Happy New Year 2011!

I have really enjoyed the Christmas break.  I don’t start back to the Institute until Tuesday. So it’s been wonderful!

Actually I’ve missed home, family and parish very badly, but I’ve received tons of mail, lots of emails, texts and phone calls.  So I’ve felt very much in touch.

What I’ve done (at least on the positive side) is this:  I’ve gone to the gym every single day between Christmas and New Year’s (for a total of 20 days in December!) My workout is now up to a heart-pumping 40 minutes on the treadmill or the Nustep (a reclined stepper). Plus I went in twice on Tuesday, the second time to get checked out on the strength machines.

Now I’ve also applied for the “Y Weight Challenge” – a 12 week competition (in small teams with a personal trainer – a la the Biggest Loser). I’ll find out tomorrow whether I’ve been accepted in that program.

So while it seems I’ve fully embraced my athletic self (sigh), it’s still an effort to get to the gym.

Plus (again on the positive side) I’ve seen lots of movies!  The best of the bunch is “The King’s Speech.” Some bad language in it, but Oscar worthy in my humble opinion. I also enjoyed “The Fighter.”

On the negative side, I didn’t focus much on the diet.  But while I didn’t do great on the diet over the holidays, I did alright.  I’m not sure I lost any weight, but I’m sure I did not gain any either.  It just puts be behind schedule. However I don’t weigh in with Martha until next week. So we’ll see.

On the whole it’s been a great break!  Happy New Year to you all!