Spring is pretending to arrive, although sporadically.  Today is cold and sunny, but predictions are for 2-3 days of snow starting tomorrow.  On the good side, a week from now we should be into the 40s like we should be at this time of year, and a week from Tuesday sunny and near 50.

Every winter I struggle with depression, lack of motivation to exercise, and a tendency to overeat, typically meaning anywhere from 10-20 pounds of weight gain, which I try to lose some or most of over the summer.  I'm very encouraged this year, though.  For the first time in 10-20 years, I have not only not gained weight, I have actually continued to lose weight.  And I am usually seriously depressed until around May 1st but am already regaining energy in March.  This, combined with the fact that I am now back to only driving 12 minutes to work instead of 45+, should mean that I can do more exercise earlier in the year, and my current goal is to try to reach a total of 50 pounds lost by mid-May (I have 9 pounds to go), and there is a chance that I can reach 75 pounds lost in the first year (September 1st).

As I lose the weight, it should help me with less foot and ankle pain.  And, as I get in better shape, I will probably have to talk with my doctor to reduce my blood pressure medicine.  I am already having some moments where I have to deal with orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure related to moving from laying to sitting, and/or from squatting, sitting, or bending over to standing.  I have to move slowly or hold on to furniture or I could pass out.  Not the best situation, but it is always a balance between that and the danger of blood pressure spikes.  In my case my blood pressure has always been more affected by my work-related stress, but since I love my job and am getting better at it each month, that stress is much reduced.

Overall, this spring is the best I have felt in a very long time.

Oscar