cinnamon Toast Texas Crunch this weekend, but didn't really view it as a date, more as a friendly get-together. I'm trying to see Special K as much as possible, and am having a difficult time being interested in anyone else. He's changing his work schedule to come down to San Jose on Friday so we can go out on a real date.
For the first morning in about a month, I made it back to the gym this morning. MY gym -- the one that I love despite OLD PIBTY and old men hitting on me. I haven't brought myself to terminate membership after they decided to raise my monthly fees by $31. Some gym-shopping is in order before I decide that $79 per month is just too much. So, I'm shopping all of the typical places first: Golds, Ballys, 24 Hour Fitness... a gym report coming soon to a blog near you. Any suggestions appreciated.
My first M.A. course of the Winter quarter is already over. One class = one weekend. Woo Hoo! The topic? "Ethics in Higher Education." I didn't get to sleep in this weekend, but it was worth the sacrifice. For the next 5 weekends, I will be taking "History and Philosophy of Higher Education," which will at least give me Sunday free to roam around the house, have visitors (one in particular -- see below) or take a partial weekend trip somewhere. (Central Valley, maybe?)
I'm not really cereal dating any more. I went to pizza with Cinnamon Toast Texas Crunch this weekend, but didn't really view it as a date, more as a friendly get-together. I'm trying to see Special K as much as possible, and am having a difficult time being interested in anyone else. He's changing his work schedule to come down to San Jose on Friday so we can go out on a real date.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Cinnamon Texas Toast Crunch
I know. This cereal doesn't really exist, but let's put it this way -- Cinnamon Toast Crunch is a Texan, a little younger than what I usually go for, but I found it to have a sweet and crunchy appeal (with a slightly thicker texture), so I'm willing to overlook his child-like appeal, for now. I'm also willing to overlook the fact that he went to law school, and I've had little luck with lawyers. (After the awkward kissing situation, RC and I never called each other.) They always seem a little dry...
CTTC took me to E&O for dinner followed by beers at a local Irish pub on the Tuesday before Christmas. (This was the only time we had to get together before the impending holidays.) He was the most outgoing lawyer I've every met, and I let him know that by saying, "You are the most outgoing lawyer I've every met!"
There was never a lack of conversation, we even talked over each other a bit. I gave him my Schtick about higher education, blah, blah, blah and he played along, telling me about his experiences at Notre Dame, etc. He was not offended by my lack of football knowledge. We discussed the law profession, and law in non-profit and performing arts organizations. We also hit pop culture and family values. We had a very open conversation about sex in relationships. He looked me in the eye when he talked to me, and asked me questions. I asked him questions. It was a freakin' 2-WAY CONVERSATION! OMG!
During the date I went back and forth with the age discrimination. (I was discriminating.) This guy has had a LOT of schooling -- he's obviously very intelligent, but has he really LIVED? Does he really know what he is looking for in life? He's traveled, lived in different states, has a large family, many interests and is a pretty happy-go-lucky guy. (I hate that expression.) Maybe I'm the one who is slightly jaded and I should be happy that CTTC is not.
It was a fun Monday night, and I went home with a smile on my face. Since the date, I went home to corn country and he spent his holidays in Texas. He phoned last night and is interested in getting together when he returns to CA tomorrow. To be continued...
FYI
I'm meeting out-of-towner Special K for dinner tonight (Tuesday). Will I EVER see this guy on a weekend?
CTTC took me to E&O for dinner followed by beers at a local Irish pub on the Tuesday before Christmas. (This was the only time we had to get together before the impending holidays.) He was the most outgoing lawyer I've every met, and I let him know that by saying, "You are the most outgoing lawyer I've every met!"
There was never a lack of conversation, we even talked over each other a bit. I gave him my Schtick about higher education, blah, blah, blah and he played along, telling me about his experiences at Notre Dame, etc. He was not offended by my lack of football knowledge. We discussed the law profession, and law in non-profit and performing arts organizations. We also hit pop culture and family values. We had a very open conversation about sex in relationships. He looked me in the eye when he talked to me, and asked me questions. I asked him questions. It was a freakin' 2-WAY CONVERSATION! OMG!
During the date I went back and forth with the age discrimination. (I was discriminating.) This guy has had a LOT of schooling -- he's obviously very intelligent, but has he really LIVED? Does he really know what he is looking for in life? He's traveled, lived in different states, has a large family, many interests and is a pretty happy-go-lucky guy. (I hate that expression.) Maybe I'm the one who is slightly jaded and I should be happy that CTTC is not.
It was a fun Monday night, and I went home with a smile on my face. Since the date, I went home to corn country and he spent his holidays in Texas. He phoned last night and is interested in getting together when he returns to CA tomorrow. To be continued...
FYI
I'm meeting out-of-towner Special K for dinner tonight (Tuesday). Will I EVER see this guy on a weekend?
Celebrate everyday!
I'm so glad to be back in "The Grind." Holiday madness has passed -- no more fluff, just back to working my way through life, trying to find a hidden suprise in the mix.
I found the holidays to be sadly mundane. During the holidays, I feel that I'm in a constant rut -- nothing is progressing, in fact, everything is digressing: my health, my work and school activities, my pocketbook, my relationships... I definitely don't get the overall warm, happy feeling that people are supposed to have during the holidays. Conversely, during "The Grind" I'm constantly thinking of ways to improve -- to take classes towards my MA, to move up professionally, to spend time with friends, to exercise, and just generally feel good about life. Holiday madness just puts me in a rut. It would be nice to have a break from the "The Grind" but not when it's just a bunch of materialistic hype, over-eating and over-drinking. I would rather just celebrate the "Every Day."
The reason why people tend to make New Years Resolutions must be due to the fact that people generally feel like crap about themselves at the end of the year. I will totally admit to feeling like crap, as I make the following resolutions:
1.) Make everyday advancements at work. Even if this means only that my desk is kept orderly, improvements should be made on a daily basis. The bigger picture is building my experiences and network for the future.
2.) Read more German literature. I don't find a lot of people to speak German to, and need to keep up. Reading is the best way. Since my reading skills are slower in German, I'll actually read less this year.
3.) Learn about grant writing. I would assist in the grant writing process for the performing arts and have been thinking about getting some PhD funding for myself...
4.) Stay healthy. I'm not going to complain. I've been pretty good about running, but health could always be improve.
5.) Date NICE guys. Eventually one will knock my socks off. I can't deal with Mr. Fraternity and his band of drinking buddies anymore. Fun does not equal functional...and it doesn't stay fun for long. This also ties into No. 4 Stay healthy.
6.) Remember friends' birthdays. This was a resolution after my birthday 2 years ago. It's getting better, but improvements can always be made.
I found the holidays to be sadly mundane. During the holidays, I feel that I'm in a constant rut -- nothing is progressing, in fact, everything is digressing: my health, my work and school activities, my pocketbook, my relationships... I definitely don't get the overall warm, happy feeling that people are supposed to have during the holidays. Conversely, during "The Grind" I'm constantly thinking of ways to improve -- to take classes towards my MA, to move up professionally, to spend time with friends, to exercise, and just generally feel good about life. Holiday madness just puts me in a rut. It would be nice to have a break from the "The Grind" but not when it's just a bunch of materialistic hype, over-eating and over-drinking. I would rather just celebrate the "Every Day."
The reason why people tend to make New Years Resolutions must be due to the fact that people generally feel like crap about themselves at the end of the year. I will totally admit to feeling like crap, as I make the following resolutions:
1.) Make everyday advancements at work. Even if this means only that my desk is kept orderly, improvements should be made on a daily basis. The bigger picture is building my experiences and network for the future.
2.) Read more German literature. I don't find a lot of people to speak German to, and need to keep up. Reading is the best way. Since my reading skills are slower in German, I'll actually read less this year.
3.) Learn about grant writing. I would assist in the grant writing process for the performing arts and have been thinking about getting some PhD funding for myself...
4.) Stay healthy. I'm not going to complain. I've been pretty good about running, but health could always be improve.
5.) Date NICE guys. Eventually one will knock my socks off. I can't deal with Mr. Fraternity and his band of drinking buddies anymore. Fun does not equal functional...and it doesn't stay fun for long. This also ties into No. 4 Stay healthy.
6.) Remember friends' birthdays. This was a resolution after my birthday 2 years ago. It's getting better, but improvements can always be made.
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