Happy New Year, final Hot 100 Update

Happy New Year!  As an optimist, I always love that clean slate, full-of-promise feeling that comes with a brand new year.  I have not made resolutions or goals set down on paper yet, but this, for sure, is going to be the year I reach and stay at my goal weight (and maybe work on the procrastination issue!).  Last year had some ups and downs, but I weigh 20 pounds less today than I did one year ago.  That's progress.

After my gym workout on Thursday night, I swam.  I was able to add one more lap (both ways!) to my workout.  Yay.  Swimming does NOT come naturally to me.  I had a shoulder injury more than 10 years ago and think that some of the aches I've had recently are probably due to the swimming motions that involve that shoulder.  I'm taking it easy and a little bit at a time.  I was pleased to win a "sneak-race" with the man in the next lane.  [Sneak Race = spotting and racing someone who doesn't know s/he is in the race.]

J, trying to hold both his and E's new balls.  Note E's French braids.

We had the kids over last night so that the grands could open gifts.  Yes, yes, this is the Xmas I'm really behind.  They loved it anyway, perhaps moreso in spreading out the presents over a longer time.  Little J's favorites were a ball and a sweater with a big red fire engine on the front.  E loved her pink sweater with hearts and her new snow boots that light up when she steps.

For dinner I made an old fashioned roasted chicken (5 lb chicken, rub w/ olive oil & salt & pepper, roast in 500 degree oven for 1 hour--perfect every time), mashed potatoes, peas & corn, and, my new favorite, baked apples  (I've made these EVERY day since we returned).  We ended up not having dessert because the kids were very anxious to open their presents.  I confess, DH & I had WW latte bars after they left.

Capital Crescent Trail

Today DH and I are going to go on a long bikeride on the Crescent Trail.  Our temps are getting up to the mid 50s and we wanted to start the year off right and get some mileage in, too.

I'm back in the saddle with the new WW PointsPlus program.  A few small veerings off-course, but I just track them and use my generous allotment of weekly points.  Interestingly, my WW leader said that during her 2 month long trial of this program, before it was presented to us, she NEVER gave back any of her alloted points and still lost 4 pounds.  (remember, she was already at her goal weight).

My Hot 100 Update:  I did not reach my goal weight by today, but I am content that I did the best I could under trying circumstances.  I did firmly establish the 6/7 workouts per week plan--this feels just right to me.  Also, I think I have the chocolate under control. One ounce of dark chocolate per day, and I seem to be able to keep the remainder in the cupboard until it's needed.  Yay.  Thank you Steve for organizing this and keeping me accountable over the past few months.  I'll be back next year with a maintenance goal.

New thought.  Does anyone here have a Kindle?  I'm considering getting one.  We gave our daughter, Laura, one for Christmas.  I didn't realize it played games (scrabble, etc) until recently.  The other option is an iPad.  Ideas?  Comments?

Have a great day and a Very Happy New Year.

(my little bike rider next to my signature is from Andrew and is used with his blessing--thanks, Andrew)