Thursday, January 26, 2017

It's an update!

It's been a little while since I've written anything, and so I thought those playing along at home might want to catch up on some of the news of what's what with me.  And if you don't want to know/ aren't at all interested, well, then, you can move along and I'll never know!  What's more, I shall remain un-offended!  Hey, these days, that's a minor miracle, it seems!

So, a bit about health:  This last year has been challenging.  It's been just about a year of bike commuting for me, which offers some very interesting benefits and challenges.  On the whole, the benefits outweigh the challenges, and I am happy with my chosen method of commuting.  I get to find time to ride most every day, now, save for those days when it really is just too cold and nasty outside and not worth the risk of serious illness or death/dismemberment.  Icy roads = bad things.  Luckily, the bus line is easily accessible, and offers it's own set of unique rewards.

I tossed my back out early last summer, and it took a surprising amount of time to recover.  During that time, I simply took it easy, not working out too hard, etc.  In fact, where I was doing yoga every day, I stopped altogether.  It took a long time for my muscles to get back to where I wanted them to be, and I tried pushing that envelope a time or two, but finally, I think I am back to par....if you don't count the fact that I tried yoga the other day and find myself in sore lack or stretching ability now....*sigh* it's never done.

I did meet one important goal, and closed a chapter on it: I hit my weight loss goal!!  This has been a long and tedious process, and started when I weighed 265 lbs.  The goal was 200, and I managed to get down to 198!!  With not working out other than my commute and a few pushups here and there, I am sitting nicely at 207 right now, which is entirely fine for the winter hibernation months.  No shame here.  Will I try and lose more?  Likely not.  Now, the focus remains on getting what I have into better shape.  If there's a little weight loss involved in that, so be it, but there just isn't too much to lose anymore.  This year, there is one goal:  to be "that guy" who says, "I'm 40 years old, and in the best shape of my life!  Thanks Bowflex!"  Only, of course, I will leave off the "Thanks, Bowflex" part - nope, it will be supplanted with, "Because I worked my ass off!"  It's both figuratively and literally true!  I used to have an 18.5" neck, 44-inch waist, wore a size 52 jacket, a size 14 ring, and an XXL t-shirt fit snugly, I am now with a 16.5" neck, 32-34-inch waist, I swim in a size 46 jacket, a size 11.5 ring, and wear a size L (and maybe even a Medium in some) t-shirt.  Yeah, it's been a heck of a ride!

I've been doing more woodworking, and looking to get to some greater heights this year than I have before.  A few pitfalls, a few successes, a few great ideas, and some not-so-great ideas have all been mine, and I look forward to more of them all.  In fact, there will be some changes coming soon, so be on the lookout, those of you who know where to look!!!!

Life is good, and I'm pleased, on the whole.  It was a pretty up-and-down year, but the ups far outweigh the downs, and I'm looking forward to an even better year this year.  Plans include my second year of the gardening, many more miles on the bike, and I have a few ideas for the workshop that I am really excited about!  It should be a great year, and I'm looking forward to it!

So, as always,
thanks for reading!!!

Me

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