My Journey to a Healthier Life

Hello again, again!

2010-07-06T12:05:00.002-03:00

As I write this my beautiful 10 week old daughter, affectionately known as Bug, is swinging and sleeping! She's been that way for a while so goodness knows how long I really have to write.

My life in a nut shell for the last year. Crazy, insane, crappy and wonderful all at once. I got pregnant (so wasn't expecting that!), worked a job that I was not really suited for, my husband had a medical crisis (gallbladder caused pancreatitis, was in the hospital for 12 days), my kids got bigger, older and wiser (or so the 11 year old thinks!).

I need to get back on track and I am not sure where to begin. I need to start exercising and eating properly, DUH!!! The eating properly thing may be difficult. Finances are beyond tight right now and groceries are on the luxury list. The exercise thing is so doable. My big girl wants to get working out too, so I should enlist her help.

I realize that this is all up to me. No more excuses

Hello again!

2009-10-14T14:29:00.002-03:00

It has been a long time since I posted and a lot has happened. I was without a computer for a very long time and frankly I had completely lost focus on the whole weight loss thing. I couldn't get past the 230 barrier and in fact went back up to 239. Then in August the unexpected happened. I discovered I was pregnant. Frankly I'm still in shock. I'm now 12 weeks along and slowly starting to get excited. My kids are absolutely thrilled, my husband is happy but also as nervous as I am. And my weight loss goals are completely derailed for now.

The doc feels that a 20 pound gain would be the minimum for me even as overweight as I am. I haven't gained any as yet (in fact I've had the flu the last week or so and have lost a few pounds). I'm not overly concerned about the lack of gain. I am trying to be very careful about what I eat, making sure it is the most nutritious option available. Baby only weighs about 2 ounces right now and I'm quite positive that as he/she gets bigger, so will I!

So that's my news, I'll keep you posted!

how did i do this before?

2009-05-20T08:13:00.000-03:00

I'm not entirely sure how I lost weight before. When I look back, I lost the most weight when I wasn't even trying. It seems as though, since September when I really started to focus on this, I've gone nowhere. I've lost between 5 and 10 lbs. That's it. I lost 30 in the 8 months prior to that without focussing on it.

I feel like crap lately. My weight hasn't increased on the scale but my body has gotten all slouchy and gross again. What muscle tone I had is long gone. I just don't know what to do. Check that. I do know what to do, I just haven't had that much success with it.

It's time to start tracking points again, because that has always worked the best for me. Time to get busy and get active again.

To that end I am putting down the blackberry and going for a walk. Maybe I can convince Hotstuff to go with me :)

hello again

2009-05-17T14:22:00.000-03:00

It has been far too long since I wrote here. My weight loss journey has been nonexistent lately. I am starting to get back into exercise and not eating crap. I haven't really gained any weight back but I haven't lost any either. I started this new job and my whole routine and life fell apart. I am going to look at the teaching jobs that are going to be posted soon. I really, really miss it. More than I ever thought that I would.

Well I'm typing this with my fingernails on my crackberry beacause my computer died. For good this time. This is the extent of my posting ability right now. I am going to try and post small things more often (than once every two months). Here's hoping.

Weigh in

2009-03-26T07:05:00.002-03:00

Here I am officially 1 lb lighter than last week. I can feel the momentum building. I am going to reach my goal by the end of this challenge.

My boss wants to start a "biggest loser" group at work (once we are actually in store and things are relatively normal) which is awesome. I've really lost my mojo lately. Perhaps having a monetary reward and real live competitors may make a difference for me. Not that you guys aren't real live competitors, but you know what I mean. :-D My boss is THE most competitive person I've met in a long time so she will definitely be a motivating factor.

WI

2009-03-19T07:22:00.003-03:00

I know I haven't been around for a while....just having a hard time finding TIME to sit down and get my thoughts together. This 9 to 5 thing is very different for me, just in the way that it breaks up my day. I find that I get home and its cook, feed, wash and tuck in, in rapid fire succession. After that I need to try and squeeze in some exercise and do some more studying for work. Then its off to bed for me. I will make more of an effort in the future to make sure I get my blogging done. I've missed it.

The rest of the week in Hali went well. It was overwhelming with the amount of knowledge to be learned. Food wise I did okay. I did not get a chance to weigh in last week, no scale. After I got home I did WI and was pleased to see that I had only gained 2 lbs.

This morning's WI was great 228.2....back under 230. YAY! I am bound and determined to get to 220 by the end of this challenge....that was my goal for last challenge for goodness sakes. Time to quit dickin around and get it done.

Day 1 done and done well!!!!

2009-03-09T22:33:00.002-03:00

Today went really well. Lots of new things to learn. It has been a long time since I have been in retail so I have a feeling it is going to be a big learning curve for me. Some things at this store are going to be totally different at our store because it is a new design. Still all education is valuable.

Food went much better than I thought today. We went to Superstore for lunch and they actually had sushi there. And it was good. So that is what I had. We went to Moxies for supper (company treat!!!) and I had a steak with salad and steamed veggies. Not too bad. I haven't gone on to Myfitnesspal yet to figure out how much it was yet. I was able to get down to the pool this evening and get a few laps in. The plan is to go to the gym in the morning.

Now I need to get some notes written up on all that I learned today. That'll take me until wake up tomorrow I'm sure!

Have a great night bloggies!!!

Trip preparations

2009-03-08T09:59:00.002-03:00

I leave tomorrow for a week long business trip. First time in my life I have ever done that. I am really nervous. Not about the work, or about being away, but about FOOD.

I've already checked out the website of the restaurant where we will be going for dinner Monday night and have chosen my meal. Out of everything on the menu it truly looks like the best option, with a few modifications of course ;)

Other than our big group dinner Monday, we are completely on our own as far as our meals go. Breakfast is provided by the hotel so that is great. I'll be able to get fruit etc. I've been eating a bit of fast food this week, what with training in the mall and all. I feel gross, bloated, generally lethargic. I don't want to do that next week, but what other option will I have? Do I bring groceries with me? I'll be without a vehicle so somewhat at others mercy for the week. arrrgghh.

I had gained 2 lbs as of WI day and now I'm up even more, almost 5 lbs. I know why. It would be the pizza on Wed and Fri, the two trips to A&W yesterday, and all the Timmie's coffee I've been drinking. And other indiscretions too numerous to mention.

The hotel I'll be staying at has a pool and a small gym so workout clothes are coming with me. I'll be working out like a maniac all week in order to offset all the crap I'll be eating.

I'll try to keep you posted on my progress this week.

WI

2009-03-06T07:39:00.000-04:00

Up 2.0 lbs.....Yuck! I really thought I would hang on to the loss this time.

What the hell have I done???? (aka OMG!!!!!!!)

2009-03-04T15:42:00.002-04:00

I did it. I really did it. I walked into my principal's office today and let her know that I intended to resign my position. I was that scared, nervous, on the point of tears. She was amazing, absolutely amazing. She offered me a letter of reference, completely supported me in doing what was best for me and my family. She has been trying to get HR all day in order to let me know whom to write the letter to and how much notice to give. I was completely floored. I don't know what I expected, but what I received today was sooooo far beyond any expectations I might have had.

I feel as though I've taken a huge leap off a cliff. I just hope it's a soft landing at the bottom. The new job is great and now I can focus on it 100%

Hotstuff not doing so hot!

2009-03-02T09:24:00.002-04:00

Mike's weigh in this morning was 263.2 which is down 2.2 lbs from his start weight. It is definitely up from last week. I've been asking him how he's been doing and the answer is obviously not too well. He has been working a crazy amount of overtime and he walks out of this house more days than not without a scrap of food with him. Which means he is running next door to grab a slice of pizza, or up the street for a muffin or a cinnamon roll. And exercise is non-existent. I called him on all the excuses and he wasn't so happy with me. The fact is, there is a really great restaurant 3 doors down from his work that does fabulous salads and other healthy options. While that isn't great financially for us, at least its a better option nutritiously.

Enough ranting.

Have a great day bloggers

So far so good

2009-02-28T08:35:00.003-04:00

I'm maintaining my whooping loss this week fairly well. I'm still not really able to exercise. My energy levels are still in the tank and my chest is still pretty tight. I changed my activity level on myfitnesspal to sedentary because there ain't nothin lightly active about this girl right now.

I've been invited to go to Halifax for a week with my new job, for some hands-on training. I'm a little concerned as it will be A LOT of eating out etc. I'm hoping the hotel they put us up at will have some sort of gym facility at it. Maybe I could get to use some different machines.

Talking to DH yesterday about my current weight, I realized I haven't been in the 220's since before having my daughter. I think I was 220 on the nose when I got pregnant with her. She'll be 10 this summer. It is frightening to think of how long I kept my head in the sand as far as my weight goes. I shudder to think of all the damage I've done to my body by thinking "I may be big but I'm still healthy (ie. my cholesterol is ok)"

No more of that! I am still obese according to my BMI and will be for some time yet. I am absolutely determined to get down below 200 by May 31 this year. To be in the overweight category I need to be 175. That's 50 lbs away. I think if I could reach that by the end of 2009 I would be happy. It has taken me 15 months to lose this 45 lbs, without really putting in any kind of effort for half that time. If I really, really work hard at it, I know I can do it.

What do you think? Am I being realistic, based on my past performance? Are these good goals to set?

Weigh in Week 6

2009-02-26T16:59:00.003-04:00

I am not sure if I'm happy or not

-3.4 lbs

but I've been sick so how much of it is "real". I hope at least some of it is. I want to get OUT of this rut!!!!!

BLECK!!!!

2009-02-25T15:17:00.003-04:00

That would describe how I'm feeling right now. I've been down for the count with the flu since Sunday and finally took a "me" day today to try and rest. Unfortunately my DD stayed home from school as well (she was probably OK to go....I'm such a sucker) so not a whole lot of rest for me.

On the really great front...I started my new job Sunday. I'm really excited. From every thing I've learned thus far, they will be a great company to work for and my advancement seems to really be up to me. Won't that be nice to be in control of my own destiny for once (career wise at least). It is a complete departure from teaching, which I am still doing for my one day a week until my contract is up in June. I've had a lot of people ask me if I will be trying for a teaching job again next year...and as of this moment the answer is "no". The new job is part time to start, but they are looking to get me into full time as soon as it becomes available. If that is the case then I'm going to stick with them. I need a break from teaching, I have no idea if it will be permanent or not.

As far as the weight loss stuff goes....I haven't had the greatest of weeks, but then what else is new. TOM arrived (thank God) for his monthly visit, which put me up 5 lbs in two days. I felt so bloated. On the plus side, the flu has left me with no appetite so I've re-lost (is that a word?) said 5 lbs. If I have a loss again tomorrow I'll be satisfied. I've fallen in to some prior bad habits (i.e. fast food, hereby known as the F word) that I really need to get back out of again. My dreadmill is getting dusty, so as soon as this elephant stops sitting on my chest making it hard to breathe, I'll be getting back at it. The weather is starting to turn the corner and I'm excited to get back outside for my walks.

I know this is a long post but bear with me. New job = new people in my life. Several of the new ladies and gents I work with are also struggling with weight issues. Here's the problem. I sat down with a few folks yesterday for lunch and the topic eventually turned to weight and all that goes with it. (why does the conversation always go this way when you get a group of women together????) I was disturbed by what I heard. So many of the "reasons" I had used in the past were given as to why certain people were a certain way. My favorite of course is the "I don't really eat that much, my metabolism is just slow". There was a lot of "I'm happy with how I look, but it would be nice to get healthier" with absolutely no idea as to how he/she might achieve that. This is how I used to talk to myself, and it was difficult to hear from other people, and to see it for the bullshit that it really is.

I'm also confronted with the fact that out of the 40 or so new people I work with, only one of them knows me and knows that I have, indeed, made great progress this year. I'm looking at myself through their eyes and I still see a really big woman who has a long way to go. I almost feel as though I've lost all the ground I gained this year, because essentially, I am starting with a clean slate with these people. Not that I need validation from them.

I don't know if I'm saying this at all well.

Let me try it a different way. I've been feeling really good about the changes in my shape, the increase in my physical fitness etc. I don't feel like a "fat chick" anymore because I am on my way to a healthier me. Yet when these people see me I am just one of the "fat chicks". It just feels kind of disheartening because I feel somewhat like I have to start at square one again. I know that this is all just my perception of what I think people are thinking, and is probably not based in reality at all. Just when I look at myself through their eyes, I gain 20 lbs instantaneously.

Okay, end of very long post. Thanks for listening ;-D

Weigh in Week 5

2009-02-19T07:21:00.002-04:00

drum roll please.........

-1.6 lbs

That brings me back down below the 23o mark. Yipee!!!!!!

*Do a little dance*

Weigh in tomorrow...Yikes!

2009-02-18T21:41:00.003-04:00

To start with I just want to wish my parents a very happy anniversary. They've been married 37 years today. I remember being about 12 when I asked Mom what she was doing on this day x number of years ago. She was getting ready for school, just like I was. She went in one door and out the other, told her parents she was in a basketball tourney for the weekend, and took off and got married. Ah, young love ;D

Alright down to business. I did very well today with Myfitnesspal tracking my calories and exercise. While I am staying within my cal allowance for the day, some of my choices could certainly stand to be improved. I have been consistently over on my protein intake and I'm not sure how to fix that. There seems to be protein in just about everything.

I'm not sure how close to my calorie goal I should be. Today I am 103 calories short, short on carbs and fat (which frankly, I'm just as happy with). My weigh in is tomorrow so we'll see how it goes.

Have I made the right choice?

2009-02-17T22:21:00.002-04:00

I am getting really nervous about this whole BMR thing. I'm doing Myfitnesspal and it seem to be great but it seems like an awful lot of calories for me to eat. (although last night at the potluck I seemed to be able to blow through them pretty well)

I'm scared that I will have a huge gain this week. I know that, because I'm changing up what I'm doing, I may have a slight gain. That and I've been working out again since Sunday. I did two seperate workouts today.

I've committed to trying this method for one month. I don't want to give up to early. I really have to give it a reasonable effort.

Watching BL right now and I'm impressed with how supportive everyone is of each other on the show this season. Sooooo different than last. That nearly soured me on the whole thing.

Myfitnesspal is a pal o' mine

2009-02-16T08:14:00.002-04:00

So today is day 2 of using Myfitnesspal and I have to say I like it. I'm realizing as I get older that I really am a little anal and more than a bit of a control freak. The ability to count my calories in and burned is wonderful. I find it really easy to use as well.

Three weeks of little or no exercise has had an impact. Yesterday the plan was to do my regular hour on the dreadmill, but I wasn't able to. I was only able to do a half an hour. Which sucked big time. I'm going to try and increase it little by little over this next week. I'm hoping it won't take me too long to get back up to speed.

I've done quite a bit of yoga over this last 6 months or so and I think I'm going to give it a go on my own. I mean, really, the poses are generally the same, no matter who I take it from and to do a 1/2 hour or so a day shouldn't be that difficult, should it???? My core is in desperate need of a work out as well.

The plan for today is to do 35 minutes on the dreadmill and then 20-30 minutes of yoga. That will give me my hour of exercise for the day.

Hovering

2009-02-15T09:56:00.002-04:00

That is how I would describe what I've been doing the last few weeks. I've been yo-yoing around the 230 mark for about 4 weeks now. Essentially since we started this challenge. I've been off track as far as exercise and food goes. The only blessing thus far is that I haven't actually gained a significant amount of weight back. My eating and exercise habits have gone back to the same old, same old.

Why exactly have I gotten so off track?

I'm not sure. I've been getting lots of compliments lately about how noticible the loss is. As one of my co workers said (she's been on deffered leave and hasn't seen me since June) "You look like you've lost half a person" It feels great to get that but I think I then start to self sabatoge. Like I don't deserve to be recognized for my hard work. *pfft* whatever

It's been tough this past little while. We've been watching a close friend of the family slowly fade away. He passed last weekend and that was very difficult. As prepared as we all thought we were, it was still a shock. But I absolutely refuse to use him as an excuse. The dignity, grace and humor with which this man faced his final year would be demeaned by that. I just hope that I can take the lessons that I learned from him, his wife and daughter and put them to good use.

To that end, I am determined to get back on track. I need to live every day to the fullest. who knows what will happen tomorrow? We can't ever know and I don't want to be left with regrets.

I'm Back!!!!

2009-02-13T18:30:00.002-04:00

I am the proud owner of a brand spankin' new hard drive!! Yay!
*pfft*
This of course, means EVERYTHING is gone and I have to start from scratch again!
Oh weelll can't do much about that!

I'll write a much longer post later. Right now DH is hovering wanting to catch up on all of his sports stuff.

I hate computers!!!!!!

2009-01-29T17:16:00.002-04:00

Just a quick note to let you all know my computer is fried so I have no idea how long it is going to be until it is fixed. It has been sent away so we'll just have to wait and see.

WI Results Week 3

2009-01-29T09:33:00.003-04:00

+1.6 lbs

I suck, I know....please feel free to kick my ass all over the place. I feel terrible, like I've let my team down. I've been in a funk almost since the challenge started.

I had changed up my routine a bit, getting two evenings a week to go out and do something fun by myself. God bless DH for letting me do it, but now I'm thinking I need to go back to not going anywhere because I am so off track.

Wednesdays I've been heading down to Carvers to play Scrabble and last night was terrible as far as what I shoved in my mouth. I ate almost an entire serving of nachos by myself....and had a beer.

Saturdays I go to Trivia (also at Carvers), which is a lot of fun and I usually plan for my beer in my daily points but then there is the popcorn. They place baskets of popcorn out for everyone to munch on (and therefore buy more drinks because you get thirsty ). I've asked repeatedly for no popcorn to be placed in front of me. The girl I go with, also a WW lady, has also asked for no popcorn. It is so frustrating when the person serving it pays absolutely no attention to your request, or gives you that smile that says "I'll just put it here and you could just not eat it" knowing full well that if it is there it will find a way into my body. I hate that. Popcorn is my Achilles heel. I can't resist the stuff, which is why I ask for none in the first place. GRRRR

I'm going to get on the treadmill as soon as I am dressed this morning and I am doing my 5km. No more excuses.

Oh yeah and no way am I going to "walk to Halifax" by the end of the month.

Mike's Weigh in Week 3

2009-01-26T07:52:00.002-04:00

Hotstuff's weigh in this week was GREAT!!! (for me that is ;-D) He lost 0.2lbs. We have both been allowing all those lovely excuses we use (no time, too tired) to derail us. We actually talked ourselves into take out last night. pfft*

He swears he will be getting back at it this week. I know that I have had enough of this crap!!!! Time to get 'er done!

WI Results Week 2

2009-01-22T07:48:00.002-04:00

It isn't much, but it's more than I deserve considering the totally off track week I've had

-0.2lbs

I'll take it and I'm gunning for another small loss next week. I don't like it when I lose 4 or more lbs in a week, because then no matter how hard I try, I bounce back again next week.

Go A-Team!!!!

BL WTF????

2009-01-20T23:26:00.002-04:00

So was it "game play" or did Jillian's team honestly think that Joelle will magically change by staying in the game one more week? She has given up on herself I think. She isn't really seeing big results on the scale and she has it in her head that she can't do it. I've been there, I know how she feels. Although I have to say that I'm getting really tired of her "poor me" attitude. EVERYBODY, including her partner at home, is working hard. They are all having to do 30 sec sprints with the bike set at the highest level. Like Bob said "Just shut the f up and do it!!!!".

As many of you read this morning I was in a funk, and had been for a few days. I did a few things to get myself out of it.

1) I went to a job fair for a new business opening in my area. 4 interviews later, they are checking my references and will hopefully be calling in the next week or two with a job offer. I don't want to say too much here. I don't want to jinx it, I really want this job!!!!!

2) I went to yoga. While I'm still not comfortable with the difference in style, it felt good to put my body through its paces.

3) I watched BL which is always good for a dose of inspiration. I sat on the couch for the first hour and then thought "Why not get on the treadmill??? You don't have to go hard if you don't want to just as long as you do it." So I did and got a 5km walk in.

Thank you to every one who commented on my last post. I really, really appreciate it.

Warning! Bad mood!

2009-01-20T07:47:00.003-04:00

I'm trying so hard not to be negative anymore. It isn't a good headspace to be in and frankly who wants to read a blog filled with complaining.

That being said, I am in a real funk the last few days. I haven't felt like posting, exercising or caring what I've shoved in my mouth. It's like having one day (Friday) that was out of my control has completely derailed me.

Why do I do this to myself? I want to loose this weight. I think only you ladies (and a few gents) can understand how much I want to get this weight off. I just loose the motivation for a few days and I feel like I'll never get back on track. I know that that isn't true, because I do get back on the wagon again. I guess I just feel blah.

Right now I'm trying to decide whether or not to get on the treadmill this morning. I normally don't walk on Tuesdays because I have yoga. But I've done so little in the way of exercise this week that maybe I should double up. I'll have to have some brekkie first and then make my decision.

Mike's Weigh in Week 2

2009-01-19T07:23:00.002-04:00

Hotstuff lost -0.8 lbs this week! Yay for him!!

He had a really crappy week but he still managed a loss. He is upset that he is "off his pace to reach 185 by the end of the year", but I'm trying to preach paitence (something I could do with myself ;p). I'm proud of him!

Go Team Lynn.

Random Thoughts ;-D

2009-01-17T22:35:00.004-04:00

I got to go to Trivia Night for the second week in a row!!! Teamed up with Brooke which was so much fun. She is awesome and I'm happy she is home. It's nice to have someone close to my own age to hang out with. (Most of the people I hang with these days are friends of my parents. Sad I know) The questions were way too hard tonight. Either that or my brain was just fried. Probably the second one.

Had a decent day as far as eating went. Yummy yogurt with bran buds and pom seeds for brekkie. Half a slice of leftover pizza for lunch with an apple for snack. Chicken with 1/2 cup potatoes for supper and some popcorn and a beer for Trivia. For a grand total of 25 points. Right on the money.

After yesterday's debacle I think I am just going to wipe out my Flex for the week. I have no real way of estimating how much the pizza or the crap at Costco was, other than A LOT!!! Anything extra I want this week I am going to have to earn.

A little NSV. I was able to cut 4 minutes off my 5km time. I can now do it in 56 min!!! Yay!! I'll be ready for the Johny Miles in June, you just watch me.

Sorry this is so scattered. It's late and I'm just trying to get it all out there. Have a great night bloggies!!!!

Crappy day complete with crappy choices

2009-01-17T08:22:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was a real mixed bag of good and bad.

It started off weird. No school due to the extreme cold. Now I spent half my life in Northern Alberta/BC and I've experienced "cold" days before. Usually the cut off is -40C. Yesterday here it was -20c or so but with the wind chill it was well below -30. So not quite a deep freeze but damn cold.

My mom had invited the kids and I to go to Halifax with her to pick up my cousin T, who is here on course. I had originally said no because of school. Well now we have this great opportunity to go, so go we did. It was nice for my daughter to have time to spend with her "cousin twin" (T's daughter).

We hit up Costco and that is where the bad choices began. We got there at lunch time and that should have been enough to send up the red flags. The kids were starved so we went to the lunch counter they have there. Not a good choice in sight. Mom and I decided to split a chicken fingers and fries. We also got an extra fries for my son. Well let me tell you, like everything else at Costco, their servings are huge. We could have split that chicken and fries 3 ways. Needless to say I ended up eating far more crap than I should have.

My Costco loot was great though. Lots of great veggies, some Kashi cereal. It was well worth the trip.

By the time we got home it was 6pm. DH was 2 minutes behind us getting home from work. He had a rough day, spent 4 hours standing outside covering a house fire. The family, all safe thank God, lost everything. He wasn't feeling so great when he got home and I was tired so we ordered pizza. Again probably the worst choice to make. And then I ate 2 pieces.

Yesterday is definitely being reflected in the scale. I need to stay focused for the rest of the week, and fortunately I have all that lovely food from Costco to help me do it.

Enough excuses, time to get er done!

WI Results Week 1, Part 2

2009-01-15T16:27:00.001-04:00

Blah!

+1.8 lbs

Bringing my official week one total to -2.2

It's still a loss. right?????

I like getting compliments :-D

2009-01-14T16:36:00.005-04:00

I got a lovely compliment today from a friend of mine. As we met at our coffee shop, she looked at me and said "You're disappearing". What a nice thing to say. I know that I'm no where near skinny minny proportions yet, but it is nice to know that the work I am putting into this process is being noticed.

I ran into my dad down there too. He is starting to look a lot better. My mother and he have also started to watch what they are eating and revving up the exercise. Daddy has had some heart issues in the past year. He and his doctor's are trying to control his symptoms through medication and diet, rather than resorting to more drastic measures. The med's weren't doing it all and he really thought that he was going to have to have some surgical interventions before he would feel any relief. I'm glad to say that the loss of only 10 lbs (so far) has really helped him. He has way more energy, and is actually eager to play with his grandkids again.

Daddy took me to the grocery store too and stocked us up with some fresh fruits and veggies. Things have been really tight financially for us. I have had 10 days of substitute teaching since September. That's it. My 10% contract pay doesn't even cover the mortgage. DH has been working all the hours he can to make a little extra but it hasn't been enough lately. I NEED a new job. I just don't understand what I have done, or not done, to make me so undesirable in my chosen profession. It probably isn't even me, it's just the system.

Enough with being a sad sack. Tomorrow is weigh in and I think the best I can hope for is a STS. I've been really on plan all week (except for the crap I ate yesterday) but I'm coming to the conclusion that following a big loss, my body bounces back a bit. This two steps forward one step back may just be the way it is for me. I have to accept it and move on and not beat myself up about it. I know that I've given it my level best for this week.

Today's eats: /25
Egg Mock Muffin (-6) 6/25
Dreadmill (+5) 6/30
Coffee (-1) 7/30
Potato w/ ham slice (-7) 14/30
Homemade pizza on a pita bun (-8) 22/30
Salad (-1) 23/30
2 Apples with peabutter dip (-5) 28/30

BL and Yoga

2009-01-13T23:09:00.003-04:00

So I was in tears by the end of tonight's BL. Why did it have to be those two below the yellow line? I was really gunnin' for Joelle to be there. Holy shit, I didn't think Bob had those kind of words in his vocabulary. I'm realy glad that the others chose to have Dan stay. He so needs to be there.

Yoga tonight was really hard. I have to say I hate the plank position. I can't do it for more than a few seconds, but I will get stronger. I am determined to be. This class is a lot different from the one I took last fall. I'm not sure if I really like it or not. There are certain poses that she doesn't do that I miss. She focuses more on the strength training aspect of yoga, rather than the connection between mind and body. I will continue through the next 8 weeks of the course though. The more and varied experiences I have the better I will get at yoga, I hope ;)

Today's eats: /25

Yogurt w/Kashi Go Lean Crunch (-7) 7/25
KFC toonie (-17) 24/25
Yoga (+3) 24/28
Kashi Go Lean Crunch (-4) 28/28

So needless to say that while I am within my points for the day, my eating sucked. BIG TIME! This is not the way to ensure I have a loss on Thursday. Tomorrow is going to be a clean eating OP day.

Hell Yeah!!!!!

This is gonna take for-ever

2009-01-12T17:53:00.005-04:00

I was looking at BMI charts tonight, and I'm feeling kind of discouraged. I really want to get into the overweight category (and eventually healthy) but it just seems so far away. I would have to be under 175 in order to just be into the overweight range. That is still 50 lbs away. At the rate I've been going, at least another year.

I know I want to loose the weight slowly and surely, with proper diet and exercise, because that is the surest way to ensure that it stays off. It just feels like it will take forever sometimes. It is hard to be paitent with myself. The important thing, I guess, is to just keep trucking along and to not let my momentum slide. I have to remember that this is more than just a diet, this is a lifestyle change. I can't think that this is just until I reach goal and then I can have whatever I want.

Today's eats: /25
coffee (-1) 1/25
dreadmill (+5) 1/30
Larabar (-4) 5/30
English muffin with peabutter (-5) 10/30
Stirfry (-8) 18/30
glass of milk (-2) 20/30
English muffin with peabutter and a banana (-7) 27/30

Mike's Weigh in Week 1

2009-01-12T10:09:00.001-04:00

Hotstuff's weigh in today

-2.0 lbs

Bringing his week 1 total to -2.6 lbs

Booo Hissss ;-D

2009-01-11T23:24:00.002-04:00

Not too much to report today. Hotstuff [aka hubby, member of Team Loser, I mean Team Lynn ;)]'s first weigh in is tomorrow morning. I can't wait to see what it is. He has been really up and down all this week. I'm hoping he can keep the momentum up.

I took the last two days off for exercise. I had worked out 8 out of the last 8 days, so my body needed a break. I hoped back on the dreadmill today however. I usually go for an hour, between 5.0 and 5.5 kph. Today I did 100 min at 5.3 so I managed to walk 8.8 km. (That's nearly 5.5 miles for the folks down south :-D) I found out something cool. Apparently my dreadmill shuts off automatically at 100:00. Didn't know that!

I had the laptop up on the book rest and watched Eagle Eye while on the dreadmill. I really liked it. A great action flick to keep you distracted and motivated while walking.

Today's eats: /25

Oatmeal w/ Almond Breeze and splenda br. sugar (-5) 5/25
Ham on a pita bun and tomato soup (-6) 11/25
Salmon, 3oz chicken, 10 fries and corn (-12) 23/25

Dreadmill (+7)

Total 23/32

Not nearly enough but it is almost midnight and I am not going to eat something now.

Food Panic

2009-01-10T22:30:00.002-04:00

I didn't exercise yesterday or today. My stomach is really bothering me. I think I went a little overboard on the fiber this past week and it has had some unexpected results. I have Crohn's disease and therefore need to be a little careful of what I eat fiber-wise. I should have eased into the fiber a bit slower. Oh well I guess I could chalk it up to lesson learned.

My parents took a big step today and bought themselves a dreadmill. My dad of course hurt his back getting the damn thing into the house. Hubby and I put it together for them, since we managed to put ours together last year without killing each other (and honestly my dad....not the handiest guy.....tries hard but NOT handy). So they are both starting on their own weight loss journeys. Kinda nice that we will all be on the same wave length as far as food goes.

I'm wondering if anyone else has this issue. I call it "food panic". You know the feeling you get when you have gone past mealtime just a bit too far. You stand at the cupboard door staring at the food in it and you just can't think what you could possibly eat. So you grab anything and everything and just stuff it in your face. Or you make an equally bad choice and go get some fast food.

I hate that feeling. I've had it a couple of times this week. Today I'm proud to say that I fought through it and had a salad instead of the chips, crackers, chocolate and everything else that was screaming my name. I have to plan better however, to avoid the feeling altogether. If I'm going to be out of the house (like today) I need to have a few snacks stashed in my purse, so that I can have a small something to tide me over, so the panic never hits.

Stuff

2009-01-08T17:24:00.002-04:00

I got a new yoga mat today. Hopefully that will help with the slippage issue. My old one just didn't grip the floor anymore. I also picked up a set of 1lb wrist weights for when I'm walking to try and increase my upper body strength. I have to admit I focussed on my arms a lot more with them on and my hands weren't swollen beyond belief (like they are normally) at the end of my walk.

Today's eats: /25

Yogurt, kashi, banana combo w/ coffee (-8) 8/25
Cheesburger happy meal w/diet coke (-14) 22/25
Hamurger, rice, corn combo (-8) 30/25

dreadmill (+5) 30/30

I think I may end up using some of my Flex points later tonight for a little snackiepoo. I know that I am still feeling a bit hungry and frankly there is pretty much zero nutrition in a Rotten Ronnie's Happy Meal. The kids were hungry and really wanted to go, so I made the best choice I could, although I really should have gotten the apple slices instead of fries.

WI Results Week 1, Part 1

2009-01-08T09:36:00.002-04:00

So today's weigh in is Part 1 of my first official weigh in for BLBE #2. And lookey, lookey:
-4.0 lbs

BOOOO fricken YAAAAA!

How awesome is that! And I am determined that this time big loss will be followed by another loss. No little gains for me!

Look out Team Lynn, Team Angie is kickin' yer ass!!!!!

Go Team Angie - We're goin' down (in lbs that is!!!)

2009-01-07T19:33:00.003-04:00

I am so excited to be on Angie's team for the BLBE #2!! I can't wait to kick some ass and take some names.

Tomorrow is WI and it will be part 1, I guess, of my first official week in BLBE #2. I have to admit I am expecting a loss. I worked out like a maniac (for me anyway) this week. I have had some sort of physical activity EVERY DAY this week. It is getting easier to keep the momentum going I think. Part of the motivation is having a fellow BLBEr in the house, although he's playing for the other team. I want to kick his ass at this so that will totally keep me going :-D

Today's eats: /25

Kashi, Liberte yogurt, cool whip, sliced banana combo and coffee w/sf caramel syrup (-8) 8/25
clementine, 1 bite of a Larabar (-1.5) 9.5/25
tuna sammie and the rest of the larabar (-8) 17.5/25
3.5 oz chicken, baked potato w/ 1Tbsp non fat sour cream and 15g of light cheese, corn (-9.5) 27/25

Dreadmill 27/30
FP's remain at 17/35

On the fly!

2009-01-06T17:36:00.003-04:00

Quick post tonight as I am off to try and get into a new yoga class!!!!

Today's eats /25

1/2 cup Kashi cereal w/ milk (-3) 3/25
1 bite Larabar, clementine (-1.5) 4.5/25
Fish and Chips (-20) 24.5/25
coffee (-1) 25.5/25
Salad w/Taco beef (-3) 28.5/25

Total FP's used this week 12/35

Have a great day bloggies!

Quick update: Yoga was good. different instructor so different style. I had Raina's voice in my head for certain poses so that helped :-D

Had yogurt, Kashi, cool whip, banana combo while watching biggest loser leaving my balance for the day at 36.5/28 FP's are now 17/35

10 reasons to loose the weight

2009-01-05T19:50:00.008-04:00

Lex over at Sweet Tooth tagged me for this little survey. It really got me thinking. What are my ten reasons for boarding the crazy train of weight loss. Mentally I've never been a "fat" person (part of the reason I'm 34 and only now making my first serious attempt to get the weight off). By that I mean I'm pretty comfortable in my own skin and I've not felt that I've been held back by my weight.

Here are the details of this survey/tag:
Rules:
List the 10 reasons why you are losing weight
Tag 5 other bloggers
Be sure to post these rules on your post
Be sure to link the blog that tagged you

To improve my overall health. I have a strong family history of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. I personally have never had any of these issues (but they are out there waiting for me I know!). I do have Crohn's Disease however and I owe it to my body to feed it good things.
For more energy. I'm tired of being tired. ALL -THE- TIME. I want to have more stamina for all the different things in my life.
I have a secret desire to be a runner. I am so envious of people who are able to run any kind of distance. I want to feel like I did when I was 5 and I could run forever.
It's petty and small of me I know (no pun intended), but I want to shop in a regular store for clothes. I don't want to see a cute top or dress and have to think "Gee, I wonder if they have that in Plus sizes???" And frankly there is so much more variety in "regular" clothes. I hate having my choices limited.
I want to set a positive example for both my children. Neither of them have a weight issue at this point in their lives (they are 9 and 6) and I would like to keep it that way. They both eat a variety of foods and enjoy the healthy ones as much as the junk.
I want to provide my DH a swift kick in the ass. He has had an amazing year careerwise, but in the stress and rush of that, he has let his health slide a bit (okay, quite a bit). It isn't enough that Mommy is a good example, Daddy needs to be one too. (this one may have worked as he has joined in with BLBE #2)
To be a better version of myself. I've not been really truly happy for a long time it feels like. I don't know if loosing the weight is the answer to this problem, but I figure it certainly can't hurt. The time spent focussing on myself may help me have some insights.
I'm vain enough to admit that I would like to look better. I will never be a skinny-minny. Even at my smallest weight (115 lbs) I still had breasts and hips. But I would really like to look better than I do now.
I want to follow through with something. I'm a great one for making plans and never sticking to it. I want to feel that sense of accomplishment that comes from setting a goal and achieving it.
It sounds silly, but I don't want to have to worry if I fit somewhere, in a seat, on a ride at the fair, through that space.

It took me forever to finish this post. I'm at about 14 hours now. This was hard. Thanks Lex for making me think.

I tag:

Heidi

Good luck girls. I hope you don't find it as difficult as I did.

FP's....are they Flex or Forbidden???

2009-01-05T19:30:00.002-04:00

I'm not sure why I have it in my head that I shouldn't use my flex points. They are there for days when you need them. So far this week I've really only used 4 out of 35!!!!

I know that I shouldn't forbid myself things....and so far I've been really good at not doing that. Maybe I'm just a hoarder at heart. I save them all up for the end of the week "just in case" and then on Wednesday night I'm left with all these FP's. Not good the night before weigh in, waaaaayy too much temptation.

Today's menu /25 POINTS

dreadmill (+5) /30

egg white omelet w/low fat cheese and mushrooms, WW bagel (-7) 2/30

Coffee (-1) 3/30

Toasted Chicken Club (a la Timmie's) (-9) 12/30

chicken breast, brown rice, 1/2 fat mush soup, salad (-9) 21/30

3 Rice krispie squares w/milk (-8) 29/30

I sit here writing this with my stomach growling, really wanting a little snack o'somethin. I have 1 point left plus 31 FP's. Do I or don't I that is the question!!! ARRRRGGGGGH!

Opinions Please!!!!

2009-01-04T23:25:00.002-04:00

So DH and I have both joined in the BLBE #2 and we've decided (just to give us that extra kick in the butt) to add a little side bet. We're thinking that we'll go with percentage of weight lost + change in body fat percentage (we have a nifty scale that measures stuff like that).

The big question is "What are the stakes????"

What do you think ladies and gentlemen? I'm thinking it should be something fitness related like getting a Wii fit or buy some sort of gym equipment the other one wants (but that would still benifit both of us). Or should it be something completely different like (for me) a night out with the girls?

We are completely baffled and would love your input.

Today's Eats and other things

2009-01-04T17:58:00.002-04:00

I totally suck at taking pictures of my food. I am adding this to my goals for the year, create pictoral evidence of what is going into my body.

Anywhooo today I ate:

Liberte Nonfat mocha yogurt, 1/2 cup Kashi Go Lean, 2 Tbsp Ultra low fat Cool Whip, 10 raspberries ( -6 /25)

Dreadmill (+5) (-1/25)

Apple w/ cheese string (-3) (-4/25)

Gardennay Red Pepper Black Bean soup w/ 15g light marble cheese, WW bagel, tuna w/ 1/2 fat mayo (-7) (-11/25)

Pasta shells w/ 1/2 cup meat sauce (-9) (-20/25)

Coffee w/ small Rice Krispie square (-2) (-22/25)

Not too bad if I do say so myself. I've got 3 PTS left but they are AP's so I'm not sure if I'll use them or not.

It is going to be interesting having my hubby along for the ride this time. His POINT allowance for the day is higher than mine and I am finding it difficult/interesting trying to plan for 2 different POINT amounts. I think I'm going to have to be much better at planning lunch and dinner so that he knows how much he has for breakfast and snacks. We have breakfast together 4/7 days so that won't be too bad. It is just the brown bagging it that is going to be tough for him. His work is surrounded by wonderful little restaurants and pizza joints. He is used to grabbing a slice whenever he is hungry. I hope he starts to notice a change in his body soon. I think he is going to start feeling a lot better. I know I certainly am since I started on this journey.

New toy and a Question for you.

2009-01-04T09:03:00.003-04:00

I got a new toy yesterday. I finally got a kitchen scale!!!! It is awesome. I'll actually be able to know how much I'm eating rather than guesstimating. It was nice to know this morning that the amount of yogurt I've been taking for a serving was actually a little less than a full serving.

I have a question for all you WW ladies and gentlemen out there. Yesterday I did very well with my food, until suppertime when, having no children at home (both were at a friends), we decided to get chinese. I would estimate my meal to be about 20pts. Prior to supper I had used 12pts, so that makes 32pts total on the day. I had earned 5 AP's. My question is this, have I used 2 FP's or 7? My daily allowance is 25. I don't know when to count points as flex or to use up my activity points.

Don't forget to tune in to ECFM at 10:10am (Atlantic time) for Angie's interview.

BLBE baby!!!!!

2009-01-03T17:57:00.002-04:00

I'm so excited. I signed up today for Biggest Looser Blog Edition #2. So did my hubby!!!! He is the person who interviewed Angie for ECFM this Sunday. He has decided that the time has come for him to get a little bit fitter and little bit slimmer. At this point he hasn't decided to start a blog. That may come later. I'll be keeping track of his stats on my sidebar (see Hotstuff's stats).

I'm totally stoked about this edition. With DH pushing me along I'm going to do way better. We are thinking of getting a little side bet going but we have to sit down and figure out the stakes.

Can you say S-N-O-W?

2009-01-02T20:53:00.004-04:00

When I awoke this morning this is what greeted me:

and this:
I swear I have not seen this much snow in ages, and as the only adult home (hubby had already dug out his car and gone to work) it fell to me to dig us out. I have to say that my endurance has definitely improved. I was able to shovel for 1.5 hours with no trouble stamina wise. I really need to work on my upper body strength however. OMG do my arms and wrists hurt tonight.

After all that work this is what I was able to accomplish. Yay me!!!!!

I am very proud of myself. I pray that no more snow comes for a while.

WI Results -1.2

2009-01-01T11:09:00.003-04:00

Yes that's right - 1.2 lbs. I am so happy I could dance. I was a bit of a pig last night with the junk food, but I don't think I had as much as I thought I did. For much of the night the only things on the card table had peanuts in them so I was able to avoid those quite easily (now if only I could convince myself that to eat all the other crap is tantamount to suicide too! :D)

We had a fun night at my Aunt B's playing cards and goofing around. When midnight came most of us were still standing. My DD made it all the way.....

She was asleep about 5 minutes after this.

My hubby and I (love the extra chins the stupid hat gave me)

And the one who didn't make it. He fell asleep in Daddy's arms at about 10:30.

Happy New Year everyone! Not sure what is on the go for us today. We are supposed to be having supper in at my Uncle H's but with the blizzard I don't know if that is going to happen or not!

Happy New Year!!!

2008-12-31T18:41:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to wish all of you a wonderful and healthy 2009. I am so grateful for all of the support I have received from all of you.

Thank You!!!!

We are off to my Aunt B's tonight to spend New Year's with my extended family. There will be lots of card playing, a little bit of drinking (Aunt B makes the best slush), and probably more than a bit of junk food. I'm going to do my best to stay as far away from it as possible, but I have quite a few points left for today.

Wish me luck!

Walk to Hfx update.

2008-12-30T09:57:00.003-04:00

I figured I should update my progress on my "Walk to Halifax". So far not nearly as good as I wanted to be. I had hoped to get to Hfx by Jan 15th but that may have to be pushed back. If I continue to do 5km at a time I have 25 legs left to go. My ETA is now Jan 31, 2009.

I have been extremely lazy through the month of December. I've been lucky to exercise 2 times a week. Well that has to change if I expect to make any progress towards my goals.

Goals for this week + 2 days:

1. To exercise 7/9 days and earn 28AP's

2. To eat on plan for all 9 days (really how hard can this be, I don't understand why I have such a hard time with this)

3. To drink 2litres of water every day.

I'll check back next Thursday to see how I did.

Reflections on BLBE 1st edition

2008-12-29T10:54:00.005-04:00

This challenge didn't go exactly as I had expected. I really had hoped to loose about 20 lbs. I ended up loosing 9.8. I have to continually remind myself that this is a good thing. It may not be where I wanted to be, but it is still nearly 10 lbs I will never again see on my body.

I continued to report each and every week, even when my results were discouraging. I felt like I reported a gain more than I reported a loss but in reality I was 8 out of 14 for losses. Seeing as I lost about 50% of what I wanted, that makes sense.

I had hubby take some "end of challenge" pics of me. My original ones are here. There are definitely some changes in my body.

It is quite obvious that I still have a long way to go. And that is what BLBE #2 is going to help me do!!!!!

Good Luck to all my fellow BLBE challengers, last edition and next!

New year, new me!!!!

2008-12-27T15:15:00.002-04:00

I'm really excited about this year coming up! It's going to be the Year of ME!!! I can just feel it. I'm going to make it the year of me. I am going to get the weight off once and for all. I was able to loose 40lbs total in 2008 without really working at it too hard for 8 months of the year. Imagine what I could do with a little effort and focus.

I'm not going to make any "resolutions". I've already made the changes I need to make. I just have to stick with it and incorporate those changes into my whole life. My goals for this year are very simple. I have none. A goal that spans the whole year is too big for me. I get lost along the way. So I am going to try to make small weekly goals. And post them for ALL to see. And comment on, and call me on if/when I fail to live up to them.

That being said, there are a few things I would like to do this year.

I want to be able to participate in my very first 5km run. The local Johnny Miles is in June and that is where I am setting my sights. The Run for the Lobsters (part of Lobster Carnival) is then in July and I'd like to do that too.

I would like to find a new job/career. I've been really unhappy with the teaching profession as of late. I love the job, it's just all the hoops you must jump through and, frankly, butts you have to kiss in order to get a job, it's just ridiculous. I've been teaching for 12 years now and kids graduating university are getting jobs ahead of me. I think it is time for a change. I still have no idea what I will do, but there has to be a career out there for a motivatied woman like myself.

I want to do some things to improve myself this year (hence the year of me!!!). I started taking yoga in the fall and I really loved it. I would like to take some courses this year as well. Nothing in particular, and nothing really focused on my CAREER. Just some fun things to take. Like a low fat cooking class, ballroom dancing or maybe improve my French. Who knows. (maybe even photography, a closet passion of mine)

Well have a great day my friends and fellow bloggers. Thanks for "listening" to my rambling.

Merry Christmas one and all!!!

2008-12-25T22:28:00.002-04:00

I hope everyone out there in blog land had a wonderful holiday. I know that I did. I got exactly what I asked for as well as a few surprises.

One of the best would have to be my weigh in this morning which was 232.2 lbs. That is a gain of only 0.6lbs. Being the last week of this edition of the BLBE, I would have liked to see a loss, but it being christmas and all, I'm really happy to see such a minor gain. We'll have to see what next week holds to see if there was really more there than was showing up yet.

Tomorrow the party is over and I have a whole week of clean living to do in order to get rid of any excess jelly belly. I'm not sure when the next BLBE will start up, but I should have at least two weeks to get down to 230 lbs, which is where I would like to start.

*off topic for a sec*
My two favorite pressies this year were "The Tales of Beddle the Bard" from my kids (all you Harry Potter geeks like me will know how cool that is), and a gorgeous red felt cape from my parents. I have wanted a cape for years and years and years. It is smashing, perfect for throwing over a beautiful outfit when going out in the fall/winter/early spring. My dad (being a smart ass as usual) asked me when I was going to Grandma's house (Little Red Riding Hood).

Have a great christmas/holiday all! May you all have a safe, healthy and happy season!

Lessons learned

2008-12-23T08:22:00.002-04:00

Sunday's shindig at the parents place did not go well, food wise. It was a great party with lots of friends and LOTS of food. And I ate. I didn't go hog wild, but I'm quite certain I wiped out the rest of my Flex for the week.

I did cook my own meal and bring it with me but ended up eating the take out anyway. I had very small portions of meat and a lot of veggies. A friend of the family who has had a kidney transplant ended up eating my home made stirfry because there was no added salt in it, and would therefore be safe for her to eat. I certainly didn't mind giving it up for her.

I gave myself permission to indulge a bit and I'm glad I did. I was able to prove to myself that I can't do that anymore. My stomach was in knots all Sunday night and most of Monday. I hardly ate anything yesterday because I was still in pain. It's nice to know that my body will give me a swift kick in the ass when necessary.

I have the next 2 days to behave myself and then Christmas. Hopefully I will remember the lessons learned from Sunday. We can hope.

The Little Engine that Could - that's me!!!

2008-12-20T12:29:00.003-04:00

Christmas Vacation has begun. I have been extremely lazy so far today. I've done absolutely nothing. And it feels pretty good.

My plan for the next two weeks is to simply stay in control. I am such a control freak in so many areas, and yet I seem to have zero control when it comes to nibblies.

As I mentioned before my parents are having a shindig tomorrow. Mom just called to go over the menu and OMG I'll never make it. She plans on having bacon wrapped scallops (one of my all time favorites), mini quiches and crab dip. Not to mention that all of their buddies will bring stuff, even though she told them not too. She has one friend who is the best baker of all time. That woman's pies can bring you to tears. I think I'm going to park my butt at a card table and keep my hands busy playing cards all day. That way I can't use them to stuff my face. God help me. please

If I can make through tomorrow then the only other trouble day is the big one. We are not doing anything for New Year's (again) and we have no other parties to go to. I don't think. Fingers crossed.

I'm going to be the little engine that could "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!!!"

Blog SPAM

2008-12-19T09:43:00.002-04:00

I didn't realize you could get spammed on your blog. But is it spam? Everytime I mention my treadmill I get a comment from mills about buying a treadmill. Guess what???? I already have one. So from now on I shall refer to it as the dreadmill, even though I don't really dread it. In fact I am beginning to enjoy it. SHHHHH don't tell anyone, especially me!!!!

Exercise Mama

2008-12-18T22:30:00.003-04:00

I'm back with a vengance. I've decided (for today at least) that I've had enough of this and I am getting back to exercising. I did 7km on the treadmill tonight. It felt great and I probably could have done more but my DD came out of her room to tell me she couldn't sleep because the treadmill was making too much noise. OOOPS! Oh well, I guess she'll just have to get used to it because Mama is on a mission.

I did very well for eating today. I got called into work unexpectedly but still managed to bring a healthy lunch with me. We went to Subway for supper and I had a salad instead of a sub so that made a big difference. I'm still a few POINTS short on the day plus all of my AP's too. It's like I get all hyper vigilant and then don't eat enough in order to loose the weight. Someday I will get this right. I promise!!!!!!

WI Results Week 13

2008-12-18T07:37:00.002-04:00

I'm totally not surprised by this. I didn't really exercise all week and I did more holiday nibbling than I should have. Actually I'm kinda shocked that it was only +1.6lbs.

Goals for this week.

Eat on plan EVERY DAY! And yes that includes Christmas day. I will save all of my flex points for that day. I have several events this week that may make that a bit difficult.

My parents are having an open house on Sunday during which there will be lots of nibblies about and the plan is for anyone who wants to pitch in, they'll order chinese. I'm thinking that I may make my own "chinese dinner" ahead of time and just bring it with me. That way it won't look as though I'm making a big deal out of not eating the takeout.

I plan to have my parents over for Christmas Eve so that should be okay. I'll be in charge of the menu, therefore able to ensure that I know the POINTS value of the meal.

My mom, who is also trying to loose some weight, and I have planned out the Christmas menu and it shouldn't be too bad. Lots of veggies. And I plan to forgo the potatoes. I really like the turnip, sweet potatoes and stuffing parts of Christmas dinner. I can't have them AND potatoes. I can have potatoes any old time.

I think planning is going to be the key for me this week. Despite the fact that it is Christmas week, I plan to have a kick ass loss for next week. I can't believe that it is the final week of the BLBE.

Mind games

2008-12-16T16:02:00.002-04:00

Went to Carvers today (local coffee house) and I had my new favorite thing...a sugar free English Toffee steamer. Unfortunately, she doesn't serve "skinny" steamers so it is made with 2% milk. But it is really yummy.

My friend Ruby was hungry for lunch and was so concerned about the fact that she was going to have the nachos and maybe tempt me. I am proud to say I was tempted at all. When she was all done her 3 layer dip (full of creamy, cheesy yumness) I had one single tortilla chip, but it was dry and stuck in my throat, so it wasn't even worth it.

I tried eating my supper tonight on the smaller sized plate and I have to admit that it really did feel like I had way more food than I did. It also prevented me from taking too much of the potatoes. Trying to convince my kids on the other hand was a bit of a challenge. They just see the smaller plate and not all the yummy food on it. They were also begging (quite literally in the 6 year old's case) for dessert before they had even swallowed the last bite. I'm trying to make them wait at least a half an hour after supper in order to see if they really are still hungry or do they just think they need something else. We'll see how that goes.

I was numero uno on the BLBE weigh in this week. We'll see if it holds. It was such a dramatic loss last week that I think I will be quite content with at STS. The scale this morning was showing a gain of 2 lbs. I'm not sure what to think of it. It drives me crazy. Maybe I should just stay off the damn thing!!!!

Yummy Yogurt!!!

2008-12-15T18:38:00.003-04:00

Success! I found the yogurt!!!! And is it ever good. Now the challenge will be to keep the kids out of it. The NI is listed for 175g per serving which kinda sucks as I don't have a kitchen scale. I guess that will have to be a purchase after Christmas.

I put the Today's Eats section back on my sidebar. I've been really crappy lately at journalling my food. A lot of "keeping track" in my head and we all know how well that works.

After I get the kids to bed I have a few hours before hubby gets home from work. I think that I am going to plunk my but on the treadmill and walk walk walk for as long as I can stand it. I'm not going to give myself any time limits but I must do at least 5k.

Getting back in the saddle again!!!

2008-12-15T07:59:00.002-04:00

I'm going to go looking for Liberte Yogurt that Angie has been raving about. I've not been eating my yogurt in the morning lately and I really miss it. Maybe trying a new variety will get me back in the groove.

I have't exercised in far too long. I need to get back on track with that as well. I don't want to go backwards.

Questions

2008-12-14T10:17:00.002-04:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about what losing weight would really mean to me. Is it just that I want to get into a smaller size? Do I want the smaller number on the scale? What exactly is my focus?

I know that I want to be healthier. My family has a long history of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and other issues that an increased weight will make worse. But what constitutes healthy? That is what I am struggling with.

It can't be just a smaller number on the scale. I know several "skinny" people who are not what I would call healthy.

So what does it mean exactly? I think for me it is going to have to mean a major mindset shift. I need to begin thinking of food as fuel. I know that that is nothing new, but for me it is. Food has always been my best friend. The one who was always there when I need some comfort. It has seen me through some really trying times. I need to change that feeling of food as a reward for good behavior and a solace for feeling crappy.

I know that I certainly don't have the answers. Just lots and lots of questions.

Home Alone

2008-12-12T06:54:00.002-04:00

That's right! I'll actually be home alone today. The phone didn't ring this morning to call me to work....so with hubby at work and the kidlets at school, I plan on getting some major house work done!!! This house is a disaster and I can't take it anymore. And with no one underfoot it should be a quick job.

Goals for today

clean house top to bottom (especially the mud room, because after all that rain....)
stay OP as far as eating goes
Do my 5km walk outside today
Spend some time at my favorite coffee shop chatting with some friends. (not really a goal perse but something I really want to do.)

Talk to you later lovleys

Happy Birthday Mr.Man!!!

2008-12-11T16:35:00.004-04:00

Just had to say Happy Birthday to my little man.

It is hard to believe that it has been six years since I met this little guy. He was so tiny and opinionated. Well, he's still opinionated! ;)

Things I love about him:

1. He has a very independant turn of mind
2. He has the most active imagination I have ever met
3. He loves to give hugs and snuggle
4. He is a great little brother who loves his big sister
5. He is soooooo smart (too smart sometimes :))

He is just an all around fabulous boy who is turning 6 today!

WI Results Week 12 OMG!!!!

2008-12-11T08:07:00.003-04:00

So I'm not exactly sure how this happened but
-5.8lbs
I am on the brink of the 220's. I'm so excited.

I think I needed a kick in the pants like this. My motivation has been flagging a bit lately. I lot of "I don't care" moments. But no more! I am back on track and staying there.

The best laid plans

2008-12-08T09:28:00.003-04:00

I got up at 5am this morning in order to get my 5km in before going to school today. I really wanted to walk outside today and maybe even run a little. I really, really wanted to run today. But when I woke up this is what I saw (except of course it was dark and the street wasn't plowed yet).

Hmmmmm...let's think. Ah, NO!

Not gonna happen.

So it was back to my old friend the treadmill. On goes the TV and I merrily walk along, watching the news, silently congratulating myself for getting out of bed and doing this in plenty of time before school. I'll be able to make a healthy nutritious breakfast for everyone and pack great lunches for us all.

I have 60 meters left to go when I hear the pitter patter of little feet. Okay not so little, it was DH. No school today he informs me.

Talk about loosing the wind out of your sails.

But, I have completed another 5km on my way to Halifax. I am almost out of Pictou County. By tomorrow I will be past the school where I teach. Yay!!!

Oatmeal pancakes! Yummy!!!!

2008-12-07T12:15:00.003-04:00

I decided to try out Angie's pancake recipie that she made yesterday. I didn't have my computer on so I had to do it from memory. So it turned out a bit different.

I used:

1 1/3 cups large flake oats

3egg whites

1 cup Almond Breeze

1 banana

1 TBSP pea butter

Blend it all up in the blender and cook in my nonstick electric frying pan.This made 9 pancakes for 2.5 POINTS each (I think, I have a really hard time with the points calcualtions). I had 3 with a TBSP of syrup and a clementine for a total of 10.5 POINTS. Not bad for a brunch. The only thing I would change would be to use 1/2 a banana (the taste was a bit too overpowering) and maybe add some vanilla.

Yummy!!!!

Grit and Determination

2008-12-05T20:42:00.003-04:00

I was so angry with myself Thursday morning when I got on that scale and saw that gain. It wasn't even a little gain...it was HUGE ! At least that was how it felt. I let myself wallow in self pity for a while. But no more!!!

I am DOWNRIGHT DETERMINED that I will end this challenge down at least 10lbs. That isn't the 22 I was originally shooting for but who cares. My fitness level has really increased since starting this challenge. I was subbing at the local high school today and I walked! I walked to school, downtown at lunch time and walked home again. Look at me! That was 3km +/- of walking that I chose to do. I'm really impressed with myself. Can'tcha tell????

WI Results Week 11

2008-12-04T08:40:00.001-04:00

+2.6 lbs

I have nothing to say for myself. I refuse to list off the "reasons" for this because they are really just excuses.

I will do better next week.

Safety hazard???

2008-12-03T22:30:00.003-04:00

This is my treadmill.

This is my tree.

This is me on my treadmill.

Hmmmmmmm. Will the treadmill and/or the tree survive the Christmas season????

Stay tuned.

I think it may be time...

2008-12-03T20:44:00.002-04:00

...for me to really join Weight Watchers.

I'm back to "guess-timating" how many points I'm eating. My exercise has been indifferent at best, although with the new challenge I've given myself I am definately beginning to "feel" it again.

Weigh in is tomorrow and I'll be lucky if it is a STS. I'm thinking more likely a gain of a pound or two.

This blog is a wonderful tool and it really has made me more accountable, but I think I need more than just accountability. I need the support that comes from meetings and knowing than I am really not alone. I looked up the meeting times and prices in my area. Most of the meetings I could reach are in the evening and I hate weighing in in the evening. I'm a first thing in the morning kinda girl. So if I do start I expect to have an instant "gain" of about 5 lbs. The price is pretty expensive too. I know that 300 over six months isn't too bad but our finances are pretty tight right now. That is more than I can afford. Why does this have to be so friggin expensive? I just want to lose the weight. I don't mind paying, but I hate that I am shut out of great opportunities like WW and a gym membership because I can't afford it. I can't spend that kind of money on myself when my kids or my husband might need something. I've been walking around for about 5 months in pants that are huge because I can't spend the money on myself to get a new pair. One pair, let alone the three or four I really need.

My mom has said that she has a gift for me that is really small, but that I'll really love it. Is it bad to hope that it is a six month membership to WW?

Enough of being a sad-sack. Time to go walk.

Goal setting for my "Walk to Halifax"

2008-12-02T22:01:00.003-04:00

Today was okay as far as food went. Not very on plan but not REALLY off either.

We had a really busy day. Did some shopping for the kids and then went over to Mom's to check out all the loot. OMG they have a lot of stuff. Santa is generous. I think, other than one more item each, I am done! On December 2nd!!!! Unheard of.

I didn't get to my walk until tonight but I just have to say something I RAN!!! I was able to run for a couple minutes about 4 times during my walk. Had the treadmill cranked up to 6.5 km/h. And it felt great. I wasn't even really all that out of breath when I dialed back the speed. My regular speed was 5.0km/h. Not bad when I could barely do 20 minutes at 3.5 km/h when I first got the treadmill last January.

So I am now 10 km down on my trip to Hfx. I've decided on Point Pleasant park as my destination. That means I have 166.5 km left to go. Divide that by 5km a day that is 33 more legs (plus 1.5km). I think I need to set a timeline goal as well as the distance. If I walked every day I would get to Halifax on January 5th. I think it is unrealistic for me to try to walk every day though. Christmas is coming and that means a lot of busy days ahead. If I shoot for 5 days a week that would have me finishing around January 13th. So I'm going to say January 15th I will be there!!!!!!

NSV!!!!!

2008-12-01T16:48:00.001-04:00

I
walked
into
a
regular
clothing
store
and
bought
a
pair
of
jeans!
and they fit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The next motivating factor

2008-12-01T07:51:00.004-04:00

My plan today is to get a good walk in. I haven't really done any exercise at all this week. DH was out of the house from Wednesday on which left me doing the single Mom thing. We were all down with the stomach flu at one point or another. So, all in all, not a great week. I want to try and be as kick ass as possible for the next three days til weigh in. I'm tired of these little dribs and drabs of weight loss. I need to start posting some good numbers again. If I can't make 220 by the end of BLBE, I want to at least be at 225. That is only 7lbs. 4weeks at 2lbs a week should be easy to do. Right???

I've started to wonder what I will do without the BLBE to motivate me. I need to come up with something more to keep me going. I've been thinking of doing a "Walk to Halifax". It is only about 150 km away, so at 5k a day it should take me about a month to "get" there. And my reward for doing it is to actually GO to Hfx. I haven't been in ages. (like last xmas I think) I would love to see the family that I have there as well as meet some of the Halifax girls. Maybe even get to go on a special little shopping trip. What do you think? Motivating????

I love my kids ;)

2008-11-29T07:29:00.002-04:00

So yesterday I was presenting at a Fine Arts Day at one of the local middle schools. It was a lot of fun and I'm kind of interested to know what the kids thought of it. It was 2 sessions of about 1hour, 10 kids in the first one and 13 in the second, grades 5-7. The only issue I had was that they didn't assign a teacher to my room, because I'm already a teacher. Well yes that is true but I didn't know any of these kids (except one who was a cousin). It would have been nice to have the extra set of hands.

Natalie McMaster was the keynote speaker in the morning. Wow, what an awesome lady. She played a little fiddle and talked to the kids about how important the arts and culture are in her life. Some really interesting stories.

Snack and lunch were provided for all the presenters and believe me there were a ton of temptations. For snack I had an orange wedge and a small piece of cheese with a bottle of water. For lunch they had pizza from Cafe Italia. I chose the thin crust Chicken and Basil. Was very good and I only had one slice. Little bit of caesar salad and all was good.

Then it hit me. The nasty little stomach virus that had both kiddos down earlier this week. OMG, nasty doesn't even begin to describe it. I was miserable. DS ate cherrioes out of the box for his supper and DD made them tuna and crackers. I lay on the couch moaning. My DD was amazing, she called her grandparents to drive her to her piano lesson, got her brother ready for bed and read him a story and everything and then put herself to bed. What a great girl. It is so nice to know I can count on her on those rare occasions when Mommy is down for the count.

I'm feeling a bit better this morning, so hopefully it is a short lived little virus!

WI Results Week 10

2008-11-28T06:43:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was WI and it was a STS. not too surprised about that. I really didn't put enough of an effort in to life this week.

I just snuck on the scale again and it now showing a gain of 2.2 lbs. I'm not sure which to believe. I'm feeling kinda icky today.

Focus on the good!!!

2008-11-26T21:43:00.003-04:00

So, just in case no one has noticed, I have been very depressed about just about everything for about a month now. I should be really happy that I am loosing...slowly to be sure but still it is better than staying the same, or worse, gaining again. Instead I feel really crummy. I hate my job (not the kids or the teaching but everything else). I've been crabby and bitchy to my family. Just generally not a nice person to be around, hell I don't even want to be near me lately.

I need to focus on the positives.

Today when teaching a few children some skipping games I was a) able to jump!!! and b) my pants kept slipping a leetle to far down. One of my little Primaries said "Um, excuse me Mrs. ... I think those pants are WAY too big!" God love her!
I can now walk 5 km and not be ready to die when I finish. In fact I can probably do more. I feel like I could start to walk/jog but I'm a little scared to do that because I don't want to get stress fractures or shin splints etc.
I am 38.8 lbs lighter than I was a year ago.
I can wear a size 18 pant and 16 top whereas last year it was a 22 for both (hence the incredibly falling pants LOL).
My mother keeps commenting on how "fit" I look. I like how she doesn't say that I've lost weight, because she knows that the exercise is the far bigger challenge for me.
I am making better choices about what goes in my mouth 80% of the time. And that percentage WILL improve.
I've lost an inch off my bust and 2 inches off my waist. (nothing off the hips yet but it'll come)

Whenever I feel crappy I'll come back and read this list.

And the mother of the year award goes to......

2008-11-26T07:01:00.002-04:00

....someone else.

I was a cranky Mommy yesterday. On Monday night, as I was putting the kids to bed, I noticed that they both didn't look too well. Dark circles under their eyes, kinda pale. You know, just not quite themselves.

Did the dragon who woke up Tuesday morning care about that? No of course not! She forced them to go to school. Even while their loving father is saying "You know I am off today. They could just stay home if they aren't well" The dragon wouldn't hear of it. "They can't miss school for every little illness" she declared.

Turns out DS really was sick with a stomach bug. DH went and got him by snack time. DD struggled through the day, and choir at night, but felt horrible while doing it. They both seem a lot better today but guess what???? The dragon has a sad belly now. Payback's a byotch.

I will muddle through today as best I can. The fact that I really don't want to eat anything should make up for the binge of chocolate chips the other night.

*sigh*

I ate half a bag of chocolate chips.....

2008-11-25T07:15:00.003-04:00

...I really did.

I don't know what the hell was up with me. I did really well points wise all day. Hit most of my healthy guidelines. That bag of chocolate chips was just sitting there in the cupboard....open and lonely. I even keep the damn things in my medicine basket because basically they are like an antidepressant! LOL

I am so ashamed of myself for my utter lack of self control.

Food Pics

2008-11-23T12:39:00.005-04:00

I have been following Angie for a while, and she has been posting pics of her meals. I have to admit to being a bit of a voyeur here. She makes the most amazing and interesting and downright scrumptious looking meals. I thought I might try the same thing. I already feel more accountable because I know you all will be looking at it.

For Breakfast this morning I decided to try to microwave my oatmeal (didn't work so well...it boiled over). I mixed what was left with half a banana and some pea butter with a little bit of Almond Breeze. Add to that some coffee with Almond Breeze and splenda for a total of 6 POINTS

For lunch the kids wanted chicken soup and biscuits. So I made some whole wheat buscuits to have with the soup. All for a total of 6 POINTS

So that leaves me with 14 POINTS for supper, and snacks.

For supper I decided to have scrumptious fajita's. I chose to have mine in lettuce leaves rather than in a wrap (seeing as I can't find any WW one's) I also had refried beans in mine with only one or two little pieces of steak. With a dollop of fat free sour cream on top and delish!!! Total 4 POINTS

After supper I was a little munchie so I had a chinese mandarin orange. Just peeling one makes it seem like Christmas. 1 POINT

I cleaned up the kitchen and I was feeling a bit restless, so I decided to make some cookies for the kiddies to take to school (rather than buying crap at the store). I made Nut-free pea butter cookies - half with a chocolate chip nestled on top, half plain. The kids won't have a problem taking them to school. I might have a problem keeping them around that long. I knew I had a few POINTS to spare so I had 2. I made them teeny tiny so that they would only be 1.5 POINTS each. With a lovely cold glass of 0.5% milk it was 5 POINTS total. Not bad for milk and cookies!!!!

Total POINTS for the day = 22/26 oops!

Winter wonderland!

2008-11-22T18:31:00.002-04:00

So I woke up this morning and surprise, surprise there is like 6 inches of snow on the ground.....ummmm how did that get there? Apparently there was a thunderstorm involving a ton of snow. SO out comes the shovel (s). An hour later the driveway was finally clear.

My mother fell today and may possibly have broken her arm. She did go to outpaitents, but there is too much swelling to tell. Not good. She really should not be shoveling snow.

Tomorrow we shall go play in the snow. Fun, Fun, Fun!!!!

WI Results Week 9

2008-11-20T06:32:00.003-04:00

Down again!!! only 0.6lbs but considering how much I munched last night at the reception I went to I'm not surprised.

Another 1.2lbs to go and I will hit the 10lbs lost mark. It WILL happen next week!!!!!

Yay me!!! Huge NSV

2008-11-19T21:21:00.002-04:00

I went for my 5km walk today. AFTER supper (i.e. in the dark), and in the pouring rain/snow/ice pellets. I have to tell you I was soaked to the skin. But I am so damn proud of myself for actually doing it.

When I left work today I called home to get stuff defrosted in order to COOK a meal. Which I did! Made sure I had plenty of time for my walk before DH and Mom and I had to go to a Volunteer Appreciation thingee. I even jogged on some of the straight aways and down hills.

P.S. My butt is still very, VERY painful but the best thing for it is to continue to exercise. Right!!???

Oh and one of my very best friends had her baby girl today!!!! Welcome, welcome Miss Kaitlyn Marie, little sister to Peyton and Emily. I pity their poor father with 3 girls now LOL!

My ass hurts!!!!!

2008-11-18T17:29:00.002-04:00

Does anyone else have this problem??? When I go for my walk I feel as though my right leg is working harder than my left. My gluteus maximus on the right hurts like hell today. There is no comfortable position to sit or stand and I really don't have time to lay down. I'm wondering if my hip is out a bit and my leg is actually a bit shorter than the other, and therefore having to work harder.....hmmmmm????

I was out of the house at 6:30 am this morning for my walk...I apparently scared the crap out of hubby. He woke up and I was gone. Not sure why he didn't just call me on the cell. I apologized profusely, but really...where else would I be at 7am?????

I can't believe I forgot to put a title on this post ;)

2008-11-17T22:00:00.003-04:00

Sorry I've been away for a bit. Wind storm blew through this weekend and my phone line (and therefore internet) was down until this afternoon.

I know that I promised that TOM would not derail me this time but I was wrong. I get so miserable. All I want to do is eat and hide from the world. I hardly did any exercise, although I did get back on track today. I just don't know how to handle this. I guess I'm going to have to work extra hard on the other three weeks.

I don't think that I'm going to reach my goal of 220 by the end of the BLBE. I haven't even gotten to the halfway point yet. I'm trying not to be defeatist but at the same time I don't want to be disappointed when Dec 27th rolls around. I'll be happy with anything that is lower than my start weight but I really think 220 is out of my reach now.

Lazy woman's supper

2008-11-14T19:09:00.002-04:00

The good ol' stand by....pea butter and jam sammies on a pita bun! Sitting snuggling DS watching a movie and just couldn't bring myself to cook anything.

So we opted for PBJ!

Yummy!

Sometimes that's all you need

WI Results Week 8 (already????)

2008-11-13T08:53:00.003-04:00

wait for it....wait for it

-1.0 lbs

wooooohooooo!!!!!!

back on track and ready to kick some ass!

He's Baaaaaaack!

2008-11-12T20:47:00.003-04:00

TOM has arrived and I refuse to allow him to derail me this time. Last month I ended up on a two week bender as far as food was concerned and feel as though I have only just gotten back on track. So what am I going to do then in order to prevent myself from giving in to the crazies????

1. Plan
2.Plan
3.Plan

EVERYTHING!!!!!

Food, exercise....everything.

It is the only thing that I think will work. I have to have alternatives ready and available when the kids are getting on my last nerve and all I want to do is eat a king size mars bar. I get really stressed during TOM (I have PMDD).

So here is to getting through the next 5 days, On plan---on target. Weigh in is tomorrow morning! Wish me luck!

Remebering Grandfather

2008-11-11T18:20:00.004-04:00

Today was a real mixed bag of good and sad.

Good:

Went swimming with the kids and hubby. What a fun way to spend an hour. DS did very well. He still swims with a life jacket and today was the very first time he was actually swimming on his belly with an almost flutter kick. He usually just sort of spins around in circles or takes f-o-r-e-v-e-r to get where he wants to go. Today he was just a motoring along. It was great to see. Getting much more independant. DD did a lot of swimming in the deep end and just loving showing Mom and Dad what she could do.

Sad:

Rememberance Day

This year was especially hard. It was the first Rememberance day since my Grandfather passed away. I grew up next door to him and Nanny so we were very close. In fact my children are named after them (my son's name is the Gaelic form of his), and my son also shares his birthday with Grandfather (not that I tried to have him 12 days late ;)).

My uncle laid the wreath in honour of Grandfather. He looked wonderful in his uniform (he is a police officer). We all cried. Grandfather did so much with the Veteran's in our community. We have a Veteran's Wing at our local hospital and every year he and my Mom would plant a garden for the vet's to enjoy and care for. He served in WWII and was part of the Plum Bob tests in Nevada in the late 50's and early 60's (nuclear tests). I miss him terribly and I am so honoured to have him be my Grandfather.

Here are some collages my Mom did at the time of his funeral. Gives you a bit of sense of what kind of man he was. The wedding photo is my brother and sister in law.

Lest We Forget - Thank you all Vetrans

2008-11-11T07:09:00.003-04:00

Just a quick post this morning!

Snuck a peek at the scale (i know, I know) but I am down 2lbs since last WI. Now if only I can keep up the on plan eating and exercise, and avoid the Wednesday night binge (talk about self sabatoging) I'll be in great shape for this week.

I created my own little meal tracker thingie. I've been doing okay on points but not so well in making sure I'm getting all my servings, especially water. It looks great but I am completely computer dumb so I have no idea how to show it to you. Oh well

Off for my walk and then to finish some housework and then off to the Remeberance day ceremony. We are laying a wreath this year in memory of my Grandfather, who passed away in May.

Lest We Forget

Random things

2008-11-10T08:52:00.005-04:00

The NS Music Awards last night were awesome! DH got to interview all the winners, plus George Canyon (the host of the show). The best part had to be the final performance in which George and Dave Gunning performed "Long Black Veil" and Fleur Mainville made huge entrance halfway through the song and totally kicked ass on the fiddle. It was her first public performance since her diagnosis. Apparently a portion of the night's ticket sales went to the Flowers for Fleur fund to help her offset the cost of her treatment. Hubby had tears in his eyes and frankly so did I. She got a huge spontaneous standing ovation.

I have yet another dental appointment today. This is number 4 of 5. Today is just a cleaning, thank god! Note to self - go to the dentist more than once in six years. My teeth are fairly tight together in the back and I have a whole bunch of little tiny cavities that needed to be filled. Yuck! Not my favorite way to spend my time. I really like my new dentist though. He is very quick and efficient without being too rough. My DH and kids go to his wife who is also really good. I hope they stay here!

I took the day off exercise yesterday, but I'll fit my walk in before my appt. I'm thinking that I need to add some sort of strength training to my routine as well. My legs are getting a great workout and I am noticing a difference, but my upper body needs lots of work. I can't afford to join a gym at this point, although we have a Nubody's opening in the next town and my school board may be offering a discout rate for it. So I'm wondering what I can do here at home "on the cheap" as they say. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Happy day bloggers!

Nova Scotia Music Week Awards Gala!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-09T09:43:00.002-04:00

Things have been going well. We had some movies to return yesterday and I needed a walk so I figured I would just combine the two. While not my "regular" route it was just as long, I think (have to go out today in the car and clock it). I have been chosing to go up the really steep hill on the way home. I could chose a gentler way to get home but it is kind of my daily fitness test. I like to see how long it takes me to get my breathing back to normal when I get to the top. I have to say that yesterday was the first day I started to notice a difference. YAY!!!

I started to write down my points again yesterday. It had been a very long time (like 3 weeks) since I had done that. Not good. I have to keep on top of it because I suck at "keeping track" in my head. I absolutely need to see it in writing.

I am going to the Nova Scotia Music Week Awards Gala tonight!!! DH has a press pass (and does actually have to do some work while there) and the station had some extra tickets, so he scooped one for me. Mom and Dad are taking the kids for a sleepover (they don't have school Monday). It is going to be soooo much fun I can't wait.

George Canyon is the host (good old local boy) and there will be tons of great performances. Apparently Fleur Manville is going to be able to perform as well which is wonderful.

I need to get some laundry done today so that I can chose a good outfit for the show tonight.

Odd happenings!

2008-11-07T18:06:00.002-04:00

A good day today! Spent the morning with my mom, talking about what kind of house she and Dad are going to buy/build. They sold their house this summer (but are still living in it for the next two years until the buyer can move here from California). They have some time to make a decision so it is fun to look at real estate listings and floor plans. Just one of those little bonding things we do :)

As far as exercise went, Mom and I walked for about 35 minutes on the trail. Not as good as my regular route but better for her (less ups and downs). I have eaten well, as in no snacking.

Something very odd happened today. Mom gave me two pairs of her pants because they were too small for her and they fit me. This is odd because this has never happened before. My mother has always been on the thinner side. She was very athletic in her teens and continues to be active within her limitations (she has fibromyalgia). Since the death of my Grandfather in May, she has put on some weight, mostly due to stress eating she thinks. She asked today if she could join in to our challenge and join me in trying to get the weight off. Of course I said yes!!! I would love to have her support and to be able to support her. She can push my Dad in the right direction too, as I am trying to do with my hubby. I am really excited to have her join in with me!

WI Results Week 7 Happy, Happy!!!

2008-11-06T06:53:00.003-04:00

It isn't much but I'll take it. Down 0.4lbs. Considering I have zero self control when it comes to Halloween treats, I'm pretty happy with the result.

Goals for today
1. Walk my route (landing at the dentists). I have started this 5-6km walk and it is great. I love being outside in the fresh air.
2. Eat OP all day. I have been very lazy about tracking my points lately.

Goal for last week:
1. to earn at least 25 AP and exercise 5 out of 7 days. I did earn my 25AP's but only exercised 4 days
2. to stay away from all Halloween candy. (my husband finally bought ours the other day and God bless him, he got things he knows I don't like, so no temptation there. It'll be staying out of the kids treat bags that'll be the problem) I gorged on Halloween candy. nuff said.

Goals for this week:

1. to earn 25AP and exercise 5 out of 7 days

2. to faithfully track every morsel of food that enters my body.

Have a great day bloggers!

Today's menu

2008-11-05T12:29:00.002-04:00

Breakfast

Low fat Blueberry muffin 6 pts
Coffee 1pt

Snack

honeycrisp apple 2pt

Lunch

Chicken Quesadilla Lean Stuff 6pt
yoghurt 2pt

Supper

Salad with pear and grilled chicken 6pts

Snack

????? 3pts

Progress Evaluation

2008-11-03T21:20:00.002-04:00

I am not happy with the progress I have made during this challenge. I am less than half way to my goal. For the last two weeks I have done nothing but move backwards. I have been eating crap since H-day. I am failing miserably.

I could give every excuse in the book, but the fact is this is how I operate. I get all hyped up and it lasts for about a month and then I go back to my old habits.

The thing is I really don't like that person. She is bitchy, she treats her husband like crap because she feels crappy about herself. She doesnt' spend enough time with her kids and would really rather not deal with them because she is so self involved and miserable. I don't want to be her anymore. I hate her.

I have to get back into that original mindset and start over. Maybe that is what I have to realize: That every day is a fresh start and I get to choose how it will go. I can't just rest on my laurels, I have to start over every day . For some people this may not be the case, but for me it is.

I wish it were different but its not. If wishes were pennies I'd be a millionare.

I must get my arse in gear.

Oh Halloween...how you torture me!!!

2008-11-02T08:39:00.004-04:00

So I did not too well on the avoiding the candy thing. Far too many chocolate bars and mini bags of chips found their way into my mouth. Sheesh! Makes me feel totally pathetic that I am a mindless eating machine when it comes into the house. It is like I need to eat it all before it disappears.

The kids were cute for Halloween. They had lots of fun. DS was Bumblebee the transformer!

DD wanted to be a Zombie Rock Star!!

Goals for today.
1. After DH gets home from work go for my walk. It works out to be about 6km and takes me about an hour and 15min. And I'm going despite the SNOW!!!!
2. Actually track my points today.

Happy Halloween - gratuitous(sp?) pics of my kids

2008-10-31T15:21:00.001-03:00

Just had to post these pictures that my Mom took of the kids in the fall colors. I'll have Halloween pics later

WI Results Week 6

2008-10-30T09:01:00.004-03:00

Here it is:
+0.6
Better than I had hoped, seeing as I have been a lazy you know what lately. However it is still the wrong direction!
I have decided that I need to set specific daily and weekly goals. The goal to reach 220 by the end of the BLBE challenge is great but Dec 27th is just too far away for me to sink my teeth into.

So the goal for today:
1. walk for 2 hours and only go to my favorite coffee shop (for coffee and a chat) after I've done the walk. walked 1 hour and twisted my ankle :(
2. to eat on plan for the whole day. no more of this doing great until supper time and then freaking out because I'm bored, tired whatever. forgot to eat breakfast, not a great start to the day.

Goal for the week:
1. to earn at least 25 AP and exercise 5 out of 7 days.
2. to stay away from all Halloween candy. (my husband finally bought ours the other day and God bless him, he got things he knows I don't like, so no temptation there. It'll be staying out of the kids treat bags that'll be the problem)

I am going to write every day in the blog, whether I feel like it or not. I need to make myself accountable. I need all you folks that read my blog to kick my ass if I'm giving excuses or not living up to my commitments. I'm a sucker for positive reinforcement too! ;p

Have a great day everyone!

Haulin' on them boot straps

2008-10-28T08:15:00.002-03:00

Yep I'm pickin' myself up by the boot straps and I'm getting back at it. The only way I'm going to feel better is to get some exercise and get those endorphins going. I have yoga tonight, which I love and really need. I am also going to walk on the treadmill to try and earn a few activity points.

The house is in serious need of attention as well. DH is off today so between the two of us we should be able to set it right. I am going to attempt to tackle my DD's room. It looks as though a bomb went off in it and I have been asking for weeks for her to clean it. She cleans out the center of it but that's about it. GRRR. The only thing is for me to go in and do a thorough clean and hopefully stay on top of it now.

I have resigned myself to the fact that I am going to have a gain this week. Weigh in is in only 2 days and it would be foolish of me to try and repair all the damage I have done in that short a time. However, I am not going to let it get me down. I am going to continue on as though the weigh in never happened and look to next Thursday as my goal. I hope to be back down in the 233 range by then. My goal for the BLBE challenge was to lose 22 lbs by Dec 27th. Well in order to do that I need to stay focused and on plan as much as I possibly can without driving myself around the bend.