Roses and thorns

I'm back down to 195 pounds, which is really interesting. First, because it's my -150 milestone weight and it feels so, so good to be able to claim that again. And second, because my workouts the past few weeks have been lousy at best - good workouts, but just few and far between. The weight loss has been almost entirely diet-based, which I am proud of. I'm eating well and I have not binged; between feeling well-nourished and feeling in control of my recovery, I'm very positive these days.

The workouts have slowed mostly because it's the middle of the semester (already!), and while I don't give a midterm exam to my students, they do have chapter exams, which I first create, then administer, then grade. Add the exams to short essays, post-film screening packets, and oral exams, and it's been a busy couple of weeks that won't be slowing any time soon ... and I am so happy. And so grateful. It's my dream job, and even though little pockets of being extra busy pop up here and there during the semester, I truly love the work I do. I'm finally figuring out the university system here, how to best reach my students (the material may be the same as in Chicago, but the way I introduce and explain it is tailored to the unique needs of this student body), and how to make sure the kids enjoy the class while still feeling like they're learning something useful, even if they don't ever speak French again after this semester.

So, this weekend, I'll be continuing to do a lot of work. A few piles of grading are here, in need of a serious dent. But - good news! There will be a few breaks here and there because...

My new bike is ready!!!
And not a moment too soon! The folks at the bike shop called me yesterday afternoon; I'll be walking over there this morning to pick it up. It's going to be a little weird, though. I ordered the exact same bike - same model, same color, same size, same extra-thick fancy tires. My old bike's identical twin. I'm honestly hoping I don't cry.

The old bike was definitely a girl - I named her the Black Widow (because like the spider, which can be found locally, biking was something new to me in California - and also, because the bike [and the bug!] is small but powerful!). This one I have not met yet, but I already sense that it's male. Not quite sure what I'll name this one; perhaps seeing it will inspire me.

I need to control myself and not jump on it and ride my 35 mile mega-loop right away (even though I so desperately want to). I have about three weeks of pent-up, no-bike-riding energy that wants to cycle itself out, but I also don't want to go nuts and overdo it and get hurt. So I'll try and contain my excitement as much as possible.

What about you? How was your week? What's on deck for this weekend? Do you name things like your bike, treadmill, etc.?

P.S. The winners of my Mister Rogers giveaway are Dominique (from DomWillRunForBeer) and Ashley (from The Opposite of Thin). Congrats, ladies! Please e-mail me your mailing address so I can get those out to you ASAP!