A close friend in her 40s has been telling me she’s suddenly having a big problem with nouns and names. “I keep forgetting,” she said the other day, “Someone’s name will be on the tip of my tongue and I can’t spit it out. Susie, it’s the same for, you know, things…stuff…like, what d’ya call it…yeah, the thing, you know the refrigerator – no I mean Blackberry. Yes, that’s it.” Nouns and names? That’s nothing compared to the struggle I’m having – with numbers. They keep changing on me. What was a zero has mysteriously morphed into a 6 and without any warning that 6 became a 10. I’m talking dress sizes. My dress sizes. When did they change the numbering system? Was I left off that email? It’s like the New Math all over again. I’m completely baffled. I know I wore that size 6 black cocktail dress at my sister-in-law’s birthday…oh…just last year. So why didn’t it fit a few weeks ago? Why did I feel like a shrink-wrapped sausage? And who stitched that double-digit 10 on the dress I wore to work today? What gives? My husband, ever so vigilant and considerate of my health, gently suggested the other day, with a little nervous laugh, whether my issues was with numbers or nachos? I can’t imagine what he was referring to. (What’s a little late-night snack while watching the news. A girl’s gotta eat.) Instead of a night course in math, I’m embracing another lesson plan: Canadian Living’s 6-week slim down. Now, 6, that’s a number I can handle, especially when it promises a solution to my problems. My problems? Well, granted, I’ve put on a few extra pounds, and I just don’t have that oomph in the morning these days. And, quite frankly, it’s been getting me down a bit. And that’s what this Slim Down program is going to help me with: smaller waist, fewer worries, more energy. It’s important to feel good about yourself and, of course, that often starts with looking good – in your own eyes. And here’s another number I’m loving: 5.

5 easy ways I’m going to start living healthier today! 1. Exercise – girls just want to have fun! No earnest drills for me. I’m choosing some cardio work-outs that are easy to follow and enjoyable. 2. Better screen time: Sure I’m going to watch my fave movies ( Cher was amazing in “ Moonstruck”) but I’m also going to pop a few video workouts into the DVD player from time to time. And I’m going to invite a girlfriend over to join me. 3. Nix the noodles and nachos – get more greens! I’m cutting back on carbs and starch and filling up my plate with more fruits and veggies. And this Warm Mixed Vegetable Salad will be the way to go: 4. Walk the talk: No one loves a kaffee klatch more than I do, but who says I can’t talk to my best girlfriends – and get a little walking in at the same time. Each Sunday my pal Donna and I are going to hit the walking paths near my house in west-end Toronto. Friendship, some laughs and a little gossip will make the exercise all the more enticing! 5. 100 and counting! Getting back to my problem with numbers, I’m going to tackle another one. I’m going to cut 100 calories in 10 different ways! You can too. Check out “How to trim 100 calories and effortlessly lose unwanted pounds. I’ll be updating along the way so please check in with me – I can’t wait to hear about your experiences, as well. I look forward to talking to you! The big reveal: In my next post, I'm going to post my after-holiday weight. Have you signed up for the 6-Week Slim-Down yet?