Hello, gym.

What's the cure for a broken heart? Muscle-y men, duh.

So naturally, I joined the gym tonight.

Trainers named Wiwi, Pinky, Kite, Jetty, DJ, Feel, and Arun await me in the group classes.

Or I can just cardio out my anger on the fitness floor. My main reason for making the financial commitment to a gym (for the second time in Ch.ina...first time was 2 years ago) is that I have a lot of pent up frustration and anger and hurt and general negative emotion. Don't get me wrong, I'm not going around flailing my temper, but after the recent episodes with he-that-will-not-be-named I have been feeling more negative toward the Chin.ese and toward my life here.

I need a positive way to rid myself of negative energy. I need to exercise out my anger. I need a release. What better way than a cycles class with Jetty? haha.

I've wanted to re-join a gym for some time, but it has not been possible financially. I was saving money for my trips to America and Shenzhen and did not have much extra besides what it takes to live on.

This semester I have happened upon 2 tutoring jobs (remember Xiao Wu?) and in one month those jobs will pay for my 6 month membership at the gym. Whoohooooo. These tutoring jobs have given me a lot more wiggle room. I actually make more money now a month than when I was teaching at a local university. So helloooo luxury! A gym membership is a luxury, and I am so thankful for it.

Tonight I did 30 minutes on the elliptical and some weights and I feel amazing. I feel good about this place. There wasn't much staring and there were several other foreigners there. The applicaton form was even translated into English and I could sign my English name rather than my Ch.inese name. (it's the little things that count).

Apparently it's a popular gym with foreign students because it is on our bus loop and is cheaper than most other crazy-expensive Chin.ese gyms.

I may or may not have alterior motives....

Just kidding- mom and future employers. I don't know how that picture ended up on my camera. I would never stalk a kung-fu class of muscle-y men. Never. ;)

walk slow. xoxo.