It would be good to think about how broad the step is and the rise. I think you can do that and still stay in some kind of standard dimensions that people relate to. What I think--but I may be wrong--is that if it is a step you are going to go up and down many times, do not make it too narrow, so that you have to put your foot sideways-ish. I'm also wondering (someone can shoot me down here) if there are different principles for steps in which you just take one step down and then hit the yard and stride on. I'm thinking you can use a broader step in that situation 'cause you (if you have eyesight) will start lengthening your stride a bit, as opposed to how you negotiate a flight of stairs, plus you aren't as limited spatially as you are for typical flights. But, the stair engineers on the forum will be of more help.

contrary to awm 03 comment, cycling does use abdominals quite extensively although it does depend on what type of cycling you are doing, I am currently a A graded racer with a elite racing licence, in the upper echelons of the domestic cycling scene, my coach prescribes intensive exercises focused on my abdominal muscles this can help in climbing, sprinting and also TT as having strong abdominal muscles is crucial to maintain a comfortable yet aerodynamic position for extended periods of time.

I have many workout tapes. I'm currently doing The Firm with the Fanny Lifter (a killer). I get all my videos thru CollageVideo.com. I like it because the staff reviews them and they're marked with "Staff Favorites" (which I have found to be reliable), as well as posting reviews of actual people who have purchased and used them. I like TammiLee Webb "I Want Those Arms", "I Want Those Abs" and "I Want Those Buns". I also have Denise Austin Shortcuts and alternate those in. Winsor Pilates I'm having a hard time with...I'm not sure I like them. My problem is no matter how much I like a tape, I get bored easily so that's why I have so many so I can keep switching around.

Like bumblebeez, I was doing a lot of cooking for the family by the time I was 12, but I'd spent my whole life cooking with Grandma, so I was familiar with foods, preparation and techniques. If this 12 year old has spent no time in the kitchen, she'll be starting from scratch, but is plenty old enough to be very competent in the kitchen. Poor kid, I do hope she likes to cook, or learns to like it and feels that it's a help. OK, so meals. I agree with the meatloaf, that's a good start and the same mixture can be used for meatballs, which can be baked in the oven. A crockpot is a really good idea too, so things can be prepared ahead and can cook all day while the kids are at school and Dad is at work. Pulled pork in the crockpot is easy, and I've used that recipe that calls for root beer, a kid might like to try that. Add BBQ sauce or not, depending on the family's tastes. Other good crockpot recipes are Ginger's french dip sandwiches and Amanda uses hers for pork roast and makes an enchilada type casserole with layers of beans and tortillas with cheese and sauce. I also use those ziplock microwave bags for vegetables sometimes, they are good for asparagus with a little sesame oil and Mother always uses them for broccoli, fast and simple. A roast chicken is pretty basic and there's a "no peek stew" recipe hanging around here somewhere. My girls liked to make "coke chicken", a recipe from the Girl Scouts. Scrub and quarter red potatoes, add some baby carrots and layer chicken pieces on top. Mix half and half cola and catsup, pour over top, cover and bake for an hour and a half at 350. The coke and catsup makes a sweet BBQ type sauce that the kids just loved and they'd fight over the last potatoes in that sauce. There are some very simple macaroni and cheese recipes available and most kids like that, or spaghetti with a canned sauce and some of those meatballs. The dreaded tuna noodle casserole is another thing that many kids like and it's relatively simple. Teaching her to make soup from leftovers is a good idea, or any kind of leftover usage. She could bake a ham, then make scalloped potatoes with ham or a ham loaf, then use the bone in a pot of beans. The roast chicken could later become chicken pot pie or chicken noodle soup. Pizza goes without saying, and even Makayla makes "pizza" from English muffins, pizza sauce, pepperoni and cheese. Poor baby, I feel so badly for her. You're a good uncle to take this on and she'll appreciate the help. You'll be creating a good memory for this child and she'll love you for it. Annie