I’ve been asked to write a column on health and fitness. First of all, let me say that I don’t feel qualified to speak on such matters when there are so many others in our area that know much more. But, I’ll be honest and candid about my ongoing journey in hopes that it can help someone else. I’ll start with a little background info on me.
I still consider myself fairly new to the fitness arena, but it’s actually been nearly 5 years since I really started to invest time in any sort of gym atmosphere in an effort to become a better me. But, I also sometimes think that 1990 was just 10 years ago so my judgement of time can’t always be trusted.
Anyway, I found crossfit almost 5 years ago. I loved it. It changed my life. I met some of the very best people I’ve ever known through those gyms. Many of whom are still great friends today, all of whom I still greatly respect. Through crossfit, I discovered a love for the barbell. Something about the truth in it was very appealing to me. The feel of the cold iron, the confidence I gained as the weight on the bar increased, the accomplishment of hitting a new personal record on a lift, it was all so thrilling and just kept me coming back for more.
I’m sure you’ve heard all the catchy phrases, “abs are made in the kitchen”, “you can’t outwork a bad diet”, etc. Unfortunately, this has been a difficult truth for me to accept, but it is the truth just the same. You really can’t outwork a bad diet. Believe me. I’ve tried! And, I’ve tried again, and again, and again. It just will not ever work. I have to make a conscious effort to gain control over my diet. And, I hate the word diet, but when I use it here, I just mean the food you eat, not a specific counting points, kind of diet. It’s important to look at what you eat as fuel for what you want to accomplish, rather than what I tend to do, which is eat for comfort or because I’m sad, or happy, or because it’s taco tuesday. There are so many resources available online and tons of qualified trainers in our area that can be of help in getting started with a workout plan and a meal plan that work together. I’ll also continue to share my thoughts and experiences on the subject here as well.
My name is James, at the time of writing this introduction I’m 26 years old. I’ve lived in North Mississippi my entire life. I was born to a nurse and a farmer; the most stereo-typically Southern married couple in the world, except for the fact that they’re anything but. My parents are in my opinion, some of the most understanding and chill people in the world.

Now, even though the turtles in other forms of media have had their ups and downs, the comics have usually been consistent and the new things they have tried have usually been well-received. I am a huge fan of what IDW has done with them. My personal advice to any TMNT fans out there that aren’t too thrilled by the new cartoon or movies go and pick up IDW’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Ok, here is my first article (Me selling myself to you the reader). You started reading even though I said you didn’t have to. Thanks! Now for starters I am Chris because my mom told me I was. I am 33 yrs young and am glad being a geek is cool. I am a comic book reader and collector. I’ve owned a comic Book store in the Tupelo area for 4 years. I love music, not just one genre and all sorts of movies. That does include some B horror films nobody has heard of. I will make a list of some good ones.
If you have any suggestions on future content you can reach me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/poe.poz , on Twitter @Poepoz , or on Reddit r/poepoz so I can respond with my next article. Until next time.





Sitting in my car I’m in awe, realizing I live in such an awesome place. It gives me joy knowing I’m so close to rich history, and various cultures. Tupelo is a place to be who I am, a place to share with loved ones. Our Tupelo.

