"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity" ~ Seneca

Monday, December 14, 2009

Square 1, again

Well- I did pretty well for the month of November, with a few stumbling blocks near the end. Then I took a break- but I think I need to go back to blogging to remind myself about my mission to keep myself healthy & strong and stay focused.
Not let life get in the way...be it work, kids or for that matter anything.
I've been feeling grumpy about the holidays- but thats' just because we're in here in Canada- and family is elsewhere.
Why I can't take joy in all of us being happy (relatively) & healthy (also relatively- at least for me).
I just want to hibernate- I think it's a most natural thing & I must have been a bear in a former life.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

I'll keep dong these crappy posts till the end of the month

Then what's next? I'm not sure. Should I continue to post? If it'll help with weight loss and 'keeping it real' then absolutely.
In a totally unrelated event. I tried on a pais of size 14 jeans & they fit! Now of course I know size varies between different manufacturers etc. But hey- plus sizes are from 16 & up and my 16W are too big! Yipee!! Goodwill here I come-again ;)

Friday, November 27, 2009

I surrender

I feel as iv un out of things to say. That's not to say that the voices in my head have quieted down any.
Store was busy, but not insane. The snow quieted things down in the afternoon.
One busy shoppibhmg day done. Only christams , boxing day and all the days in between to go

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Once again I forgot to post

But at least this time I have an excuse. I was calle into work yesterday evening as agreed to go in for a few hours.
The silly thing was they for sure had 2 concierge. Nit exactly sure why they needed a third- especially since we usually only have 2 in the mornings. But that's neither here nor there- just my observations.
In other news I stepped on the scale this morning as was at an all time low of of 166.4! To say I was shocked is an understatement. And that was before I went to work out. Today I did 20 min on the stairmaster. Lifted some weights-mainly bicep/ tricep stuff and then I did 10 min on the elliptical.
Feeling rejeuvenated about exercise and looking forward to the quick results.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Only week or so to go & then it's December- Yikes!

We just did secret santa picks- so we'll see how that goes...have to put together a wish list.

Made it to the gym today & I tried the elliptical today- 20 min- wasn't bad. Didn't have me sweating like I expected it to.

When I got home I weighed myself- 166.8!! Hope I can keep up the trend. I'll try to go again on Wed.

I did 5 min on a life cycle recumbent bike to warm up, then 20 on the elliptical & then I lifted some free weights- working on my arms (triceps particularly) to get rid of the chicken arm syndrome.

Official Stats:
Height 5'2"
Starting weight: 210
Weight last week: 168.0
Current weight: 166.8
Change: -1.2

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Nearly forgot to post again!

This is the second time I'm writing this post. I forgot to save it the first go around that I was writing as I walked the dog. At least now I'm back at home, it's warm, so my fingers aren't frozen, though I can't remember what I originally wrote.
That being said it was a quiet day at work today. Now I'm at home tucking the kids into bed. Then I'm going to get dh to trim my hair before I color it tomorrow.
My big plans tomorrow include heading to the gym to try out an elliptical for the first time (if it's available), color hair as said above. Tuesday I hope to have tea/coffee with Kaite and then Wed maybe back to the gym & volunteer at school in the afternoon. How I scored an unprescedented 3 days in a row off, I'm not sure, but I'll take it.
As far as food goes today, I did much better than yesterday and avoided chips and ate 3 Ferrero Rocher or how ever you spell them. 250 calories vs. 750- a VAST improvement if you ask me. But what I should really be addressing is why I feel the need that I MUST buy something to eat on the way home? What am I rewarding myself for? Is it a reward? It's something I've done for as long as I can remember- eating on the way home in the car. My guess is the, well if they don't see me eat it- it doesn't count- i.e.- I didn't really it eat.
More probing to do...

Saturday, November 21, 2009

I'm so bummed

I missed yesterday for blogging. It was on my to-do list, but somehow I neglected to read the list and sat down to watch a movie with the kids last night and that was it.
I didn't remember until this morning.
So this post was to make up for that one as well as todays.
Since this started off as a weight-loss blog and now has become more of a diary...i will confess that I ate a whole container of Pringles. And just in case you didn't know- that's 750 calories! How do you like them apples?
I chose 'em 'cause they were cheap $1.69. Though I should know better than choosing something like that as I know I can't eat the recommend 16 chips for one serving (150 calories by the way). But I did it and nothing I can do about it now.
Tomorrow's another day.
I'm looking forward to 3 days off & was happy to find out that I have 13 credits for the recreation center- so I'll be trying out the elliptical on one of my days off. Yipee!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Another birthday

Today my 'baby' brother turns 38! We can't believe how we've aged. We always got along relatively well, but we get along great now. Is it because there is so much distance between us? I wonder if we'd get along as well if we lived closer.
That's been a dream of mine that we'll one day return to the US and we would live near my mom & brother in MN.
Or at least closer than we do now!
If we don't do that - then we should at least become landed citizens- 'cause I'm tired on playing the waiting game on our work permits each fall-even if I do know how to do the whole process with my eyes closed.
Let's commit and figure out what we're going to do with the rest of our lives.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

I can't believe I've made it this far

18 days and counting- amazing! This from the person who blogs once every 3-4 months. Now that I know no one is reading- as log as I have all my settings correct- it is free-er to let loose on feelings & just get it all out.
Today was a day off- went & saw Ben's jellyfish presentation. Then had coffee with a good friend who got me some amazing earrings & a book! Better than the DVD writer- but who's holding a grudge? Me since I'm a Scorpio & we never forget!
Soccer for the kids this evening & a dog walk for Black Jack.
Now it's a shower & bed for me.

ETA- can't believe I just put this post on my 'other' blog. I think I've successfully deleted it! Talk about jinxing yourself!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

The Letdown

The day after a birthday can be so depressing. The day before is the anticipation that 'hey- it's my time in the spotlight'. Then you get to enjoy that time- for the little time you actually do and then the day after is 'geeze- that was quick'. It's never enough time (at least for me).
What do you do when your mom makes you feel more special than your spouse? I mean c'mon- using my birthday as an excuse to buy a dvd burner for our old crappy pc? Really? Well so be it. I'll just do some retail therapy on my upcoming days off- as that always seems to fit the bill & I HATE shopping!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Today it's your Birthday

Hard to believe I'm 42!
Had the mist incredible diet foods today 'cause this did start out as a food/ diet blog:
Breakfast
Ginger bread latte w/ whipped cream
Ginger cookie
Lunch
Onion rings
Peppermint Mocha w/ whipped cream
Dinner
Chicken
Salad
Mashed potatoes
French fries
Broccoli
Cherry porter
Chocolate cookies w/ whipped cream

Quite healthy don't you think? But hey, I'm a grown up. I can do what I want. I accept the consequences & know that tomorrow is a new day.
'Cause they say it's your birthday, well happy birthday to you!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Long live the Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer

I'm pleased to say my Kitchen Aid stand mixer is still alive. The last time I had used it, it was early in the morning and I wasn't fully awake as I turned the mixer on to cream some butter for Snickerdoodles, but the bowl wasn't locked down. I thought I had bent the shaft that the paddle attaches to, makng the mixer inoperable. That day it seemed to work, but only at one speed.
I was distraught as the mixer is out of warranty, not that thus stupid act would be covered, but I'm guessing the repair would cost as much or more than a new mixer. So today I tread cautiously a I added the butter & sugar to make ginger lemon sandwich cookies.
Low speeds seemed to work fine. So I slowly stepped up the speed and it seems to work fine, fingers crossed, touch wood and all that. It does seem to walk more across the counter than it used to, but I can live with this.
It's a good thing as I'd like to make whipped cream tomorrow so I can make a chocolate wafer/whipped cream cake for my birthday.
I LOVE my Kitchen AId Stand Mixer!!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

An 'interesting' day

I was at work most of the day and it was an almost out of body experience. I was at the door- where I normally am as the young guns were in the family room. It was busy- but it didn't seem to bother me as it has other days. Perhaps it was because I didn't have an iPod touch to 'occupy' my every minute? Maybe I was more in the moment and enjoyed talking with the customers. Saw one of our regulars Peter & his wife. Tried to help customers when I could- rather than passing them off right away as this is how I imagine things will roll shortly. So I may as well get as much practice I can now- use these current customers as my guinea pigs.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Feeling lighter

Even though the scale says otherwise. I'm feeling lighter as I did the minimum requirement for my canvassing. I stuffed a 'please donate' envelope at the houses and I'm calling my job done. My heart isn't in it this year and I think I'm done. I took the job more seriously in years past and was able carve out time to go door to door, bit this year I have more excuses and I'm being more selfish.
Speaking of being selfish, today I went to Oasis spa for a reflexology session. It was very relaxing. She did a bit on my face & hands as well as my feet. Some tender spots were the left side of my neck & upper back and my uterus. I hope the latter is due to my impending TOM and not something else-hmmmm. All in all I'm glad I tried that rather than a standard pedicure.
Looking forward to a busy weekend with work, a store meeting, and a birthday-ack!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Feeling Guilty

Remind me next time I ask to Canvass for a non-profit organization to say no.
I've said yes for the past number of years, but now I find I don't want to do the door-to-door thing and feel guilty when I've said I'll do it- then don't.
I think i'll just put the fliers into the mail boxes, and call it a day. It doesn't take much to actually ask for donations, but to walk the dog & then do a separate trip for donations is a PIA.
So I think I'll just cut a check for them & call it a day- 'cause I really don't have it in me anymore.
And then this guilt makes me feel bad & that affects how I eat and we all know when I make poor choices what happens to the scale & then that affects my mood.
What a vicious circle!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

We remember

Thank you to all the people who have served in our armed forces protecting us.

My plans have been slightly foiled. I did get to sleep in, started the laundry, but instead of pancakes & bacon for the kids we had cereal so we could hit the road to the Royal Tyrell Museum in Drumheller.

We're on the lookout enjoying the sun outdoors, before the winds pick up. Next up, the playground & then more museum. It's nice to spend the day as a family. I'm thankful.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Where does the time go?

I thought I forgot to blog yesterday- good thing I did it before work, 'cause there was minimal energy after work.
Today was much the same as yesterday but in hyper drive. I'm relieved that the kids are off school tomorrow & thus I'm off work. I have the whole day mapped out- sleep in, make breakfast, do laundry. I think I can handle it.
Likewise I'm making better food choices- at least I think I am. I had a ceasar salad for lunch today with my fruit. I was craving onion rings- but decided that french fries might me more healthy. Remind me to get the onion rings next time. They actually have the same # of calories, and I think I would have enjoyed the onion rings more. Lesson learned.
Time to make dinner- pasta & sauteed shrimp. What more can I say?

Monday, November 9, 2009

I don't like Monday's

Thank you Boomtown Rats for that lovely song!
Official weigh in day & I can't complain as I wrestled with my demons for the week and took back control of my eating. Of course I have my 'moments' but it seems mostly under control.
What does Mostly mean? For me it means the package of nuts I puchased yesterday lasted for 2 snacks -rather than scarfing the package in one fell swoop.
It means after my second helping of lasagna last night, I put my fork down and munched on a carrot stick.
It means I need to drink more water, rather than rely on tea & coffee.
It means I need to believe in myself that I can keep the weight off that I've already lost and lose a bit more, that I can give up so easily or be so hard on myself.
It means being thankful that I have my health, that my dh & children are happy and healthy.
Maybe Monday's aren't so bad after all.

Starting weight: 210
Weight last week: 173.6
Current weight: 168.4
Change: -5.2

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Wait! The weekend is over?

Just as soon as the weekend has started, it's over. Sigh, I guess tahrs what worki g on the weekend does. I better get used to it as I seem to have the same schedule next week too. Yipeee.
Was stressed as I went to work today as dh(dear husband) was running late from his morning errands. He knows when I have to leave in order to get to work on time. So why does he push it to the limit each weekend? Why do I let it get to me?It sets such a bad tone for the day. Or at least I let it. I tried to get it out of my system by swearing under my breath a lot.
But then for my break I bought a pack of nuts and I ended up eating the whole pack (too many calories-let's not even go there). How do I get around using food as a reward? 'Cause at the end of my shift I got a gingerbread latte-at least it was a small.
Still haven't done my door to door canvassing, so that is still weighing on me as well-sigh.
And thus ends the day.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

It's still Saturday right?

Nearly forgot to post today-ack. I imagine it becomes second nature eventually, but by then this whole blog everyday for the month of Nov will be over!

I was energized after walking the dog this morning and a busy day at work. Then picked up some presents for the kids for Christmas. Hard to believe the Santa exhibit at work opens next Friday! That means the crowds are right around the corner.

I still haven't participated in OA meeting or the email loop. Heck I haven't done my canvassing for the diabetes society. Better get my (big) butt in gear.

Friday, November 6, 2009

That didn't last long did it?

I broke down an stepped on the scale this morning. While it was a good thing, I came in at 168.8lb, I'm curious why I couldn't wait 4 more days. Would the numbers be that different? It's very likely they would be. I find it's easy to stay on-plan during the week with the predictive routine of school, work and activities. The weekends are a different beast all together with free time not filled with activities so I find myself wandering into the kitchen more often.
I could say I was on my way to the laundry room which I probably was-but I find a reason to go into this or that cabinet & see what there is to snack on.
We'll see how this weekend goes as I work both days- so hopefully that will keep me out of too much trouble!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Third time's a Charm

Hopefully I'll complete this post, and get it posted before I end up choosing a different page on my phone & losing my post.
But it's been one of those days where I can't seem to get any one task done. Interuptions galore.
Nothing really to report today. Just finished reading 'Passing for Thin' and now am looking forward to p/u 'Fat Girl' from the library tomorrow.
I did join an OA email list. Not sure how it all works, but trying different support options to try to blast through some of this weight!
Onward & Upward.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Who would have thunk it?

Why am I having such a battle staying off the scale? I haven't given in (yet) but have been seriously tempted. Why am I so fixated on this sleek glass & aluminum contraption that spits out a number that invariably changes when I step off the scale & get back on (believe me I've tried)? Is it the instant gratification? One of the downfalls is that my mood is based on the number the scale reveals- higher than expected means grumpy, lower than expected is cheerful.
I am curious to see what next Monday brings.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

To weigh or not to weigh

Mondays are official weigh in days. But that's not the only time I weigh myself. I may weigh myself first thing in the morning, after I exercise (rare these days), mid-day when I haven't eaten much, before bed to estimate what I may weigh in the morning. I have issues with my scale. Actually I have issues with my weight & I like to blame my scale. But in reality I know I am the cause for my weight weight gain, but I am also the solution.
I am trying to become less focused on the number the scale gives me, and think/listen to how my body feels. So that means only weighing in on Mondays. We'll see how it goes.

In other news I was checking out the Overeater Anonymous and Taking Off the Pounds Sensibly web sites (while keeping an eye in the Phillies game & Monday Night Football- isn't multi-tasking great?). It was an info gathering session as I don't know much about either organization, but I feel like I need some support to continue being sucessful. Not sure if that support needs to be in the form of group sessions, exercise equipment or maybe a few sessions with a personal trainer? The quest continues.

Monday, November 2, 2009

It all began

It all began about 2 weeks ago.

The weather turned cooler. There was snow on the ground. And I volunteered to make Pumpkin Spice Cookies for the class Black & Orange celebration.

I'm a baker who likes to taste what she's making. 'One cookie won't hurt'. But who can stop at one? And after I plugged the ingredients into the recipe calculator at Spark People.com, the reality came shouting out loud & clear- each cookie has 90 calories, Aaaaaaarrrrgh!

So I'm guessing that's where the additional 5 lbs has come from. Monday is my official weigh-in day, as if Monday's weren't bad enough. I wish I could blame just the pumpkin cookies, but there are other culprits, like pumpkin bread, cherry porter, pizza and chips! Add in less exercise and a time change and you have instant weight gain. And just like in those TV info-mercials, if you call in the next 10 minutes we'll give you an additional 5 lbs absolutely free!
I need to stop this right now before I end up back where I started.

Official Stats:
Height 5'2"
Starting weight: 210
Weight last week: 168.0
Current weight: 173.6
Change: +5.6

Sunday, November 1, 2009

In the beginning

As the title says, this is the rest of the story.
In honor of NaBloPoMo I will attempt to blog every day about a very Common topic on the web- my weight loss adventure. I recently finished The Amazing Adventures of Diet Girl.

I started my own transformation in January of this year. To date I've lost 40 pounds and have run one 5 k race

My goal of blogging thus month are to make myself more accountable as to how I'm treating my body, what I'm doing to it when I don't treat it well and how I'm feeling when I choose poorly.

I was hoping to get to 50 lbs lost for my birthday in 15 days, but I think that's pushing it at this point.

But I'll keep my status updated here at least for this month ;)