No, this isn't a picture from this year - a previous year's bluebonnet. However, our area is getting closer and closer to spring and the wildflowers. The allergy wheel has turned and cedar pollen is gone for this year. Now we have oak and elm and ash and the ever-present mold spores - the first three are in 'high' amounts and the mold is 'medium'. Yes, I live in the land of 50 million allergists - because they are needed. I have sensitivity to ragweed and cedar and not the spring pollen and that means that walking outside can be back on my calendar.
As I've been listening the last week or so to the last two books in J.D. Robb's Eve Dallas series, it has reminded me of my time of building up my walking strength a couple of years ago. I listened to the whole series as a treat to myself to keep myself 'in the game' and 'on target'. I walked and walked and walked and definitely got stronger. It helped with my weight loss. I've hit a bit of a plateau in that regard - well, more than a bit. I still have goals for movement and weight loss - I'm not quite to the end. Or rather the 'maintenance' spot. I've seen great improvements in health, but I want a bit more. Therefore, I've been looking around for new ways to challenge myself in gaining strength and fitness. I've found some things I want to try and I also intend to refocus like I did in the beginning. Spring is coming and we have a few trips planned for this year. Many of them will be to places that I'll hike and walk trails and I want to be ready and comfortable.
So, I'll be scaling back a little in the blog and reading side of things. Not stopping or even taking an official break right now, though I have a few breaks planned for later in the year. However, don't worry if you don't see as many posts or comments from me. As one of my WW friends puts it - 'I'll see you outside!'.
Take care and hope your spring is soon on the way too!
I'm so impressed by how you've stuck to your plan to get fitter! I'm great at starting but not so great at keeping it up. Enjoy your hiking!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Honestly, this is the first time I've ever come so far in both the weight loss and fitness quest. I refuse to stop now. LOL
DeleteMother Nature has been teasing us all winter - we'll get a few days of spring and then head right back to winter. We're having a horrible thunderstorm right now.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think you're probably just on the edge of the change, Kathy. Hope so anyway.
DeleteIt's always a challenge for me this time of year to move more. It sounds like you've got a great plan.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Monica. I hope so - no, I know so. Ha!
DeleteI hope you've fun with your hiking trips, Kay; and that spring will arrive quickly.
ReplyDeleteIt's coming - spring I mean. It's almost here. LOL
DeleteI think I mentioned in a post about the program I am on. It was offered to me through Kaiser but it's been good for me. It has set new habits but the rate of loss is super slow but cushioned between real changes so I am happy. I have plateaued though for over a month. I am just sticking to it but I was so close on Monday to breaking it and then the next day ate a little too much sodium and now I am up again. I knew the salt would do me in but I still ate it so more habits need to be dropped apparently. I'm sure you will hit your goals. Focusing on the health part is new for me. I usually crash and burn by losing it quickly only to gain double back.
ReplyDeleteTi, what you said about losing and then gaining back double. That's been my experience my whole life. I'm refusing to have that be my experience any more. That being said, I've learned that if I truly mean for this to be a lifestyle for the rest of my days, patience is needed. And a little grace and forgiveness. Sounds like another kind of 'lifestyle', right? LOL
DeleteWell done for restating your goals and looking for new challenges - you've done incredibly well!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words, Cleo. I will continue my quest and continue to take baby steps forward. :-)
DeleteEnjoy your spring, Kay. It's on the way here, we have daffs in flower in the garden and they're a joy to see.
ReplyDeleteIf bet they are a joy to see, Cath. Flowers certainly herald spring no matter where we are.
DeleteCath, as you probably know, I live in the wrong country.
DeleteWe're having unseasonably cold and wet weather here in the Phoenix area. It's a little crazy! I love it when it's like this, so hopefully Spring (which is really more like summer) holds off for a little while. The moisture should help everything bloom beautifully when the time does come.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with all your goals!
Thanks, Susan! And I had noticed that you guys are getting a lot of rain. Bet the desert will be beautiful.
DeleteI will be happy when it's truly spring and we can get outside and get walking and hiking, too! Good luck with everything, Kay!
ReplyDeleteYes, Angela, I look forward to reading more about your hiking adventures.
DeleteYou are such a decisive person. That serves you well. Good luck with your non-book goals.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Deb. I don't think I've always been a decisive person about many things. However, these days some decisions seem easier or maybe it's just that I'm older. Ha!
DeleteWhatever you do, you have a fan in me, dear Kay. Love you, long-time friend.
ReplyDeleteRight back at you, Nan. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I get as much joy from the physical effort as I do from the reading - well, almost. Ha!
DeleteIt sounds like you have a great plan for making changes. I'm in the midst of doing some of that myself with weight, exercising and a bit less on my blog. Although, like you, not an official break. Good luck with your goals.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Yvonne! Good luck to you as well. It's not easy, is it?
DeleteI can't wait until I get outside again. We had an ice storm earlier this week and now it's melting -- wet, slushy, and icky outside.
ReplyDeleteI bet you are ready for some nicer weather. Soon, hopefully.
DeleteSpring is always a motivating force for me that provides positive energy. Enjoy your time outdoors and hopefully many, many more recorded books!
ReplyDeleteThat's the plan. And I agree that spring always seems to mean renewal.
DeleteI'm on allergy shots and have ragweed and elm included in the serum and it does help but I still have to take Allegra and Benadryl on a regular basis. Your slowing down on online life and spending more time outside plan sounds lovely!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I just have to be a little bit tough on myself to keep my goals in mind. I've spent a lot of my life ignoring things that I knew were best for my health. Not any more. Thanks for the kind words, Katherine.
DeleteI keep telling myself I will get back into exercising regularly, but it has not happened yet. Honestly, I haven't been motivated to do much of anything beyond what has to be done. I feel like I'm always being pulled in this or that direction . . . I think it's mostly that feeling of being overwhelmed. I need to focus on doing one thing at a time and stop thinking of EVERYTHING I need to do.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I am looking forward to spring and warmer weather. I have loved all the rain we are getting, but not so much our recent cold snap.
I hope you have a wonderful week, Kay.
Wendy, I do understand what you are saying. You are at such a busy time of life - Mouse and her activities, full-time job, family stuff, and husband and just routine living. I remember those days. You just take care of yourself and I hope for a peaceful mind for you. It's tough to try to keep up with all the musts. Baby steps are what we say at our WW meetings. Baby steps. Big hugs to you.
DeleteWe've just got snow and more snow. No spring in sight.
ReplyDeleteIt's coming, Lark, eventually, right?
DeleteWhen I drove up to Waxahachie on Friday I saw bluebonnets on I-35. Couldn't believe it! Doesn't it seem a bit early? Well, it was so excited to see them and think that Spring is near. I need to make sure and get outdoors before it gets too hot. Once we start hitting 90, that's it, I'm huddled inside where there is AC! haha...
ReplyDelete