I realised how used I am to centralised systems when I signed up to my 19th C gym*. Though the machines and other paraphernalia are the latest air machines with heart monitors and whatnots, the much-used booking system is still done on paper. Add the fact that I need to book The Mint into the gym, the papers double and so does my headache.

My conversations with them run thus:

Me: Hello Miss Gym Somebody, I would like to book my induction.
MGS: Of course, when would you like it?
Me: How about Wednesday?
MGS: Sure. What time?
Me: Er, 9.30 am?
MGS: Sorry there’s no “9.30 am” in our gym clock. When else are you free?
Me: 11.00 am same day?
MGS: No unforunately all our trainers are scheduled to be stuck by bubonic plague then. When are you free?
Me: Friday 9.30 am two years from now?
MGS: Sure! I’ll pencil you in.

[Dials creche]
Creche Voice: Good Morning, this is the Creche.
Me: Hello, do you have a 9.30 am  slot for Friday two years from now?
CV: No love, but I do have the 11.00 am one free for the next five minutes.
Me:Oh? Ok.

[Dials gym]
MGS: Hello, Gym.
Me: Hello MGS, unf the creche didn’t have a slot, can you change my induction to 11.00 am?
MGS: Oh let me look. Oh no! 11.00 is full. When are you free next?

Rinse. Repeat.