Oh! Almost forgot the GOOD news!

Had a routine check-in with my doctor this past week (and got a flu shot) and found I've lost 11 pounds since my last check-in in July.

At least I know for sure that the steps I've been taking are working, so if I kick them up a notch, I should lose more weight a little faster. Getting together with my brother (5 years younger than me) and my sister (ten years younger than me and a LOT unhealthier) has really made me aware that I'm the skinny one of the family (at way more poundage than I'd like to be carrying). I've returned from Milwaukee with firm resolution to lose weight and get more fit.

A few months ago I finally got my hips and lower back formally diagnosed -- my hips are fine, but I've got a lot of arthritic deterioration in my lower back. Doctor prescribed physical therapy and it was wildly successful, so that's a start. I can't get back into a walking routine if I'm in pain and I now know how to go about getting into better shape without doing any damage.

I don't want to give the impression I'm totally down in the dumps. Major progress has been made on many fronts this year, although it seems as if each step was a struggle and an expensive one at that. But I don't seem to have time -- mental or physical -- for Christmas.

Linn