Yesterday, I blogged about some of the preparations for our upcoming self-supported bicycle tour. What I didn't blog about is how sick I have been this winter. I had the flu in early November which took almost a month to get my strength back. About two weeks ago, my husband and I got a terrible cough which for me spiraled out of control with asthma. I went to the doctor last Wednesday and with more asthma meds have been able to get my asthma back under control. We still both sound like patients on a TB ward, but at least I can breathe and I know I'm improving. I was able to take a short walk outside yesterday for the first time in a couple weeks.

Now that I know I'm on the mend, it's time to start gradually building up my strength for our bicycle tour that begins this summer. I tracked my steps yesterday on my pedometer. It was only a little over 3,000 steps, but trust me, that was more than I have been able to do for the last couple weeks. Today, I plan to take another walk and go at least a block further than I went yesterday. If that feels okay, I may go a little further. The plan is to gradually build back my strength.

We probably won't be riding outside until early March due to the weather, but I can work on building up my recumbent bicycle legs indoors on a recumbent trainer at the fitness center in my condo complex between now and then.

I also have a lot of financial details to work out between now and the time we leave on our tour. With my husband retiring, I need to figure out if it makes sense for me to stay on his health insurance though his pension plan or do something else. I also have a lot of paperwork related to our moving permanently to Tennesse from Illinois in June. There's a lot to be done on that front to help make the move go smoothly and get things in place so that we can be on the road for an extended period.

My goal today and for each workday is to work in our home office for at least one hour. I know that if I do that, things will get accomplished. I've gotten to where I hate paperwork, but if I just deal with it.....it will get done!

Wish me luck!