Today was a weird day. It was one of those days that most instructors dread. I was feeling particularly tired and under-the-weather. A combination of working extra hours at my other job, going out with old friends, teaching classes, working out, and attending a couple of parties, has basically worn my body out. I was truly not in the mood or physical state to teach any classes. But because I had not really put any effort into looking for a substitute for my classes, I had to go. I have been having respiratory problems and stomach issues due to the change in weather; basically, this is how my allergies manifest themselves. Nonetheless, I showed up to teach class and had a damn good time. Sometimes, I wonder how we instructors do it - where do we find the muster to keep going? And NO, it's not drugs.

Something else happened at the gym today. Why do people insist on having loud conversations on their cell phones while in the lockerroom? I find it very intrusive and rude. Do I really need to hear this person chat LOUDLY about what they did over the weekend and what their schedule & agenda is for the next couple of days? I think NOT! Said gentleman was quite descriptive of his life over the cell phone. Have we become a society so afraid to be alone that we must use technology to keep in touch even when it would be more appropriate not to? What ever happened to modesty? Not that we should be ashamed of what we do in our lives. We should always stand up for what we believe in but there are things that just need to be discussed in the privacy and sanctity of your "home".

I often wonder if chatting on your cell phone in a public place is really about urgent business or more about seeming like you have urgent business hence are important. I have never owned a cell. I do enjoy using a friends when an appropriate time occurs. For example, when I have to find out when movie times are and someone I am going with has a cell and allows me to use it. I also understand the need for one during an emergency - like a flat tire on Highway 101. I don't understand the loud chatting during your stroll to your subway stop. Is it really that important to be on the phone while browsing through the grocery store? And if it were that important, wouldn't you be somewhere else?

The gym is a particulary interesting place for using a cell phone. I have always thought of the gym as a place to concentrate on one's self. I find the gym a great place to do nothing but be concerned about nothing but myself; a chance for me to do something worthwhile for me. I have often informed my students to leave their life at the door and concentrate on themselves for the next hour or so. Why do some people need to keep in touch with the outside world in a situation that obviously is sought out for it's isolation? A place where you have to do nothing but concentrate on improving your individual health?

I say that we start staring at these cell phone abusers until they get off their cell and high-horse of self-importance and shut the fuck up about their lives. That way they will realize how stupid they look. Maybe I am being mean, maybe I am being picky, maybe I am just in the minority, maybe just maybe. Later.  ¶ 10:27 PM