Long time, no blogging

Well, it's been a couple of weeks since my last confession :) I am keeping on track. No salty snacks like chips, avoiding the dessert tray at work and finally getting out for a good walk most nights. It has been incredibly stressful at work the past two weeks. Without going into dry and boring detail, suffice to say, I'm glad those weeks are over! The only good news...on the most stressful day, when I thought my blood pressure would be through the roof - it was almost back to a normal rate! So, things are looking up :) I did discover a couple of things about blood pressure - One - lack of sleep can cause it to rise. Given the fact that I've always been a rather lousy sleeper and now it's worse, that is likely one factor. The other - I am almost constantly stuffed up - so, I will often pop a Claritin.. Guess what.. it can contribute to high blood pressure! So, I've stopped the Claritin and am trying to get more ZZZZZZ's. Tomorrow is my 6 week check up...REALLY, has it been that long already?? Here's hoping for some positive news :) The weekend was positively delightful. There is finally enough snow to go snowshoeing which I truly love to do. We have more than 135 acres to tramp about - most of which is not assessible during the summer since it's dense bush so it's a joy to see our land during the winter. There are wolves, deer, porcupines, and more rabbits than you can imagine all living in the bush around our house. An amazing ecosystem to be sure. Tonight was my yoga class. I must say, I'm getting better at the moves and I am surprising myself. My crappy balance is starting to improve and I am more flexible than when I started. I have to say, that the small steps I've taken seem to be working so far...Onward and upward!!

a glorious evening

It was an amazing night for a walk on the wildside. The temperature was pleasant -4C, with no wind and 3/4 moon shining. I set out with Cricket for our evening jaunt. This time, I improvised a 'hands free' leash and was able to use my skipoles as well. It was truly a beautiful walk - invigorating since I was walking more quickly because I wasn't holding a leash. Not once did I put on my headlamp - the moon was bright enough to allow for walking with ease. It was amazingly quiet as well. Last night, the wolves were howling when we walked - tonight - total silence. I didn't even hear the sounds from the highway (while over 1 km from our home it can be loud depending on weather conditions) The walk is just under 3 km. with a terrain that is more uphill on the return. I timed myself - and was pleased that I walked it in 14 minutes. My goal is to walk that distance in 10 minutes before my next doctor's appt. in 3 weeks. Given the fact that I was walking in rather icy conditions, I am confident that the 10 minute return is feasible. Tomorrow is supposed to be a nice day...maybe I'll take time for a much longer walk since snowshoeing is out of the picture right now - not enough snow! :(

moderation is the key

I can live with moderation. It means I get to have most of the things I like without feeling deprived but control the portions. Walking has finally become easier now that we've got some snow covering all the darn ice! It also helps that the days are getting longer. Somehow, walking in the dark at 7:00 pm, doesn't seem as black as it did a couple of weeks ago. I still need a good headlamp, and I still need to watch for the neighbourhood crazy drivers but that's okay. It's been an easy winter for the deer in the area. I'm seeing lots of tracks. Over the past few days, there have been 4 beautifully healthy deer wandering in my fields. My neighbour, Su, did warn me that there are at least 3 large timber wolves in the area too. I haven't come across their tracks yet, but they may be staying closer to the bush rather than on the road. I have to say, I'm feeling better. My energy has come back...I have no idea why I was feeling sluggish, except for the winter doldrums. Of course, it does help that my gardening catalogues have arrived. There's nothing like flipping through page after page of gorgeous flowers to make you feel better. :) I still haven't started the food diary. However, I also haven't touched the dessert tray at lunchtime. My coffee is now more decaffinated which hasn't proved to be a problem. I'm seeing the family doctor tomorrow..so here's hoping my BP is lower again.....