Living the Lifestyle Monday January 1

gadgetgirlIL

We meet here to explore, share, celebrate, and (sometimes) agonize over how we do (or don't) incorporate weight loss guidelines into our daily lives. "It's a lifestyle, not a diet" is easily and often said, but sometimes not so simply put into practice.

This is a thread for everyone. If you're new to GoaD, or to weight loss, your questions and comments are always welcome. If you're maintaining, or a long-term loser, your thoughts on the topic may be just what someone else needs to hear. If you're reading this, join in the discussion!

Each weekday, a new topic is offered up for discussion. Thread starters for January are:

Monday - GadgetGirlIL (Regina)
Tuesday - 88olds (George)
Wednesday - Beachwoman2006 (Cindy)
Thursday - Imastar2 (Derrick)
Friday - Jimb376mfp (Jim)

Today's topic: Welcome to 2018! Anything special you are looking forward to this year? Perhaps a big trip, new living quarters, special happenings in your family, etc. Please share!

gadgetgirlIL

Happy New Year!

I'm looking forward to learning what decision university administration will make regarding the fate of the program that I co-direct. We've been in limbo now for several months as they haven't approved advertising for the academic program director's position which will become vacant at the end of May. All programs are currently being reviewed to decide which will be cut as the university tries to get back on solid financial footing. It is hard to make long-term plans with this hanging over my head.

I'm looking forward to getting together with my dear friend who lives in Virginia. We haven't firmed up our plans yet, but it will certainly involve hiking, biking, and lots of laughs.

The randonneuring group that I belong to is hosting a 1200K event over Labor Day weekend that will start in Michigan, head up along the coast, cross the Mackinac bridge, go through the northern peninsula of Michigan and then down the coast line in Wisconsin to finish in Manitowoc. I plan to volunteer for some or all of it (depending on the decision made regarding my program). It has been a long time since I've been in those parts of the country.

beachwoman2006

I never know what the year is going to bring. At my age, I'm just looking forward to keeping my good health and the health of my long-time friends.

linmueller

While I've loved the extra time with my DD and her littles (they've been living with us for 6 months), I'm looking forward to having my house back! Ironically, we'll be looking to downsize this year, so I may not have it for long. And I'm especially looking forward to the downsizing of my stuff! After 30+ years here, it's going to be very freeing to get rid of 'stuff'!

myallforjcbill

I think I am at the age that I keep expectations written in pencil. My track record isn't too good! Plan to focus on improving my current health issues and figuring out what a healthy lifestyle looks like where I am now, not where I am used to being or expect to be. Too many variables, surprises and stuff. Need to focus on where I am

jasper60103

gadgetgirlIL wrote: »

...

Today's topic: Welcome to 2018! Anything special you are looking forward to this year? Perhaps a big trip, new living quarters, special happenings in your family, etc. Please share!

I'm looking forward to a more active lifestyle. Sure, I get enough exercise, but I have to admit I'm not living up to my potential, and I'm not sure whats holding me back? I put learning to roller-blade on my bucket list some 5 years ago. Also, I signed-up for my very first 5K coming this March. Hopefully, I follow through on both!

88olds

I just want to stay active. Maybe I can talk DW into a trip. I’d like to try Dublin.

cakeman21k

As with others here I am at an age where I try to not set sky high expectations. I am looking forward to having my DW retire this year (today is her 65th B Day) I at least hope she will go Part time before the end of the year, but even that is a maybe, as she is quite afraid of the idea of not being a Dr. anymore. Just take it 1 day at a time. Maybe I can tempt her with a trip or 3.

minimyzeme

Nothing special on the horizon though I am beginning to accept the reality that after 15 years, this place may be more than I can realistically maintain anymore. Winters are brutal and while the long driveway was one of the things we liked and has helped enhance our quality of life, it feels like a full-time, always on-call job during the winter. The winds of change are starting to blow...

gadgetgirlIL

Thanks, everyone for sharing!

@minimyzeme - When I'm hiking up in Wisconsin, I see many lovely places to live. Often the houses are perched up on a hill with a beautiful view and a long driveway. Then I think about what life must be like during the snowy winters and I'm just fine living in the suburbs!

imastar2

Looking to focus on my weight downward of course, getting more actve, getting my shoulder well from a fall, getting a new business venture going and generally staying healthy. Like to spend more time with DW and travel a bit more.

Rachel0778

This is going to sound really boring, but the thing I'm looking the most forward to is setting up a new routine and a new normal in the new house.

In more exciting news, I'm likely going to start my doctorate program in August

And somewhere in there my SO and I are going on a cruise!

Jimb376mfp

Welcome to 2018! Anything special you are looking forward to this year?

1. Making GW after five years!
2. I will be 70 yo in February and weigh less than EVER? I’m @ 187#, I lost 80# to get down to 202 thirty years ago in 1987!
3. Maintenance

gadgetgirlIL

@Rachel0778 - What field is your doctoral program in? That is so exciting! I finished my doctorate just before I turned 51.

Rachel0778

@gadgetgirlIL Congrats on getting your doctorate! I'll be pursuing my doctorate in Educational Leadership. What field did you earn yours in?

gadgetgirlIL

@Rachel0778 - my doctorate is in Higher Education and Organizational Change. A wise person encouraged me to go on after I attained my master's degree in 2007. At that point I was so burnt out that I laughed it off. Then circumstances changed in 2009 and I reached out to this wise one and she told me that getting my doctorate is the equivalent of attaining a union card. She was right. It has helped me in many ways.

My program was designed to be completed in 3 years. I pushed myself hard and finished a few months early so that I could walk in the graduation ceremony in May knowing that I was all done and defended. I defended 3 days before graduation ;-)

podkey

Nice Dr gadgetgirlIL!
Retired med researcher/electron microscopist here just wanting to stay healthy and active. Will bike a lot and go to Peru to search for largest fossil whales in existence. Swapping whales for dinosaurs in this years international expedition. Not sure how many of these are left in me. Biked 3800 miles in 2017 with mostly short rides. Hanging in there.

minimyzeme

Some fun stuff and some major accomplishments; you folks are amazing and inspiring!

@gadgetgirlIL , I anticipated challenging winters when we bought this place but have always lived in rural settings and have a hard time in the 'burbs. However, I guess my age and time preferences are catching up with me. If we leave here, it will be with very mixed feelings because I really love it here.

By the time I got done clearing snow yesterday though, my feet were too cold to go snowshoeing even though the sun was shining for the first time in days. Just a 'so-noted' in the many reminders about tradeoffs. It may be time for me to consider moving closer to the 'burbs, even if I'm not right in them...

Al_Howard

@minimyzme , Maybe get a small tractor and put a blade on it for the winter, and lawn mower for the summer.

beachwoman2006

@Al_Howard that looks similar to the snow removal equipment we have here on the island. Actually, ours is more like a tractor with a blade on the front. And I mean "A" as in one! LOL

Al_Howard

The one I copied has a straight blade attachment available.

Rachel0778

gadgetgirlIL wrote: »

@Rachel0778 - my doctorate is in Higher Education and Organizational Change. A wise person encouraged me to go on after I attained my master's degree in 2007. At that point I was so burnt out that I laughed it off. Then circumstances changed in 2009 and I reached out to this wise one and she told me that getting my doctorate is the equivalent of attaining a union card. She was right. It has helped me in many ways.

My program was designed to be completed in 3 years. I pushed myself hard and finished a few months early so that I could walk in the graduation ceremony in May knowing that I was all done and defended. I defended 3 days before graduation ;-)

That is fantastic, I am so excited to hear you're a graduate of a similar program that I'm entering into! I'm hoping it will be a big stepping stone for my future career too. Since I'll be doing part time online my program will be 4 years total, but it will be well worth it. I look forward to commiserating with you more soon on the higher ed. graduate school experience

Rachel0778

podkey wrote: »

Nice Dr gadgetgirlIL!
Retired med researcher/electron microscopist here just wanting to stay healthy and active. Will bike a lot and go to Peru to search for largest fossil whales in existence. Swapping whales for dinosaurs in this years international expedition. Not sure how many of these are left in me. Biked 3800 miles in 2017 with mostly short rides. Hanging in there.

That sounds exciting! I once took part in an castle excavation in Ireland and it was definitely a unique experience! I hope you enjoy whale archaeology!

minimyzeme

Thanks @Al_Howard ! Thing is I've already got the tractor (with a snowblower). It works great for much of the length of the driveway but there is still a lot clearing I do pushing snow with a blade. Other stuff too. It has been wonderful to live here but I'm starting to think it may be someone else's time.

Al_Howard

So, you need a tractor with a blade. LOL BTW, I've got a few inches coming my way tomorrow. Hope I don't lose power, just got the generator back into the shed.

minimyzeme

Blower on the front, blade on the back @Al_Howard . I'm set up gear-wise but then the snow comes in the better part of a foot every time and the winds are howling (drifting snow) and the temps are bitter...you know the drill.

Hope your power stays on and that you weather the storm OK or better! No stress eating now...