OBSERVATIONS FROM THE WEEKEND

Sometimes I Really Miss Boulder: I don't know if it's the cooler weather that rolled into Indiana this past week, or the many recent e-mail, Instant Message, and telephone conversations I've been lucky to have had with old friends from Boulder (including but not limited to Erin, Ford, Kate, Brad, Renee, Rick, Ashley, and Lisa), but I really miss that little town nestled neatly between reality and the Rocky Mountains. Hiking up Mount Sanitas, strolling along the Pearl Street Mall, and being able to ride a bike from one side of town to another within a matter of minutes, along with hanging out with great friends and colleagues, are all things that I dearly miss. Boulder will always hold a special place in my heart, as will all of the friends I made while living there.

Speaking of Cooler Weather: I was talking with a friend the other day who suggests that your favorite season is the one into which you born. So, for example, if you were born in July, summer is more likely than not to be your favorite season. Me, I was born in September (hint, hint; wink, wink; nudge, nudge), and true to form, fall is hands down my favorite season. In fact, my own nonscientific survey shows this premise to be true. Of 12 people I've queried, 9 say that the season they were born into is indeed their favorite.

I Need To Lose Weight, Big Time!: Perhaps by putting it out there for all to read, I'll be held more accountable to the goal I have to become healthier, primarily through the gradual shedding of body weight. In the weeks to come I'll be writing more about this lofty goal (as others have via their blogs), but for now I'm going to look into joining a small health club located about two minutes from my office. For around $100.00 a year I can have access to just the type of exercise equipment that I need to help get started. My plan, if it works out as I think it can, would be to head over to this gym during the lunch hour on a daily basis, or in the mornings or evenings before or after work on days when a lunch-time exercise just isn't possible.

I enjoyed Boudler when I visited - my brother Troy & I were talking just this week about our trip to see you out there a couple of years ago. We'd like to go back. I was born in winter, not my favorite season. Good luck with the weight loss (and good health) plan.

Hm. I was born in the early winter. Most of the time I can't decide whether fall or winter is my favorite season. But I definitely don't like summer.

Why don't you make plans to visit Boulder? Surely, you have some vacation time by now; wouldn't now be an especially nice time to go?

I, too, was born in September and fall is my favorite season--warm days, cool nights, beautiful foliage and fewer bugs. What more could you want?

Glad to hear you're getting back on track with your better health goal!

As a fellow Hoosier who once lived in Boulder, I echo your sentiment wholeheartedly.

Wait! I was born in June but love Fall the best. I love the changing of the weather, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. It's a time of year I always get warm, fuzzy feelings.

I second the trip to Boulder comment. Mikal, if you road trip or fly out to visit Boulder, I'll send Kermit out to join you. He is a hell of a road trippin' partner as you know.

I also dig that you are trying to become a healthier being. And damn it, if Rocky can train for the title, than surely you can meet your goals!

Nothin' but love...FC