We're checking in to report a few developments in our life this week.  About a month ago, Jen was diagnosed with a rhomboid strain in her mid-back.  (For those of you who don't have a clue what I'm talking about, the rhomboids are a set of muscles that connect the inside edge of your shoulder blade to your spinal cord and help you pull things toward you when you stretch out your arms.)  So, since she's been injured, she can't lift the weights she wants so badly to get started on.  Also, she's been in physical therapy twice a week.  This Thursday, the therapists had her pushing and pulling a loaded sled-like cart, and instead of helping her back, she's hurt her legs.  Now, her thigh muscles are so sore, she can hardly stand and sit without pain.  They're stiff and tight, and it's painful to walk, go up and down stairs, and even stand up straight.  We're hoping that some light work on the elliptical machine will stretch out the muscles and get rid of the stiffness, so we're going to try that tomorrow.  In the meantime, I've been massaging her legs at night before we go to bed. 

 

In other news, I found out on Thursday that my sister is having a baby girl!  We knew she was due July 3rd, but we didn't know the gender until now!  So, this new baby will make the 5th grandchild, and the first girl!  This same sister has 2 older boys (8 & 6), and my other sister has 2 boys (2 1/2 & 2 months).  I can't wait to meet her!

 

Also this week, I interviewed for a new job.  It would be a regional HR position, and the salary would be significantly more than I'm currently making, so that would be a huge opportunity; not just for the better money, but for the job itself.  I've missed the "general" HR stuff; you can only learn so much about benefits!  : )

 

Another "Also this week", my best friend got engaged!  I'm very excited for her; he's a great guy and they're really good for each other.  So, now I have to start thinking about weddings!!  On one hand, I'm excited, and on the other, YIKES!! I have to fit into a dress?!  And look decent for her wedding pictures?!!  YIKES!!  Just three more reasons why I need to do this NOW, and make it stick!  I have big things coming down the road; new baby, new job, best friend's wedding....what next?!

 

I'm still trying to be very conscious of the food I'm eating and the choices I'm making.  I've gotten away from writing down everything I eat, and I can tell that keeping track is something that's really beneficial for me.  When I was writing things down, I was actually making progress, and I could gauge how many calories I had left in my "bank" for the day, so I was more honest.  Now, I don't know where I stand, so I just let things go.  That is proving to be my downfall these last 2 weeks.

 

Since we've started a new month, and Phil saw his shadow (yeah, I'm from PA) so we have 6 more weeks of winter, I'm ready to get moving for spring.  I love the warmer weather...I'll be watching for my tulips, daffodils, and crocuses to come up soon!  I wish I had more space to plant a big vegetable garden, but for now, my beatiful flowers will keep me smiling!  I can't wait! Once it warms up, I know Jen and I will start planning for our summer camping trips.  We try to go at least a few times every summer.  If you've never been camping, I encourage you to try it.  Just know that setting up a tent is hard work, and sharing a bathroom in the woods is not for the faint of heart!  We love it, though...it's so relaxing to sit by a fire and talk about your goals and dreams.  I'm looking forward to all of those things soon, and I'm hoping this year to get a bike to take with us.  I haven't been on a bike in years, and I'm hoping my butt will fit that bike seat this time around, too!! : ) 

 

So, we're still weighing in on Mondays; after this weekend's Super Bowl, I'm sure we'll have "interesting" numbers to post!