Merry (late) Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Life has been genuinely busy these past few weeks... much more so than I anticipated. I haven't blogged, and I haven't done much of anything in the way of things that really should be getting done either. This morning I realized I hadn't even put up a Merry Christmas wish to all. I really am completely out of it.

As a quick catch up...

I have yet to come off of my weight loss plateau. I manage to stick within a 4-5 pound variance and that seems to be where my body is happy for now. In another week, I'll be closing in on 3 months of this, so needless to say, I'm not thrilled. I'm still working out a lot. This week there's no kickboxing, so the gym has become my friend. Not really thrilled about that either because I find the gym dreadfully boring. To keep myself motivated, I have to attempt ridiculous amounts of time on cardio machines to have something in my head. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't go at all. While my body needs it (the rest, and the change in routine), I'll be glad to have the kickboxing back.

We actually had a White Christmas here in Colorado for the first time since we've lived here (almost 10 years now). We've had snow on the ground prior to this last Christmas, but it's never actually snowed on Christmas.  The snow began falling Christmas Eve at about 6p or so, and finished up in the morning hours on Christmas day. Then, the sun came out and shed its glorious light, and it felt like Colorado again. It's been cold (at the moment we are in mid-teen digits), but nothing that has been intolerable.

*Image from Denver Post
Seems about right for these parts... snowing, but people still out running (and even festively!)

On Christmas day, we awoke at about 5a and proceeded out to visit Sam's father, and to work on the Beetle project until the afternoon hours. I must say, this endeavor of ours has made me appreciate bicycles so much more, as well as the cost of automotive work. We must have at least 100 hours into sanding and grinding alone on this small vehicle's body, and we are still not at the finish line. While it's exhausting and somewhat demotivating (especially when things appear to be the same all the time), I am glad it's something Sam and I can work on together, and to know that we truly built the car together for a very small amount of monetary investment. I hope it's one of those things we can enjoy and laugh about later, but for the time being, I will simply say that I'll be glad to see it come to an end. I remain hopeful that paint will be on the body of the car in the next couple of weeks (though I am not holding my breath).

Beetle fenders/lid

Paint color has been another sore spot. I change my mind quite frequently because I find another color that seems perfectly suited to the VW, but then the next day I'm on to something else. The curse of not having a favorite color? I'm not sure. I personally prefer more subdued colors, but there's a part of me that wants something more outrageous (not crazy - like people staring and pointing outrageous - but something more interesting). I think the Beetle itself has enough character that it doesn't need a ridiculous color on it, but since I tend to be a bit more muted in my personal color choices, I keep thinking that maybe the car should be louder? I made a decision last night, but I've made several over the course of several weeks, so I will wait to see what the ultimate color will be for this project. I've even considered doing a hand painted hood or lid on the car, but then I thought perhaps that is a bit obnoxious. We shall see.

It may not look like much, but this took an eternity to grind off

As far as bicycles are concerned, I haven't been on one in about a week. As stated prior, I am completely terrified of ice on the roads, so until it melts, I likely won't be seeing too much outdoor saddle time. Sam's going to be trying out a new(er) local spinning location, so hopefully we will hear more about that experience. As for me, I'll get out on the bike now and again this winter I'm sure, but I find it more challenging as the wind and cold seem to pick up this time of year. Hopefully, others are out riding and enjoying.

I hope everyone had a beautiful holiday, and enjoyed it with those you love. Stay safe out there, and in case I don't get back in time for a new year's wish, a very happy New Year to you and yours!