Dumbo Recap in pictures

So I already wrote about my experience with the Disneyland 10K and Disneyland Half Marathon but I have yet to find an app I'm happy with when blogging on the road, especially when it comes to adding pictures.

So now that I'm home and reunited with my laptop let the pictures begin.

Let me start with the first leg of my trip as I had to fly to Vancouver then change planes to get to Los Angeles.

 This was the view as we started our approach

What I absolutely love about the Vancouver airport is the abundance of Haida art, I snapped this as I started the super long trek to the Los Angeles flight gate.

This is the first time I stayed at the Disneyland Hotel, it was nice but I think I like Paradise Pier a little better just because it's one building as opposed to 3 like Disneyland Hotel.

 I was in the Frontier tower

This was my view - quite the parking lot

I didn't find this lovely vista till the second to last day as it was just off the side of the Frontier Tower

Loved my room and the Disney attention to detail

When I landed in Vancouver my watch band broke so I picked this up as a replacement

My go to breakfast - I adore the Mickey Waffle

 Now let's get to what I picked up in the expo, sorry about the sideways but these magnets are now in my cubicle at work.

 The race pins which are on my RunDisney lanyard, I'm going to need to pick up another lanyard.

 Sweaty Bands headband, I love these they do not move through any activity. The Dumbo ones were gone but I got the half marathon one.

 The commemorative necklace for the Disneyland Half

 A medal for my Vinylmation RunDisney Mickey.

 I bought this shirt as I wanted a long sleeve option, the upcoming races will be training in winter.

 The 10K Race Shirt

 Half Marathon Race Shirt

 Dumbo Double Dare Race Shirt

 I think I'm now collecting the jackets, I wore my Wine&Dine jacket there and in the airport and on the plane I was asked if I was taking part in the Dumbo Double Dare.

 Speaking of Dumbo Double Dare I needed something wearable that said that and this was pretty much my only option. Lucky I like green. It's always a little weird buying this stuff before you actually do the race so very happy I finished.

Now let me show you the other stuff I picked up not race related.

 I really like those family car decals but am so not comfortable with advertising "Hey I live alone" so I saw these and thought who would mess with the force.

 I'm now in the habit of getting a pin and a magnet to mark my visit

 Love Disney villains so had to get the t-shirt

 Speaking of Villains after I broke my "You're Wicked Awesome" mug I needed a replacement. I thought this was perfect being an only child.

 I love the intricate detail on their mugs too. This is now on my desk at work.

 In my last post I talked about reigniting the fire, I have this as lanyard medallion and when I saw the pin version I new I had to have it. I have it on my pounds lost paper clip chain at work. Eye on the price.

I fell in love with these Halloween Minnie Ears.

I was supposed to run today but this chafing issue is driving me bonkers, it looks pretty ugly but I can tell it's healing. It's beneath my arm pit but right where you arm will touch it or clothes will touch it. The walk home from the c-train station was torture. I'm taking vaseline with me to work tomorrow. I can't put a sports bra on till this heals more so I'm taking a few days off.

I finally turned on my humidifier to try to deal with the never ending cough as people were commenting on it today.

I did re look at my training plans for the Tinker Bell 10K and Half, originally I was just signed up for the half but as I'm doing both I dusted off the Dumbo Double Dare training and fit to the dates of Tinker Bell then figured out how it fits in when Tinker Bell ends and Glass Slipper Challenge training continues. Then I took the WDW Marathon training and made it fit the Calgary Marathon on June 1st. They blend seamlessly I'm very impressed.  I then took the Dopey Challenge training and worked my way back of my guess on when that race will take place in 2015.

Now after I saw all the medals at the expo I now want to do the Tower of Terror 10 miler (October 2014) and the Expedition Everest 5K and scavenger hunt (May 2014). That's 3 trips to Florida in 7 months including Dopey - craziness.

I do know that I don't think I'll do the Disneyland Half again. There are rumors RunDisney will add 2 races in 2015, can't wait to find out more.  Reigniting the fire more like lighting fire to an inferno :)

Hugs!!!

Reigniting the fire

It's a miracle I crossed the finish line of the 2013 Disneyland Half and completed the Dumbo Double Dare. 

I stood at the start line & thought what the heck am I doing. I'm not trained for this as I let too many excuses get in my own way. Now I'm not talking about my Dad passing but before that. The job stress that I let get to me. My longest run before yesterday was 6 miles/ 10k. 

Ironic that I never ran when it was above 25C at home and by the midpoint way it was 42C with the humidity. What was I thinking? I did not prepare well at all this time around. 

As we waited to get into the corrals you overhear all the run chat about training plans and preparation. So many people were taped up in KT tape, or in compression gear or wearing all sorts of bands on knees.

I knew I would give this everything I had. Remember how I feel to really hit home of how this feels not being 100% ready. 

I was right at the front of my corral and I've never done that before. Typically I'm at the back or in the middle. Well with that pace minimum in my head I wanted as many people behind me as possible. 

It was sort of awesome being right at the start line as the corral before us were getting further away. RunDisney does staggered starts. 

I started running as it went straight into a bit of a downhill as we went under an overpass. When I went to a walk I could feel shin splints. I wasn't even at mile 1. 

I kept walking till the shins calmed down. I started small running portions. My walk pace was doing great and varying between 13:50/mile & 14:50/mile. I was passing some runners. All felt good till mile 8. Funny that's the same spot as Wine & Dine November. I wasn't 100% prepared for that race either but I had done the run/walk till mile 8 in that race. That was one I did the 5K in the morning in the same day. Yet I used that race as proof I could do Dumbo Double Dare. 

I kept my run portions to downhills & just kept one foot in front of the other. 

The cool part about this course is you go through Angel's Stadium & go around the ball field. I have never seen so many Boy and Girl Scouts that filled the stands cheering us on. 

After the Stadium we hit this stretch that was literally on the edge of a dry gully so we were on sand then fine gravel. Only about 4 people across could navigate that. Did not enjoy that part whatsoever. 

I don't know if it was the heat but there were some rude runners. No excuse me's when they passed super close. The whole walk on the right went out the window and people 3 to 5 across because they were running together. The Race pack says keep it to no more then 2.

There  were loads of nice runners though and the volunteers absolutely amazing. 

By Mile 12 I stopped caring about pace & focused on finishing. Every medical station had someone who has succumbed to the heat. Another miracle that I didn't as I'm so not used to humidity but I think the walking helped me there. 

I pulled out my last serge of energy to run across the finish line & realized Mickey & Donald were standing there so I high 5'd them as I crossed. 

Official time 3:22:25, that's 3 min slower then Wine & Dine but not my slowest half. 

Afterwards I popped a few Tylenol, downed some coffee, had a Mickey Waffle & hit the park. 

What this experience did do is reignite the fire. In January I have the Tinker Bell 10K & Half. In February the Glass Slipper Challenge (10K & Half). I learned a lot doing Dumbo to prepare for those two. Plus the weather should be more tolerable at the races but I will be training through winter at home - no excuses. 

Next time I need to remember to pack something for chafing. I have wicked chafing under my arms were the sports bra rubbed. Ironic that was the one place I didn't Body Glide. Thankfully I packed Vaseline. 

I'm so incredibly grateful that I finished in one piece & apart from being a bit sore feeling pretty darn good. 

Today it's off to explore the parks as I have a feeling tomorrow will be check out and off to LAX. 

I hope everyone enjoys their Labor Day. 

Hello from Disneyland

It was an early start on Friday as I headed to the airport. 

Discovered Air Canada now charges $25 to take one checked piece of luggage. I was standing at the check in kiosk & one of the options it gives you is scan your passport. So I did that & then this Air Canada person asks me why I did that. Ah because it was an option? She then took over and entered my stuff. When we got to the luggage part she says "how you going to pay". Before that moment I did not know you had to pay for one bag. 

After that it was off to Vancouver to change planes. On the flight to LA I helped my seat mate play this cool game called Logos. Must get this when I get home. 

Landing in LA I got on a shuttle right away & then off to Disneyland. 

My room wasn't ready when I got there so I went to packet pick up & the expo. I had no issues at pack it pick up and sailed through there. 

Then I hit the expo, no issues getting the race shirts but when I wanted to look at the official merchandise we were herded. They wouldn't let us cross past the back of the room & were told come back in 30 min. I thought this odd as when I did the Inaugural Tinker Bell Half this didn't happen. Finally got in but it was already pretty picked over by 2pm. I found what wanted with the exception of a Double Dare hat. Then I stood in line to pay...for 90min. It was craziness. Watching some of the people in line arm loads of stuff I wondered if they were planning to sell it. Stuff started going on eBay last night. It was ridiculous, no one was restocking stuff either. 

Wandered through the rest of the expo but nothing called my name. 

I then went to Downtown Disney as I wanted a journal. This journal is to use for training & the road to Dopey 2015. 

Went to bed super early as I was up so early. 

Today was the Inaugural Disneyland 10k. It was crazy humid which is not normal for this Area. Then it was a huge RunDisney fail. The corrals were a mess & no marker for corral G. The race started and corrals merged by accident. Hit the first water station just passed mile 1 and they were filling cups as runners approached which caused people to stop. That's not good we were told another water station was just ahead. Yeah at Mile 4. The water was warm & no powerade. It was super hot & crazy humid - not good. 

So many people walking more then 2 abreast. I started running when I saw room. Then I decided I'm not going to kill myself on the 10k. I stuck to walking and kept above pace requirements. I passed quite a few people who started ahead of me as the humidity was effecting lot of people. 

I have to say this race was super disorganized which is unlike RunDisney. 

Tomorrow is the Half. I went back to the expo to get a lighter shirt & got a deal at Champion. 

Everything is laid out as it will be another early wake up call & I'm going to bed early. 

I haven't taken a ton of photos but I'm post some when I get home. 

Wish me luck tomorrow. 

Just plain overwhelmed

I haven't been blogging lately as I honestly didn't have much to say, not that I do now. I started this blog for me and had to remember I could write whatever I wanted as it's personal choice if anyone actually reads it.

The cold has gone, thankfully but the cough remains which worries me a bit as that can always be bronchitis but it doesn't feel like the same cough when I had bronchitis. With only 5 days left till I leave for Disneyland and the Dumbo Double Dare there's not a whole lot I can do about it now. I don't really want to start any meds at this point and it's not awful like waking me up. I find it doesn't really get going until I do a lot of talking or have dairy.

I'm going to focus on more natural remedies. I haven't run since last Sunday and I'm thinking I'll leave it that way and keep focused on staying fresh for the races and focus on nutrition and proper sleep. I'm just going to do the best I can, hopefully finish then when I get back start training for Tinker Bell.

On Friday I went and ordered a headstone for my Dad, wicked complicated in way as I needed to keep in mind the rules of the cemetery. One thing I absolutely wanted was a vase, my Dad was all about flowers so that was important to me. I wound up with a super fancy reversible vase, so have the option to have it out or flush with the ground. The flowers will be fake and I'm going to find the nicest fake flowers I can find. I am thinking of making it my final resting place too so I got the headstone spaced that a second name could be added if I ultimately want that. It was a wee freaky to see my name on the computer screen as we made sure all the spacing was correct.

On Saturday I rented a car to head out to my Dad's place to check on it. It was the first time I rented from the Enterprise location downtown. I loved that the dude walked me through the features of the car. That never happened when I rented from the airport. This time it was a Ford Focus with the push button start, I was totally thrown off that there was no key.  So far I think I enjoy the Ford the most.

I have to say the good thing about renting is I'm guessing most people think I'm a tourist on the highway and that's why I'm one of the few people actually driving the speed limit. I was passed by someone on the way back that must of been going 40k over the limit after he passed me. Not to mention the one who passed me when the speed limit dropped to 50 and they were going like 80 and continued going 80.

While at my Dad's the neighbour"s son dropped by to check out the Aveo. My first thought was that he was cute. He's blond which is something I don't normally go for. Let's factor in he's in the middle of a divorce with 2 kids and told me he's never been on his own. Met the ex at 17 been together for 20 years, married 16. Yeah he needs to be on his own for awhile but I think I made a new friend.

Also discovered why the Aveo was smelling funky, few months back my Dad told me about milk that opened on the way back from the grocery store (30 min drive). It's been smelling odd since, aha found mold. Yeah, so neighbour has a son with wicked allergies but that family has been super helpful so their putting the word out and think they know other potential buyers. One thing I notice was how humid the garage was a it's attached to the green house so that certainly didn't help the mold situation and probably made it worse.

Now I have something else to clean. I left the car outside and I'll find a cover for it so it can stay outside after I clean it. That will also make going through all the stuff in the garage easier. When he came over the car actually wouldn't start as the battery was dead but I found a charger. Recently they cleaned out their Aunt's barn so he was in scavenger mode and asked if he look around. I said sure. He mentioned a few things I could sell at the local garage sale but the enormity of what needs to be done hit me again. So much stuff. While admittedly I was embarrassed by all the stuff he just dove in not phased by it at all.

I have to take another week of vacation to meet my companies carry over vacation rules and now I know I'll be going back to Dad's for a week most likely in the fall. I'll talk to the boss tomorrow. I just need to tackle room by room. I want to book a garbage bin too so I can just haul any garbage straight into there. I'm thinking sometime in October or early November before it snows.

He said  he'd help and even we could call a gang together and get it done. Note to self - do not fall for this guy. He's cute, super easy to talk to and a super nice country boy - who is in the process of a divorce and two kids, hasn't been single in 20 years. Danger danger Will Robinson. Not to mention I'm not in a great emotional state to even start imagining a romantic relationship. He invited me over to the family homestead as they were having a fire, I opted out as I was driving back early today.

I think I have an idea for him to be the final owner of the car as I really do want it to go to a nice home, yes it's a thing. I do think he now wants a bigger vehicle at any rate I think with their help I'll have a buyer.

On the WW front tracking has been sketchy lately leading up to the headstone purchase. On Tuesday I went to the WW meeting with a co-worker so I could get some smoothie mix. I do like as an online member I can still go get a meeting product.

Tomorrow I need to start packing for Disneyland as I'm out to dinner with friends on Thursday and it's an early flight on Friday. I have a feeling this week will fly by.

So what's new with you?

8 days flew by

I can't believe I haven't posted in 8 days and I wasn't even away.

I was down with a cold though, and still today have the sniffles. However I know that should go away soon.

That interrupted training as I couldn't breathe and I was so tired. This past weekend I spent the whole time in my PJs just trying to sleep it off.

The Dumbo Double Dare is going to be interesting. I'm not sweating the 10K I got that.

I joined a few Facebook groups dedicated to Disney runs, more specifically the Disneyland Half (part of the Dumbo Double Dare), Tinkerbell (January) and the Glass Slipper Challenge (February).

What struck me on the Disneyland Half one was people talking about being worried about being swept up. That hasn't even occurred to me. I'm confident I'll finish. Heck if I can do a 5K at 5 am and then a half at 10 pm on the same day I got this.

I'm planning the last long run for Sunday, how long no idea I'm going to see how I feel. I need to road test my new FlipBelt.

I first saw this on Dani's blog Weight Off My Shoulders , she's actually hosting a giveaway for one enter here.

I sort of assume that most of these type of blogger giveaways are not open to Canadians unless the blogger is Canadian and too be honest I really wanted one as I'm always experimenting with how to cart stuff on runs. I got a royal blue one. I never carry water during a Disney run as the water stations are organized beautifully.

I stopped by the Running Room on Tuesday and picked up a Camelbak hand held water bottle to test out for home longer runs.

On Tuesday I also saw Elysium, I didn't like it and found it a little too violent as I'm not into that.

The new job is going well. Last week was nuts as quite frankly I was dealing with an idiot but now that this is done today and was so quiet. I know it won't last but I don't know what busy looks like in this job.

WW Online is going well, last week's tracking was sketch mostly due to the cold. Today I lost what I gained after coming back from Big Valley so back on track.

Today I signed up for a 10 week online training program for women over 40 (or getting there). Tamara is trainer from B.C and you can check out the details here. You may know her as Fitknitchik. I like how it's focused on effects of turning 40. To be honest I can't say I've felt too much at 41 but I know it's coming so why not head it off.

I had to ask her if her program would mesh with my half marathon training plan. It starts September 8th (You sign up until September 6th). She said it could but running causes stress in the body so I might not want to focus on a weigh goal rather on strength. However because I run/walk I'll still focus on weight too.

So now you're pretty up to date. For this weekend I also plan on picking out at a headstone for my Dad. I still haven't buried the urn but now I know when I want to do that. I can't believe it will be 2 months on Friday.

Do you get in your own way?

It was an odd day. It started with me waking up in a start as I didn't set my alarm properly. I have a dual alarm and I turned on the wrong time. Not a total disaster as it was only maybe 15 minutes later then usual.

I felt like I was dragging today and I'm sore especially from the hips down. Either that's due to all that walking on gravel or sleeping on what felt like plywood over the weekend.

Now before I left for Big Valley my old boss issued me a challenge, she likes to do that sort of thing. It was make new friends or talk to a cute boy. I'm not sure why she cares so much about my social life but she has habit of deciding something based on no facts.

So today she asked me how I did, so I told her about the concert and the high amount of young people, not too mention the high amount of drunk people. She seemed to think that was an ideal opportunity to meet new people. I disagreed and then she started on a tangent of me hiding in my house. I said well next year I'll rock the cut offs and bikini top. She then say you keep saying you'll do stuff when you get your body where you want it but you shouldn't wait.

Well that got me thinking. Do I use my weight as an excuse not to do stuff? Well yeah I do, I don't want to try online dating again till I'm at goal weight. So much of my self image is tied to my weight. I generally think I'm invisible. I've felt that way for a long time, not sure when it started but I think it started with not feeling good enough. That I can trace back to junior high, I went to a bilingual junior high and the majority of school mates where from well off families i.e. doctors, lawyers. I was the child of a construction worker and I remember not being able to go on a ski trip because at that point my Dad was unemployed. I don't think I lacked from anything but that's when I started comparing myself to others. I still do.

A shift in attitude is required hence the turtle above.

That's not something that can be done overnight but needs to be chipped away at.

This morning on my way to work before the discussion with old boss I was listening to Jason Aldean - The only way I know.

Don’t stop till everything’s gone 
Straight ahead never turn round 
Don’t back up, don’t back down 
Full throttle wide open 
You get tired, you don’t show it 
Dig a little deeper when you think you can’t dig no more 
That’s the only way I know 

This lyric sort of stuck with me as it applies to goals, really any goal but especially perseverance. I weigh in tomorrow morning and I know it won't be good due to the fun over the weekend, but it was fun over one weekend. Instead I'm changing my perspective and thinking of it as also a start to a new week. That's my baby steps into changing my attitude.

Hugs!!

What I learned camping

Hello!

Can't believe it's been over a week since I posted.

My friends and I spent the weekend at the Big Valley Jamboree, 4 day Country Music fest roughly 3 hours from where I live in a town called Camrose.

I grew up on Country music and have drifted in and out of that genre. My iPod has everything but I do find myself in the past few years drifting more towards country again.

The big headliners were Alan Jackson, Luke Bryan and Tim McGraw, though I was really happy to see Travis Tritt.

We skipped the Thursday under the advice of people who've gone before and planned to be there on Friday. Now the day after the 2012 Big Valley I was trying to get us a room in the Best Western that's super close to the concert bowl. No go, they had a monster waiting list. We couldn't get a single room in Camrose, I had reserved a room in the next closest towns which is Wetaskiwin, which would have meant 30min drive there and back.

Well last week in the final hours we discovered a friend who had an extra camp spot with two tickets he was trying to sell. Well I bought the tickets, my friend sold them and they didn't need the camp spot so we got it.

So we thought let's rent an RV, well that was an adventure as it is a long weekend. We got the last RV in the city of Calgary.

 Tada, so armed with sleeping bags and a whole lot junk food (courtesy of one friend) and a variety of alcohol we headed out. No luckily our co-worker who had their 5th Wheel and was our campsite neighbour so he let us plug into his generator or we had no power. Yeah and I packed a hair dryer and straightener.

It was pretty interesting to see us all watch our phone batteries die a slow death. We all bought one of those charging doohickeys at the trade show. Only mine had some power in the battery so I could charge my phone.

None us were RV pros so we paid the RV rental place to empty the tanks, we were super conscious about water use so tried to use the porta potties (ewwwww) except I did get to use one that just cleaned which was sort of awesome. No one had a shower in 3 days, there are shower facilities there for $7, the only thing was you then had to walk across dirt and grass to get back to your camp and you were just as dirty pre shower. Not to mention the competing with a whole lot of other campers.Now when we got there you could call water people or sewage people to service your trailer while you were there. I'm going to look into an out door shower or baby wipes and dry shampoo next year. That's the good thing about a cowboy hat it hides a whole lot of hair sins.

There were RVs and tents everywhere and it was crazy. We were in Family Camping meaning there's a midnight cut off for noise. That didn't happen I could hear lots in the wee hours of the morning that we referred to as coyotes, well the human drunk kind. We had other friends in General Camping which we renamed Hooligan Camping, they actually had someone take a pot full of potatoes from their camp site.

The other type of camping was Reserved which is closer to the event area. I'm voting we try for that if we go next year.

The RV themselves were fascinating, there were monster huge ones with satellite and some that looked like there were built from scratch. There were two that were John Deere inspired painted green with skull wearing a John Deere hat.

There were 20 somethings everywhere and multiple campers had a variety of beer pong set ups. I've never seen that many jean cut offs and bikini tops either.

This was one of the twenty somethings next door to us, on day one I saw him admiring his own abs, here is conked out holding a guitar.

Oh yes lots of guitars and you could hear singing everywhere and in promptu concerts.

One of my favourite concerts was Luke Bryan, at one point it was just him and his guitar. He missed a chord on a song and went back a line to do it over. I think that's what I appreciate about most country artists there down to earth.

To give you an idea of how many people where there.

This was in front of me

This was behind me

think there was somewhere around 25000 people there. I'm happy we went with reserved seats which got us a seat, all the people behind me had to bring lawn chairs and stake out a spot.

After a long soak in the tub when I got home I now feel a little more human. Now I didn't track at all over the last few days mainly due to being very careful with my phone (no power). So now it's back on the wagon.

In my first two weeks of WW online I lost 4lbs total.

Hugs!!!

1st week of WW online

Well I completed my first week of WW online.

The wins:

I tracked everything and I mean everything, every bite, lick, taste and sip.

The not so win:

That didn't stop me from going way way off plan, I was like a runaway train. My 6 weeks off plan let some good habits slide. Now that's my fault not the plans fault. I was tracking on my phone, my iPad and on the computer so I think that was kind of awesome. I had a little too much fun with all the food options I now have access to. However I have located some point friendly options in the food court as well. Today for example was Jugo Juice Wild Rice and Soybean salad and Max Veg (all veggies) juice.

I weighed in this morning with a loss of 1.8 lbs, now in all honesty that had more to do with my starting weight being recorded at night as that's when a week ago today I decided to try WW online one more time.

However I know I can do this.

So today is a new week and now that I've booked the trip to Tokyo in December that's added motivation.

Half marathon training went on hold as I had a weird pain in my calf along the right side, however now it seems to be fine.

It will be an interesting race at Disneyland as I'll probably be walking more then running so my goal is to finish and then for the Glass Slipper challenge in February the goal will be to smoke my time.

Next weekend is the Big Valley Jamboree a 4 day country music fest in Camrose, Alberta. My friends and I bought tickets for the first time. Now you couldn't get a hotel in Camrose anywhere so I had booked one in Wetaskiwin which is a 30min drive away.

This week a co-worker gave us a camp spot so unbelievably we managed to rent an RV, it's a long weekend next weekend so you can imagine this was super last minute.

I'm so happy about this as I was dreading figuring out who would be the designated driver and pretty much being stuck there all day. Now if there's an act that we're not into there's a place to chill and have a nap.

This weekend I had thought I'd go to my Dad's house but I seriously need to take care of my house. It's just been a disaster zone as I was so focused on the new job.

So before I can deal with the other house I need to get mine in order plus I think that will help my state of mind.

I started reading the Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare, I finished the Clockwork Angel and now I'm reading the Clockwork Prince with the Clockwork Princess already loaded on the Kobo.

Yes I like young adult fiction, Harry Potter, Hunger Games, Divergent. What can I say I find it entertaining. I don't think I'm alone in that though :)

Changing things up

I'm in a period of change right now.

Not just with the new job but I find my interests changing, like rediscovering getting lost in a book. Right now that's Cuckoo's Callling for me.

I'm also changing it up on the weight loss front. Now I completely believe in Weightwatchers, the program works. I've just found myself going through the motions and not happy with my meetings. You get what you put in.

A lot of that had to do with ridiculous leader and then a whole lot of subs. The other adjustment is back to working Mon - Fri. After 2.5 years of Mon -Thurs it's an adjustment trust me. I find I want to sleep in on Saturdays as Sundays are long run days.

Lately I get discouraged watching others who I remember when they joined succeeding when I'm just not. Frankly I'm tired. To be honest I get more support from my online friends/ bloggers. I was so sad I couldn't go to FitBloggin but knew it was for the best not to go as I was in full scale grief.


Heck there's so much new like dealing with new transportation to work as that's completely changed since the last time I worked downtown. New working hours, new work friends, new boss and new routine.
So last night I came to a decision to try something different. I signed up for weightwatchers online for 6 months.

Yes I've tried online before and was unsuccessful but that was 100% my fault and before the app. I take my phone everywhere.

I haven't been very successful in meetings lately either and just playing around with the same 5 pounds. There are weeks I am totally on, then weeks where I'm totally off and then weeks where I'm so so. Self fulfilling prophecy - fail to plan, plan to fail. My tracker has many partially filled days.

I know the plan inside and out and have learned tons at meetings that lives with me today. It's time to shake things up and walk the talk.

I haven't gone to a meeting since June 22, the Saturday after my Dad passed away, I think I went forcing myself into some sense of normalcy.

There's nothing normal about my life right now, I'm heading into the new normal.

I also changed my weigh in day to Thursday, it's been Saturday forever. I set the phone app to remind me to track breakfast, lunch and dinner. Day one was yesterday.

Frankly it's also cheaper then paying for a meeting and e-tools, the monthly pass is not availabe in my area. As I signed up for 6 months it works out a little more then $5/wk, that's less then I spend at Starbucks. I'm not washing my hands of meetings. I want to try online for 6 months, I have 54lbs till goal. I might lose it in 6 months I might not but if there's still the minimum loss left to join the meetings (I think it's 10 or 15lbs) I'll go back to meetings so I can reach lifetime and get e-tools for free. If I lose it all online I'll be happy with that as well.

I've been talking to people at work about going away for Christmas as I just think that will be too rough to be home this year, and suggestions have been pouring in.
Vegas, Chile, San Fransisco, Hawaii, Cuba, Mexico but then new boss suggested Japan.

I wasn't expecting that and that wasn't even on my radar but then I started thinking about it. I could go to Japan for a week. I've always wanted to go, and ever since I had skin cancer beach vacations don't appeal to me. I'm also liking that's it's a completely different culture and not traditional Christmas. I don't want to go somewhere where I'm surrounded by families celebrating Christmas. When I was in University I signed up for beginner Japanese but it was full, that was probably for the best at the time as I was also enrolled in German and Russian.

I'm researching Tokyo right now, it's huge and there's loads to see. It woud be a total adventure and seriously take me out of my comfort zone. It's aslo low season.

If I need familiar I can go to Tokyo Disneyland.

I went on Amazon yesterday and ordered Japanese languange books so I'm not completely lost. I also bought a trave guide so I'll do my research and must decide soon at any rate.

Here's to the new normal.

The WW Salad bowl and the possessed treadmill

I hope all of you had a great Monday.

Mine started with me overcooking my oatmeal in the microwave, it all turned out though.

Today I decided to take the bus to the train station as opposed to walking, it so looked like it was going to rain and I also wanted to time it as this will be my mode of transport when the weather gets colder.

While standing at the bus stop I realized I was super matchy matchy.

Note the jacket, purse and nails are all purple

Because I took the bus this morning I took the stairs to Starbucks.

Paused to admire my favourite thing in my building's lobby. I love this totem pole

I then headed to my new floor to unpack my desk for the second time in two weeks. Check out my new view. 

Today I tried the Weight Watcher Salad Bowl for the first time. 

I like this little space on top of the lid, great for keeping something you don't want to add to your salad until your just about to eat it. 

For me that's cheese, I hate how it gets a little slimey when added at the beginning of the day. 

There's a cooling lid snapped into the top of the lid, I froze it last night so my salad stayed chilled during transport

When you take the lid off this is what greets you the green thing in the middle is the container for your dressing.

Today it was light Peppercorn Ranch, I like how it can be carted separately too.

Lift of the green second lid (where the dressing container locks in) and tada my salad.

I grated carrots and radishes, added green onions, mushroom, chopped roma tomato and romaine hearts and tada. A coworker complimented my salad. I like the bowl though it's pretty big. Thankfully it fit into my lunch bag.

Today I was also going to test out the corporate gym. I packed and repacked into 3 different  gym bags. I have a few Lululemon gym bags that I've collected via gift cards or travelling and needed another bag. However I wound up going with a back pack, just plain easier to schlep.

Then I met the possessed treadmill.

See the touch screen buttons that control speed and grade, well that was awful. It either slowly sped up ticking by .1 by .1, or  little more pressure or longer hold and it jumps by .5 at the time. At one point I was trying to slow down but it sped up instead and it was the first time I actually jumped off the treadmill on the to the sides. I always see them do that on Biggest Loser but I've never been comfortable with it.

I wound up staying at a walk and changing the incline.

I think I'm going to try to do my runs outside now that I'm home. By the time the weather cools off I hope I can have longer run piece in my run/walk.

Dumbo Double Dare is a mere 7 weeks away and today I put the Tinkerbell training plan on my cubicle wall. Which starts 6 days after I come home from Disneyland, no rest for the wicked and as Tinkerbell will roll right into the Glass Slipper Challenge I've got my plan to stay active for winter.

Tomorrow I'm going to dust off a workout DVD as my cross training day. I'm thinking Hip Hop Abs.

Talk to you tomorrow.

Renewed motivation - saving money

Well I attempted to go shopping today.

I wandered through The Bay, Cleo and Laura Petite and came up with zip. The Bay was chaotic with all the spring sales, racks in the middle of aisles and you had to hunt for dressing room. That just makes me grumpy.

Cleo was in a temporary location in the mall and looked like a garage sale.

I can't shop in chaos, I like stores to be organized so during clearance sales I'm 100% turned off. I'm not one who can dig through racks in search of the steal. Which is unfortunate as I'd probably score some deals. What can I say it's the way I'm wired.

I was hoping to find more fall stuff but there was very minimal as it seems there's a lot of spring/summer stuff to get ride of.

I then came home and took a look at my closet, I do have more business clothes then I realized in a myriad of sizes. There quite a few things that are just a little bit too small. Which also makes me grumpy as I had I stayed focused I'd need to buy smaller sizes.

I can get by with what fits now and focus on getting smaller. This way I also save money and actually wear what's in my closet.

I did got to Cleo's website and found more things as of course a website is neatly organized. I had stuff I wanted to purchase and then their website froze. Perhaps it's a sign to stick to my plan and wear what I already own.

In other news I headed out for 4 miles today, I thought I'd ease into it as it's been awhile. I was impressed with my pace as I thought I'd be slower.

To achieve my goals I need to be better organized. I borrowed some habits I had when I had to get up at 3:30 am on Monday's.

I packed everything tonight. My lunch is in the fridge (a salad in the funky WW Salad Bowl, and Oikos Coconut yogurt, unsweetened applesauce as snacks. My breakfast fixings are laid on the counter - oatmeal with the measuring spoons ready to go. Heck my coffee cup is under the Keurig. The gym bag is packed as well.

Two days are tracked and I for once kabashed my 70,000 step goal on Fit Bit.

Now to just keep this going by focusing on one day at a time.

Hope you had a great week.

Hugs!

Back to basics - learning from the past

Well Stampede 2013 is over for me. Yesterday I packed away my boots and my plethora of plaid with one last trip to the grounds.

I think I wore the boots in fairly well.

Here they are new

Then I think how much my life has changed since I bought them. The most important person to me in the whole world - My Dad- passed away. I started a new job back in downtown Calgary. In other words my whole world changed.

When I first found out I was coming back to the corporate office I made a promise to myself to be more social, experience things and meet new people.

As I'm an introvert that can be a bit of a challenge for me.

Now here are the boots after 10 days of Stampede where I went to Nashville North for the first time ever, a breakfast Stampede party for the first time ever, and the business unit party that I hadn't been to in 2 years.

I also walked to and from the train station every work day in these boots. I figured it was good training for wearing heels again. They got beer spilled on them, stepped in puddles and walked a lot. Yesterday it was 18000 steps.

I do have boot wounds on my right leg about mid calf not sure why just that leg.

Today I was back in these

I didn't go to weigh in instead I focused on sleep, between dealing with grief and trying to be social to introduce myself back to the corporate world I was exhausted. I slept for 11 hours last night. However I'm back on the WW wagon from now on. I also found the new location for the downtown meeting in case I need a back up meeting.

Today it was back to basics and reintroducing myself to my tracker. I also went grocery shopping so I can do what I used to do and pack lunch 4/5 days allowing myself to buy lunch on Wednesday. I find that works for me as I can deal with two days then a break then two days.

It's going to be salad this week so I can try that WW salad bowl and reintroduce the poorly lacking vegetables of the last 10 days.

I'm also trying to rediscover my cooking mojo. Over the last 2.5 years by only being home 3 days a week my cooking mojo has suffered, typically it was the same 3-4 main meals over and over again or eating out. When I worked a regular Mon -Fri schedule before I cooked a lot. I didn't plan too far ahead so I could keep some flexibility and sort of shop in a European way by stopping at the market a few times instead of meal planning 7 days out. I'm only cooking for me after all.

I planned out my Monday in the tracker already so I could plan meals and snacks for the work day. I created a list of what needs to go into the gym bag as it's been a while since I packed a gym bag.  In camp my room was 4 doors down from the gym and when I was home I just walked to the gym ready to go.

Now I need to factor in the train ride home as opposed to walking home so body spray is on the list.

Tomorrow I must go clothes shopping. Since I've been at site I haven't been buying business casual clothes. For my first week I dug through my closet for what I wore before I went to site. It worked for a week but I need to face that I put on a few pounds since I last worked downtown. I kept thinking I would be skinnier returning to DT but hey life happens. I haven't been tracking since my Dad passed away and that's almost 4 weeks ago.

Now it's time to get back to establishing routines.

I made another observation during Stampede, fit girls get more attention. Now I was observing people who were fairly drunk at the time but it leads me to this. I don't know if you seen this but it's an interview with Dustin Hoffman from 2012, it's pretty profound as he talks about the perception of beauty and how it effects how you relate to others. I totally recommend watching it.

Stampede Check In

Hello,

Not sure where the week went but it's whirling by. My city has been knee deep in Stampede, an annual 10 day festival of all things western. Out goes the office wear and everyone dresses Western. I do own a few good plaid western shirts, and my boots which I only bought roughly a month before this year's Stampede have worked out really well.

In fact they're super comfy.

There's Western art everywhere especially on buildings. I love the Teepee on The Bow building. Those flags on the traffic lights are all over the city.

A free Stampede breakfast somewhere in the city every single day during Stampede.

Stampede Parties in the morning, this one started at 9 am.

Plus there's Nashville North down on the Stampede grounds, (me and my friend T who came down from Newfoundland)

You discover things like this JD and Coke in a can, by far my favorite Stampede drink so far.

Even Starbucks gets in to the Stampede spirit

Considering only a few weeks ago the downtown and Stampede grounds were covered in water due to flooding, the spirit of Calgary has bounced back.

Last week I picked up the pendants I ordered with my Dad's fingerprint

I bought the Angel and Drop pendant blind as I was directed to a website. So the Angel is a bit bigger then I wanted.

I actually prefer the back of the pendant as you can see the fingerprint so I might wear it backwards.

On Saturday T came with me to check out the cemetery in Bergen, it is a beautiful spot and very small. I think Dad would approve. I haven't decided on when to actually bury the urn but I'm rushing into things.

Now I haven't tracked at all this week and didn't go to weigh in last week either. In fact this week has been a bit of free for all.

It actually had me thinking of quitting meetings and going online, but the one time I tried online it didn't work for me. I also realize I'm dealing with a lot of change right now. Still feeling the loss of my Dad plus the new job and assimilating myself into a new work environment, and I'm moving desks on Friday to a new floor. I just unpacked 2 weeks ago.

I just needed to be this week. Next week will be all about establishing routine again and getting back to training.

For now I just want to breath and enjoy the distraction of Stampede.

Hugs

Back to work and realizing a few things

Almost done my first week back to work and first week in a new job and so far so good.

My new view or at least for now. I barely unpacked and was told "you know this is just a temporary spot right". I was forewarned and when I worked in Calgary the last time I moved 3 times. Today I got told they're working on my new spot, I'll still have a window and it's a bigger cubicle - I'm happy with that of course I'd prefer an office but hey I'll take what I can get.

At least the potato heads have a place to hang out for now. A few people asked me if I had kids when they saw the potato heads. Nope I like science fiction was my answer. I don't understand their comment if I did have kids why would these be at work if they were their toys?

I knew it'd be buying lunch this week as I'm not 100% together. I still have moments of sadness about my Dad and no doubt will for awhile. My to do list with all that is definitely shorter.

I also know I can't keep buying lunch and next week I'll pack for 4 days and have on buy day. I used that system when I worked downtown before. I do have the snazzy WW salad bowl that I'm eager to test out. It's not just the cost but it's far too easy to not eat healthy. Today I went to Sunterra and built a salad, got some strawberries and a cookie. Now had I packed I could do the salad and strawberries, pay less and not have the cookie.

I joined the company gym today too as it's just convenient. The last few days have been so hot it's not comfortable outside and stopping off at Spa Lady has been less then ideal. It's still cheap in terms of gym memberships that's for sure.

A friend is willing to come up with me to my Dad's house on Saturday which is great. I'm not ready to do the burying the urn thing yet. I would like to take a look around the cemetery though to get a lay of the land.

On Friday I need to pop down to the funeral home to pick up the pendants I ordered with the scan of my Dad's fingerprint. Speaking of jewellery, I realized I lost an earring today. I always wear these earrings no idea when I lost it and it's a stud so unlikely to find it. I take it as a sign to try something new.

I definitely need new work clothes but starting tomorrow it's Stampede so 2 weeks of western wear until I need to go down that path. I was happy my old ones still fit but in the same moment it was like "why aren't they too big".

I do realize I've been through a lot lately so I'm just going to go day by day and one foot in front of the other.

I missed the boat with the whole google reader disappearing as the other day I looked at my Feedler Pro app and there was a nada. Trying to figure out how to export the list so I can keep up with everyone.

I do hope you are all having a good week.

Hugs!!

Happy Canada Day

I love this version of the Canadian Flag and it was created by artist named Curtis Wilson and you can check out his website here.

My Canada Day was very low key, I just mowed the lawn. My lovely neighbours mowed my front lawn last week but it needed to be mowed again. The back lawn hadn't been done in two weeks so that was a monster and it was so hot today.

I go back to work tomorrow and while I'm looking forward to establishing a routine again my thoughts are still filled with Dad. I'm going in early to unpack my boxes and the good part is I should be pretty busy.

I'm thinking about going back to his house on Saturday, I had originally thought I'd leave it for two weeks. I do know I'm not comfortable being there for a long stretches of time by myself. It's very very isolated and just feels so weird without Dad. Of course before he passed away I was intending to go out there for a week in July. I may still take that week off but not spend the entire week there. Weekend trips might be easier for me to handle. I need to rent a garbage bin but I suspect that won't happen anytime soon as they're needed for flood relief.

I did get him spot in the Bergen Cemetery which makes me feel better, his urn goes where he wanted and no matter what I do with the property I can always visit. The only thing that through me off a little is I have to dig myself as there is no caretaker and because it's an urn. I sent out a cry of help and a number of friends came forward so I'll coordinate with them. A part of me wanted to keep this very private but I can recognize when I need help. I've cried in front of enough people for the past two weeks maybe I'm over avoiding crying in front of people.

I went to Canada Post to get my Dad's mail forwarded to me. I practically go everywhere with a copy of the Funeral Director's Note and the will as so many people seem to need to see it. Apparently they used to do this service for free but now it cost me $84 to forward it for a year. That's another reason to go back this Saturday as it the forwarding goes into effect July 5th. This time I'll bring the correct size bed sheets so I don't need to sleep on the couch as I'd probably come back early Sunday.

I did go to weigh in on Saturday as well after I dropped the rental off at the airport. I was down 1.4 lb can't say that was because of the plan as I wasn't tracking and while I did eat it wasn't much. I think that was more to do with grieving. We have a new leader...again. I can't remember her name right now but she was a leader in Fredericton so we'll see.  I picked up a new 3 month tracker to get back at it.

I don't have a big desire to cook also because it's so hot so it's pretty simple meal planning. I didn't plan on packing lunch this week as I just wasn't in the head space to be that organized.

I need to get back on track for training too. Dumbo double dare is a mere 2 months away and I am going to Disneyland. I could really use the happiest place on earth

Hope you are all doing well.