Quick Update: I waited as long as I could until the new ink was almost completely healed before getting back to the gym. It takes 7-10 days usually for the main heal process to complete. I was prepared to wait, then my body started yelling at me after a few days of being idle.
Waking up Wednesday with a rather loaded bloody nose and headache was a sure sign of my blood pressure becoming a problem. This used to happen quite often before I was diagnose hypertensive in 2011, then once I started on the medicine and exercising the headaches subsided and the bloody nose as well.
On Track: So, I sucked it up for a couple more days as I still didn’t want to sweat yet…then yesterday I made my way back to the gym for a 20 minute elliptical and 10 minute stationary bike for a decent sweat and loss of about 300 calories. It felt good to be back to aerobics after a bit of a hiatus. Oh and I am happy to report my knee was not a problem, so glad that pain is subsiding! It still twinges a little going down stairs.
Today’s Exercise: Today, I will forego the gym because I have a lunch date with a friend and her beautiful little girl which will have us walking into town then when I get home I will do some crunches, pushups and maybe tricep dips.
Extra: I may stop at the shops and pick up a Japanese beauty item to try, this will serve two purposes. 1. Extend the walking and most of the makeup/beauty products are upstairs – so stairs and 2. Indulgence!
Tracking: I am happy to report that the 4 pounds I had lost last month stayed off. Now that I am back in the exercising business I will stuff my humiliation and help motivate with reporting weight loss. I am currently weighing in at 180 and on a good day that number dips to 178 (yes, my number fluctuates daily – which is why I have stretch marks, it is always moving up or down) Let’s see where that goes!
Current Motivation: We are going to Hawaii in a month or so and I want to be a size down for that trip and feel confident enough to hit the beach in a suit!
Life Notes 
Hey hey hey! Great news. You are starting to talk like a real gym rat now.
I love your updates! Your accountability is amazing! I am making some time for blogging soon to catch up on my own accountability. I have canceled my gym membership in favor of working out with resistance bands at home, so far I have managed every day for 45 minutes to an hour and have been doing well in the building endurance. I’ve loving it. I don’t have to worry about making it to the gym and showering before work any more. I now have everything I need, except one kettle bell that I will pick up this week. The hiking has been amazing and life has taken a positive turn for both of us in the health department! I’m SO proud of you and your goals are being met and reset! GO DIANA GOOOOO!
Thank you and good job on you too my friend! I love your progress and that you are embracing your new lifestyle so fully and with a smile.