For several years, while I worked in North San Jose, I went to the Gold’s Gym “Airport location” by 101/San Tomas.  When my job changed, and I was no longer going to North San Jose, I moved to the Gold’s Gym in Campbell, also near San Tomas.  One evening, I was leaving the Campbell gym and noticed a bum walking around inside the gym.  I know for certain he is a homeless bum because I’ve seen him on the streets pushing his buggy many times before.  After that, I never went back to Gold’s Gym, and I canceled my membership shortly thereafter.   

I began looking for another gym, and ended up at Club One Santana Row.  The membership dues were about $15 more per month, but the amenities are a lot nicer.  Gold’s Gym is all business.  At Gold’s Gym, the only fragrances are sweat and more sweat.  The only signs on the wall are instructing members to not throw the iron around, and I think there are a few posters of professional body builders (including Arnold Schwarzenegger).  The locker room is tired, dark and dingy looking, but clean and well kept.  There are no steam rooms, “luxury” shower stalls, saunas, endless supply of clean towels, child care, or spa services like massages and facials.  There are no treadmills with personal TVs and personal fans.  All of which they do have at Club One. 

All that said, I absolutely LOVE Gold’s Gym (Airport location).  The amount of weight training equipment is probably 10 times what they have at Club One, and it is much easier to use and more comfortable.  The other people who are working out at Gold’s Gym are there to work out.  Not to be see and be seen by others (not a meat market).  And, Gold’s Gym knows you’re there to work hard, so they keep it very cool inside.  Club One keeps a comfortable temperature for watching TV, not working out! 

So, yesterday I “re-joined” Gold’s Gym, and I am so excited about getting back in the gym.  I only wish I could go more than 2 days per week!

As the co-founder of the Loo Family, my current job responsibilities are:

I am the exclusive provider of nutrition to the Little Loos until they are ready to experiment with solids.  I continue to provide primary nutrition throughout the weaning process, which is determined by the Little Loo. 

Teach the Little Loos the finer points of life like table manners, conversational English, ABC’s, 123’s, colors, objects like trees, flowers, cars, dogs, cats, bears, lions, etc. 

I also focus on teaching these Little Loos the dangers of closing doors and drawers on fingers, staying out of the street, not touching a hot stove/oven, keeping clear of the toilet, etc.  The least enjoyable aspect of this job is the discipline.  Sometimes I must issue a verbal warning to correct bad behaviors.

Change more dirty diapers per day than I care to count.

Wife and partner to the other co-founder of the Loo Family.

Manage inventory of daily consumables including everything from toilet paper, diapers and soap to veggies, fruits and other food stuff. 

Prepare and serve at least 3 meals and more snacks than I can count per day.

Provide laundry services for this family of four.

Maintain the home at a minimum that will not violate any health codes.

Fix things when they break.

Design and make Halloween costumes.

Manage external contractors who are hired for specific tasks like install a new patio, irrigation and new plants.

Research and verify advice given by doctors and other health care professionals.  This is almost a full time job in itself!

This position does not provide “sick time”, vacations, days off, no retirement/pension, etc.  I consider myself lucky if I get to eat lunch, and bathroom breaks are hard to come by!

This position does have its perks, though.  I get to dance with a 2 year old. I get lots of hugs and kisses, and hearing the sweetest little voice saying “Mommy” makes my heart melt even when I’m having a bad day. 

Oh, being pregnant and giving birth…does that count?  I’ve done that twice now in 2 years.

Whew…I feel like I’ve been busy!