And it begins...again

Hello again my friends, and Happy New Year's Eve.

I'm officially caught up on all your blogs and I'm totally motivated by your motivation and happy to hear Christmas celebrations went well.

My Greyhound adventure on Dec. 23rd was interesting. When I got there I noticed they had combined the smaller town gate (i.e. Olds, Didsbury, Carstairs eventually getting to Edmonton) with the semi direct bus to Edmonton (via Red Deer). The line was gigantic at the gate and I quickly realized most of these people were trying to get to Edmonton. My bus to Olds did board on time at 3pm but I was sitting next to a guy on his way to Edmonton. He had purchased a ticket for the 1:30pm bus to Edmonton but I guess Greyhound doesn't actually count the number of tickets they sell for each bus. Once the bus is full it takes off and then all these people have to wait for the next one. Sort of reminded me of cattle. This bus takes 5hrs to get to Edmonton because it's stopping in a few towns along the way so originally he was expecting to be in Edmonton by 6:00pm ish now he was arriving at 8pm. The funny part - he was taking the bus to Edmonton to catch the train to Toronto. My thought was - dude you should have flown. I did suggest to him that next time if he takes the bus pay a little more and get a reserved seat ticket that's a way better chance of actually getting on the bus you want.

The week with Dad was great, I had my nose in a book almost the entire time and read all of the Kim Harrison books plus the Patricia Briggs books I got for Christmas. I didn't touch the Beck book as I think I'll be doing that tomorrow. Watched a lot of CBC and realized I do enjoy Stephen and Chris, and Fashion File.

My grand New Year's Eve plans are to put on my PJs watch some movies. I have a lovely bottle of wine in the fridge. I have no desire to do anything else.

I registered for WW meetings online today as I could save the registration fee that way. I also pre-paid for 12 weeks.

My memory card died so I couldn't take pictures of some of my "stay on track" plans but I'll tell you about them for now and pick up a new card on Saturday so pictures are coming. I borrowed one idea from Skinny Me and that's the daily planner/journal idea of tracking my progress. Congratulations go out to her on her engagement as well :) I've come up with the coloured dot thing to track my cardio, strength training, yoga, vitamins, staying Op and flossing. I'm really good at sticking with these things for a certain period of time and then I abandon them. I want to track why I abandon. I might overtime put this info into a graph - yes I am a total geek and damned proud of that.

The vitamins, flossing and staying OP are daily goals. I still need to sort out a plan for the cardio, strength and yoga that's realistice for me and doesn't cause me to get overwhelmed and abandon the whole thing.

I will purchase a 3-month journal when I got to my first meeting on Saturday as well. I've always preferred those to the one week ones.

I once (a long time ago) had to weigh in at a different meeting because I couldn't make my usual one. At that meeting they gave each person a chain of coloured paper clips. One clip for each pound you lost. At one time I had a chain of 25 paper clips on my fridge. The clips came down when I lost my weight loss mojo. I want to put the clips back on my fridge and even make a chain to keep at work as a visual guide to keep me from straying.

Of course there's also the X-Weighted Challenge that starts next week. Normally I'm not so good with challenges but I think this one will be different as it's really a challenge against myself. If I were to win a prize I'd think I'd go for the gym equipment. Training with Paul and a make-over with Fred would be fun but over quickly. I've watched the show since it first aired and I know the biggest part is overcoming your own demons.

I've reset my weigh in on the sidebar of this blog and I'll reset the tracker above the title also once I have my starting weigh in.

It's pefectly realistic for me to hit my goal weight in 2010 and heaven help me I'm tackling this head on for the last time. Third time is the charm - right?

All right my friends, if you are going out tonight please be safe and may we all reach out goals in 2010.

Hugs!!!

Back from the country

Just a super quick post to say hi and that I'm back in the city. I'll post my adventures with Greyhound tomorrow and after I catch up on all your blogs.

My little grey cells have been working on ways to keep me on track with this whole weight loss thing and I'll share more about that tomorrow.

Hope all your Chritmas celebrations were wondeful.

Hugs!!!

I adore you guys

I'm totally inspired reading all your blogs lately and the plans to get back on track. I love the journals, the stickers and all the planning that's going on, as I'm planning the same.

I've been going non stop since I got home from work just taking care of all the house chores before I leave tomorrow. I've dusted, hoovered, done laundry, put dishes away, folded laundry and took out the garbage (which involved digging out the gate as it was wedged in by snow). Last week I flung my garbage over the fence because I couldn't get to the other side. Not an option when you're trying to get to the recycle bin.

I'm tired now I tell ya. Tomorrow is steam mopping the kitchen and the bathroom floor, hemming a pair of sweat pants that I already owned and packing for the trip. I'll probably nap on the greyhound.

I'll have a week to think of a good year ending post as I'll be back on the 30th.

I wanted to make sure to stop into today to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy 2010.

Hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One more day

Until I'm off for Christmas vacation. I had planned to just get organized today like go through my email, clean off my desktop, do anything that could be done early so when I come back on the 4th it will be organized.

Best laid plans I tell ya. I was busy with other people's stuff. One of my co-workers needed help covering another co-worker's stuff and it just seemed like little fire after little fire. When I answered my phone people were surprised I was there. So you were calling me hoping to get the message?

I swear tomorrow I'm not answering the phone and closing the door. Because the day was busy I had no desire to hit the to-do list at home. There is stuff I need to do before leaving on Wednesday afternoon. Right now I have no desire.

The good thing about leaving it for tomorrow is that it will have to be done. No excuses. I don't need to leave until 1pm ish on Wednesday so I'd like to get all the chores done Thursday night so I can zip to Sport Check in the morning (right when they open) to pick up a pair of sweat pants.

I did find an unbelievably good little snack today. I hit the Yogen Fruz and got a small non fat Key Lime Pie. OMG it was yummy even with it snowing outside.

I'm so psyched about rejoining WW meetings when I return from my Dad's and then a week after that is the X-Weighted challenge. I'm feeling good my friends.

I will post again before I leave so I'll save my holiday greetings for then.

Hugs!!!

It's decided

After much deliberation on this blog I've definitely decided to return to meetings. So on Jan. 2 I'll sign up for Weight Watcher meetings for the 3rd time. My mom died between the 1st and the 2nd so I'm not disappointed about myself for that. There was stuff to deal with.

Starting the new job curtailed the 2nd time, it took me awhile to adjust to the longer hours and earlier start. I can't use that as an excuse though because I need to make this a priority. I thought I could do this on my own and that's not the case. I need the accountability of stepping on someone else's scale. Plus I like the stupid stickers, the key chains, the charms and the booklets. So on that Saturday I'll go to the meeting I used to go to. I'm not a 100% sure that Saturday morning will stay my meeting time as there are a few evening options plus I work super close to the downtown one.

I think the nail on the head on making this decision was reading about Kate's success. Now I'm a total loner at meetings but I do enjoy being part of the group. The weird thing is the first time I saw the Tiffany Key I immediately thought of getting to goal. So I might copy Kate and when I hit maintenance I'll get the Tiffany Crown Key pendant with the oval link chain. When I get there it will have been a life long battle and I think I deserve a little bling. Of course that will be for when I get there.

When I first joined WW I weighed 204lbs got my WW 10% key chain at 184 and eventually got to 168. Then it was a long process of putting it back on. I'm now 194. I've had that key chain attached to my keys since the day I got it. Today I took it off.

This is a new journey now and there will be a new keychain dang it. I do remember seeing a whack of people sign up in January and then by March disappear. I'm in it to win it.

Saw the Alberta Ballet's Nutcracker today and it was lovely. I always get goose bumps at the Sugar Plum fairy part.

Hope your Sunday was wonderful!

Hugs!!!!

I'm cool with that

Today's weigh in results are +0.1. Yes that's up .1 of a pound. I'm wondering if I should have just exhaled on the scale maybe I could have maintained again. I think my saving grace was being busy this week which included racing around.

At any rate I'm ridiculously pleased with that as I was saying yesterday food was a battle this week. The two days at work this week won't be bad as hardly anyone will be around which also means no cookies.

The week at my Dad's house will have no cookies, chocolates or convenience stores. He is kind of funny as he'll give advice on how to lose weight but then tell me I'm not eating enough when I don't want to finish the giant serving he's given me.

The Beck book is coming with me as I'll have 12 days starting Wednesday to just chill with a book or mulitple books. Did I mention my Dad has 3 channels. I'm going from my digital cable (which has nothing on lately anyway) to 3 channels and it's only the CBC that really comes in clearly. So as I said loads of time to read.

This morning I got up had breakfast, looked up the next bus and scurried down to MEC. It wasn't crazy busy at all. Got my Dad's fleece jacket, a calendar and pair of Kahtoola Microspikes (pictured above). I've heard really good things about these things plus reviews on mec.ca rate it 5 stars. I got a pair of myself too. I might try them out this weekend as sidewalks are still not in great condition and more snow is coming. Not sure if Dad will buy in to the whole concept of snow chains for your shoes. So I'll make sure to keep the receipt just in case he rejects the whole idea.

Zipped up a couple of blocks to the Safeway downtown grabbed milk as that's all I really need for the week and then went in search of a bus home. Decided to see if the bus that gets me close to home was coming soon so I called transit and it said next bus in 4min. My other option would have been a different bus that's a few blocks from home.

It just seemed like everything lined up today. This also means I'm completely done my Christmas shopping anything else is just gravy. I'm going to the Nutcracker Ballet tomorrow and I'm kind of excited about that.

Alright my friends take deep breaths today if you're heading to a mall, stay safe, stay sane and have a wondeful Saturday.

Hugs!!!

Wild Ride

I mean food wise, for the past week I've been super busy at work and for the last 4 days have had lunch bought for me as I've been working some co-workers who can expense their meals as there in Calgary this week so they just add my lunch in. Of course my two co-workers are male so the food choices haven't exactly been salads. I haven't been finishing the meals so not sure if that helps.

Between the cookies and gift baskets filled with food arriving at the office it's been a bit wild. Water consumption has been minimal. Don't ya just love Christmas.

I expect the scale will show a gain tomorrow but I'm cool with that. That doesn't mean I'm writing everything off until after Christmas. Oh no getting back on track starts now.

I am again seriously considering going back to meetings after New Year's though. Plus there's usually a promotion in January so perhaps they'll waive the sign up fee. I'm feeling I need the weigh in book, the journal and the meetings again.

I know I waffle on that all the time but we'll see. All I know is that when I went to meetings I had better progress. Lately I've been feeling like a snuffleupagus and I'm not liking that at all.

I do work on Monday and Tuesday and then off on Wednesday until the New Year, but I'll enjoy those couple of days to get sorted at work so that when I come back after Christmas it won't quite as much of a gong show.

I'm feeling very positive about 2010 as I've reached some major goals I had, one being finishing my HR certificate and the other getting the CHRP designation so I'm thinking from now and through 2010 the focus will be on getting healthy.

Alright those are the musings of today. Have a fabulous weekend.

Hugs!!!!

Cookie Monster's soul mate

I just pulled the third tray of whipped short bread cookies out of the oven. I took them to work earlier this week and I promised more for tomorrow. Plus I used cookies to bribe someone in to calling me back with info so I owe some cookies too.

The butter was a bit softer this time plus I whipped them for a little longer and they are super light and fluffy this time. It's bizarre really, same recipe and slightly different conditions turn into something different.

This time I sprinkled them with some red sparkles when they came out of the oven. I made them a wee bit more festive this time.

Glitterati - We must chill during the holidays. I'm back from Dad's on the 30th and don't return to work until the 4th.

Many Canadian blogs have been posting about the X-Weighted Challenge starting in January and I am so in. You can register online or in select cities. I'll most likely do online on Jan 9th.

I love the show and have seen tremendous results. Of course staying focused is key. I'm thinking that combined with Beck's Diet Solution read a bit slower could definitely help me.

Many are heading off on their Christmas holiday so if you are I wish you all the best.

In the meantime I'll most likely be posting until the 22nd.

Hope interesting things happen to blog about...hugs!!!

Little surprises

So my good friend and co-worker T, keeps leaving these little mystery packages on my desk saying do not open until Dec. 25. Today my new boss gave myself and team member little Christmas presents. I just think it's all so nice and was very pleasantly surprised that's for sure. I was expecting this at all.

I only have one thing left on my list and I need to go to MEC which will probably happen this Saturday.

Tomorrow The Body Shop finally re-opens in the mall downtown and I'm thrilled as I desperately need under eye concealor and I love their lightening touch. I've tried all the imposters but nothing works like this.

What I'm truly looking forward to about Christmas at Dad's is sleeping. I sleep like a baby at this house and it's got something to do with the country air, zero sound and zero lights as we're in the middle of the country. I'm so rested there and I so need it as apparently I'm going to be smokin' busy from Jan to Aug at work.

Sadly nothing else to report. I did step on the scale this morning and was happy to only see a half pound gain. I can definitely handle that.

Hope you all had a fabulous day.

Hugs!!!

Sleepy

I'm tired today and not entirely sure why. Could be the 10hrs of work teamed with the warming temperatures. When I left this morning it was -20 (-26 with wind chill) and when I left work it was -7. It definitely takes it's toll but I'd rather be tired then have a headache.

I had no idea they debunked the losing heat through your head. Oh well it sucks when your ears get cold.

I think I need to start the Beck Diet Solution from the start again as my behaviour has been far from good. Definitely snackapalooze teamed with a wee bit of stress due to being busy and dealing with change. We recently moved offices and I've been adjusting to a new space and moderately irritating things like not being able to scan anything.

I definitely eat my emotions that's for sure.

Today the uber boss was talking about a fitness challenge focused solely on exercise. Everyone puts in $10 and then you track every 1/2 hr of exercise as a point. When you hit 10 your name gets entered for a draw. I'm totally in if they decide to do it. While I suck at blog challenges I might do better when it's with the people you spend the bulk of your day with.

It's going to be a long week with tons to do so my hard core exercise effort may not return until when I'm back from Christmas vacation. Funny it's just in time for New Year's. I'm not a big fan of the New Year resolution because if you really want to change something why wait for New Years. So really all I can do is take it day by day.

I'm going to spend a week with Dad for Christmas. I adore my father but sometimes we're so a like we drive each other bananas. A solid week together which hasn't happened in a year and a half could be interesting. I'm aiming for calm and relaxing. He turned 87 a few weeks ago and while you would never in a million years guess he was that age (could easily pass for 60ish) I'm conscious of how much time we will still have together. Of course I could get hit by a bus tomorrow, when your time is up - your time is up. I would like appreciate these moments.

Alright my friends, I hope everyone had a fantastic day.

Hugs!!

I don't get it

It was very cold today with it being -28 when I left for work. I was wearing my sleeping bag jacket. It's the long goose down coat from Lands End that makes me think of a sleeping bag. Plus whenever I wear it I'm so toasty warm I could nap anywhere. Seriously I almost fell asleep on the bus to work and the bus home.

I should try putting this thing on when I have insomnia.

Winter is serious business and lately the freakishly cold weather (Edmonton had -46C this weekend that's base temperature, factor in windchill and your heading into the -50C) means you have to dress appropriately to avoid nasty things like frost bite or hypothermia. It absolutely amazes me when this woman got on the bus this morning with nothing covering her head. She had a scarf around her neck and her hair was styled just so. Up to 50% of your body heat can be lost through the top of your head. I looked around the bus and everyone had something on their head except for her. It would be fine if she was hoping in and out of a car but she was waiting for the bus outside.

Yes I get the vanity but when the weather gets dangerous I just thought this woman was an idiot. You can fix your hair when you get to work.

We're supposed to warm up rather dramatically as Wednesday is calling for a +1C so that means all Calgarians better have their advil/tylenol on hand as that tends to cause headaches for many people. It looks like it stays plus for about 3 days which will then cause winter driving chaos part 2 as snow will melt and then freeze. Remember people - sufficient stopping distance is key.

Food was pretty good today but I do find it hard in cold weather that's for sure add in that it's foodapalooza week for me and it's just plain dangerous.

I baked my first batch of Whipped Short Bread cookies of the season which will head to work tomorrow. Then I'll need a second batch for other work mates on Friday.

Plus I want to make a new cookie recipe that I found, might do that tomorrow.

Stay warm my friends and don't forget your toque.

Hugs!!!

Brrrrrr

It's -28C out there today, colder if the wind picks up.

Tracked everything I ate yesterday, I did have wee little free for all yesterday but it's recorded and I planned a wee bit of a anything I want day. Today has a been a wee battle with the christmas chocolate but I'm winning and still on plan.

It took me an hour to talk myself into bundling up and shovelling my sidewalk. I did it and then my neighbour swung by with cookies. There some type of chocolate apricot mixture. Happily I'm not a fan of chocolate mixed with fruit. Another friend gave my ginger spice cookies yesterday, I'm not a fan of those either. So as long no one gives me shortbread I'm good on the resisting cookies.

I do need to do some Christmas baking but today which involves shortbread. I didn't really have the get up and go. I might bake one version still today and bring it to work tomorrow. I'm cool with it if it goes straight to somewhere else.

I should also make some turkey meatballs or do something with the ground turkey in the fridge.

Alright not a lot to say today, stay warm my friends.

Hugs!!

Holding steady

Stayed exactly the same on the scale this morning. Which I'm totally o.k with given that I haven't tracked anything since Monday and didn't go to the gym once.

I do have to get over my block of going to the gym in cold weather. It's not like this is going to end tomorrow as winter doesn't technically start until Dec. 21 so there could be another few months of this.

Tried a new bread at breakfast. It's Dempsters Healthy Way with Pre Cardio something or other. I got the whole wheat version and it clocks in at 1pt for a slice thanks to 5g of fibre. I think it's a keeper as it tasted more like normal whole wheat bread than the cardboard versions. Every now and then I don't want seeds or nuts in my bread.

Ran around with my friend P today. Hit Ikea for meatballs, rosti, napkins, vanilla tea lights (cheap and they make the best) and a couple of other little things.

Next stop a classic bakery in the city where I picked up a Bavarian rye bread.

Then zipped to the local German deli where I picked up the potato dumpling mix, gravy mix and various chocolate with marzipan (that goes in my Christmas stocking).

Then to the grocery store where I just picked up what I forgot yesterday.

Not bad for -27 and the very quick race in and out of the vehicle.

Got home and watched part one of the revamped Alice that was on my pvr. Realized I recorded part two on a channel I don't get. Luckily it's replaying tomorrow. Bought 3 tickets for the Nutcracker ballet, one for me and two for P and her daughter. That's my Christmas present to them.

Downloaded a whack of Christmas music off of Itunes as I've been feeling the spirit and wanted to listen to some classics.

Tomorrow it's supposed to be a wee colder so it's a good day to clean the house, get some Christmas baking done and pack the gym bag for tomorrow. I can get at least 3 gym visits in next week and that's my goal.

Hope you all enjoyed your Saturday.

Hugs!!!

Hair of the dog

Woke up a wee bit hung over from the company Christmas party last night. It started at 5:30pm and I left at 9ish.

Lost count of the diet coke/vodkas I was drinking but I still had my wits together as there was a glass of water and a few sips of straight up diet coke in there. Fairly positive I didn’t do anything embarrassing. Smart planning that today was a paid day off. Finger food was the menu and didn’t do too bad there. Most importantly I had fun and that hasn’t happened in a long time. Laughed a lot so that has to count as an ab workout. Got home drank a big glass of water and took a Motrin.

Stepped on the scale this morning as it wasn’t so bad.

Felt not so bad, a little dehydrated but not sick. Got dressed and went to the post office to pick up my new passport now good until 2014. Hit Wal-Mart and Safeway and stocked up on vegg, fruit, protein, soup, a few frozen “emergency” meals and other sundries.

The snow has been falling continuously and it’s supposed to be stupid cold tomorrow (-20) today it stayed around –11.

As I’m home all week next week I wanted to be prepared food wise. I think I’m ready there. Had a two hour nap in the afternoon and paid close attention to the food today. This included drinking a lot of water.

Not sure what will happen with weigh in tomorrow but I embrace whatever that number says.

Tomorrow I meet up with my friend P and we’re going to IKEA. I want to pick up a few boxes of their frozen Roti potato pancakes and the meatballs – a fast protein with a side of frozen vegg and I’m good to go.

Finally watched the Biggest Loser finally on the pvr. Is it just me or did you hate Rebecca’s hair as much as I did. I far preferred her as a brunette. I realize she wanted to be shazaam but I think red would have suited her better. I thought she looked a little gaunt plus older but good for her for winning. Tracy looked a little freaky too.

Excited about the new season Jan. 5. I love that they don’t make you wait forever.

That’s all I got for today.

Hugs!!!

Whacky weather continues

Worked late today and got a ride home but wowsers light snow on top of packed snow made a white knuckle trip going up hills.

To Enz – I am in the field of the CHRP.

So site this week was interesting, when we landed on Monday the pilot said the current temperature was –37C…brrrr. I didn’t want to get off the plane. It did warm up to a balmy –26C.

The next day was worse, at lunch it had to be –40C with the wind as your skin screamed the minute it came in contact. By the time I left it was –20 no wind and you felt like you could take your gloves and toque off.

I had long johns on the entire time. Thankfully I own multiple pairs thanks to half marathon training in the dead of winter a few years back. It did feel like I was wearing snow pants the whole time.

Eating was so so this trip as the cold weather definitely makes you want to eat. It’s like a hibernation thing. Worked late Monday and by the time I got to camp all the treadmills where full so I just went for dinner and to bed.

Due to working late no gym today. Tomorrow is the Christmas party right after work so no gym. Friday we’ll see but apparently the weather is supposed to be super bad again. We can’t catch a break lately. I don’t back to site until the New Year so that means I am in control of my food for the next few weeks. Which means I need to get to a grocery store and not sure when that’s going to happen.

Your up to date on me, hope all of you are doing well.

Hugs!!!

Quick note…I passed

Remember way back in October I was talking about this mega test. Well the results were waiting in my mailbox when I got home. I passed!!!!! Which means I can now put the letters CHRP behind my name.

Be back tomorrow with tales of the site and –40C

Hugs!!!

When the weather outside is frightful...

Multiple pictures for you today and probably a longish post. The first picture is the promised advantages response card. My apologies I can't get it facing the right way on this and for some reason pictures won't load from live writer.

The 2nd photo is my favourite Christmas decoration. It's an advent candle holder and the angles spin when the candles are lit. It's completely hand carved and a German tradition.

The 3rd picture is what I wound up doing yesterday. My friend T called and asked if I wanted to go for a pedicure. I asked if she was willing to drive in the crazy snow. She said yes so I said yes and it also resulted in a manicure. Normally I go with light colours on my fingernails. When I do it at home I make a royal mess of dark colours. I thought why not do something different with a professional doing it. We'll see how long it lasts when I get to site.

The final picture is of the wee birds taking advantage of neighbours bird feeder in the crazy winds and cold. Determined little guys I must say.

My major activiy yesterday was shovelling my sidewalk. The east side barely had any. The west side had a gigantic snow drift that made the lawn, sidewalk and road look like one mega pile of snow. The deepest part was one foot and it took me awhile just chiseling away inch by inch until it was done. I was trying to time my shoveling with the wind but I did get a face full of snow at one point when the wind shifted.

I left at around noon for the mani/pedi and got home at 3pm with only having had breakfast. I was starving. I weighed out some high fibre tortilla chips, added some 2% tex mex cheese and had nachos for a 3pm lunch. The late lunch totally messed me up it just launched a snacking instinct. The damage wasn't bad and I wound up using 5 flexpoints. Today I will totally on plan as I will again save flex for site and be mindful of what I put on my plate.

I decided to change my goal weight yesterday after re-familiarizing myself with some of my WW stuff. 146 is the high end of age/height range and I think that's perfectly reasonable goal for now. Once I get there I'll be able to determine better what's right for me. I have no idea what 146 will look like on me so I'm looking forward to finding out. I also added the dates on weigh in list as I just wanted to be a bit more specific. November was me trying to figure out how to do this again. I'm planning to get this ball seriously rolling this December with my weigh in yesterday.

As I mentioned the other day I've been working my way through the Beck book. The day one activity was the action response card (reasons you want to lose weight). I keep these in the book as I kind of bookmark.

Day 2 was pick two reasonable diets, the 2nd is for if you hit a wall with the first one. No brainer that number one is weight watchers online and my number two is still weight watchers but going back to meetings or following filling foods only a la old Core program.. I know that's a little wishy washy but when I follow the points I try to use my everyday points for nutritionally sound food and the flex for treats. I've been successful with this program before and I will again.

Day 3 is eating when sitting down or stop grazing I take it as. I do eat sitting down, on the sofa in front of the tv. My plan now is to eat at the dining room table and make meals an event not a hobby and eat mindfully. I will set a placemat and maybe light a candle at dinner to make it more focused. I'll start that at lunch today.

Day 4 is giving yourself credit in other words don't beat yourself up. Celebrate the small successes too. I'm pretty good at that usually. I recognize where I go wrong and the focus on the future. "I never look back darling, it distracts from the now" - Edna Mode.

Day 5 is eat mindfully and slowly, this for me is combined with day 3.

Day 6 is find a diet coach, well that's where you all come in. I use your blogs and comments for inspiration and help.

That's as far as I've gotten so far. I'm not going into mega detail as you should really read the book if your interested but I'm sharing my impressions. So far I'm finding it super similar to the tools weight watchers gives you too but it's nice to see it phrased differently.

I know a few other people are checking this book out right now - what do you guys think?

I'm bringing my runners to site and once again have a date with the treadmill. Next week does have one challenge being the company Christmas party on Thurday but I will have a plan for that as I can plan ahead. Activity is on list of priorities this week, along with tracking and getting the H2O in. I will keep you guys updated on that. Apologies about the mega paragraph, of course in compose it looks one way and when posted it does it's on thing.

Stay warm and enjoy your Sunday...later!

Hugs!!!!

Down 2.1lbs!!!!

I'm pretty darn happy with that I can tell you. Mini post just to update you on the weigh in. I shall be back with more later as I got further into the Beck book last night and have thoughts I need to type.

Hugs!

Blizzard Conditions

We knew it was coming but I have to admit I was a bit flabbergasted when at 8:30am I looked out the office window and felt like I was standing in the middle of a snow globe. It seems Fridays are cursed in Calgary. Last Friday was ice everywhere and today drifting snow and minimal visibility. The picture is from out my front window, not sure if you can make out the drifting snow.

One co-worker was hoping to fly to Newfoundland later - not happening. Another co-worker was planning to drive to Edmonton - not happening. Winter is in full swing and so are road closures.

By 10am we had a call from the boss to go have our potluck and then head home. The trifle turned out fantastic but there were only a handful of us there. I left it in the work fridge in hopes they'll finish it on Monday. Far better than taking it home when blechy weather, howling wind and the desire to hibernate takes over and eats it straight out of the trifle bowl.

I was home by 12:30pm and amazingly my amazon order arrived about an hour later. So I now have the rest of the Kim Harrison - Rachel Morgan Series to curl up with. Boy did the Canada Post dude look tired.

Temperatures are expected to be around -25C this weekend and I plan to stay put. Yes, eventually -25 won't phase me but right now I'm happy to play winter wimp. I am not even going to try shovelling the walk until the wind quiets down. Some parts of my sidewalk are a bit bare and some parts look like there is a few inches of snow.

Food has been alright this week, last night I did wind up eating the leftover custard but my activity points of the week covered that. Due to some challenges this week I won't have a spectacular loss tomorrow as I was hoping to but it will be a loss. If there are going to be higher point days, they definitely need to be further away from weigh in. Next week I will have no dinners out and no pot lucks. I did track everything this week which is a bit of a victory. I wrote out my Action Response Card a la Beck book today and I will post that tomorrow.

Things I need to work on next week is once again water. I also need to be better prepared to schedule gym visits even if the weather is bad or plans go awry.

Tonight I tried the Chicken Quesadilla Smart One - 4pts, one thing is that it's 4pts per serving and there are two servings in the box. Of course the front of the box shows a picture of two halfs. It was tasty with a roma tomato on the side and spritz of balsamic dressing. Definitely a small serving compaired to their 6pt varities.

If your out and about in Alberta, be careful and stay safe. Until later...Hugs!!!!

When plans go astray

Busy, busy day today and some unplanned events.

Day was alright, tracking went well then a late day meeting and then tiredness ruled and I went out for dinner with my friend T instead of hitting the gym.

The dinner worked out as that’s what flexpoints are for not to mention it was great to chat with T and I had 8pts left for dinner on top of that plus I had 8 activity points. I’m guessing I’m out of flexpoints for the next two days but I have 7.5 activity points still banked.

Got mega kudos at work which makes me very happy. I did an amazingly speedy lunch shopping trip that got the secret Santa present out of the way. The chocolate cake for tomorrow’s trifle assembly is baking as I type. Raspberries are defrosting in the fridge.

For the crazy work I did this summer I got a wee bonus and decided to use it on a lululemon gift certificate for myself. I went with a gc because I’m not at a size where I want to invest a lot in lululemon gear but I’ll get there and then treat myself.

The plan for tomorrow is now stay perfectly on plan and hit the gym. Not to mention play close attention to water.

I’m so close to this weigh in and I don’t want to blow it.

It’s going to be an early night again I think. The Beck book will have to wait until perhaps this weekend but I will keep you in the loop.

Hugs!!!

Winter has arrived

Food at site went better this time around. I definitely used some flex as it’s difficult when you’ve got a 14 hour day going on. But I’m still on track.

Did 5K on the treadmill Monday night. Didn’t have a single french fry either. Stuck to protein and veggies mostly actually. Trying to work my way through the Beck book. Last night I was out like a light by 7:30pm. This is what happens when you’re up at 3:30am.

Winter hit with a vengeance, not so much at site but yesterday anyone flying out was delayed due to nasty weather in Calgary.

Luckily no issues flying home tonight but woke up to a mini blizzard. I think long johns are going into the bag from now on. 

I will pack my gym bag and hit the company gym tomorrow. I’m on track to a decent weigh in for the first time in a long time. It’s amazing really, when you follow the program it actually works.

Alright it’s going to be an early to bed night again so I’ll talk to you later.

Hugs!!!!