After my dad went on disability a few years ago, I decided to take care of myself a little better, and especially to lose some weight. I got a physical for the first time in years. And I started eating a lot healthier. Over the next couple of years, I lost over 50 lbs and became a little more (and sometimes a lot more) active. I kept the weight off, and I felt years younger.

Then last spring, I got a lot busier. I didn’t sleep as regularly. I stopped all walking. (Which had already tapered off around the time our daughter was born.) I started eating a lot more poorly.

So here I am, at the beginning of 2009, almost 20 pounds heavier than I was a year ago. Ugh! I’m not getting any younger, and I’m feeling the weight, even though I’m not nearly as heavy as I was 4 years ago. So, in commemoration of Groundhog Day, I’m starting a new stage of healthfulness. Like before, my goal is slow & steady. Eating right, a little activity. Nothing drastic. Just consistency. Every day.