So begins the battle of the bulge.
No, no — not that business of working off the turkey, fruitcake and beverages of the past couple of weeks.
Actually, we’re talking about the ballooning credit card balances that often overwhelm us following the blitz of the season of giving.
Have you priced 11 pipers lately? Let alone a partridge in a pear tree.
Next year, we’ll probably stick with a raven in a cedar bough. After all, if you’re going to shop, might as well keep it local.
If that other bulge is an issue, an assortment of fun, social workout opportunities is starting up or re-starting for the new year.
From aquafit and early bird swimming in Port Hardy to Zumba and Strollercize in Port McNeill, you can join friends and work out in a fun, safe and social atmosphere.
For inspiration in achieving a goal, of course, you need look no further than Canada’s Junior hockey club, which ended a five-year title drought in the World Junior Championships earlier this week by defeating Russia 5-4 in a white-knuckled title game.
A regrettable schedule of work and travel prevented us from watching that game, in which Canada raced out to a 5-1 lead midway through the game before the Russians stormed back.
But, thanks to social media, a fan could get a complete and occasionally coherent recap of all the action by checking friends’ status updates.
To wit, from Facebook Monday night (grammar adjusted as needed):
First period — “This is awesome!”
Second period — “Going to lose it if they don’t pull up their socks!”
“Babe, are you alright up there? Sounds like panic.”
“We will win this. They’re just kidding around.”
Second intermission — “I don’t even want to watch the third due to possible heart attack or panic attack.”
End of game — “Way to go, Canada! Gold, baby!”
Indeed. Solid gold.