For Mike, life is all about finding that perfect mix of fun and hard work.

My name is Mike…and I’m fat.

There are some basic reasons why I’m on a quest to lose weight. My method may be different – enjoy food but in moderation – but I’m a different kind of cat. The bottom line is I want to be healthy, be there to see my kids grow up and generally live a long and productive life.

But aside from that, there are also more specific things I want to do that being large and in charge has gotten in the way of, like:

1) Taking my kids to Disney World and actually being able to ride the rides.

2) Running a half marathon (baby steps, I know…but this is a big picture goal)

3) Getting back to playing competitive basketball. I used to be pretty good, and I’m still only 33 so there’s some good years left in the tank. Ask Kevin about our epic battles of Around the World in his driveway…

4) Taking a nap in a hammock. (Fat guy fall out, funny!!!)

5) Riding a normal bike. And a motorcycle. Side note, I am addicted to Sons of Anarchy and want to start my own club. No, really.

6) Flying in an airplane without needing a seatbelt extender. That’ll make me think twice the next time I want that side of fries.

7) Stop taking medication for my Type II Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

So there’s a small sampling of what I want to do with my life from here on out. There’s an inside peek at the difficulties I endure by putting myself in this situation over the years. But there’s nobody to blame but myself. Time to start diggin’ out of that hole.