... and I'm all out of bubblegum

What do you do when your cardiologist tells you to lose 50 pounds? Well, if you're me, you stop going to the cardiologist.

Heart issues run in the family, which is why I see a cardiologist. I've had tests run on me a few times, and it all seems to be A-OK for the most part. Sticking to an exercise routine, though, has not been one of the successes of my adult life. Some poor eating habits, combined with a lot of driving around town when I was a reporter, have led to a waistline that seems to be ever-expanding.

While most people tend to say, "Oh no, you don't need to lose 50," I do look at the scale and I know what weight I'm supposed to hit. Looking at the scale doesn't equate doing something about it, though. I eat fairly healthily, but that isn't cutting it without some kind of serious exercise. I've made commitments in the past - joined a gym (twice), took boxing lessons (not to fight, just to get in shape), but excuses always crop up.

The mirror - or, at least, how I see my reflection - doesn't help. I'm not sure if it's a mental issue or just an inability to see reality, but what I see looks much different than what shows up in photos. Which, of course, is why I rarely allow my photo to be taken.

Will I be able to stick to a workout routine?

Will I actually lose the 50 pounds and be able to make another cardiologist appointment?

Will I be able to shop at one of those weird "for skinny men only" stores?

Let's see how the next few weeks go.

Random comments

Note to guy walking across campus in a suit and flip-flops: Buy some shoes.

Scooters should use the bike path, not the road lanes. Seriously - my SUV trumps your scooter, and you just can't go fast enough.

I'm amazed at how jay-walkers and jay-bikers think that if they don't look at you, then they're not going to be caught. Sorry, but this isn't philosophy class: the world really does still exist even if it's not in your immediate line-of-sight.

I made the mistake of going back to the cardiologist for a check-up. Here's a free tip: When a doctor says, "For a man in your situation ..." it's time to run from the room. Medication, blood tests and an all-morning stress test next week. I'm in hell.