It is the principle of the thing

Professionally no other phrase makes my blood run as cold as "it is the principle." once a client or potential client says that to me, i know that there will be no good outcome.

That being said, I am going to say that it is the principle. The clubhouse in my development has a gym with nice enough treadmills. Lately it has been way too cold to bother suiting up and heading outside at four thirty in the morning to get some miles in. I am only human. Plus, the Homeowner's Association at my development does an awful job of clearing snow, so the roads are all a thin sheet of ice.

So, with treadmills available why am I complaining about it being too cold to run. I don't even have to join a gym. It is all included in the outrageous common charges that Dori and I shell over every month for the privilege of residing amid the "resort like amenities" and "country club grounds."

The reason is that I refuse to pay the condo board the arbitrary and excessive amount they are charging over the regular common charges. They call them late penalties, I call it bullsh*t. Whether the payment may or may not have been late is not even an issue in my mind. I have become just like my unreasonable clients.

So, the gym privileges have been revoked. It is the principle of the thing. Plus, we have a stationary bike at the house. Don't tread on me.