Can't believe how long it's been. Not sure what happened...certainly haven't felt that busy. (Okay, so I lie - I feel swamped in work. But I'm not sure why...except poor time management skills.) Did everyone enjoy Valentine's Day?
Beth: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!


And congrats on all the poundage down, wowsa! And on coming back into your old self. You're inspiring, as I know the weighed-down feeling with running, and energy, etc.
Maria: First, congrats on Chewbacca. (Chewie makes me think of gummies.

) I just love the addition to the family and the sci-fi naming tradition. Give Chewie a cuddle for me, post- vet visit. He sound just adorable, the way all kittens are!
Second, I just read
Wolf Hall, and in my Tudor historical fiction phase. I'm behind on "The Tudors" TV show, but it's in the queue.
Third, just like Beth, woo hoo for all the pounds lost & feeling better running. You're another one to follow (quite literally in some cases).

I'm jealous of your upcoming Princess and your post-race downtime! (How is Boston training going for DH? 16M is great, and I assume he's feeling good.)
Fourth, a transition to a new pastor...wow, that could be stressful and time intensive. But very cool that you'll get to know the new pastor so well, and help that person settle in!
Fifth, what a great Valentine's Day - you know, when it's a splurge and not an everyday thing...it's actually more special and memorable!
Vicky: So sorry to hear, definitely, about the Princess. I think you should try the Wine & Dine - although I know the night race messed with folks' schedule a bit. But you're not much of a morning person IIRC. I just love that you're making career plans and exploring different options - a whole new career/whole new you! I'm also very pleased to read you're giving yourself an appropriate amount of pampering. You deserve it!
I'm glad you saw
127 Hours, even if you had similar reactions. I felt light-headed during parts of it, a real visceral reaction. But I'm glad I saw it, are you? I need to go like
Night Vision. I have to see "The Kids are All Right," "The Fighter, and "The Social Network." Huh. Hadn't realized I'd missed "The Kids are All Right" until just now.
Sounds like you get to break in a new PT. I hope he's tough on you, as I know you like the challenge. Good eye candy can be motivating, though.
Jackie: I just love reading your progress with PT and everything. You sound happier in each progressive post, since I'm reading them in a series. How very cool that your PT is focused on your goals, AND that there's a local 8K for you to incorporate into your return to running. That's just great news! The stars are aligned! Good luck with your Garmin WALK (and maybe some jogging).
So funny that DD has so many cool options and it's hard to decide. The tyranny of choice. And the plan to run the full. Ah to be young and be able to complete & recover without training! (I'm sure she'll train- just going on her past runs.)
We must part ways on
True Grit. I loved it, and the original. I'm a fan of the Coen Brothers. It won't win Best Pic, but it deserved the nom. (I'm thinking
The King's Speech this year, but I have to see all the films first.)
Kim: I'm not following a diet per se, either. It made me so unhappy and stressed last year that I went in the other direction. (Okay, that wasn't solely the reason I gained weight, but I'm scapegoating.) So far, the weight is coming off slowly, but I'm not anxious about it. I just keep trying to make good (or less evil) choices a meal at a time.
How's the soda drinking coming along? Have you cut back? It sounds as if, overall, you're more conscientious. I'm so impressed with your ability not to gain weight on cruises. Vacations do me in.
We're in for the Goofy in 2012.
Tandy: Wow, so much big news! Congrats on enrolling in nursing school - that's a BIG life decision. So exciting! The math would do me in, but I know that you've got the focus to ace the tests, classes, etc!
I do have to say, that I admire your Feb. no sugar plan, even if it's a day by day thing. And your focus on a healthy you with the running, Zumba and lifestyle changes in general. And I think Harrison's own healthy life journey is just wonderful. He's deservedly proud of himself, and you too! Being aware of what he eats, of his own volition. Very cool! (And for the race plans, too.)
And good luck to Frank and SS with the Nutrisystem.
I loved
King's Speech, and was very surprised as my taste in movies is somewhat darker. Well worth a look. (Hidden post: Congrats to the Packers; and maybe the Steelers will see them at the big game next year.)
Very cool training plan, with the alternating between distance and speed. The variety must be good for you mentally, too. And yes! be proud of the running cred! Not to mention all your weight loss!
Jeanne: Welcome back - not that I'm here are regularly as I need to be. You had an extraordinarily busy and stressful year. Don't beat yourself up too much. You know One-derland is within your reach! Signing up for the Williamsburg half-marathon is a great way to jump up on that wagon!
AFM: Well, the weight loss is up and down. Valentine's Day set me back. I've lost a total of five pounds, I think, maybe six.
This weekend, I went for my LR outdoors. Fell in front of a car making a left into a parking lot. I didn't get hit, but I sent my iPod sprawling. Me, too. I have a bruise on my leg about the size of a baseball. Down to the muscle, too, so I'm sore. Ran yesterday, but it was slow & my gait was off. Not sure i should have done that. Oh, well, I'll be trying again Thursday.
DOOD and I sat down to discuss races and healthy living plans in Jan. Since I do all the cooking and we'd both gained weight, I gently tried to ask him about his goals. In denial, he is. He finally said he'd try to cut down on sweets - for his family history of diabetes. But I'm still making muffins and he's still making his daily stop at the local bakery - just sneaks it now. Stress, I think. In comparison I've a tale of success. Not that I'm competitive or anything.
Okay, that's my catch-up post. Whew. Now I have to head out for a little stroll. It's a nice day out so I want so outdoor time. My WO schedule was messed up today because of work, so I'm going to the gym tonight. That means I'm double dipping with a lunchtime walk - and not of the ice cream variety. I'd run, but I don't think that's smart today.