My life in State College: Weight lifted

Literally, weight is gone. No, like it's actually gone. I have lost 12 pounds since about March 29th, as of about ten days ago. So I'm back into my old size and dipping below it too, very exciting. I have become very accustomed to eating smaller portions and trading in calorie-heavy beers for rum and diets. That part was probably hardest - I love beer. And light beer isn't the same.

As we move into June, I'll be transitioning back to a caloric intake that will cause weight maintenance (not weight loss, or gain :P ) and will try to keep in mind what I've learned about nutrition and fitness these past 2 months...it has been VERY informative!!

In terms of fitness, I have actually been weightlifting, specifically arm weights. As a result, I'm sure I've gained a bit of upper body strength. Plus, I've been doing a lot of jogging. I hope to run a 10K in September if possible - that is the goal. I think it won't be hard to meet since I can run a 5K on any given regular jogging day. I'll try to work it up to 6-7 a few days here and there to get the longevity practice. Speed is not so much a goal of mine for a 10K - though I've improved my 5K speed quite a bit. But a 10K with one great 5K time and a second decent 5K time is more what I'm aiming for.

I mentioned once in this blog that I'd been facing some minor health issues. Those have also been going fairly well since a recent procedure, and a follow up appointment next week will be even more informative. Hoping for the best and that the "weight" of the recent months can be lifted there as well. Nothing like being overly proactive - at least I haven't been stressed out almost at all.

This is me, signing off, from Toronto (visiting home this weekend)...bring it, summer!

-J

My life in State College: Jon Stewart

Whoever is reading this...pleeease check out Jon Stewart being HILARIOUS as usual!

He is so good at revealing FOX news' hypocrisies. Over and over again.

Brilliant, Jon.

My life in State College: Health and habits

Dear May,
So far...I have a love/hate relationship with you.
Love, Janice

Let's get the bad news out of the way. So far, there's been:

• a disconcerting doctor's appointment with referral visit coming up at the hospital (not going to report more details on this, but I'm nervous for the follow-up and hope for the best, of course)
• me falling a bit behind with work
• me fretting about jobs applying next fall
• Canadian election fail

OK! Grand. These things all happen. But of course, I'm not going to be fully negative...there were interesting things too:

•  Osama Bin Laden news. I've kept fairly quiet on this. I think the Navy SEALs are incredible because they are insanely trained. I've discovered that I don't necessarily have a problem with the way this mission was done - it seems as though these people (with Obama at the helm) operated as best they could in those moments, though we probably will never know. I understand the need for great concern on this complicated situation. Yet, there is no doubt in my mind that the person responsible for the premeditated and heinous acts of 9/11 should not be simply left to go free. An indictment/capture and arrest is, naturally, a wonderfully ideal way for things to go. But this would not mean a more appropriate outcome. If it would have happened smoothly, quickly and in a "fair" manner (whatever that means to the people running the show), then great. But, I have a hunch that such a situation may have made things even more dangerous for the world. Where would such a man be tried? Who would run it? For how long? Who would pay for it? Would anyone ever agree with the verdict? Who is deciding what is fair? What would the extremist reactions be? There is also major complication in that path as well - no simple answers. Besides. It needs to be said. After such a cruel attack on your own soil especially if people you knew/loved perished horrifyingly because of it...the negotiation of getting justice is a TOUGH situation for Americans to work through - the government and its citizenry. It's really easy to criticize from the outside. But I'd really like any country to try to become the world superpower without making mistakes (1. US in the early 80's supporting Taliban in Afghanistan to keep the Russians out, seemed like a positive and moral move at the time) and then dealing with the consequences of those peoples' hatred of you (2. Taliban and also Al Qaeda not happy with USA, taking action) and get justice somehow for the murder of so many completely innocent people. What I'm saying here is: those who don't live in it, don't know it. That goes for both sides. What I DO have a problem with is the rampant celebrating we saw afterwards, even in my town. Humility over prideful arrogant patriotism, every time.
• One thing I have realized from all this? NEVER could I EVER be the head of any country. Not that I wanted to before...but you make decisions that change everything for individuals, groups, etc. That is far too much of a responsibility for my liking.

ANYWAY....plus, let's see - some generally awesome things:

• spring has more willingly been showing itself since Easter weekend
• I got to go home for Easter and had a great time
• my cat is still awesome
• family and friends are awesomely supportive
• our semester has basically ended and undergrads will make their mass exodus from State College towards the end of this week (YES)
• summer plans...family weekend in June at the trailer, friend's wedding in early July, general bridesmaids plans for my friends two weddings, and biggest bestest - Marburg Americans (and one Brit:) descending on Pennsylvania in early July!

Anyway, back to work. Plugging away !

-J

My life in State College: Visits

This week was really boring. But the weekend proved somewhat eventful.

First, midweek I got sick again. Or, my sore throat just returned in the form of a sniffly nose and cough after a 4 day hiatus. Who knows.

Thursday, I started looking after my advisor's dog, Cheyanne. Sweet girl. 3 walks and 2 meals a day for a very sweet and calm pup - the thrice daily doggy visits had begun.

Friday, I went on a run even though I was still coughing a bit. Shockingly, I was finally able to do a ten-minute mile....twice! Yay, I ran at 6.0 for 20 minutes and I was so happy about it. Tired me out but it was worth it. Later on, I went out with some APLNG people to celebrate Tom passing his candidacy. Spider Kelly graced the Dark Horse stage, and while it was fun, I was still just a bit too tired from my cold to fully enjoy it...so I left a bit early. Loved the visits with the APLNG folks though!

Saturday, I was still a bit groggy so I slept in...but later that evening I headed over to my friend Nick's (another friend Cari joined in) to watch the whole first season of The Walking Dead. Visiting friends with the goal of watching zombies? YES! If you aren't into zombies who cares, this show is awesome...artful, creative, and the plot is so good you just FEEL for those characters. We watched it all, chatted and then I went out to go home and realized that my car had been towed :( Stupid State College towing cars all over the place. OK, OK fine, I figured worse things can happen. Cari kindly took me to walk the dog before bedtime, and dropped me off at home. Found out my car was at a tow lot a 5 minute walk from my house...which somehow made me a lot happier.

The next morning, I woke up, weighed myself after 5 days of not doing so and found out that I have now lost 5 lbs! halfway to my goal and I am quite excited! Walked to get my car and soon enough I was $105 poorer. Still, at least I had my car. That afternoon I set out for Huntingdon, PA to visit yet again - this time some Marburg friends at Juniata college. I met up wtih Amy, Brandi, Ben and Kevin for lunch at the Main St. Cafe (not a cafe lol) in Alexandria. Very tasty and of course hilarious memories/chats. Oh, nostalgia.

This week should be pretty short as I'm heading home for Easter visits on Thursday afternoon. After an advisor meeting I'll hit the road and be home all day for Good Friday (to hang out with Mom!) Friday evening I'm going to Guelph to visit Jen....Sara and her baby Alex are coming too :) Then it's off to Waterloo to grab drinks with Kate and Justin, my friends who are getting married on October 8th. I'll stay over with Kate at her Mom's that night and head out to try on bridesmaids dresses the next day with her :) Then home to do work Sat-Sun until Easter dinner at Grandma's. The whirlwind trip ends when I drive back to PA Monday morning.

Happy Spring! Happy visits!
-J

My life in State College: Spring Awakening

Monday morning. Wake up: 9:15 am (oops, slept in). Scale reads: 133.4

!!!

I lost 3 pounds in 3 weeks! Which means at this rate, I'll be at my goal in another 7 weeks. By early June, as planned...hooray :) Tonight is my weekly 5K, and otherwise continuing along as usual with the "get back down to my regular weight" plan. Jogging or not, 1290 cals a day isn't even that hard...how much was I eating before?? Gross.

Leave house: 11 am. First thought: Spring! Warmth! Today it's actually 80 degrees (aka 27 C)...of course in true State College fashion, the sun isn't shining. ha. Instead, we can expect very strong thunderstorms later in the day...ok, ok I'll try to be a little more patient about the sun's appearance. After all, it's not even May yet...I suppose 80 isn't exactly seasonal for April :)

Big plans tomorrow night, and the reason for the title of today's post: going to see Spring Awakening on Tour coming to our own Eisenhower Auditorium on campus...and I have stage seats!! Hardest part will be making sure I don't sing along :) We have to wear black, check all of our items (purses included and of course, no cameras or phones) plus we have to be seated 15 minutes prior to showtime. Intense.

Looking forward!

-J

Irrefutable

one stands tall, appears
 irrefutable

jaws flap:

“don't you know what you're talking about?”

a performance of insecurity

but what the petrified audience may not yet know:

it is a strength

to know what you don't know

My life in State College: Boosters

Sick no more! Thank goodness...I went to the doctor the other day and she told me that it was a negative for strep (whew) so I've been waiting it out and today I finally feel a lot better. Boost #1...

Boost #2 is an actual boost by way of a booster shot that the doctor forced upon me at the same appointment :) Ok, she didn't really force it, I asked. I realized not long ago that it's probably been 10+ years since my last one. Mom scanned and emailed my vaccination records...and truthfully (cringe) it might have been 19 years since the last one. Ack! I might have had one in college that I didn't note down, but I simply don't recall. In any case, I got boosted. My arm is not enjoying this, however, at least now I won't die if a rusty nail happens to take refuge in my skin.

Boost #3 I lost a pound (or maybe more, hard to tell since I have weighed myself in the morning and afternoon at various times. Anyhoo. The balance plan is working...1290 cals a day, more if I work out. Since I've been sick, I can't work out (other than a brisk walk to and from school)...but I've found it not even too difficult to stick to just 1200. Plus, I'm honestly not as hungry as I thought I'd be. Now and again I crave Chili's, but overall it feels really good. Since I'm banking anywhere from 500-700 cals a day through eating less/exercise, I see nothing wrong with having a day every couple weeks where I can have a treat of some kind ;)

Boost #4 I love my kitty. He is a warm purring bundle of cuteness. Lame? Yes. But awesome? Double yes!

My little Nittany...tiger?

That'll do pig. That'll do.

-J