The Gym

Most of my shift at work is during the dull part of the day until everyone gets off work at 5...so I have time to people watch and have my mind drift a little bit. I've noticed that there is quite a variety at Golds. There are the hot moms and dads you wouldn't think have kids until they come out of the daycare with three screaming children and newly colored pictures. There are the body builders that have their certain machine they always use and their outfits that they always wear. There are the shy high school boys that will in a year be twice the size they are now thanks to puberty. And there are the young couples that always come in together ... I envy them. I wish I was close enough to my boy friend to be able to tell the other one to get off the couch and come lift with me.

I have also learned that people are incredibly distrustful and shady. At first I wrote in detail what we watch out for as a staff but that's probably not in my best interest. I'll just say...It's quite sad that I have to constantly be on my toes because everywhere you turn it seems like someone is stealing something.

On the other hand there are those members that make my day. People have been coming to the gym for years now. I am the newbee and they are not exactly always keen on me. But when I do get a nice member it makes me forget about the rude ones. For example I was cleaning the cardio floor and recycled a water bottle that was left on a machine...turns out it the gentleman using it wasn't done! He was this elderly man (wearing a button up short sleeve tee to work out in and socks up to his knees) who looked very confused when he went to the spot he had left his water. I saw this and knew what had happened. I gave him a new water for free. After his work out he came up to me and said I made the mistake of rewarding his forgetfullness by giving him a full new bottle when the one i recycled was almost gone and from home. He winked and waddled out of the gym.

Another funny story is about this elderly Asian man who is very forgetful. I have to say hello and goodbye to every member whether they have head phones in or not ... I said have a good day to the guy as he left and he turned around and waved. I looked up moments later and he was back ... for his coat ... we chatted about the weather and he was gone again. I had dejavu when he came back in a second time forgetting his keys. I was not expecting to see this guy until the next day whenn he came in a third time. I told him if he can't stay away he might as well admit it and he goes I forgot one more thing. At this moment an elderly asian woman comes out of the locker room. He forgot his wife. I told him I wouldn't tell and they left hand in hand both waving goodbye to me.

I'm not sure why I'm writing this but I like to be able to see a glimpse into some people's lives. They all come to Gold's for different reasons and all get some kind of satisfaction there. They choose to be there and I am inspired that day after day they take the time to take care of themselves. As they walk in and when they leave I wonder where they are coming from and where they are going. By looking at me do they know I'm a recent graduate trying desperately to make it into the journalism field? Can they tell that I am head over heels for my boy friend in Oregon? Do they know I have a little brother and two cats at home? No they don't. And I don't know anything about them. But I like wondering what secrets they keep and what their life is like.

I've learned from my job so far that a smile really is contagious.

I am going to go listen to KIRO 97.3 FM now so I know what's going on in the world.

Love you,
Kris

Watching the World Cup

This morning I ran an errand for my madre then headed to Gold's Gym to get a quick work out in. I have been working there since I got home and am enjoying it ... plus I get a free membership! I work Monday through Wednesday 2-7. Then head to my internship at KIRO Newstalk Radio (http://www.mynorthwest.com/) until 11 pm after my work shift M and T nights! Wed I only work at the gym. Thursday and Friday I get more hours at the station working 2-6.

Writing for radio is difficult and I will just have to keep at it and taking criticism from the anchors and reporters on my work. Even though I had heard it a bazillion times ... I have to take initiative with my internship and work as hard and quickly as possible. My hand was not held in college and in the real world I don't even get a high five haha Basically what I have learned to do is to check all the news sites avaliable in the Seattle NW area, cut up sound bites from our news partner King 5, conduct interviews and answer the phone! Woo. Every mistake I make I learn from and since I am paying (well Granny your generosity is paying for it) for this out of pocket every time I am there it really counts!

I don't really do much outside of work, intern, work out and read/watch the news but I like having a semi structured productive life style! I do have Saturdays off and am trying to visit Seattle with friends as often as I can.

I still have to talk to mom/steven/you guys about coming down at the end of the month but shoot dang I am so excited! Being back with you all in that HEAT and sunshine will be a great way to graduate officially.

I love you all so very much. And miss you too.

After I write this I'll head downstairs and watch the game with my mum GO NETHERLANDS!!!


Two weekends ago I did have a life and went to Oregon to visit my boy friend Tim and a good long time friend of mine Brit. We played volleyball together and have had a long distance friendship since she graduated from Bothell and headed to Portland. She will be leaving for two years for the Peace Corps at the end of September!

(I'll always try to put a little something fun in here at the end of my posts...just fyi!)