[Greyson]

I have been reluctant to admit it but I have been going to a gym of sorts. I do cardio rehab three times a week. I am getting stronger and have worked my self up to a real work out sweat without keeling over.

I am primarily surrounded by elderly straight white men . Next to them I am the youngster in the house. I notice the men seem to be a little competitive. I can see them working hard to keep up with the guy next to them. There are a couple of women but they seem to be focused on their own work out and not competing.

Most of the guys talk with one another, they do not talk with me. I suspect they are trying to figure out my gender. Every day I get referred to as maam and sir.

And finally, the other day I was working my heart out, (so to speak) and the music playing in the background was Old School Motown sound. My kind of music. Anyway, one of the older guys shouted out "Please turn off that noise." Then most of the others in the gym nodded in agreement. Quickly it was switched to country music. Guess what the song was about....Something about how America is going to kick the Taliban's butt. I had to just shake my head, close my eyes and try to make believe I was somewhere else.