Keep working the system...

I can't believe that we are almost into April.

Just a few weeks ago, (well it felt that way) I thought that January was dragging!!!!

I know the shortest day of the year is in December, but I swear the days continued to get shorter. J and B would head to the bus stop in the dark...and by 4:30, it was dark again.

My boys helping clear the snow off cars, and shovel the driveway.

It also seemed colder, with no January thaw this year. Then again, we didn't get a whole lot of snow to start, with snow storms missing us to the north, and south.

It was definitely cold, several nights below zero, and only bright sunshine to make it look warmer than it was.

Then shortest month of the year came in like a Lion! Finally getting some snow, but as usual in New England, it followed up with ice, or worse, rain. And then a deep freeze, so more ice.

March seems to have followed suit, with a nice snow/ice storm to start the month. But now, we are wrapping up winter. Daylight savings has come, with more sunlight, longer days, and warmth--at least a little bit. And, the first day of Spring has arrived too.

So, an update on me...not the weather, because you can look outside and see that, as well as have lived through it.

I am now 3 months into this new way of life. I say that instead of experiment, because I feel like I am making changes in my behavior that will last longer than this program.

At least that is how I feel at the moment.

And, it doesn't hurt that I have see some weight loss.

Now it isn't "ozempic" type loss, but it is a more healthy type. 1 -2 pounds a week.

And I am keeping track of what I eat...and really paying attention to what goes in my mouth.

Salads aren't as bad as I thought.

I haven't cut out every single thing, and I sure as heck not eating sprouts and kale, but I am finding that my snacking is less, and the 1000 calorie Chipotle burrito bowls are no longer my weekly (or daily) lunch.

Not because I no longer hate Chipotle...no, it is because I am realizing that I need to be a little more mindful of what I put in my mouth.

A salad with a smaller portions of the main meal, actually tastes pretty good.

It may help that I send my daily food log to my friends who are doing this with me, and have become my cheerleaders.

Now, not everything is going to plan.

My goal to ride 3 times a week isn't really happening, but I am getting on the bike occasionally. I've also taken a couple of runs with my running friends!

I may not have gotten all my steps in as part of the program, but overall, things are moving, and that's all I can ask for.

I know that as the weather starts to change, and it becomes lighter out for longer, and a little warmer, I'll get out even more. Walks at lunch time, and meet ups with the running girls for little jaunts with them.

One thing that I have been doing fairly well, is my stength workouts. My PT Doc opened a new location closer to home, and has been offering "open gym" opportunities. This is an opportunity for me to come on down and use their weight equipment--stuff I don't have at home, as well as heavier weights.

One thing I have learned over the past couple of years is that as I go through peri-menopause and beyond, I need to "lift heavy" in order to keep my bones strong, and not loose muscle. Hormones play a huge role, and as they go down, so does the muscle, and bone density.

And the weight goes up. Not a good combo.

I'm getting there twice a week lately. Saturdays are a good time for me (for now), and I have made it most weeks. During the week, their time, and my availability hasn't quite lined up, but when it has, I have taken advantage of it.

The other nice thing is that the multiple activities the boys were in are wrapping up. I'm not playing bus driver every night, taking one kid here, and the other kid there...sometimes at the same time, or back to back. Our routine has gotten less crazy.

And, it did make my head spin...which also isn't great for my journey. Stress and snacking in the car are big no-nos. The stress part I can't always control. But the snacking I can, picking better options than fast food, donuts and candy bars.

Remarkably, even the chocolate chip cookies I made 2 weeks ago aren't all gone...yet. Is it because I'm not eating them all? Maybe.

No matter what, I am committed to seeing this thing through until June, and if I stick with it, I will have lost 25 pounds hopefully, and made some significant lifestyle choices that will stick.

Three months down...and still going strong. And hows' the weight loss? I'm down about 13 pounds at this writing.

Almost 1/2 way to my goal.

The clothes are starting to feel a little looser, and my body doesn't hurt quite so much.

And the other girl stuff??? Well, my recent visit to the OB/GYN has given me more options. I'm starting some very low dose hormones to hopefully get this peri-menopause under control. I'm still having hot flashes, but I am sleeping a little better, and more importantly, I don't fell like killing anyone all the time.

When you are on the road as much as I am for work, road rage for no reason is not a good thing to have.

All these positive changes are really helping my attitude along with the hormones.

I'm really looking forward to getting back on my bike--outside--now that the snow is finally all gone, and the roads are not a covered in dirt and salt. The Natchaug Epic gravel event this weekend will be a no go for me. I really wanted to do it again, but I am not in any shape to do it.

Riding your bike a couple of times prior to something crazy is not wise. They don't call it "Epic" for no reason. Even the 35 mile route that I signed up for should not be taken lightly.

But don't worry...there is always next year.

Meanwhile, the "Biker Gang" from our Erie Canal ride is contemplating new and crazy things to try. They have signed up for the New England 10 miler series. Three, 10-mile running races in Portland, Maine; Newport, Rhode Island, and the last race in Stowe, Vermont.

I've done this series before, and did very well. But that was 7 years, and 35 pounds ago. I will go cheer them on, and celebrate their achievement. And, we will talk about the next crazy thing.

I'm still hoping for the Great Allegheny Passage / C&O Trail from Pittsburgh to Washington DC.

But, we've also talked about backpacking or riding in Michigan, which I would love.

My friends have not been to Michigan, and I would love to show them just how awesome my home state is.

It is so much better than New England--in my opinion.

Fingers crossed.

In the meantime, I'll just keep working the system, and watch things work out.

And if all goes well, when I check in next time, I will have an even better report to give.