I’ve said for years that I’m going to write this column the night before press day so that when it comes 3 p.m. and the edit page is all that’s left, I only have to copy and paste for the page to be finished.

I never do it.

Instead, it’s 3 p.m. and I’m searching for a column topic. So, like most reporters, I hit the Internet for a little inspiration. It took a little scrolling for it to hit, but it did as soon as I read my horoscope for the day.

Now is the perfect time to start on a new project related to self-improvement –especially if it’s health-related. Go to the gym or buy a juicer or do whatever else you think might work out.

Get out! Really? Freaky.

I was just talking about that with our office manager, Jennifer Howard, only hours earlier.

With spring break staring me in the face, I realize that my New Year’s plan to lose a few pounds was a dismal failure. Not that it was a big surprise, but still. I have grand ambitions and do endeavor to do better. I’ve even lost 10 pounds since then, but it’s not enough for me to even contemplate trying on a swimsuit, let alone walking around in public in one.

I really do want to get into better shape. The wonderful people out at the YMCA assure me it’s possible. I enviously eye the people in workout clothes every afternoon when I pick up the children from the afterschool program. I’ve even thought about leaving the girls at play in the Y while I take in a Zumba class or something.

After much thought, I came up with a solution.

What I really need is a new friend to help me get beach ready, and I’m not talking about the pharmaceutical kind. I mean a real, live person – someone (or a group of someones) – who do something fun in the afternoons. I’m up for just about anything except for yoga. It’s been my experience that they don’t let you talk at yoga, and I can’t handle that.

Anyone out there? I have tennis shoes and workout pants.