Why when you say it do I think of…

Gerard Butler?

Heh, oh, he of whom I speak knows of what I speak…

But for the rest of you- it has to do with the word “civilized” and the thought that comes to mind when I say that word.

Especially if I happen to be eating an apple whilst my comrades build a wall out of the slain bodies of our enemies, but that hasn’t happened since May or so…

oh, wait…

Anyway, apparently I have a way of saying “civilized” in a manner which suggests anything but.  Perhaps it is a gift, but I don’t know.  I *personally* tend to think  ”civilized” is one of the most over rated and over used words in the English language.  ”Civilized” is often a cheap coat of gloss thrown over monstrosity, the smile aimed at your face while a knife heads for your back.

I am no so sure I believe in civilized.  I mean, the word- with a definition, exists and all, but I think often it is a cop-out.  Honest is better.  To the point is better.  Even amicably disagreeable is a step up.

Civilized is stage dressing…and as you all know- dressing is for salad.

One of life’s small pleasures…

The Gym.

Now I realize that for some people, the idea of “the gym” is akin to a nightmare, and come to think of it, some of the equipment does look a bit like a medieval torture device, but I have got to say, I am a fan.  I will admit I am not the fan of cardio that I am of doing weights or the machines, but I do enjoy the overall experience of working out.  And I do have to say that doing so regularly has had one amazing side effect:  I am hungry often.  I have not forgotten to eat here lately. 

It is also interesting to me to see what parts of my body are surprisingly strong and which ones really do need some work.  My back and calves?  Scary.  My quads?  Not so much at all.  The leg press is not something I kick ass on…in fact, sort of the other way around, however for a female, my upper body is fairly…er…buff?

The gym is also a fun place to people watch.  I am an avid people watcher.  I get a kick out of watching folk at the gym….from the huge buff dude in the free-weight section who is fairly certain he is no doubt the cock of the walk to the unassuming grandma who gets on the tread mill and suddenly turns into Paula Jane Radcliffe.  I get a kick out of seeing the grins on the faces of people who have just finished a cardio kickboxing class- those tired, drained but “wow, that was awesome” grins. 

It is also one of those places I never fail to and never feel silly about laughing at myself…like when I am so short I have to stand on my tip toes to reach half the hand grips on the equipment or move the seats on everything almost all the way up. 

Going to the gym is one of those things I truly do take pleasure in.  I like the way it makes me feel, during and after.  Even if I am a little sore, or tired (or freakin’ starving!) it is a good feeling.