Kangatopia

So, here’s the update on the home front. Shep and I will survive and be happy. I am going to put some muscle into it, and have decided to refuse to accept things any other way. Except that he’s been so sick lately and utterly consumed by the aches and pains of the flu, I think he’s in agreement. Therefore, I am calling a temporary hiatus on long, tearful posts.

And on to more interesting things

That is, I am now going to try to get myself into shape. Daylight savings time starts again soon, and that will be the official kick off (for me) of Cycling Season 2007 – wherein I try my best to not develop heart disease before I’m at the very least over the age of 82.

Where things left off

By December, I had lost about 40 pounds and had another 33 to go to meet my goal. Since that time, I have gained back approximately 7 and now have 40 pounds to lose to meet my eventual goal. 40 in 2006, 40 in 2007. I’m sorta hopeful to get it all over with by June, but realistically I’m sure it will take longer than that.

Cholesterol

Having recently watched a program on heart disease, Shep has become very concerned with his cholesterol intake. Thing is, last time it was checked last August, his LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) was really low, and his HDL (the good kind) was high. These are levels most people aspire to have. Shep eats a high fiber, meatless, low dairy diet and with all the hockey, cycling and sex gets a substantial amount of exercise, so it all stands to reason. Last time my levels were checked in October, my LDL was a little high, but my HDL very high. This year I want to tip the scales in favor of low LDL, high HDL and I have until October (when I’ll test it again) to get this sorted. This will mean that I am going to cut most of the meat from my diet, and try to cut back on cheese and other dairy, such as ice cream. I reckon that since I don’t want to give up my ice cream habit, I’ll probably start buying Whole Foods’s stocks of Soy Dream, or whatever the hell it’s called. It’s not wonderfully tasty like Blue Bell or Ben and Jerry’s, but it’ll do in a pinch.

Muscle Mass

I have been getting out on the occasional ride over the last little while. My general speed seems only slightly lower, but judging by the readings on the low performing, dirty white scale in my bathroom and how my clothes are fitting – my muscle mass has dissolved and been replaced by winter fat. This is not good. I look bad. I feel bad.

The Kids

My children do not need or want a grumpy, obese mommy. Monkey and I talk about bad foods, and how sugar makes you feel bad and gives you a fat tummy. She remarkably has picked up on and practices basic tenets of nutrition. Sugar is bad. Vegetables are good. Butter is bad. Fried foods are deadly. So is McDonalds. Sodas, even diet ones, will not eliminate a fat tummy. I’m curious to see how much of this she will retain and continue to observe.

It’s a bright, sunshiny day

Daylight savings time kicks in soon, and this will mean that I will have time to get out on the bike regularly. Not one to count my chickens too hastily, I should say that I am very hopeful to get out on my bike regularly. Then, I will try to resolve to write more about losing weight, getting healthy and what it feels like to ride down a really steep hill really fast.