Reflection of "On Keeping a Notebook"

Didion's writing is so detailed and so indepth. Even though she is just recollecting, she still is able to describe everything. I need to be able to channel that into my observations. I have never been one to go into much detail so it makes observing and recalling that much harder. If I can make more detailed descriptions while I am at my site, maybe I can have observations that are as descriptive as Didion.

Observations

The air is humid. War Memorial Gym does not have air-conditioning so it makes it this way. The gym is not crowded. Its only around 7:30 P.M. and the rush is usually at 6:00 P.M. or 8:00 P.M. I notice there are people who do not look like students. They seem somewhat older, and I remember that War allows for outsiders to come in and use its facillities. A girl from my hall walks by me. I barely noticed her there until I see here waving. I make an awkward hello after I realize we both have headphones in. We both smile and then move on. Later, She pops up on the machine next to me, and I see a girl try and take her magazine. A few guys stand in front of the TVs and comment on the Tech game on the screen. A girl walks in and goes straight for the magazines. I have noticed that even thought they are ratty and ruined that girls still always grab them. I, myself, use the magazines to disstract myself from how long I am working out for. There are magazines all of the floor underneath the magazine shelf. There are paper towels overflowing the trashcan next to the case. A group of cadets walk in almost single file and just a like as if they were still being ordered of what to do. There is a smell of sweat in the air. As each person finishes their workout, they grab paper towels and the sanitizer to clean the machine they had just used. When everybody comes in as the rush starts, they all try to squish their bags and jackets into the lockers and on the ground.