Life has been pretty hectic so far this year.  I’ve started hiking, I’ve continued to go to kung fu class every couple of weeks, and I’ve signed up for a weight loss study at the Univeristy of Pittburgh.  I went in for an initial screening on Monday.  They took blood, put me on a DXA machine, hooked me up to diodes, made me walk on a treadmill with a crazy mouthpiece, and tested my blood pressure about thirty times.  I have an armband that tracks my physical activity to wear for the next week.  Once the study officially starts, I’ll be going to weekly meetings to help keep me motivated.  It’s kind of like weight watchers, I guess.  Only instead of paying for it, I get paid!  At least a little bit.  By the end of the two year study, I should get just over $400.  And hopefully I’ll lose some weight.  

I’ve also been working on my novel.  I’ve got over 36000 words.  I’m trying to write 10000 words a month.  I made my goal in January, we’ll see how February goes.  It’s getting a little overwheming, but I’m hoping that that feeling will pass.  I’m falling behind in my short story work, and I’m just barely keeping up with Triangulation and Clarkeswold editing.  

Speaking of Triangulation, we’re going to be hosting a reading at the Oakland branch of the Carnegie Library at 2:00 on February 20th.  If you live in the Pittsburgh area, you should come!