Up until last week I had the deal of the decade at the National Capitol YMCA. Unlike the usual saps who had to shell out $70 a month for the privilege of its facilities, I was only playing $20 a month. That’s right, $20 to use all five wondrous floors of workout equipment and exercise rooms, including a 25 meter pool, where they offer everything from afrobrazillian to scuba to the ever present yoga.

I had that amazing $20 a month deal because I applied to the YMCA while I was slinging food at Tonic, and unbeknown to many, the YMCA offers financial assistance to folks who make below $35,000 a year. Financial assistance I enjoyed for two long years before my income jumped up and kicked me off the subsidized gravy train.

Now I am back with everyone else, paying full price to train for my triathlons. At least now I can afford a round of cute puppy rental to impress the ladies.