Unwritten: Diary of a Lean Green Plumber

Take Me As I Am

24 February 2006

MK

Dear Diary,

Roland has softened his attitude toward me since the beginning of this year. He invited me for coffee, and we sat and talked things over.

"Listen, I'm sorry, all right?" he said. "I didn't mean to act so—abrasive. Being a first-time parent made me so—antsy. But I don't want you getting the wrong idea about me. I appreciate how you helped Grace, and how she helped you. And maybe I should take the time to say—thanks."

"You're welcome," I said.

"Let me make this up to you," said Roland. "Gavin's first birthday party is coming up, and we're planning on holding it at Mushroom Park. Would you be interested in helping out?"

"Sure—I'd love to," I smiled. "Thanks."

"You're welcome. And—if that Koopa keeps giving Peach any trouble, I can give you a hand," he offered.

"I'll think about it," I said. "Okay?"

"Okay."

We shook hands before heading our separate ways.

Roland Butter is—one complicated man, to say the least. Either he figured things out on his own, or Grace talked some sense into him. But even though we're on better terms now, I'm still keeping an eye out for him. Old habits die hard.

Luigi

20 March 2006

MK

Dear Diary,

Jules and Jackie's MK-based gym is now open! They held a ribbon-cutting ceremony this morning. Julian wore a nice business suit, Jackie wore a peasant dress and Jas was clad in a blouse and skirt. Security was through the roof, not just for the family, but also for Peach. Koopa could take advantage of this event, swoop down and grab her! Well—nothing of the sort happened, but we weren't about to take chances!

Peach gave a short but effective speech commemorating the gym before Jackie and Jules cut the ribbon. The Toads applauded, excited at the prospect of exercising without holding a sports tournament, as multicolored confetti streamed down on everyone. Then, the couple gave us a tour of the property. There was a weight training area, a cardio area, a cycling studio, a dance studio, a smoothie bar, locker rooms and a pool. While the gym was filled with state-of-the-art equipment, it retained the original gym's down-to-earth atmosphere. Josh must be so proud!

Later that day, I dressed in workout clothes and became one of the new gym's first clients, signing up for a flexible membership with many benefits. The very first thing I did in that gym was try the cardio area. There were treadmills, arc trainer, rowing machines—and spin bikes! After my usual workout, I rested for a while before trying out a spin class.

Best decision ever. That spin class had one of the most energetic cycle instructors I'd ever encountered. Everyone in the class got breathless to a variety of tunes, and we were encouraged to adjust our resistance level as needed. Cycling by myself was when I could be alone with my thoughts, but cycling with a group, hearing the breaths of other people and the gears whirring was a more—immersive—experience. I loved this new gym already, and I made sure to tell Jules and Jackie on my way out, as well.