M: Yes, I can relate to that.

W: Well, that’s more like how it is to work at Trader Joe’s. The employees are the children…and I’m the mother.

M: Are you the only parent at this store? I think I’d rather be adopted by someone else… Text 8

M: Hey, Erica. I saw that you were working hard this morning.

W: Yes, I got a lot done. It’s nice to be able to sit down and relax for a little while. M: I was about to go get some lunch. Would you like to join me?

W: No, thanks. I brought my own. I used to eat out all the time, but I got tired of waiting in line.

M: How do you always have so much energy? If I woke up early to make my own food, I’d be tired all day.

W: Once you get into a routine, it’s not so bad. Do you work out?

M: I usually go for a run four times a week, sometimes less. What about you?

W: I work out in the gym twice during the workday and I run on Saturday every week. Do you drive to work?

M: Yes. I could walk, and then take the subway. But then I’d have to wake up earlier. W: If you want more energy, you need to be healthier. You have to make some sacrifices. Text 9

M: Can you believe this is our last summer before we graduate?

W: I know. We have to make some real tough decisions soon. Have you given any

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thought to your future?

M: My father would like to pass the family business on to me. My grandfather started it, and he made my dad really admire him.

W: That is understandable. My family has always been involved in education, and they’re trying to convince me to do the same. I want to be a doctor, though.

M: You should follow your dreams. My brother is an excellent engineer. He’s my hero. W: So what’s yours? Is there anything that excites you?

M: I’ve lived in America my whole life. I’ve seen parts of Canada, but it’s not that different. I’d love to travel to France, Spain, Italy, or Germany…

W: Cool. I grew up in Asia, and I had the chance to travel through several different countries.

M: I need to have money before I do that, though. That’s why I’m getting a job this summer. Are you working, too?

W: I thought about it, but I decided to take some classes over the summer. I want to get a head start on my studies.

M: It sounds like we’ll both be busy. I hope we can still hang out. W: Of course. I always make time for my friends. Text 10

W: I really must get on my exercise bike. I have a rule that every day I must burn off 300 calories on the bike. It keeps me fit and makes me feel happy. Some people might think that sounds like a piece of cake but the problem is that I have to force myself to do it. 300 calories only equals one bar of chocolate, but it takes at least 40 minutes of ridingon

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my bike at home to burn off that much. It’s hard work and I get very sweaty in the process. Before I get on the bike, I have to do battle with myself first. I find my mind thinking of other things I need to do — water the plants, check the post, read the news, wash some vegetables —anything but exercise. If I had to go out to a gym for exercise, I don’t think I would ever arrive there. Some people say they listen to music to make their exercise pass more quickly. I find that too boring. However, lately I have found something to aid my bike routine. Taking pictures is my hobby, so now I watch photography videos on my laptop while I exercise. It takes some of the pain out of keeping fit and I’m also improving my camera skills.

If I don’t do exercise for some days, I will feel guilty for myself.Without exercise, my life wouldn’t be so joyful.

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