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