Sunday, December 31, 2006

Looking back

    I think the thing that stands out most for me this year, and what I will remember most when I think of this year is our 126 mile bicycle ride.  http://journals.aol.com/midwestvintage/BikeRideAroundSiouxCity/

   I had spent the year trying to get into better shape and health, watching my diet, exercising and in the back of head the whole year was this nagging worry about being the age my Mom was when she died.  I was going to change that dying young thing from my side of the family if it killed me, it almost felt like it occasionally on that trip.

   My year was centered alot around my weight loss and bike riding.  What fun that turned out to be.  I never realized how much I would like it.  Going full spee done hills with the wind whipping through your hair and face.  The just knowing you did it.  You made it.  The joy of sore muscles from pushing yourself as hard as you could.  It was a good thing. 

   I also really got into taking pictures. I always was a picture taker but I really got into using my camera this year and enjoyed my bike outings with my camera strapped to the handlebars.  Some of the pictures turned out pretty good if I say so myself.

 http://journals.aol.com/midwestvintage/MyPhotoJourney/

    And I met so many great J-landers this year.  What a addicting thing this journal writing and reading is.  How wonderful to read about different places and see everyones pictures from all over.  To know people are really decent and have the same hopes and fears all over in these scary times.

  Coming up I have the POWER program at work.  It is a good thing as I have been slacking lately.  After a rest this month it is time to get back on the program.  Since I have to weigh in and get lab work done plus go to meetings occasionally with this program it should help keep me motivated.  In a few short months I will be back on my bike.  What new trip should I plan this year?  I told Rick renting a house on Madeline Island and taking our bikes to ride around the island would be great.  We will see.  At this point every day I take a breath, every time I laugh or cry it is a good day because I am here to enjoy it.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you had a great year and already making plans to have a better 2007.
I wish you well, hope you end up vacationing on your island and enjoying riding all over it with the sun in your face and the ocean breeze at your back.
How wonderful to read the journeys of so many wonderful JLanders. Thank you for letting me share in it.
Happy New Year, may it be prosperous and kind to you and yours.
xox Doreen

Anonymous said...

Julie, I do remember reading about your bike trip and thought it was phenomenol at the time.  Your photo's are outstanding.  I'm still working on picking and choosing a much better camera for myself.  Hoping that 2007 is a healthy and wonderful year!  HUGS  Chris

Anonymous said...

I wish you and your family a very happy new year. I hope you can rent the house you want and enjoy riding round the island! Jeannette xx  http://journals.aol.co.uk/jlocorriere05/Welcometomytravels/

Anonymous said...

Hi Julie. I remember that bike ride and all of the pictures you shared.  You are a strong woman and I hope this next year is a good one for us all.
Pam

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year Julie!  Love and hugs, Shelly

Anonymous said...

Hello Julia, just ran up on your journal, and am glad I did. Love your pictures. I am also, trying to get a 100 lbs. off this year. I have slipped off of my gettin healthy since November, but I am determined to do it all of the way in 2007!! I have many illiness's and problems, and this extra person doesn't help. So its time to kick her to the curb or flush her down the toilet!! Gonna do it for me, so I will feel better about myself. So, lets do this together. When you have some ideas that might help me, email me and leave the info. if you don't mind. I would deeply appreciate it. Happy New Year.
God Bless,
Liz in Va.
http://journals.aol.com/bethjunebug/Bethjunebug