April 22 - Earth Day

Oh my what a busy week for me (new me not old me). I am delighted to help others in their research as I learn so much from the experience and get to meet interesting people (young and old). Unfortunately it requires travel time and focus time leaving me less energy for working out and dissertation writing. But the benefits are worth it and only one more week to go!

I did receive news that my IRB was accepted which helps me move forward on my pilot study. I also started piecing together what I have already written on my proposal from 2008 (yikes!) so that is comforting. Plus, a resource center is going to buy the materials I want to use in my control group so that saves me time planning and money which is always a bonus. Now it's back to the library to work as I know that not much gets done at home ;)

As for working out - I'll be back to the gym today and wonder if a week off will be noticeable. I've managed to maintain my walks each day and am thankful for that but want to keep going with the muscle training. I just can't stand to be this large - 25 extra pounds is too much and makes me uncomfortable. Some get angry that they got cancer ... I'm angry that it caused me to gain so much weight then left me with fewer tools (e.g., ovaries that produce hormones that help regulate metabolism and skin tautness) to manage. I know slow and steady is the road to take but I would REALLY like some instant gratification at this point!

I'm still doing well with putting healthy foods into my body - even when traveling more so this is good news. And my body continues to let me know if I make a poor choice (e.g., potato chips yesterday led to a bad stomach ache). You'd think with such a sensitive system I would lose weight easily but no ... easy enough to maintain your weight eating healthy foods!