Over the last couple of years, as I near 40, I've become a little bit of an exercise nut. It didn't happen overnight. I just figured I better get an exercise program in place that I did on a regular basis, or as I got older (and older) and my body went downhill it would be much harder to get one started.
Good news: It worked and I am in maybe the best shape of my life.
Bad news: George Bush has even found a away to mess this up.
Have you calculated the "Bush Gas Tax" on your family yet/recently? I just did.
I workout at a new Gold's Gym. Don't think I have ever touched a weight. I use the place for their treadmills, stationary bikes, pool, sauna, and whirlpool. It also helps for motivation. I pay $49.95/month.
I pay $157/month in gas to get to and from the place. I drive a V6 1999 VW Passat. Around 26-28 MPG. Gas by me is $3.25/gallon. It is 50 miles round trip (I live in a rural area). 6-7 times a week. That is close to $2,000/year. UGH!
Now I work as a consultant so I work out of my house and don't drive as much as I assume most people do. I know those that drive know this pain far better then myself, which is the reason I mentioned world's smallest violin playing in the title.
But my gosh. I get a nice paycheck most months so I didn't really sit down and think about this until today. I was blown away. Stunned.
Now I have seen posts here on the price of gas. Some stuff in the MSM. But never any human interest stories I can think of. Not saying mine is a good "poster child" example, but it is telling (at least to me).
How the heck is somebody that doesn't charge what I charge per hour supposed to get by?
So just got back from a few sporting goods stores pricing out equipment and Border's where I picked up some magazines on how to run in cold weather.
I'd rather give my $2,000/year to a lot of other causes other then Exxon and Bush's pals.
I sure as heck hope whomever we elect in '08 has a clue on how to deal with this issue. It is out of control on several different levels.