With An Extra Hour...

Hey hey, Spark Peeps; how's every little thing?

I've been drafting a blog in my brain for roughly three weeks and finally decided to let it out. There's some news to share and a few call-outs to make, so bear with me.

ETA: Let's open with a Shadow (aka Moose) shot!



My paper - comparing the logistics and supply chains for biomass - was well received by the reviewers (see previous blog); no changes requested! My co-author and I successfully presented our work at the ASEM conference last month. We were asked to reformat our papers and submit them to the Engineering Management Journal. It's not a big deal to me - really! - but my co-author would like to land a tenure track position someday; back to writing!

Here are two shots from the hotel:
ETA:



My husband successfully found another teaching spot, so he's an adjunct professor at two schools now; Metropolitan State University and University of Minnesota-Crookston. Fortunately they are both online, as the commute to Crookston would be a bear!

I started working with a personal trainer in June? July? I made the decision to do this because what I was doing wasn't working. 'Trainer Joel' and I have met once a week since then (with some time off for his vacation and my conference) for strength training. The goal is to do ST 3x a week, though it's more like 5x over two weeks. I'm losing inches, even though the scale isn't budging, which is OK for now.

If I let go of the beer cans, I'm fairly certainly the pounds would fall off. I know my shortcomings.

My current work assignment is wrapping up this month, which is a good thing. I'm ready for something new.

The Hubster and I are [certifiably insane] considering a trip to see our parental units around year-end. I'm not terribly excited about this and will try not to stress too much about it. Let's just say that 700 miles between us is a luxury.
(I just like that frog, no relevance otherwise.)

As for the call-outs, in no particular order:
PCOH051610 - You really are a terrific gal. I hope that you are feeling your best very soon.

DOGLADY13 - I've missed you and it's so good to see you visiting SP again. I suspect that Lenny and 'Trainer Joel' are related, hee hee.

BOVEY63 - I truly hope that your worst days are behind you. You have amazing strength to have weathered so much!

JUNEPA - Your photos and stories are always so inspiring. Thank you for sharing them with us!

F8CONE8 - I am so happy that your fitness efforts are paying off. Everyone deserves to live a healthy life.

SHAKINGTHETREE, VALKYR8 and SOAPSANDROPES - You are bad@$$es on so many levels. When I grow up, I want to be fit and strong like you are!

Okies, folks, will be back later to share some photos!

ETA: I'm back - Go Lions (v. the Vikings at TCF Stadium)!!