Inspired by the fitness and lifestyle changes made by some friends and fellow bloggers, I have augmented my workout routines with daily walks around the neighborhood. The walks usually last from 35-45 minutes.

I always have loved walking. In high school, I walked to and from campus each day as there was no bus for my neighborhood. In college I (unintentionally) shed 20 lbs walking each afternoon after class and before dinner, and when I lived in the city, I walked to the market, shops and restaurants, yoga class,  and local watering holes. Considering I didn't get my license until I was 22, it was not merely a choice but a necessity.

In my suburban neighborhood, there is a shopping center within decent walking distance (about 1 mile away) that houses a Trader Joes, Pet Smart, Barnes & Noble, Panera, Vitamin Shoppe and more. Across the street is a European-style market with wonderful produce and deli departments. Since my around-town '98 Ford Taurus is having "issues" - brakes are going again, turn signal doesn't work, fuel injectors are clogged - and since gas prices are so crazy, I decided to invest in a new set of wheels. It has all the bells and whistles, including a retractible soft-top. No it's not a Chrysler Sebring... Check it out: