A blog? Seriously???!

That's what popped into my head when my brother first made the suggestion right after I graduated from Appalachian State University with my bachelor's degree in Health Promotion.

Sure, it seems like everyone has a blog these days. For every hobby, interest, lifestyle, and political or religious belief there are dedicated bloggers.  Some are incredibly insightful and thought-provoking; others are frivolous and pithy.  Some are inspiring and uplifting; others are mean-spirited and hateful. But me??  Why would anyone want to read a blog from me?  Isn't it just a bit arrogant to think anyone would care about what I have to say about anything?

I will acknowledge that after spending over a quarter century studying, teaching, and applying principles of fitness and nutrition, it's safe to say I probably have something to say that would be helpful to someone. And I am frequently one of the first people my friends and family turn to when they have questions about their latest diet or fitness endeavor. But there is already a glut of self-proclaimed fitness "experts" out there, passing on the latest information (and in many cases, unfortunately, misinformation).

But then I thought about it.  People do have questions.  There is a lot of misinformation circulating out there.  Maybe- just maybe- I may have a tidbit or insight that could really help someone.  And it would be downright wrong not to share it with them.

So here is my background- the short version.

My studies at ASU were not at all my first foray into this arena. I first got interested in health and fitness as an overweight adolescent with aspirations of becoming a cheerleader in high school. My plan was pretty basic:  I ate pretty much the same foods, but only half as much as usual. I also started exercising every night to my mother's Cathy Rigby workout routine, on a vinyl record that she got free with proofs of purchase from Stayfree maxi pads.

By the middle of 8th grade I had lost enough weight that people at school were starting to notice. I had also discovered that exercise actually felt good, so in the spring I joined the track team.  I wasn't fast or competitive back then, but I did love to run.  More than that, I loved what running did for me-- inside and out.  Long story short, I ended up making cheerleader every year of high school, and was head cheerleader my senior year.

My college years were full of ups, downs, and major detours- but that is another story for another day.  It was during this time that Jane Fonda burst onto the scene, and group aerobics became all the rage.  Many of us girls in our dorm would gather in the common room every evening, where we would pop Jane into the cassette player and grapevine, pony, and leg lift our hearts out.  Inspired, I eventually became a certified aerobics instructor; later, a personal trainer.  I taught and trained clients day in and day out for 10 years before moving to North Carolina with my husband, having my son, and pursuing my Health Promotion degree.

So that's enough about me.  I could tell you more, but I'm tired and sick (literally, I have been fighting off a sinus infection for the past few days).

So I'll give this blog thinga go and see what happens.  At best, I can really help someone who needs it.  At worst, nobody gives a flip.  (And if that's the case, so what???!)