Current mood:	hopeful
Current music:	Depeche Mode- Precious

Amish Gym Guy
So this evening, I returned to the gym after a day off due to a really sore knee. I think I overextended it or something. Anyway, I get there and the usual people, walking around, doing exercises, same old. I think it was some point after I got off the elliptical machine, that I encountered today's special moment.

Generally, I go into the restroom to wash my hands, then rinse off my face after spending 20 minutes sweating and holding the handles. As I was walking toward the restroom, a guy came out, probably somewhere between 19 and 26 years of age, carrying a book and a towel. He was dressed in a button down shirt and khaki-type pants. I figured maybe he was interested in joining and on a tour of the facility, but the towel in his hand then confused me. This guy, sort of a Poindexter in glasses, the type of button up shirt a teacher or junior detective might wear to "class it up" and those tan not jeans/not slacks.

My confusion grew later on, when doing my arm and leg regimen. He was seated a few machines down and across from me, neatly folded and apparently unused towel in his lap, with what looked like one of those "hero slaying dragons" or other sci-fi type of drama, paperback novel sitting neatly atop it. There they both rested on his knees, while he did some of the most spastic and odd looking arm curls I have ever witnessed.

I was confounded. Maybe he's a new member and doesn't yet own any workout attire. Maybe he just came form a job interview and was here to work off stress. Maybe he had an interview after and liked to impress the would-be boss with his natural essences and musty aura. Maybe he is horribly scarred all over his body and is timid about showing his skin in public. Perhaps he thought more clothing would build up a better sweat (and apparently catch it too, as his towel looked virtually unused, but then again, maybe he folded it neatly after every wipe of the brow.) Maybe he's from a culture or religion in which men do not wear shorts or t-shirts. The possibilities are multitudinal.

I would have asked him, but I did not want to upset his delicate apparel sensibilities, nor is what I am sure are, fragile feelings. Perhaps if I had asked what book he was reading, I could have broken the ice and gotten some more clues. Then again, with the Dahmer-like glasses and uber-preppy style with which he chose to exercise in, perhaps it's best I left him alone.

If I do see him there again, I'll be anxious to witness what kind of ensemble he comes up with next. Whatever the case, it made me ponder some interesting points. You never really know someone by his or her appearance, truly. He could be the next Stephen Hawking. Then again, he could be the next person I encounter at the DMV when renewing my license. Maybe he is a candidate for the Best buy Geek Squad, but hasn't yet reached the level at which they bestow you with a tie. Time will tell.