I am 40 years old and married. I have a son that has cerebral palsy, which really only effects his gross motor (walking). I graduated college with a dual major in Marketing & Business Administration. Most of my career was spent in the advertising world. Currently I do graphic design, desktop publishing, and IT support in the property management field. I say currently because I am hoping to have a different job in the next few months.

I enjoy working out (cycling, running, & weights) and am in better shape than when I was in high school. Over the course of 12 months, I lost 79+1 lbs. Since then I have kept it all off. I also help coach my sons disabled swim team, which he has won several gold medals. Soon, he will also be doing track and will probably help with that.

I enjoy most kinds of music, but Jimmy Buffett is my favorite. When I have the time, I enjoy reading and watching movies. However, I can't seem to find time for movies as much as I would like. I also enjoy wine, micro & import beers, and sushi.

Edit: damn emoticons took out and made it 79+1

Everyone needs a signature!


Other than that, pull up a chair and rest your legs Mike.

For some reason the numbers 8 and 0 when put together make a smiley... Weird. But I know what you meant!
I myself have lost 50 pounds since September, and have 25 to go.

Welcome Mike. You and your Son are an inspiration. And I mean that in a completely heterosexual non-gay kind-of-way.

Thanks Dean. My son is the real inspiration. Actually, he is the reason I got off my ass and lost the weight. I figured I need to be around to help him and see that he can walk the best that he can. And I probably wasn't going to do that if I didn't get in to shape. I would watch him do his therapy and various other things with out one complaint from him. If he didn't complain, then I felt I didn't have any reason to complain about working out each day. So, I draw all of my inspiration from him.

Yeah, I look up to somebody that is half my size physically but at least twice the size in determination and fight!

I found that amusing. I guess the emotcon is trying to kill you.

Never mind, Dean pointed out my mistake! He just had to tell me twice before I got it. Thanks.

The numbers "8" and "0" when typed together are a shortcut to that emoticon... Fun, huh?

Mike -
I can see why your son could inspire you like this. I have relatives who work with kids (a therapist, a PT specialist, etc). I also had a cousin who had to rehab from a head injury after being hit by a car at age 8 (He's doing well now - but it was a long road for him).

Just curious - mountain bike, touring, or racing? I used to do some mountain biking - bought a Fuji touring bike 4 years ago, and love it. It's not the fastest thing out there, but it's super stable and fun

79+ pounds? THAT is a huge accomplishment

Dean - 25+ pounds is damn good. Now that the weather is getting warmer in the northeast, I have no excuse not to get outside and run+cycle more...

By the way - it sounds like you're wearing a LOT of hats at work, Mike. Do you want to specialize in graphic design?

Howard I am glad to hear that your cousin is ok now. I am sure you have heard plenty of stories from your relatives about how much inspiration these kids can give you.

Right now I just ride a road bike. It is a Fuji frame with Shimano components. The frame is aluminum. Probably the best things on it (besides me) the Dura Ace SDP pedals and Bontrager race wheels. I hope to be getting a mountain bike soon. It would be nice to do a little mountain bike riding, plus it would allow me to work on some skills that would help me with my road bike. I would also like to get a new road bike with either a carbon or titanium frame in the next year or two.

Yeah I do wear a lot of hats at work. Graphic design is probably my favorite part. One of the biggest problems with my current job is that I don’t get to do enough of any of my main functions. The new job I should be moving into would be in a different industry. I am not totally sure my function at this point because it is a start up. However, I will probably be in advertising, marketing or product management. I could see it being all three for a while.