I recently returned from a five-week road trip with Captain Commando, aka Vic Magruder.

He’s not named Captain Commando because he doesn’t wear underwear. His title has been bestowed because he is the rudest driver on the road – some of his friends know him as “Rude Boy.”

Two years ago, he purchased a new Corvette at Jet Chevrolet (support your local merchants). He has never been the same. Captain Commando has become Mr. Cool.

Perhaps you’ve seen him on 320th abruptly changing lanes without bothering to signal. When I’m with him, angry motorists flip me the bird as I wave, mouthing, “I’m sorry.”

Captain Commando can have a tailgate party without any food. It’s actually impressive the way he rides peoples’ bumpers on the freeway, forcing motorists to speed up or change lanes. The looks of horror on their faces still haunt me. I’ve been tempted to make a sign for the car saying, “Get out of the way. Captain Commando is on the road.” It could be a warning sign, like “wide load.”

Speaking of wide load, I found that traveling in a Corvette and eating in restaurants can lead to weight gain, especially since I thought every meal would be my last. I gained fifteen pounds in five weeks and graduated to the size extra large, an accomplishment for which I received no award.

I immediately returned to Weight Watchers and have already lost 10 pounds, according to Oprah’s scale. I feel so much better, and because this column is about “People and Places,” I want to thank my group leader, Debbie Hugo. She’s smart, funny and inspirational. Also, her assistant, Kami Brown is a treasure. We meet on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the shopping center by Trader Joe’s on 320th. If you prefer to party with state Rep. Linda Kochmar, she attends the Saturday morning class.

Have you seen her lately? I’m not a Republican, but I can say she looks great.

I also joined Jazzercise, located behind Red Lobster on 320th. I’m now a hip-hop dancer. My stomach muscles are becoming so tight that I’ll no longer have to wear Spanx. Ha ha, Kardashians. This class is so much fun. If you want to join me, I try to work out with Jena Krantz in her Dancemixx class on Mondays and Thursdays. Everyone is friendly and the owner, Kimberly DeMile, will do anything she can to help members be successful.

As a part of a quest to regain my health, I returned to Three Trees Yoga. I’m working on meditation and mindfulness with Janice Sack Ory, a gifted woman who keeps my spirit in line with wanting to go to Weight Watchers and Jazzercise as a kindness to myself.

Please know that no person or business in this column has paid me or even asked me to mention them. I am only reimbursed by the Mirror. I have written this with the hope that readers will understand that everything you need for fitness and well-being is right here in Federal Way. If you shop where you live you contribute to our tax base, which supports local parks and services.

For me, that’s very powerful. To belong.

As for Captain Commando, aka Rude Boy – but mostly Mr. Cool – at the age of 71, he can really drive a Corvette.

Contact Federal Way resident Judith Madden Magruder at judithmagruder@hotmail.com or 206-941-5977.