One of the perks of being editor is that I had first bid at living in the apartment above our newsroom. I don’t have to walk but 10 feet to work when it’s frigid and I’ll surely save some money on gas. But living so close to my office could be a bad thing during the winter because it doesn’t require much walking, an essential part of daily exercise.

I gained about 25 pounds in my first North Dakota winter because it was easier to stay put then face the stinging wind and have to warm my car before driving to the YMCA. I was living with a fellow bachelor – Minot Daily News sports editor Daniel Allar – and without the sturdy oversight from health-conscience girlfriends living out of state, we made a lot of food. And it wasn’t always loaded with the nutrients.

A favorite was a variation of the Elvis burger. We’d hollow out a quarter-pound of ground beef each and fill it in with shredded cheese mix. On the side, bacon was sizzling and peanut butter was smeared on the hamburger buns.

This sometimes happened more than once in a week. The loads of chicken alfredo pasta didn’t help nor did the occasional oatmeal stout for dessert. At least we weren’t just sticking something in the microwave. Luckily, I buckled down in the summer and eliminated red meat for a while, got outside more and lost the weight.

Winter No. 2 in North Dakota is closing in and I’m vowing to be more active. The challenge has already begun thanks to the proximity of Rockin’ Relics and Third Street Station. If you haven’t had the sandwiches and burgers from these two establishments, you’re missing out.

I had a grilled chicken bacon ranch sandwich on a pretzel bun at Third Street shortly before writing this column. The day before it was turkey and cheese panini at Rockin’ Relics. Not that these are entirely unhealthy, but I know what happens when lunch becomes an eating-out-every-day deal.

Exercise is probably just as important and I’m looking forward to playing basketball when open gym starts. Boys basketball coach Mike Santjer has been warned that I’m not likely to add much skill to the pickup games, but I’m ready to lace ’em up and hoist up some bricks.

Readers, please let me know about other fun recreation opportunities in Rugby and Pierce County because I’m looking forward to a healthy and fun winter.