Catching up

Greetings!

I gave myself the summer of Weight Watchers. I tracked every day and exercised also on most days, but I went over on points. I did gain a few pounds that I am now working to release (as WW says). I enjoyed summer and having a good break. I never went crazy with eating. I took some time off of work for the whole month of August that led to different eating patterns, including more points. I know what I need to do and am working on it.

Back to the August thing: my blog is not just about weight loss and getting fit-it is also about well-being. Taking that month of august off of work was really important for my well-being. The work of an academic, like almost any profession, never stops-especially with email and research obligations. I was able to stay electronic free for most of the month, including reading a wonderful selection of books from the Bill Gates summer reading list and also some recommendations from one of my grandbabies. My favorites were Hill Billy Elegy by J. D. Vance City of Embers by Jeanne Du Prau. I began this academic year refreshed and ready to meet my new students. 

I also rediscovered my love of the mountains and hiking. My hubby and I spent almost two weeks in Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. Combined we hiked about 40 miles. Enjoy a few pictures!

More soon, Michele

Time to re-tune

Greetings!

I fell off the wagon these past few weeks. I have continued to track my food and exercise, which is good. But, I have gone over my Weight Watcher points many times, which has resulted in a few pounds gained. Fourth of July holiday, birthdays and other events are now in the past. I am committed to working further on my health. Stay tuned. Michele

PS: Picking strawberries with some of my favorite people!

50 Pounds of Bird Seed!

I went to the Grainery today to pick up some black oiled sunflower seeds for our bird feeders.  I had help getting the bag into my car, but once I got home, I was on my own.  I lugged that bag out of my car and up the steps.  It was not easy. That bag is a symbol of the weight that I have lost and the toll that extra weight had on my joints and body.  I carried it all around, day in and day out for years.  What a heavy and unnecessary load. It took me a long time to put my health first and develop healthy habits. Too long. That bag of seed is an inspirational reminder as to how far I have come.

May!

Hello All,

It is my favorite month of the year! I love May. Spring blooms, bird migrations and welcoming back our state insect the monarch butterfly.

I have lost a total of 11 pounds on Weight Watchers. Actually, I need to report that I lost those 11 pounds within my first two and a half months (by the end of March). Starting in March, I attended two out of state conferences and then caught a bout of influenza, thus I sort of lost my momentum in April. I still kept up tracking all of my food and most days exercised so I have maintained my loss, which is a win.

We finally have warm weather in Minnesota. I have been out almost every morning in the past two weeks before work on a bike ride. I did a 21 miler on Wednesday and another 12 today. I hope to get in a 30-40-mile ride next week as I begin to prepare for the our de Cure.

Some beautiful pictures from our own Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. I had a celebratory long stroll there after learning I was promoted to full professor at my institution.