Back From Vegas Baby!

Actually got back yesterday but got smacked down by a cold on the trip and was misreable yesterday.


Over all Vegas was a hoot and I think I've rediscovered my love for that city and will be going back.





So here's what happened:


Friday: Woke up at 1:45am and just chose to get up since my ride was coming at 3:45am. Wound up watching this Dudley Moore movie about Moses. I think I may hunt this movie down as it was quite entertaining.


Got to the airport at 4am ish and all was good. US Airways technically left on time but we sat there for awhile. Got to Vegas and rented the mini van and we were off to Luxor. Stopped off at the Buffet because by then our eating patterns were totally off. After that it was off to the first outlet mall on the South side. It was alright but after that 4 of the 6 went to the Premium Outlet on the North side and realized we should have started there. I bought 4 pairs of shoes. Two from Nine West for $39.99 and the second pair half off and two from Skechers for $49.99 and the second pair half off. Attempted to look for clothes but wasn't successful. Then it was back to the hotel for some supper and then to change and go look around at night.


On the first day I was up for 25 hours and running on pure adrenaline I think.





Saturday:


More shopping starting with the strip and a visit to the Sephora in the Venetian...I love that store. Then a trip back to the Premium outlet mall for a more thorough look. This was the LAX club night so we got back to the hotel just before 8 and everyone went to go get ready. Saw Brodie Jenner in the gift shop with his friends pointing out all the girls they new on the porno mags....Classy I tell ya...not. A line up had already started at LAX so everyone was speeding around. Got to the line at 9ish and stood there for 2 hours with one rum and coke that cost $10US. Watched all the size 2 wearing practically nothing girls get in fairly quickly when the club opened at 10pm. Watched guys pay $200 a head to get in plus cover. By 11Pm the deal was you can get in if you bought 4 bottles so that would only set you back $1200. It was ridiculous, A and I and our new found friend David got in just around then but we just paid cover $10 for the girls and $20 for David. So you walk up a flight of stairs that take you to this upholstered statue thing and the upper level where the bars appeared to be. David bought us drinks because we got him in so that was $11 for a rum and coke. The dance floor was on the lower level and packed to the extent that there was no space between people and I could feel body parts of other people that I didn't want to feel. The cast of the Hills was there and I saw the top of Christina Aguilera's head for 2 seconds. I have to say I wasn't that impressed. There was a lot of red drapes and candles, the music was old. If there had been an emergency there's no way anyone would have gotten out of there without getting crushed. I don't understand what tall the fuss was about. So the good part of that was that I know think the clubs at home aren't so bad. Was there about an hour and a half and then couldn't take anymore. One of our group went back with other friends at 2am and apparently it was less packed and Paris Hilton was there...whoopee I'm still not impressed.

I almost forgot...we got to see a sneak peak of the new Bionic Woman series. They were doing audience testing and technically we weren't allowed to participate being Canadian so we pretended we were from California. I liked it and am so looking forward to seeing it when it hits the air to see if they made any changes from the rough cut we saw.

Sunday:


Was more exploring in general on the strip and then we saw O that night. O was fantastic, I so want to find out more of how that set works.





Monday:


Was lunch at P.F Chang's and then off to the airport.





Gambling wise Vegas won but I didn't lose a lot.


Shopping wise was one Coach bag and the four pairs of shoes mentioned above. Plus some odd and ends at Sephora.





The picture is of me at the Premium Outlet Mall posing as an exhausted shopper soaking my tired feet in the fountain. I'll post more pictures but I'm waiting for some our party to post them on facebook so I can get access. I'll definitely take a picture of the shoes :)

Vegas Tomorrow Baby!

I'm so running out of time, I made my pack list yesterday which speeds up the whole process but this morning it hit me of all the things I need to sort out before going. As I'm coming back in the evening on Monday and back to work on Tuesday I'm also sorting that out.

My plan is to weigh in at 6:30pm tonight but I'm wondering if that can happen. I'll do my best I just want get some sleep before getting up at 3am. The primary thing that must be completed is packing, I'd also like clean work clothes for next week so probably laundry. I always get like this before a trip, everything must be in German order.

A and I upgraded to first class for a wee bit of an extra fee, heck why not and it will be lovely.

There's a plan hatched to see Thunder from Downunder as well. I still don't think we have any chance of getting into any of these clubs especially with LAX being pitched as ultra exclusive, I don't really care. There's plenty of fun to be had without being surrounded by Paris Hilton lookalikes and not being able to hear oneself think.

I did join Spa Lady yesterday for 1 year. I asked for opinions on the WW board and it wasn't great for Spa Lady which I knew. The main issues are their trainers are questionable and they like to make you sign 3 year deals. However my purpose was to have access to gym equipment and a treadmill, I'm not looking for a personal trainer. There were no extra fees and no gimics and I'll pay special attention to the timing to quit or inquire about continuing when the year is up. I paid for the full year so for what averages at about $16.75 per month is still one heck of a deal as drop in rates for a day can be $10 at other gyms.

I also tried to sign up for the adult hip hop class at the dance studio but it was full, so I put my name on the waiting list and they said if there are enough people then a second class might be added so there's hope.

My co-worker got her lifetime today, I so want that key and it will happen.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and there will be Vegas stories for you next week.

Hugs!

Whirlwind of plans

I might be joining a gym tonight. More specifically Spa Lady, it's in my hood and they have a deal right now for one year at $199 and supposedly no hidden fees, no admin fees and no hassle...hmm we'll see. I was a member there before a long time ago at the beginning of this weightloss journey. I stopped going mainly because I had no motivation, I didn't see any significant changes and was disappointed with the whole experience.

Well, I know a heck of a lot more now than I knew then so I'm willing to try it for a year so I can access some weights and cardio especially through winter. I'm just going for a chat today and see.

I joined the biggest loser club on nbc last night and then quit today. I think I joined with the euphoria of a new season but today when I saw the meal plans and how restricting the site was I realized "you moron, you have all the tools to do this without joining a website". The tools that WW give you are awesome and I pull from other sources as well. Heck I own enough information to train myself and the tools to stick with it as well. So thank the lords for a free 10 day trial. Besides if I want to report to a website there are plenty that are free.

I know my brain was looking for a quick fix or relief of boredom, yet I shouldn't be bored as I haven't really been on track this summer. I think I'm stubborn, I know I need to focus but a part of me is rebelling knowing that fun time is over in a sense. I feel renewed by letting all that go and focusing on a healthier me and knowing that results are not instant but all the work and sweat that go in will reap rewards down the road.

I should seriously start packing for Vegas as I've been told my pick up time for Friday is a 3:45am.

Alas I shall report in tomorrow on my findings at spa lady.

Back at work

So it's the first day back after my lovely 10 day vacation. I probably talked to less than 5 people during that whole week and this morning in the meeting I was racing ahead of people in terms of going through information. I told them it was because I was practically a hermit for a week and I've forgotton my social skills :)

Food wise for the week wasn't terrible nor was it perfect. I've started writing times next to the food in my tracker again. Like when I had breakfast, the snack, lunch and so forth. It's interesting to see where I fall off track if it happens and also how long breakfast keeps me full sort of thing. I'm all about data really, which I suppose makes me a geek. Hey, I don't mind that at all.

Yesterday I went through all my shorts and dressy stuff for Vegas. 3 pairs of shorts still fit and actually fit better. I discovered I own a lot of tank tops but after my skin cancer scare two years ago I've embraced sleeves as shoulders can be zapped by the sun pretty bad. Of course I'll have my go to Ombrelle sunscreen. I had also thought of trying mystic tan before I went but now I'm embracing my paleness.

The dress I bought at Old Navy eons ago looks great. When I first tried it on it showed all the lumpy parts and now the only lump is in the belly area and pretty much disguised by the dress. In my attempt at accessorizing I bought a silvery/black scarf to wrap just under the bust of the dress to play off the empire waist. I'll definitely take pictures in Vegas so you all can see.

Work wise so far so good, eased right back in to the rigamarol. Oh yes, on Thursday they let me know they found a dead mouse under my desk....yes I know...ewwwwwww! Babies had been found earlier in the week all perished in other locations of the office. I don't think the mouse and I were co-habitants of my office when I was here the week before. They probably came in via the back door that was probably propped open to transport something. Office is clean and now fine now but boy was I happy not to be here for that.

So excited about Biggest Loser tonight, I need to get me a dvr. Big Brother and Biggest Loser on at the same time. I'm going to the pot luck tonight so if I'm home in time I'll watch Big Brother as I'm taping Biggest Loser. If I miss Big Brother I can always read the re-cap.

I'm kind of excited about the new tv season I'm looking forward to Chuck, Reaper, Bionic Woman for sure in terms of new shows. Happy to see Heroes back too.

School starts on the 17th too, so it will all be about time management and workouts are the priority. I have 16 weeks of coupons and I'm gung ho.

This week I weigh in on Thursday so I'm very focused.

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend!

Where does time go?

I can't believe it's already Saturday and I'm back to work on Tuesday and then off to Vegas on Friday. It just seems like other day when Vegas seemed weeks away. Craziness I tell you.

Well the window frames are painted, there's two spots that need a second coat but I'm hoping to get that done this weekend, I also need to paint the railing yet.

Eating was alright over the week, I was .6 down today which I'll take. I didn't do any formal exercise but climbing up and down ladders sure does something.

I need to weigh in on Thursday this week because I won't be here for my normal Saturday meeting. Typically I treat Saturday as well...treat day, but not today. I have 6 days until that weigh in and I'm focusing on being OP all the way through. I've also decided that Vegas will not be free for all food wise. Sure I'll have the occasional treat but I'm not going to go hog wild, it's just not worth it. I'll follow the rules of the buffet - half your plate veggies, 1/4 starch, 1/4 protein. I will not be a walking garbage disposal by inhaling the dessert table. Activity is pretty easy in Vegas as we'll be pretty much walking everywhere. Hey it's still 7 days until then so I'm also focusing on exercise while I'm still at home so that when I come back I can just swing back into my schedule and then it's game on for the rest of the year.

I was looking at weigh in book at the meeting today and it looks like I've been on one major plateau, I know I'm responsible for that plateau by half following the plan. The topic today was we have all the tools to be successful on this journey.

If you follow WW, how oftern do you go back and read the material. I know I do it very rarely, I'm going to be sitting down with those pamphlets this weekend. I forget that there are so many good recipes in there and success stories, not to mention the tools to get you to goal.

Over the course of trying to lose weight I've become a weight loss collector - I have loads of books and loads of dvds. I came to the conclusion that I don't need to join a gym this winter, I've got a ton of resources in my own house. When the weather is too bad to go inside I'll be heading to the basement to do a dvd.

I have enough weigh in coupons to get to December and gosh darn it there will be significant difference in the weight that's in my weigh in book today and by end of this year.

The waffling ceases and drive kicks in. I don't want to keep paying WW every week just to play around with the same 5lbs, there are frivolous things on my goal list I want, not to mention I want that damn key and star on my WW key chain. I don't want to blog about my wishy washy motivation to do this, I want to inspire like so many of you have inspired me. I want everyone to know they can do this.

No more excuses!

Tuesday musings

On my second official day of vacation I went to the grocery store and stocked up on veggies. Had a very brisk 30min walk on the way there because I also needed to drop of DVDs at blockbuster.

Yesterday I did 45min of yoga and 30min of hip hop abs and I haven't done either one in ages so it was good to get the body moving. Tonight I'll do yoga again.

I also cleaned all the basement windows, dusted and vacuumed.

Looking forward to Big Brother tonight and then it's painting window frames tomorrow. Then after that it's organizing the kitchen and shampooing the carpet. If I can get all this done by the end of the labour day weekend I'll be happy.

On the 4th I'm going to a potluck with all the girls going to Vegas sort of a chance to meet each other before we go. I said I'd bring dessert and will probably make the rocky road brownies from the new low fat cookbook I got on the weekend called One Smart Cookie. I think I'll stick to some type of bar as it will be easier to transport to work and will keep the whole day as well.

Today has been good food wise, I haven't been too happy with what the scale has said in the last few weeks and I know it's all about my behaviours. I have to make exercise a priority and I have to track everything. I've been really good with the water as well.

I hope everyone had a great day and remember that this weight loss journey is one day at a time.

The start of a 10 day vacation

I'm including weekends in that of course. The mission for this week is to take care of all those projects that I've some how avoided doing on weekends.

Well Saturday I went to WI up 0.2, which is o.k. I actually didn't want to go as I felt the past week was a total disaster. The topic of the meeting was quite good for me. All about how long do you think it will take to lose the weight. I know my answer is when I'm ready. I've often thought of dates that I thought I could be at goal by and I've never reached that goal. So now my theory is take it one day at a time. Focus on making healthy decisions every day and not worry about a month from now or a year from now. I will get to goal and when I do I'll now that I learned every lesson and will stay at goal weight. So it's one weigh in at a time for me.

The challenge this week is having access to a fridge 24/7 put I have my tracker on my coffee table and have successfully planned two days so far. Again...taking it one day at a time.

I also used a fantastic gift certificate and Cookbook Co. on Saturday, that my friend A gave me for Christmas. I picked up two books by Julie Van Rosendal called One Smart Cookie and Grazings. All the recipes are favourites with less fat and less calories while no sacrificing taste and every recipe has full NI details.

Today I tackled the first and probably biggest of my avoidable tasks and that was cleaning out the spare bedroom in the basement. This room became the place where things with no home began to live...old kitchen chairs and just a whack of junk pretty much. I would just keep the door closed and avoid it. Well what felt like a bazillion bags of garbage up the stairs and out the door later the room is 98% complete. There's nothing on the floor, the only thing I need to do is vacuum and make the beds. I need to pick up some pillows first and paper towel to clean the window. I tell you one thing it was a pretty good workout.

The great thing about getting that done today is nothing else on my list was as daunting. Now I'm quite proud of myself.

Other things on my list:
Reorganize my kitchen cupboards
Organize the linen closet
Go through my closet and be viscious in purging anything that no longer works ignoring sentimental emotions.
Go through my desk and also purge anything that is not currently useful or being used.

Also at some point this week I will make a few dishes to freeze into individual servings for lunches and quick suppers.

My Dad is coming in on Wednesday to help me paint window frames which is also on the list.

The beauty of this week though is back to work on the 4th and then off to Vegas on the 7th.

I found out that we don't have VIP anything for Vegas, we're simply on the guest list for this club, which means we may get a bit further ahead in line but we still pay cover and are still at the mercy of the bouncers. So the chances of getting in are still slim, which suits me fine. The most fun thing to do in Vegas is people watch at any rate. Plus with the MTV video awards going on that weekend hopefully they'll be some celebs walking about. More likely people talking about celebs they spotted, but that works too.

I'm already thinking of packing one day and one night look for each day in Vegas, so I don't pack what I don't need...which I typically do. This time out I'll also have to pack a whack of product for the hair and the makeup. I'm going to pull out the arsenal and look smashing every night. In the past when I went to Vegas I'd just schlep around in t-shirts and shorts the whole time. I will take pictures I promise.

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Oy Vey...

I'll be happy when I finish Rome Season 2 because than I focus on other things. The problem with renting dvds and my adoration of this series is I feel I need to watch them right away so I can return them. Well my little Roman holiday has completely interrupted my work outs. I get home, flop on the couch and start watching this series. I realize that if I was truly dedicated I would make the time, obviously my dedication is somewhat lacking.

Food wise has been pretty pathetic too, at least I'm tracking it all. The problem-office snacking. The nut man came buy the other day and I bought salted sunflower seeds and chocolate covered pretzels. I've been snacking on the sunflower seeds continually for 2 days, they're now in the garbage. The chocolate covered pretzels are still sealed and my co worker who comes back from 3 weeks vacation on Monday will find them on her desk with a note that says welcome back.

The light at the end of tunnel hit me in Walmart yesterday. I was staring at the new Brain Age 2 game and then realized you can't have this until you've earned it. I had to rethink this goal list thing, I need the prize to be something I really really want. Like when you're a kid at Christmas and this thing is at the top of the list for Santa. The game is $20, I could definitely think of things more expensive but that can wait for down the road. My goal list will consist of completely frivolous items that I would traditionally purchase without even thinking of it, the list will also be flexible so new items could be added in place of existing.

So here's my plan:
170-Brain Age 2
165-Picross Game
160-Nintendo ds browser
155-TBD

I have next week off which will also help as I can get activity in at any time of day and build a pattern so I can keep momentum. The running will start up again this weekend. I find the c25k podcasts kind of irritating music wise so I took out a few books from the library to come up with my own training plan. I also need to pick a race, there's a 10k in October not sure I'll be at that level by then but there's races all the time in this city. I'll be keeping my eye out for one that takes place in about 16 weeks. I think I'll only rent dvds on the weekend from now on, it will be easier on my bank account too.

This Christina Aguilera at LAX while I'm in Vegas is worrying me a little. We didn't get a lot of details on this $600 VIP table thing but I've been doing some research and I think this could wind up costing a lot. In Vegas there's this think called "bottle service" I'm not 100% sure how it works but the jist is you pay for a VIP pass and then you get a table but your expected to buy a certain amount of alcohol. The average seems to be a $375 bottle of some sort of spirit for every 3 people. Add in the cover charge $20, add in the tipping of the hostess, bartender and whoever else helps you and this looks like it would be really expensive. Not to mention it's like they let anyone in. This is a new club on the weekend of the MTV Video music awards, unless you look like Paris Hilton or Lindsay Lohan, or dress the part - I don't think your getting in. Even $120.00 just to walk in is starting to seem a little ridiculous to spend the evening with expensive drinks and super skinny 20 year olds. Instead of even stressing about it, I'd rather just go check out the hermitage guggenheim at the Venetian or sit in one of the casino floor bars that don't have cover charges and just people watch. Not to mention that my income is probably half of some the other people's income, I could use that $120.00 for other things.

I've been to Vegas numerous times and can easily occupy my self. I've also taken out a few current Vegas travel guides to look up some options...what can I say I'm a planner.

Anybody know more about what's involved with a VIP table or have you ever had the "bottle service" experience?

Rollercoaster ride when getting back on track

Saturday's street hockey was a bit of a disaster as only 3 teams showed up. However the strong organizer's of the group who were left out of this time round have now taken control for next year. Food wise on Saturday was also a bit of a disaster but no biggy - it's only one day.

I was up .8 at WI, but alot of that had to do with wearing jeans as I couldn't wear my normal weigh in uniform due to the street hockey business.

Cleaned out the fridge and bought only healthy stuff on my grocery shopping expidition on Sunday. Bought a new tracker but decided to use the rest of the old one as I still had 9 weeks worth of space, however I've folded the page between last week and this week to indicate a definitive break between past behaviour and now.

Finished season 1 of Rome and bought the cd of the music today. The style of this show is phenomenal. Tried to start season 2 but alas they were taken out. Returned dvds at VHQ and they were closed due to "technical difficulties". Hmm, considering I only ever see one person working at a time I'm wondering if it's more staff related then technology. I also rented The Queen and Hot Fuzz and really enjoyed both.

Got my seaon 2 of Namaste yoga today and I'm so excited but I've been lax in my yoga practice so I feel I should start again wit season 1 and work my way up again.

Been thinking alot about what the heck to wear going clubbing in Vegas. The plan now is to go to a brand new club at Luxor the night that Christina Aguilera is performing. Someone had a contact there and the table has been reserved. I've got time but I don't think I own anything appropriate at the moment.

Apart from all that I need to swing by blockbuster to return dvds and water flowers this evening and squeeze in a workout in there too.

I hope everyone has a groovy day and until tomorrow

Game Plan

I got my hair cut and it's pretty much a cleaned up version of what it was before. Did rediscover my love of Aveda products more specifically the mousse and the volumizing tonic.

Swung back to work to pick up books that have been living under my desk for 3 days. Then went home. By the time I got home, I had no desire to make dinner. So dinner was vermont ham slices with a bit of hot mustard and then rolled up and after that two cookies. I have a fridge full of food, most of it probably condiments purchased for various recipes and then used once. This weekend I need me a game plan.

1. buy new 3 month tracker to start fresh

2. clean out fridge and anything that can trigger a bad food trip

3. Meal ideas posted on the fridge based on what's in the kitchen this minute

4. workout plan on the calendar and check my stock of small stickers

5. medidate on the positive and focus positive self talk

6. Find an empty notebook and start collecting recipes I find in WW Magagazine, Shape and Women's Health.

This morning my coworker gave me the page off of her disney calendar. The quote says it all...

"I never look back, darling. It distracts from the now."

Edna Mode, The Incredibles 2004

So no whining, no feeling bad or disappointed, no berating oneself, no excuses and above all no woulda, coulda, shoulda.

Game on baby and there's no stopping until success!

PS. I love Edna Mode and that movie, she's also the screen shot on my cell phone.

Life is funny...

Everyday on my way home from work I pass a dance studio that offers classes in hip hop. I have often thought to myself how I'd really like to take that class but didn't do anything with that thought....more on this in a minute.

This Vegas trip is with my friend A and 4 of her friends that I don't know that well.

Well last night went to A's house for a Harry Potter book club meeting. She made amazing chicken kabobs and potatoe salad. One of her friend brought an amazing strawberry spinach salad, another friend brought an awesome hummous. Not too much book talk, instead we got talking about SYTYCD and watched the second last episode (there were people present who hadn't finished the book and didn't want to know how it ended). Two of the people there are part of the Vegas group and I think we got along like a house on fire. I'm going to go to that hip hop class with them starting in September.

To give a little back story. A has had these friends since University. A and I have known each other since Jr. High but went to different Universities. Quite often if I'm hanging out with her and some of the friends I feel like I don't really belong. They're super nice but the only thing we have in common initially is A. So it was super nice to sort of bond with people and find other things in common.

We also had dessert at this shindig. I can not resist M&Ms Caramel Apple Pie.

I'm getting my hair cut tonight and I need to swing by the post office to pick up the parcel from Amazon Germany.

Have a groovy day everybody!

Goals and random musings

I went to VHQ last night and found the Rome dvds I was looking for. One guy told me it was $17.50 for 4 dvds, yet I was charged full price. I will phone today to mention that.

Once again searched for Coffee Crisp singles, but they still don't have them.

It was 6 degrees at 5:30am...fall is coming.

Going to my friend's book club this evening, we're discussing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Tomorrow getting hair cut, I coloured it dark brown because I was getting tired of fading red tones. It will probably fade out to reddish but that's alright.

So I was thinking about my goals and rewards. I can't think too far ahead as the things I covet change. So I'll start at the begining. When I hit 168 (5ish pounds from now), I'll buy the Smashbox lipstick in Eden.
I know for goal I'll treat myself to a spa day.

I apologize for the rambling, my life has been a bit chaotic recently and I'm trying to get focused.

I hope everyone has a super fabulous day!

Happiness is...a coffee crisp single

Went to Blockbuster last night to return my dvds and get the second disk of Rome. Alas someone beat me to it as both copies of that disc were out. So I abandoned that quest and went to Walmart in search of the coffee crisp singles. No luck there.

I'm sitting at my desk eating lunch and my co-worker walks by with one in her hand, I rather abruptly asked her where she got it. It turns out the little convenience store across the hall has them. There a total rip off as he charges a buck each but today I don't care. I wanted that 2pt coffee crisp. It was yummy :)

Due to my zipping around after work I didn't get a formal work out in but I did walk a lot. Tonight I want to drop by VHQ to see if they have Rome and maybe swing into Payless as BOGO is on. I need to revamp myself, I find like I'm in a rut clothes wise and shoes wise. I need snazzier work shoes. I have two pairs of shoes that live under my desk - one for pants, one for skirts. It's pathetic really. Plus fall is my favourite time of year clothes wise. I can't go crazy just yet as Vegas is looming and also I would like to be smaller. I better get my patootie in gear then hey?

Watched my taped Coronation Street last night and totally forgot about The Hills season 3 starting and I missed SYTYCD once again. I'm just not into the dancers. Super excited about Biggest Loser's new season.

So not alot to report I must say. The talking blog is coming I swear now that I'm sitting still for a bit and have camera batteries. Perhaps I'll try that tonight...no promises but I have nothing else on the go.

I hope everyone has a super stupendous day!

Random musings from my brain

Alright, got a few things on my mind - some frivoulous and some more serious

I just read that the girl who won "The Search for the next Pussycat Doll" chose not to join the group but go out on her own. Apparently she landed the gig of being the face of a new line of clothes that P.Diddy is putting out. Fine, that's great exposure as a model. I totally feel for the girls who came in 2nd, 3rd and 4th. I was rooting for Chelsea during that series and somehow I don't think she's jump ship. It drives be bananas when people enter these contests beating out thousands of people and then toss it away.

I read on the WW boards that coffee crisp singles have been sighted. That made my day, I love coffee crisp and never have it anymore because it's such a giant chocolate bar.

When I have a minute this afternoon I'm going to write out a goal list for every 5 pound loss. I stayed the same this week, which I'm really happy about but I need to focus on the losing not the maintaining.

I think my motivation is returning, I'll consider my little break a time to regroup and remember why I'm on this journey.

Here's an offbeat question for you all. I got to thinking about all the romance reality shows on the bus this morning. If you've found your soulmate/partner, how did you know they were "The one"?

Hope everyone has a groovy day!

I can't believe it's been almost a week

Since I've been on here...where does time go?

Work is still crazy but not entirely overwhelming which is good.

Exercise has been none existent due to getting home and wanting to not move a muscle.
Motivation has been...iffy. Weather is cooling off and my whole office is in snack mode, add TOM to that and it's been a battle.

I did close the fridge last night as I went to it looking for something even though I wasn't hungry.

I pretty much spent the long weekend reading and discovering the tv show "Big Love". I don't get HBO but I've heard a lot about this show. I was wandering the aisles of Blockbuster and thought why not. Well I got the first two discs, watched both on Sunday. Went back on Monday and got the rest of the series. Now this is season 1 so it will be awhile till Season 2 comes out. I also rented the first disc of "Rome" another HBO series. I'm really liking the one week rental as there's some flexibility in returning them.

Bought my textbooks for my next two classes, even though one doesn't start until April. My plan is to read ahead...normally that never works for me but I'm trying to be a better life organizer.

I'm really enjoying Big Brother at the moment. I so want Danielle and Dick out of there. I can't stand how arrogant they are. I'm really hoping for an upheaval soon.

Missed SYTYCD the other night but I'll grab the recap on fox.com.

Apart from all that I'm just trying to get myself sorted and get back into the groove.

I hope everyone is hanging in there.

Craziness I tell you

My German Amazon stuff has shipped, now the question is when will it get here and how much duty will I have to pay...

Work has been super stressful and my eating habits are reflecting that. This morning I contemplated not going to weigh in tomorrow but then realized that wouldn't help at all. It's better to face it and move on then avoid it.

I think I need to do some yoga tonight, sort of de-stress and focus on some positivity. I'm going to re-start the sticker on the calendar for every day I workout and the plan is to have sticker every day between now and Vegas....baby.

Spent a great evening with The Glitterati, we put together a small buffet in mere minutes. This buffet was fairly nutritionally sound as well.

Watched that song lyric show "Don't forget the lyrics", I've also seen the Singing Bee one and I think I prefer Joey. It's crazy how many song lyrics you remember though.

Alright - I hope everyone has a safe and fun long weekend.

I'm out!

Also caught So you think you can dance and I still don't have a favourite. I think that's why I haven't been following along as faithfully as last year.

I am a total geek - may the force be with me

After realizing I had forgotton my cousin's birthday I quickly zipped off an email apologizing and promising that I would send a parcel by Friday. My cousin lives in Germany.

I then started thinking about Germany and thoughts turned to my German Harry Potter books and that I was now missing some of the newer books. I wandered over to the german version of Amazon. All the Amazon sites are interrelated to a certain extent. My email and password works on the Canadian and American site as well as the German site. Well I totally forgot that I had created a wish list on the German site. So what do I do...I ordered the Star Wars DVD and Harry Potter DVD set in German. I didn't order books because I couldn't remember what books I was missing.

I just kept going with the process waiting for it to stop me because I'm ordering from Canada. It never did and it sent me an email confirmation. It's shipped by DHL which is an international shipper so we shall see if I get a "shipped" email. I'm so excited though! I told my friend 'A' about it and the first thing she says is "How many copies of the Star Wars movies do you have now?".

O.K I have a few, but don't blame me. Blame the marketing gurus who keep revamping things. I have two sets of vhs and two sets of dvds. But the German ones don't count I tell her, because that's to help my German. Watching movies in German force me to understand normal conversational speed as opposed to any language learning material....I give a good arguement don't I?

It's official I'm going to Vegas in September so I really shouldn't be buying anything frivolous at any rate.

Yesterday I went out to dinner where I didn't behave at all. They were all healthier options but combined not so healthy. However today is a different story I have 10pts remaining and I'm heading out for a healthy dinner and then off to see Hairspray. Vegas is definitely adding extra incentive to stay focused.

I shall report back tomorrow with my progress of finishing out the day OP.

May the force be with you :)

Zonked

So I did see a gain on Saturday, but I'm o.k with that. I was so expecting 5lbs but it was 2.4 and I do believe a contributing reason was dealing with the unnatural heat we've had lately. Apparently that has now left and nights are actually cool enough to sleep.

I am so tired today and I don't know why. Perhaps it's full moon related. I didn't sleep fantastic yesterday, I never do on Sundays I think it's because you know you're going to work the next day.

Have had a somewhat productive day and out of the blue my friend asks me about going to Vegas in September. It's been 2 years since I've been to Vegas and I wasn't planning on a go away vacation this summer but it's looking like we can get a deal so maybe I will go. It's not like I want to do any major shopping as Sephora is now here and I've found a bra a like at La Senza so no need for Victoria Secret. We'll see what happens.

That trip would give added inspiration to get my butt in gear weight loss plan wise. Nothing like realizing one must put on a bathing suit...eek.

Nothing incredibly enlightening to say today...see ya tomorrow

Running walrus

Well that's what I felt like yesterday. I got home, changed into running gear and headed out the door. I managed to do 4 out of the 6 running bits but I felt like lead so I just walked after that. Who knew that 90 seconds could feel like an eternity. A lot of that had to do with the 27 degrees and not moving a muscle in 2 weeks. I'm determined to get through it but my next attempt will be on Sunday morning when it's cooler. I think I'll figure out how to encorporate that into the mornings. I just need to figure out how the morning routine will change.

I will see a gain tomorrow but oh well this is what happens when you don't follow the plan. I'm going to pull up my boot straps and keep moving on.

I was exhausted yesterday and went to bed in the middle of Big Brother.

I've got a lot of errands this weekend but I think I'm going to take a good chunk of time and focus on some goal setting and put it up somewhere so I can visualize. I need to do some meal planning too.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and here's to a new week!

New Day

First of all I need to talk about So You Think You Can Dance...how irritating was the solo portion with all 10 dancers dancing the same routine to the same song one person at a time. I used to like John Mayer's Waiting for the world to change...not anymore. I really hope Kameron doesn't go home, he's a cutie.

On other things...today is new day. I'm leaving my tracker on my desk so I'm concious of what I'm doing. I will start the C25K tonight, why wait for a new week when today is new day.

The goal list will wait for tonight, but work wise I've made a list of what I need to accomplish today and will check things off as they're completed.

I'm trying to learn more about Ayurveda. A bazillion years ago when I worked for The Body Shop they launched a line based on this ancient tradition. I still have my training from that but it's just the basics. My yoga gura has recommended anything written by Dr. Vasant Lad or Dr. David Frawley. I have a list of foods that are better suited towards my dosha which is pitta. I don't want to go into too much detail here but it's really interesting material I must say.

Apart from all this, I will report in to say how day 1 of C2K went.

Go forth and succeed!

Rebellion

Three days into my work week and I'm still not up to speed. If I actually put my head down and focused I'd probably be organized but little things keep getting in the way and distracting me from the work in front of me.

I feel that way on the weight loss front as well. I know what I need to do, I just don't have any get up and go. At least tonight I did an hour of yoga but I have yet to lace up my runners. At first the horrible heat was the factor but now the humidity is gone and I wasn't psyched up to go. It might due to change, I'm not heading out for the usual walk. This time out it's running, could that be freaking me out?

When I'm not focused it stresses me out a bit, which then results in snacking. The weird thing is at my Dad's I didn't snack.

I need to write down some goals, starting small and going forward.

I know I'll get my groove back, I just want it back sooner rather than later.

The picture above it the view from Dad's front door.

In conclusion, I'm not saying I'm giving up or fallen off the wagon. I'm just a little stuck in the mud.

Back among the city dwellers

Hello All,
I am back from a week of total relaxation. My Dad lives on an acreage so it was like living in silence-no traffic, no lawn mowers, no barking dogs, no sounds of kids. All that you can hear is the wind, leaves rustling, and the buzz of the black fly. I slept 10hrs a night and napped in between, it was like being totally relaxed. I didn't track a thing but at my Dad's house there's no convenience food, everything is wholesome not necessarily low fat but not messed with, if you know what I mean.

I didn't get into town in time for weigh in but home scales shows no damage.

My C25K mission was put on hold due to a bear on the property. It's true they are more scared of us then we are of them but I wasn't comfortable not being in shouting distance of anything out there with him/her. On top of that there were some pretty big thunderstorms every second night and there's no pavement out there either, didn't feel like running in mud.

This week will be the start of that endeavour. I've cleared my garmin to start tracking walk/running.

I pretty much read and watched the limited tv you can get out there minus a satellite. I watched a lot of the good old CBC (canadian broadcasting corportation) well known for news and great docs but they have some good sitcom like shows as well. I really enjoyed Rumors and Little Mosque on the Prairie. I got completely caught up on Coronation Street so I think that will become my Sunday routine once again. Got caught up on Days of our lives as well. I only watch it in the summer and it's amazing how fast it all comes back.

I have totally immersed myself in Harry Potter. Took Order of the Pheonix with me to re-read before seeing the movie. Read the 6th book again this Saturday, the 7th book was delivered that afternoon and about an hour ago I finished that. I won't give any spoilers on the Deathly Hallows but it did make me cry.

I'm trying to keep my sense of calm as I think of work tomorrow. It's a bit of a chaotic environment. I think I should add a desk fountain to my Mr. Potato Head collection...

I hope everyone had a fantastic week while I was gone. I so look forward to catching up on all your blogs.

Later!

Well knock me over with a feather

As I was puttering around my house yesterday I realized there was a meeting at 6:30pm that I could go to. So I hussled down there ready to accept a gain due to my Stampede behaviour and lo and behold I was down a pound. I think the dancing at Bon Jovi saved my patootie. I was so happy!

Now it's a half day at work, zip home, mow the lawn, zip back and head down to Cowboys. Then up early tomorrow to pack and water flowers then off to Dad's for rest and quiet for a week.

No where near a computer so y'all come back next week...ya hear.

Shout out to all my Fit and Fabulous team members we will rock this challenge.

Hugs to everyone!

Mr. Potatoe Head and friends

Finally! Here are some pictures of my hutch at work.

So on the left are the spud buds, corn, carrot and a small potatoe head. On the right, my pride and joy- Darth Tater, R2 Potatoo with a hologram of a potatoe head Princess Leia, Spud Trooper holding a potatoe masher, Spudder Man and Optimash Prime.

I'm quite surprised that not everyone notices them when they sit down with me but those who do always smile. Of course I have responsible adult elements of the picture and the daisies :)

Bon Jovi was fantastic last night, two encores and the guy still has it. The entire Saddledome (15000 people) sang Richie Sambora Happy Birthday. Heck the whole crowd knew most of the songs with the exception of the new album. It must be such a rush to hear that many people singing your songs back to you.

Went to the Avison Young buffet which is only open to concert ticket holders after 5:30pm. That was nice. It was kid's day at the Stampede so there were teenagers everywhere. We went on one ride that we waited 45min in line for. Oh well, there's always next year.

I was a little surprised to see a 1.5lb loss on my scale this morning. I slept through weigh in so it looks like this weeks is a miss. I think the loss was due to dancing through the whole concert. The guy in front of me stood for the whole thing so I had to as well. It wasn't bad but I was tired by the end of it.

Today is day at home so I'm happy to have a completely controllable day food wise. I'm going to walk down to the grocery store and back and do some yoga this afternoon.

Have a groovy day!

Bon Jovi Night

Hi All,
First of all I need to stop promising stuff to you. The Mr. Potatoe Heads will be posted but last night I went to our company's stampede party, left early and came home to water my flower beds and then hit the hay. Had to tape BB8, thankgoodness I have tomorrow off to catch up on things like posting a picture and cleaning my house.

Tonight is the Bon Jovi concert I'm excited. First time I'll hit the grounds this Stampede. We've got reservations at a buffet so we can eat in a civilized manner and have a nice place to wait for the concert. However we'll have about an hour to roam around the grounds a bit. Maybe go on a couple of rides, watch the knick knack sale guys try to sell their wares, inhale the aroma of mini donuts and corn dogs...

I have to admit this week has gone to hell in a hand basket since that stampede party last Thursday. I think the whole city gains weight at this time of year. For sure I'll be getting a workout in on Thursday. Friday I only work until noon and have to go out for 3pm so maybe I'll go home get an hour walk in change and come back to earn a few aps. It will be so much easier to focus when Stampede is over. I'm heading out of town next week to my Dad's, I can't control the food but at least it's typically unrefined, unmodified food. I will be bringing my ipod and the C25K podcast so I can start that. Plus drink gallons of water. I'm bringing my yoga mat, so when Dad naps I'll yoga.

Hope everyone has a groovy day

Totally Exhausted

As I was on my home yesterday I felt a tension headache brewing in my shoulders and I felt totally exhausted. Made a quick stop at Shopper's and then had a bowl of cereal for supper. I was in bed by 7pm and slept through until my alarm went off at 5:30am. I think the half marathon was catching up with me, I've never worked the day after a race before and I think I was missing the rest.

Alas, this is the reason Mr. Potatoe Head collection is not posted today. I will do it tonight I promise. The pictures have been taken so I just need to upload.

My friend H posted some pictures from race day. I don't like looking at pictures of myself because it never lines up with what I think I look like. Mainly the obvious rolls I could see in the pictures. Of course standing in front of mirror your posture is typically correct but it's the pictures of you relaxed that shows the truth. I'm not embarrassed by it or disappointed in them, I know the work that needs to be done and it inspires me to follow the plan and work at this.

Next year when I do that race I want to see an after picture and will consider this years the before.

Have a good day everybody!

Determining your strength and spirit

Hello hello,
Busy weekend I must say.
On Saturday up at 6:30 am and I went to the 47th annual Chinook Mall Stampede breakfast which was great, went to the brand new Sephora that has finally arrived in Calgary and purchased stuff (of course :)). Later on went to Transformers and loved it. Had lunch at Taco Bell and then out to dinner. Dinner was fabulous with D and her hubby from Ontario, my friend H and I.

The alarm went off at 4am on Sunday so I could get ready for the Alberta Jeep Half Marathon. I was counting down to this date with some fear. My training has been erractic, I'm not sure why. It was a combination of losing motivation and finding that I have a tough time motivating myself. I was pretty much training for this on my own which I've never had to do before. Alas I felt good about the race as I headed off. I started off with H, but then she got her mojo and started to run (way to go on her part - she's my hero). I continued to walk, keeping an eye on my Garmin to check my pace. I thought I was doing pretty well, when I got to the 10K marker I was at 1hr and 30min. At this point I realized there was no way I was making a 2:45 time, so my focus then became to just get to the finish. According to my Garmin I finished at 3hrs and 17min, which makes this my slowest time. Mind you it's only my 2nd half marathon and the first time was pooring rain. My pace was better than December's marathon.

I'm not disappointed, now I know what I can do with very little training. Next year will be a different story. I will be back next year and the mission is to train properly this time around. Hey I earned 15ap on Sunday.

I have to admit I'm happy it's over and now I can focus more on over all weight loss efforts. I'm not massively sore today so the good thing is I'm learning how to recover from races. The minute I got home I did a bit more stretching and immediately got into the tub with epsom salts. Had a nap and then walked down to the corner store to get a paper.

The past 4 days have been pathetic food wise so I need to battle down the hatches and get myself in gear. Thankfully the 100 day challenge starts on Wednesday so I have a couple of days to get on track. I did take a picture of myself front and back just in my underwear for the start of this challenge. This my plan: pictures once a month, measurements every two weeks, tracking 24/7.

I brought my digital camera today so I'll take a picture of the potato heads and post it tonight.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Stampede is here!

Alright I'm going to have to get a little creative over the next 9 days. Stampede has hit the city of Calgary and I got started last night at a party hosted by my friend's company. It was a hoot! Not points friendly whatsoever but you know what I'm cool with that. I weighed in yesterday morning and stayed the same, which is good considering this is the week before tom.

If you don't know about Stampede, it's 10 days of beer, burgers, pancakes, mini donuts, corn dogs, candy floss and caramel apples - well that's just the food. There's also rodeo, loads of concerts and a whole lot of packed bars. The city literally shuts down for a 10 day party.

I had the party last night, 5 Corona's count as carb loading - don't they? I was good, I also downed alot of water to stay hydrated. Tonight I pick up my race pack. Tomorrow will be a stampede breakfast and out for dinner. Race day is Sunday. Have another stampede breakfast on Monday, my company's party on Tuesday, Bon Jovi concert on Wednesday and then hitting a local bar for one more Stampede party on Friday. I think I'll weigh in on Thursday again because I'm going on vacation as of next Saturday.

I will be focused on good behaviours but I'm allowing myself to treat myself during this festive time of year. I will seriously be focusing on activity. The half marathon will certainly help that but once that's done I'm going to focus on C25K. I want to complete week 1 next week and week 2 while I'm on vacation. It's 9 weeks in all which will take me to the first week of September and hopefully that will become a pattern in my life.

Here's to dealing with challenges along the way and finding a solution.

Have a groovy day!

Shaking things up a bit

So WI was a bit of a disappointment, well I shouldn't really say that as I controlled my actions. I was up 1.4 due to a lack of planning and very easily leading myself astray. When I analyze why it happened I can't think of any concrete reason, perhaps boredom, or the lure of summer and it's wicked treats. Either way I'm responsible for it and I'm not changing my tracker at the top because I'm going to fix it.

Kim over at Kim Under Construction created the 100 day challenge and I'm joining in.
Here are the rules:

1. Drink a minimum of 64oz of water a day.
2. Depending on your current activity level, complete a minimum of 10 to 30 minutes of exercise everyday.
3. Eat 5 servings of fruits and veggies a day.
4. Keep a positive attitude. If you slip up, forgive yourself and get back on track THAT SAME DAY.
5. Be kind to yourself. In your thoughts, and in your actions.
6. Weigh yourself once a week and report in.
7. Take your measurements to compare at the end of the challenge.
8. Take a before and after photo to see your progress.

This challenge is pretty much the 56pt challenge I've been doing but I really like number 4 and 5 of this list. Particulary keep a positive attitude. We are our own worst enemies after all so why not be in your corner and support yourself.

Apart from my renewed focus I had a fairly busy weekend and boy did I nap. Helped A out on Saturday with moving in to her beautiful new space. On Sunday I mowed the lawn, watered the flowers and grocery shopped, then napped, then saw Ratatouille - I thought it was cute.

Monday was a bit of a write off, slept in, then putzed around, then had a nap, watched TV and went to bed. I guess I just needed a day to veg.

Batteries have been purchased...talking blog coming soon I promise.

I'm off to eat my yummy Turkey Tortilla Casserole (WW recipe).

Have a groovy day everybody!

What I've been up to

My big plan for yesterday was to post a talking blog and then I was too tired and that plan went out the window. I will try again at some point over the weekend.

Had a crazy work day, it was go go go I tell ya. Then I went for a waxing appointment - eyebrows and shall we say down below. I was a bit freaked out about that but it wasn't so bad. So if any of you are thinking of it, don't be afraid.

Went to the La Senza sale on the way home. I've never been a big fan of La Senza but ordering from Victoria Secret is getting pricey. So I searched their bins and found a style called So Free. I'm so impressed this is very close to the type I buy from VS and way cheaper even at regular pricing ($34.50 cdn). La Senza also ships internationaly.

I didn't watch Pirate Masters or SYTYCD last night, I was wiped and went to bed early.

Not sure what I'm up to this weekend, but I'm looking forward to a long weekend that's for sure.

Received a kind of sorta invitation to a Canada Day Party from a friend of a friend, we'll see what pans out. I would like to look for some Stampede ish wear as the entire city dresses Western for Stampede and it's a bit of an expectation. I usually last 3 days out of the 10 and then resort back to normal business wear. You just can't wear jeans it has to be "western".

Half marathon is exactly one week away on Sunday, I have to say I did not train as well this time. I have no doubt I'll finish just not sure how speedy I'll be. I'm going in with the intention to just do my best. The good thing is I know a heck of a lot more than I did when I did the first half marathon.

Oh yeah, the corn zipper rocks it takes off two rows of kernels at a time and works great. I put the kernels in a salad. I will definitely post pictures when I try the toaster bags.

I hope all my Canadian friends have a fantastic Canada Day and that everyone has a great weekend!

Santa Fe Salad is the devil

Went to check out my friends new condo yesterday, she took possession yesterday and I wanted to share in her excitement. It's in a beautiful area, surrounded by trees and gorgeous path ways. She's got a super deep tub, I'm so jealous.

Time wore on as we waited for her Dad to come and check it out, so we decided to go for dinner afterwards at Earl's. Usually I have the Thai noodle salad because I know it's 11pts. I saw these really delicious looking santa fe salads go by and decided to have that....21pts. Of course I looked it up after I ate it but wowsers once again a salad masquerading as a Big Mac. The good news is the salad was chock full of good oils (avocados too) as opposed to the Big Mac. Miraculously I was down .5 this morning...go figure.

I didn't get the opportunity to swing by Walmart to get camera batteries but I will tonight. I'm also going to look for the current Runner's magazine, the cover says something about a 5K plan in 6 weeks.

I plan to walk home from the mall and then do an hour of yoga as I can already feel the effects of not doing it for awhile. Laundry and washing dishes are also on the agenda tonight. As is Canada's Next Top Model and So You Think You Can Dance :)

I was totally excited about this Canadian kitchen ware website I found called citychef.ca. I ordered a muffin top pan (looked everywhere for one of these babies), a really cool adjustable measuring scoop, toaster bags (make grilled cheese in the toaster without oil or butter) and a corn zipper (pictured) on Monday, it got here today. This thing shipped from Ontario to Alberta in 2 days. Got to love that I tell ya. I'm gonna zip me some corn tonight. I get super excited about kitchen stuff...can you tell :)

Things I just don't get

1. Nutritional information that indicates a serving size that doesn't make sense ie. NI based on 250ml but container is 350ml.
2. People who don't check the weather and find themselves freezing while waiting for the bus home.
3. Why blechy weather makes you want to snack
4. How people can over think anything
5. Why there seems to be more new food product launches of things that are bad for you as opposed to healthier.

Well the good news is the blechy weather is gone and I can go get camera batteries tonight. Yesterday I had an altercation with a bag of mixed nuts so I had to dip in the flex points.

It was a mish mash day food wise, I think I didn't have protein when I needed to which is hopefully fixed today.

I've been so tired lately and I know it's weather related, I actually napped during the news last night. There's something about the air pressure when thunderstorms role in.

Not a whole lot going on at the moment, looking forward to the long weekend coming up. Yeah Canada Day! The weather reports look really good as well so that's promising.

Do you ever feel like you know you need a vacation, a chance to recharge your batteries? I think that's what I'm feeling. I need to go drink some water.

Have a great day everybody!

Storms a brewin'

Feeling sore today, I did not stretch enough by far. It's kind of neat to feel just how many muscles are impacted by a long walk.

What I forgot to mention yesterday was how touched I was in my ww meeting this week. Last week I had told them I was doing this 56pt challenge by focusing on the guidelines not the weight. A woman in my meeting turned to me and said thanks to you I'm done 2.4lbs. I was gobsmacked, it's funny really I certainly appreciate what I learn in these meetings I just never thought I had anything to contribute.

Tonight I will once again attempt to put my talking blog on, I think my file might be too big. All this hinges on my getting batteries as well and there are thunderstorms forecasted for this afternoon. If that happens, it will have to wait for another day. I also need to pick up flat outs as I have some veggie pepperoni.

I irritate myself with how I'll buy stuff at the grocery store all inspired to make a meal with it and then when it come to doing it. I wimp out and make something else. Well this week that won't happen. I have great food in my fridge and I want to make delicious point friendly creations.

For lunch over the next few days I have spaghetti squash puttanesca with turkey bites added in for protein. For supper it will either be a small steak or pork loin with steamed asperagus. I'm trying to get those guidelines in :)

I love how you rediscover old favourites. The other day I bought all beef top dogs - there two pts each. Then with a piece of whole wheat bread I can still have a hot dog.

Not too much exciting to report today, it's been an off feeling today I suspect it's because of the looming storms. It's like it makes your bones tired.

I will endeavour to have a far more upbeat post tomorrow.

Later

Up .4 :(

Well I was up .4 on Saturday, I wasn't thrilled but I know why. I did not make the wisest choices at the BBQ the night before especially with a scale looming the next morning. That's o.k, it's done with and this is a new week.

Went for 12K walk this morning was planning on going a little longer but the sky looked ominous and I was at the point were if I kept going there'd be no way of stopping for quite awhile. I was super tired after so I actually had a nap today. One of my neighbours had a party the other night and I kept waking up when people talked as they walked by to get to their cars.

Saw Fantastic 4 on Saturday, the silver surfer is really neat the rest not so much.

I also attempted a talking blog tonight. Successfully recorded on the digital camera and uploaded into my computer but you tube and I are having some issues.

It's a really goofy first attempt but I'll keep trying to post it.

I'll be catching up on all your blogs tomorrow.

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

If I had those abs...

Busy busy evening pour moi yesterday. I was on a mission to mow my lawn. Got home, quick call to Dad who said my geraniums were doing well...that's the equivalent of being told I'm a genius. He nurtured those geraniums so the fact that I haven't harmed them in anyway is a major kudos.

I'm an only child during fall and winter, but in spring and summer I have siblings namely geraniums and tomatoes. He did give me advice on what to do with all the strawberries I'm now in possession of.

Well I mowed my front and back lawn with a quick visit with neighbour and his two adorable West Highland Terriers and watered above mentioned geranium. By the time I went back into the house it was 7:20ish and I still didn't have supper. I still had cakes to bake. So I whipped up one and popped in the oven, then had supper, then made second and then made Dr. Oetker cream pudding which is part of the filling. Whew! Cakes are now split and in the freezer, pudding in the fridge. Tonight I need to cut strawberries, make chocolate glaze and assemble cake.

Plus I have a dentist appointment this afternoon so I've budgeted in a milkshake for supper. I want something fast and drinkable that can be consumed on the way home. There are no smoothie places in my neck of the woods...strange I know.

Tomorrow I must lug cake to work on the bus...an olympic event I tell ya. Friday after work I have to attend a client bbq, I don't really want to go as it's the day before WI. I know I can make smart decisions but I sort of just want to pop in see if there's anyone I know and pop out.

Watched SYTYCD last night and wowsers does Lacey have abs. She's always wearing kind of bulky stuff but last night in her performance ...she's ripped. I was fading out by the 90min mark but I think everyone up until then did a pretty good job.

I was a bit sad to see a Calgary girl get knocked off Canada's Next Top Model. I think Tia or Cori will go next.

I will check out Pirate Masters tonight apparently there's a twist in the treasure...I don't see myself watching this until the end of the season but while it's relatively entertaining I'll check it out.

I heard on the radio this morning that Sesame Street is launching some new characters. Meal or no meal hosted by a Howie Mandel muppet. Amerian I - all about the letter I. Anderson Cooper will do something with a bit called GNN. I heart Sesame Street.

Ah yes, because I helped my colleague track down an R2 Patatoo for her son. She got me Spud Buds, it's a smaller Mr. Potatoe head with a carrot head and corn head friend. My hutch looks hysterical, I'm going to try to remember to bring my camera to work so y'all can see.

Have a groovy day!

How time flies

Wowsers I can't believe it's Wednesday, the last two days have flown by.

Monday met H and J for a fabulous dinner at a vietnamese restaurant. I splurged a little on spring rolls but they were soooo goood.

Yesterday I had to pick up the ingredients for the next birthday in the office. The birthday is on Friday but I want to bake the cake tonight and then assemble tomorrow. I have dentist appointment at the end of the day tomorrow to replace the last few silver fillings so I just want to have easy peasy stuff to do after that. I also seriously need to mow the lawn tonight, I fear if I wait for the weekend it will be jungle lawn.

Food wise has been good, was tempted by a donut yesterday. I'm proud of myself for stopping at one as they were right outside my office and I could see them all day. I checked my Canadian dining out guide and picked the lowest point one I could find. So there was method behing my madness.

Got home yesterday and found tomatoes, cucumber, peaches and strawberries on my kitchen counter. Ahh Dad was in town. I guess he cleaned out my downspout and left the ladder behind. Of course my first thought upon finding this was ...Damn the house isn't all that clean and organized. It's a German order thing. Of course there's nothing like reverting right back to being a kid and thinking you're in trouble. I was so expecting a lecture of some sort - my Dad likes to lecture, it's the desire to impart wisdom sort of thing. Alas he was impressed that I had cleaned the storage room. I'll be talking to him again tonight so we'll see if he takes advantage of the opportunity to share wisdom. Now I have a ton of strawberries, I might need to bake something, hey I have rhubarb I could make pie. Of course I'll give these pies away :)

I just barely got 8 guidelines in for Monday and Tuesday, we're talking just scraping by. The focus for the rest of the week will be to solidly achieve all 8 guidelines. I bought lunch on Mon and Tues since meal planning was sketchy during the no water days. Last night I was doing laundry and thought why should I buy lunch again. I have chicken and veggies. So I tossed the chicken in a bag with this awesome Cuban Garlic Lime marinade that's a Safeway house brand - very low in points. Tossed some cut up eggplant, red pepper, baby potatoes, baby carrots and asperagus in Light done right Italian dressing. Put the veggies on a baking sheet lined with foil, put the chicken on after it had marinated for 20min. Put in oven at 400 for 45min and tada roasted chicken and veggies. Measured out the chicken to 3oz servings and evenly distributed the veggies. 4 meals at roughly 4 points each. The meal cooked while I folded laundry.

It was an excellent example of multi-tasking I tell ya.

Have a groovy day everybody!

Down 2.4! Yee Haw!

That was after a small TCBY at the movies on Friday.

Yes at WI I was down 2.4, I'm so happy it's ridiculous. I'm now totally excited about what I can achieve.

Saw Oceans 13 on Friday and I liked it. A bit slow in parts but you can't beat the hip vibe, dialogue and the hotties in this movie. Behaved well at the theater with a bottle of water but did get the TCBY I mentioned above.

Saturday was a bit of a disaster. Peter's Drive In, if you're from Calgary you'll understand the temptations at this place. Dinner at Chili's but I got a salad without the tortilla chips and ate half. Had to order dessert because their special was key lime pie and it was perfect. I don't think I hit a single guideline on Saturday.

Sunday it was raining so I tried the new Walk Away the Pounds dvd I picked up at Walmart. This was the fast 4 miles. Then attempted some yoga, 15min into it my left knee did something funky so that was the end of that. Slept with a tensor bandage and it feels fine today with just a little sore spot. Stayed OP all day but didn't hit all the guidelines. I did get my new toilet so yay to being able to turn on water and use taps. I got an emergency shut off valve installed on this one, so should this happen again I won't be completely without water.

I was productive on Sunday, my basement storage room or museum of forgotten items is located directly underneath the plumbing for the bathroom so I knew the plumber would need access to install the shut off. Well this encouraged me to clear the floor and now all I have to do is go through the shelves to see what can go. I've been avoiding this room for ages and the portion I got done took an hour and half. This one of the projects I had slated for a week I'm taking off in August. So it's half done at any rate.

So the end of week was 46/56pts. I think a big part of not being a total success on the weekend was not having easy access to water. I started this challenge on a Monday after a weekend of not being OP one single day. This week I'm starting this challenge with only one non OP day behind me.

Today is completely planned and with lunch done I'm still on target.

Another loss of two pounds or more might be a stretch but I'm going to try by keeping all 8 guidelines. I'm heading to 160s and I'm going forward not back.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!!

TGIF!!!!!

Oy vey, when my alarm went off this morning the last thing I wanted to do was get up and go to work. Alas, I did and now the countdown begins to the end of the day.

My now good friend the plumber arrived at my house around 10pm only to discover that the transition from 1950 to 2007 needs a part that was not on the truck. I guess my water line is 2 inches too short for the new improved toilet. So now I wait until Sunday. The plumber is a total sweetie, he's been helping me via the on call. The earliest "booked via the office appointment" would be Wednesday. He told me to call him Sunday and he'd pick up the part on his day off if the shop didn't have it and we'll see if it can be done then. I think I've earned his sympathy. I did get an estimate invoice that's exactly the same price they quoted to me on the phone. I'm just hoping for a not so late night on Sunday.

H is going to come over on Sunday for a movie and flat out pizza night to check him out. He was a cutie :)

On the 8 guideline front 4 days down and on my way to 5. I'm telling you, when you follow the plan you see results. I weighed myself this morning at it said 173.5 now at WI that would translate to anywhere between 172-173 so hopefully I'll be seeing an over a pound loss. I'm gunnin' for the 160s!

Now on to Pirate Masters, of course there's a switch up on the 3rd episode when I was ready to give up on this show. Evil captain is demoted and nice guy is promoted. The only problem with that is will he be a boring captain? He divyed up the money equally between everyone and is focusing on a happy team. Sure that's great in an office or on a staff but this is a show where every week someone gets kicked off and it's based on pirates for goodness sakes. I'll stick it out for episode 4.

SYTYCD- That Lacey can dance, wowsers I'm impressed she just threw herself into that routine. Can't say I'm surprised on who got knocked off, but wow so much of this show is uncontrollable (partner/style/choreographer) so it's anybody's game. My good friend The Glitterati was probably uber excited about the appearance of Benji and his flashing his patriotic underwear :)

I will be seeing Ocean 13 this evening so I'll post on the weekend with my thoughts, I might squesk in Fantastic 4 too. I love summer movies.

Alright my friends, I wish you all a fantastic and safe weekend!

3!

Tada - 3 days in a row of achieving all 8 healthy guidelines and this morning I was 1.5lbs lower than I was on Saturday. I've got two more days until WI so I must tread carefully and not get too confident.

Mike Keenan is the new coach of the Flames or at least that's what the news keeps saying. I'm so happy about that, he's a tough love coach and that is exactly what they need. I really enjoyed him on Making The Cut, he always had the final say of who got kicked off and he always seemed to give good feedback to the players and kick in the pants when they needed it.

Decided not to fix the toilet and just have it replaced with an environmentally friendly low flo one. Called the plumber yesterday and I guess they've been swept off their feet with all the flooding repairs. He told me to call him tonight on the on call and perhaps we can take care of this tonight. He said if I coordinated through the office it would take until Sunday because the book for regular hours. Heck after 6pm works for me because I don't have to take time off work. If it takes until Sunday so be it but I'm really hoping for sooner.

H will come over and hang with me if it does happen tonight.

Walked home from the mall last night but then got caught up with coordinating all this business. Tonight will entirely depend on if the plumber can make it.

Made plans with A to see Ocean 13 on Friday and we're both going to go home to have dinner and no movie treats whatsoever.

I'm so focused on Saturday!

Have a super fabulous day everybody!

Fix it gal

2 days down of completing all 8 healthy guidelines, stepped on the scale this morning and saw a very nice number - not sure why but that will encourage me to stick with this and see what happens on Saturday.

Activity last night was walking home from the mall (15min) and 50min of yoga. It's so weird how you can see improvements fairly quickly. In forward fold my hands were actually touching the floor.

Today I'm wearing an OM pendant and someone asked me if I practised yoga. I said yes I do and I figured today would be an OM kind of day...see next paragraph.

I get to attempt to fix my toilet tonight, the water runs continuously in the tank, not the bowl so I think I need to replace the inner workings. I asked a co-worker to recommend a plumber and he said you can do it yourself in 10min for $20. I'm used to home repair, heck I can install a faucet so I don't think this will be too much trouble. I turned off my water last night because the sound drives me crazy and left it off today-heck I'm not home and continuous running water in the tank makes me nervous. I could have just turned off the valve attached to toilet but I discovered this late last night and I live in an older house so I didn't want to monkey around too much. I'll try to do that tonight too so I can actually use water. I'm dropping into Walmart again to pick up the parts, I should seriously buy stocks in that company.

Of course this morning I was thinking I needed a plumber and while thinking about how much it will cost I also tidied up my house. So that's one good thing. I talk to my Dad tonight and who knows he may offer to come in on the weekend and help me out. I would like to fix it before then.

Thanks to Sarah for mentioning that a digital camera might work for a talking post, I think my camera has that I'll look into that.

Only in Calgary I tell ya - 5 degrees when I left the house and when I go home it will be 19. This is why we all own 15 different jackets.

Alas, I hope everyone has a groovy day!

What a workout!

Wowsers what a workout yesterday, I walked home from work which is 10K, the very last portion is a hike up the side of a cliff via semi contructed pathways and a whole lot of windy, uneven stairs. I thought I was going to live on the side of the cliff, I was wicked winded. I wasn't surprised that my energy was depleted but I had to stop a couple of times to get my breath. Smiling away as people passed me going down the cliff. Got home and made supper and then did 50min of yoga. I earned 9 activity points yesterday. I'm kind of proud of myself because it was also off and on raining but I didn't bail.

I find yoga after a run or long walk is an awesome way to stretch.

There were quite a few hotties on the pathway yesterday, they were all running. I should try to run more :)

I did get in all 8 guidelines so one day down.

Watched a bit of shear genius yesterday (we in Canada are behind in that show). I like it, I think the challenges are interesting.

Not to much exciting to report today, I do hope everyone has a great day!

Monday and a new challenge

I'm so happy to hear that others have had run ins with Dibs, yes they are evil and it's truely evil to put 2 servings in a small container. Alas, we are now forewarned.

Thanks to those who support the idea of my doing a talking blog, you'll have to help me figure it out. I might pick up a web cam this weekend.

I was at my friend H's house on Saturday as she prepared to run in the Underwear Affair (an run dedicated to bringing attention to cancers below the waist). Her mom joined weight watchers that day and H stayed for the introduction with her at the meeting. We got to talking about motivation and following the plan. Of course the meeting topic that day was a questionnaire on how your doing with the plan. You were to rank your answers from 1-5, 1 being totally disagree and 5 being totally agree. The questions were like "I am losing weight at the rate I should be", "I track all of eating in my tracker"; well I came to a quick realization that I can talk the talk but I'm not walking the walk. It really brought home that if you follow the plan it works, if you kind a sorta follow the plan you get kinda sorta results. I know for a fact the plan works. I stayed the same at WI, which I was happy with but next week I'm going to see a loss dang it!

Well we came up with a challenge that we gave the group we both belong to on the message board. It's called the 56pt challenge, H did it in her meeting a while back and found it really helpful.

The goal is get all 8 healthy guidelines in each day ie. water, fruits and veg, 2 servings of protein, 2 servings of milk, whole grains etc. So 8 guidelines x 7 days = 56. We issued a challenge to our group that for everyday they can do a minimum of 6 guidelines, we'll enter their name in a draw and on Labour day they could win a gift certificate to amazon.

I needed something that just didn't focus on pounds but rather the right behaviours. It starts today so I'll keep you posted.

Tonight my plan is to walk home that's about 10K give or take, dark thunder clouds keep sweeping and sweeping out. I'll keep a careful eye on the weather as I won't be walking home if it's raining, I'd walk home if it was just rain but not thunder showers. The last part is a hike up a dirt road and mud is just not part of the plan not to mention being a walking target/lightning rod. If it can't be done tonight, I'll do it at some point this week. If I don't walk, then some other workout will happen instead...perhaps Walk Away the Pounds 4 Miles.

I hope everyone has a groovy Monday!

Found a red light food

Very random post today :)

I've been very tempted by a new ice cream product that I found in my local supermarket. There called Dibs, I keep seeing the commercial and the other day while in my local convenience store I picked up a small container. The vanilla version is worth 5pts per serving, so not horribly bad in the world of ice cream. The trick is sticking to the serving size. They're little squares of ice cream coated in the same coating as the Revello bars...they are soooooo good. I can never buy them from the grocery store because the pack is much bigger. As an occasional treat perhaps purchased from Mac's would be the best plan.

Headed out for a 5K walk when I got home yesterday and my pace was pretty decent so I was happy. Did yoga after that and attempted the dreaded upward facing plank, I look forward to the day I can actually do that pose.

Total kudos to Sarah and Anne for their talking blogs, if you haven't checked it out please wander over. It's like having a conversation with them. This has me considering picking up a web cam and trying it myself.

I've been craving salads lately and I think that's a true sign that spring/summer has arrived. All those in season gorgeous coloured veggies are calling my name.

My two co-workers who joined Weight Watchers last week have their first week weigh in today, I have my fingers crossed for them.

I'm in love with Tribe Medittarean hummous, the spice blend in this is awesome.

Watched the second episode of Pirate Master's last night and all I can say is...it's alright. I may give it it one more episode but I don't find it all that interesting and find the contestants a little boring.

Watched SYTYCD, I'm not sure about Benji's sister, she doesn't have the same sparkle as Benji does. I have no clear favourites at this point so it should be interesting, I think a very interesting factor is how many contestants have had siblings who competed on this show before, I wonder if that will better prepare them or be a hindrance.

Isn't Canada's Next Top Model daring - 1st episode the nude shoot, 2nd episode dead seafood on your head. Wowsers they're weeding out the weaklings right off the bat. No clear favourite there either but I'm leaning towards Sinead, she seems to have her act together.

Alright I'm off to try and plan my menus for next week.

Everyone have a safe and fun weekend!

Sylvia

What a storm!

Wowsers did we get a storm last night, well half of the city did anyway. My power went out from 7:30pm until 1am. It was kind of spooky as there was a lot of lightening. Two houses got hit, thankfully no where near mine.

I met H after work yesterday and the clouds were forming, we stopped at Safeway a while later and while we were walking back to the car it started to rain, by the time we pulled out of the parking lot it was big rain, by the time we got to my house (less than 10min away) it was a total downpour.

Apparenlty having a slight freak out due to a lot of lightening is good for weightloss. I was down 1.5lbs this morning.

If you're Canadian, today is camp day at Tim Horton's. All proceeds from coffees go to kids camps.

Not too much to report today as most of evening was spent sitting in the dark. Going to make a modified version of spaghetti squash puttanesca tonight with asperagus, capers and tomatoes.

My R2 potatoo and spud trooper arrived today! So now the top of my hutch has Darth Tater, R2 Potatoo, Spud Trooper, Spudder Man and Opti Mash Prime. I'll have to proceed carefully from this point on if the Mr. Potatoe head trend continues, I might need to install shelving

Have great day everybody!

Planning is key

I need to grab hold of my inner chef and plan my meals better. Yesterday was good during the day. Went to Walmart on the way home, didn't find the top I wanted (lesson learned when you see it just buy it). I did find a different top but way not work for work. As I was wandering down to the sunscreen aisle I found the rolodex laptop holder.

Since becoming a member of the ergonomic commitee I've become obsessed with laptop holders. I still have a desk top but about 10 of my colleagues have laptops. I've been hunting for the type that will suit everyone one and not freak out my boss in terms of price. This holder is just under $30 at Grand & Toy and under $20 at Walmart. So I bought one to test it out.

Then I went to Safeway to get capers, the swiss farmer bread (very pts friendly), hummous, mini whole wheat pitas and some light cheese.

Then I walked home and it was hot lugging the not so light metal laptop holder and my groceries and my bag. Had I thought ahead I would have brought my back pack. At any rate by the time I got home I was tired and hungry but had no plan for supper. So I snacked my way through supper - had some hummous, some cheese, some farmer bread that lead to a bananan cut up with light ice cream on top and caramel sauce.

Sufficite to say the day did not go well. This is snack a palooza week for me thanks to hormones and I know I can over come it. Where I failed yesterday was not having a plan. Well that was yesterday this is today, and I have a plan today. I've written everything in my tracker and I'll check it off as I go through it, this includes water. It's never too late to shake off a bad meal or bad day. Really my day wasn't bad, my supper was. None of that matters today.

Shake it off I say and renew focus.

Thanks for the Birthday wishes :) Have a groovy day!

Summer is here

Hello hello,

Today is the start of the Comments for a Cure campaign! Please leave a comment today, tomorrow, or Wednesday on my good friend Glitterati's blog to help her raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. She will donate a dollar for every comment made on these days, up to $50. Plus, at the end of it all, she'll do a draw for a cool t-shirt from our Comments for a Cure CaféPress Store. So comment it up and tell your friends!

On to regular programming:
Well the weekend was super nice and we had a doozy of a thunderstorm yesterday. Luckily my neighbourhood is not prone to flooding.

Saturday - My Dad got in to the city at 7:30am and we planted a load of geraniums, whisked off to WI where I was down .4. The loss was totally due to turning the flower beds over on Friday night and then the planting of Saturday morning. Dad went home around noon, I puttered around the house. Later on H made me the most fabulous birthday dinner ever. We had spaghetti squash puttanesca, turkey meatloaf, garlic toast made with this Swiss Farmer bread from Safeway. We also had this awesome hummous by Tribe - the mediterranean spices one.

Sunday - My actual birthday, left my house at 8:15am to head over to the zoo for brunch with A. The Calgary Zoo puts on a nice brunch I must say. Walked around for 2.5hrs looking at sleeping animals - it was mighty hot so I don't blame them. Did a little shopping at Walmart and found 2 work tops, heading back tonight to get a third that I couldn't decide on.

Everytime I go to the zoo the animals are either sleeping or eating. I did miss not having the opportunity to sleep in but alas that can happen later. I totally crashed on the couch at 5pm. I think I got too much sun, I was coated in sunscreen and had a hat but I'm just not crazy about heat - it was 32 degrees.

I do have super renewed motivation though and I'm actually looking forward to this week. H is running in the Underwear Affair to raise money for all cancers below the waist on Saturday, I will be there with bells on to support her.

Plan your weeks everyday, let's all see success at the next WI!

Ahoy Mateys

Alright so I watched Pirate Masters last night and the jury is out. I'll watch it again to see for sure. I like the premise and think it's a nice touch to be able to have a mutiny and sabotage the opposing team. I think it might have been a dumb move to get rid of John during tribal council....I mean pirate something or other. The guy did have the compasses as his secret weapon and now they've left with him. I don't have to much faith that the dear captain knows his directions. I'm thinking the majority of the challenges will involve maps, compasses would be very handy indeed.

Also caught the Atlanta auditions for SYTYD, I'm happy that they're in Vegas next week and we can start the actual competition.

I finished watering my lawn but other than that didn't do much last night, which means I have loads of stuff to do tonight. I must prep flower beds, clean house and assemble my birthday cake. I'm choosing to make my own as I like this sort of thing plus I can make it exactly how I want it. I'm going to do a recipe I found on Kraft Canada. It's just an angel food cake cut into 3 layers. Then between the layers you put vanilla pudding (dry) mixed with crushed pineapple and cool whip. Top with strawberries. You can make it low point or high point depending on what you want.

I don't know what WI will bring tomorrow, I've had a goofy week. Workouts were not as they should be and eating has been better but not super fantastic.

I'm conscious of the fact that it's due to my lack of motivation but I'm turning that around. I realized I need to be more conscious of my self talk. I was reading the ww.ca boards today and I saw one about The Secret. I loved the Secret and got tickets today to an event on Oct 24 that features a few of the philosophers featured in the dvd. I haven't watched it in awhile and find myself sinking into negative thought. I lent it to a friend and I'm hoping to get it back this weekend so I can renew my energy. I really need to visualize myself at goal, following the plan, finding all opportunities to becoming healthier. I especially need to visualize and focus on my fabulousness as this weekend I also need to shop for clothes.

So as the picture above I challenge all of you celebrate yourselves and know in your heart and your head that you'll reach your goals....and dance like nobody's watching :)