Tall, Black Canadian

No matter how many gyms I’ve been to, no matter where in the world they are, there is one constant; one unchangeable, unvarying, almost predictable occurrence that I’ve come to dread. It is the ladies locker room.

For some reason that I don’t understand, women who outside of the change room are seen as modest and maybe a bit old fashioned, become quite the opposite behind the heavy change room doors. The ladies who frown at the slightest hint of cleavage walk around completely naked...

People ask me all the time why I prefer to do a short workout at home rather than go to the gym. The advantage for me is that I can get a little exercise in while the kids are eating or napping, the trip to my basement takes literally seconds, and I don’t have to worry about fighting traffic, bad weather, or having to wait for equipment. But, the convenience of my basement means that I often excuse myself from utilizing the space because I can always have a workout tomorrow (tomorrow has a way of...

I don’t know how it happened. Alright, I have an idea of what happened. I just don’t know how I could have ignored it for so long. Like the 500 lb gorilla in the corner that no one acknowledges, my weight has suddenly become an issue for me. It’s not that I’ve become morbidly obese or that anyone would even consider me to be fat (thank God I’m tall!). It’s just that I spent all winter in bulky sweaters and sweats and when I exchanged them for a T-shirt and jeans, I got a clear and hard look at myself....

I went to my daughter’s kindergarten orientation last night. We were told to bring our kids to give them an opportunity to meet their classmates. I was excited. Here was a chance to meet the teacher, introduce myself to other parent, and view the beginnings of beautiful friendships between my baby and another child. How quickly the fantasy shattered and reality reared its ugly head.

The place was packed! All four kindergarten classes were present as well as all of their parents and...

My first area of business is to decide what it is I’d like to accomplish. It’s easy to say I want to be healthy, happy, and positive, but it’s not so easy to break it down. I figure changing my life has to involve teaching myself new habits, habits that will become second nature with enough practice. I think one of the most important habits I’ve got to master is one of my Health goals, and that is creating a sleep routine for me.

I work a shift that starts at 2 am. My initial interest...