And the Emmy goes to...

I love Saturdays. Saturdays are great ways to spend some quality time with your gym equipment without the pressure of a job breathing down your neck.

I went completely wheat-free yesterday. I gave up a hamburger bun AND even cake. I'm so impressed with myself.

Following now is a "Cast of Characters" who I observe on a regular basis. Those names posted are completely made up (unless otherwise stated) to fit the personalities of each individual. Enjoy.

Snobby Russian: I first met Snobby Russian in the locker room when I first started working out there. As I got dressed each morning, this thirty-something was almost always there applying make-up and fixing her hair in preparation for her workout. As if this fact alone wasn't enough to cause unavoidable looks of distaste to pour from my features, her thin, athletic frame was usually donned in a mini-skort and spandex tops. This woman probably has weighed less than 95 pounds her entire life...and most of that weight is up top.

Turns out her name is Olga, she has a 16 year-old daughter, she loves working out and cold weather and despises flying. She is actually ridiculously sweet with a thick Russian accent. Sometimes it's not so bad being wrong.

Hispanic Subject (HS): Most who have read my blog about the old man and Hispanic Subject are familiar with this character.

The Friends: The man and woman who drag Hispanic Subject along with them. They are two relatively fit individuals who I see much more often than HS.

The Fosters: A couple in their early-sixties who dress in matching colors and go through the exact routine every week: MWF- The circuit. T/R- The treadmills. They rarely speak to one another, though I'm sure they've been married long enough that they don't have to. Mrs. Foster seems nice. She asked me today if I thought one of the circuit machines was catching. She has a pretty smile.

Ben Affleck: Though most would probably argue with me, this twenty-something bears resemblance to his pseudo-namesake. He has a similar build and familiar facial features. It's not uncanny, but if you tilt your head and squint, you can see it.

Jogger: I was on the ArcTrainer the first time I saw him. I admire Jogger's dedication to a rigorous workout, but it's almost humorous to watch him kick his legs so far back that he nearly kicks his own backside...literally. This is only made more funny by the fact that he is going at a moderately slow pace. It

Preacher: He is the only one I have seen just once, and if I remember correctly it was on a Saturday, so perhaps that is the reason. I was on a machine next to him and within the thirty minutes we spent side-by-side, he pounded his chest a half a dozen times, said things like "Phew!" and "YEAH!" every few minutes, and occasionally put his arms out in front of him, palms up, and looked toward the ceiling. I can't imagine what was on his i-Pod but it must have been incredibly motivating to inspire such enthusiasm.

Mr. ___________: I can't quite think of a name to fit. He's my favorite. He's a quiet, 60-something, thin-framed, black man who arrives exactly at 7am everyday, walks the track for probably over an hour, and has befriended a few other track-walkers who join him whenever possible (though they rarely stay with him the whole time.) His pace is slow and easy, possibly reflecting his personality. There's no hurry to get anywhere (granted, he's walking in circles) and no one else to impress. He's amazing.