Tag: personal

Personal

I don’t share personal things here often…that’s not what this blog is for.  But I thought I’d share a minor triumph.  I’ve lost 35 lbs since April.  I’m by no means small, but I feel healthier and I look better and my knees don’t hurt.  And I haven’t been on a diet so much as changed the way I eat (timing, pattern, types of food).  I’m rarely hungry (and never for long), I feel satisfied with my meals, and it’s been surprisingly easy.  By the time I turn 50, I’m hoping to be in a healthier place than I’ve been through most of my 40s.

I kept it a secret when I started, because I didn’t want my entire family watching if it didn’t go well.  But now people know (they can’t help but notice, actually), and I still have a ways to go, but I’m feeling surprisingly positive about the whole thing.  I’d planned to shoot for losing another 15 lbs, but I think now I’m more inclined to just eat this way the rest of my life, maybe allowing myself more exceptions once I’ve lost a bit more, and seeing where I naturally level out.

I was spurred by the fact that a colleague of mine retired in December, and then in March was hiking with his family, had a coronary on the trail, and died.  It was so fucking tragic.  My girls are finally old enough to backpack with.  I like being in the wilderness and teaching them the joys of being where there are no roads and spectacular views.  I’m healthy, other than the weight.  And I never wanted t risk doing that to them.

Anyway, not sure I’ll leave this here long, but in a sharing mood as I head out to date night with Geek Boy Professor.  I’m excited about planning our next high-country trip for next summer.

science-officer-spock:

Please Support Mae Jemison & the Women of @NASA get their @LEGO_Group set!  LINK HERE

“Ladies rock outer space!

Women have played critical roles throughout the history of the U.S. space program, a.k.a. NASA or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Yet in many cases, their contributions are unknown or under-appreciated — especially as women have historically struggled to gain acceptance in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

This proposed set celebrates five notable NASA pioneers and provides an educational building experience to help young ones and adults alike learn about the history of women in STEM. The five Women of NASA are:

Margaret Hamilton, computer scientist: While working at MIT under contract with NASA in the 1960s, Hamilton developed the on-board flight software for the Apollo missions to the moon. She is known for popularizing the modern concept of software.

Katherine Johnson, mathematician and space scientist: A longtime NASA researcher, Johnson is best known for calculating and verifying trajectories for the Mercury and Apollo programs — including the Apollo 11 mission that first landed humans on the moon.

Sally Ride, astronaut, physicist, and educator: A physicist by training, Ride became the first American woman in space in 1983. After retiring as a NASA astronaut, she founded an educational company focusing on encouraging children — especially girls — to pursue the sciences.

Nancy Grace Roman, astronomer: One of the first female executives at NASA, Roman is known to many as the “Mother of Hubble” for her role in planning the Hubble Space Telescope. She also developed NASA’s astronomy research program.

Mae Jemison, astronaut, physician, and entrepreneur: Trained as a medical doctor, Jemison became the first African-American woman in space in 1992. After retiring from NASA, Jemison established a company that develops new technologies and encourages students in the sciences.

In addition to a desktop frame that displays these five minifigures and their names, the set includes vignettes depicting: a famous photo of the reams of code that landed astronauts on the moon in 1969; instruments used to calculate and verify trajectories for the Mercury and Apollo missions; a microscale Hubble Space Telescope and display; and a mini space shuttle, complete with external tank and solid rocket boosters.

Thanks in advance for your support!” For updates and shareable images, follow here on Lego Ideas and at:

Flickr — https://flic.kr/s/aHskxkW1UK
Twitter — https://twitter.com/LegoNASAWomen
Facebook — https://facebook.com/legonasawomen
Instagram — https://instagram.com/scitweeps

Sally Ride is my youngest daughter’s hero.  I’m so doing this.

rubyfruitjumble:

my future 9 year old child reading Harry Potter: I love this mommy

me: great but stay open minded and critical and don’t take everything at face value. I have prepared discussion questions

I’m actually living this with my 10yo. And my 94 yo grandfather, whom we’ve just finished showing the movies and have now lent all the books…

a slice of ato’s home life

GBP and I are both working (yes, I know it’s 10:40 at night and I get up at 5, what’s your point?).  Out of the blue he approaches and…

GBP: What’s that word for stick-to-it-iveness?

Me: Perseverance?

GBP: That’s the one.

I’ve literally been giggling for 5 minutes now, muttering “stick-to-it-ivenss” under my breath.  And I still have math to do and rum to drink before I can sleep.  And sorry, no FWW today…