OK, so maybe I have gained weight. Just a short year-and-a-half ago, I was skinny. Svelt, even. I worked out every day. I ate right. I lost 130 pounds and was down below 200 for the first time since like elementary school. I looked good. I felt good. Things were good.
But the ravages of a first-shift job, a sedentary lifestyle and the opening of an Andy’s in Sanford soon took its toll on me. Today, I am back up there. My pants are getting tighter and my breaths are getting shorter. Smoking also has something to do with that, but hey.
But imagine my surprise today when, out of the blue, Lee County Commissioner Robert Reives went off on a rant about a “power-hungry, overweight, paparazzi wannabe” that wants to stir up controversy in this county. Being the only official media member in the room, I automatically sank down in my seat.
What did I do to this man? I never try to stir up anything. In fact, I try to be a solid journalist who reports unbiased facts only, leaving it up to the politicians to create their own controversy. Which in Lee County is not hard to come by. And power-hungry? Believe me, judging by some of the decisions I have made in my own personal life, power is the last thing I want.
Besides, Reives and I have at least a cordial relationship, I thought. He even jokes with me from time to time.
It turns out Reives wasn’t talking about me. I confirmed this after the meeting. The comment was meant for another blogger who shall remain nameless.
But the comment stung me so badly that I am vowing right here and now to return to my fighting weight. Over the next few months I will chronicle my pursuits each chance I get. It won’t be easy, but I am going to start walking more, maybe even rejoin the gym when I get some money, and quit smoking.
I will be better, you’ll see.
An aside: Even though the comment was not aimed at me, Reives probably should not have made it, especially with a group full of young kids in the room to talk about Lee County High School. It was below the belt.
But he can say what he wants. I’m just going to work hard enough that he can’t say it about me.
