Return to Getting to Know You Sunday

Yesterday afternoon I headed out to my aunt's pool since the weather was hot and humid. However our nights have been reallly cold, around the 9-12 C mark. The pool tended to take the night weather to heart because the water was chilly! Needless to say I stayed in for about 20 minutes and plopped myself on a deck chair for the rest of the afternoon.

I am also kitty sitting for my cousin while he's away and I spent some more luxurious time out on his deck while the cats played in the grass.

I'm an idiot.

My stomach has been less than friendly over the past couple of days and paired that with the hot weather, I was a sick girl. I woke up last night at midnight in a shivering sweat, trying to get as many quilts on me as possible. Then I woke up in a hot sweat an hour later. Thankfully the hubby finally came home from work and nursed me with toast and ginger ale.

Sussex Golden Ginger Ale cures everything. Just saying.

This morning I'm queesy and reminding myself that heat exhaustion from this weather leads to bad things. Dehydration is something I have to take more seriously. Today I'll be replenishing myself with water and good stuff only.

Speaking of today, it's Sunday! In our house, Patriots football rules the screen during the NFL season. Before meting my husband, the only thing I knew about football was that Tom Brady was pretty, I had awesome Super Bowl parties where the guys sat at the tv and the girls hovered around the food spread, and that Janet Jackson decorates her breasts in an interesting way. Now that I'm married to a football fan, I've become a bit of one myself, calling out bad rulings on the field, being a Monday Quarterback, but still unable to say Tight End without giggling.

Football season is about to begin as we're in pre-season now. But here, Sundays means heading over to Mannland for some Getting to Know You questions. Wow...I haven't done one of these in almost a month. I missed it, too. Such fun questions.

1. What kind of athlete has the hottest body?

Hee hee....tight end...2. Are you a planner or a procrastinator?
I start out really well with planning things, but I do tend to procrastinate. I should be painting the walls right now in our livingroom. Instead I'm on the couch with you guys.....
3. Diet or regular (soda)?
Diet. Coke Zero for me, please. I know that it's something that I should try to cut out all together, but I'm hooked. They also get me with their polar bear commercials. 4. What's your one "must have" for Fall?
This year, it's plaid and purple. Best if you can find the two together. I bought a long sleeved t-shirt in purple at Joe Fresh this past week, and yesterday I picked up a green/blue plaid ruffle shirt. Now I just need the super cute skirts at Retiman's to pull it all together! Oh...and boots...definitely boots. Oh I love Fall!
 5. What's your favorite fast food restaurant?
Is Subway considered fast food? If so, that's it. Their breakfasts and regular subs are to die for!!!6. What do you think is the sexiest profession for a guy?
Honestly, a man who takes pride in his work, whatever that may be, is sexy. Now, I do find firefighters hot as all heck, but that's happy fantasy land.7. Did you wear braces?
No :( I wish I had, though. Everyone in my family has horrible teeth, not just crooked or out of place, but our bodies haven't provided enough of the good stuff a healthy tooth needs beyond brushing and flossing and dentist check ups. But it could be worse, I guess.
8. Would you rather have a guy that's super sexy or kind?
I have the best of both worlds with my husband who is both :D
 
Now it's your turn! Procrastinate yourself and head on over to add your answers!
 
Cheers!

Sometimes there is a light....

I'm taking this as a sweet farewell gift from Uncle Freddy.

All week I have been jumping on the scale in the morning and seeing my weight around the 203lbs mark. I knew that the combo of not watching what I was eating and not doing any solid workouts was taking its toll and I would accept the weight come Saturday morning.

So where does a loss of 1.4 lbs fit into all of this? Maybe this running around and painting have done me some good? Maybe something in me just gave way? In any case, I'm taking this gift, being extremely thankful for it and promising to be so much better this coming week.

Thanks for the words of encouragement, it helps a lot!

It's me, not you....

Oh Blogger...I have been avoiding you. It's really not you it's me. I went off the rails and was afraid to own up to it.

Heck, I barely even read up on other blogs so that I wouldn't feel guilty for not posting. I have so much to catch up on!

Last week I had 4 days to train people who were not interested in taking my work portfolio on. I know that it's not the best work, but I kept it relatively in order and all pretty like. They could have at least tried to feign interest in learning what they were taking on. At the same time, I was trying to get my desk ready to take on my new role coming this Monday. I'm anxious to give it a start and dig myself into something new!

This week was vacation week. And I let myself down big time. No tracking. No exercising. Just blehness. And it's showing on the scale.

I've been doing things, though, so I don't want it to seem as though I've plopped myself on the couch and no moving. I'm in the middle of redecorating our livingroom and moving it from one room in the house to another. Taking down our current games room, picking out colors and getting a start on painting. My butt and arms are feeling that, ha ha.

And on a down note, my Great Uncle Freddy passed away yesterday after a lengthy battle with lung and bowel cancer. He had a great life and lived through so much. A man who can survive contracting malaria in Africa while fighting in a war definitely gets a hats off. The end took its toll on Freddy and I didn't go to say a final goodbye. I want to remember Freddy as being the funny, laughing man who was usually smiling when not talking.

Can I just say here that this is enough? Things happen in threes and I believe that I've had my fill for the year of people passing away from cancer. It's just not fair :(

There's more drama in the family life, too and I didn't fight enough for myself this week to make my health a priority. With the routine starting again on Monday, I'm going to make sure that I do it right and well.

Thanks for stopping by. And I'm whipping myself back into shape. Lord help me tomorrow morning on the scale!

Broken Hearts - There is no App for that

My husband and I are cat lovers. We absolutely adore kitties and have a soft spot for them. All animals, really. You know that question about giving food to a homeless dog before a homeless person? Yeah, that's me.

This past week there was a little kitty roaming our neighbourhood going from porch to porch. In the downpours it was too horrible to let her stay out. We set up a tent and some water and food, which she gobbled up in no time. She had been out for a while. I prayed for some kind of guidance as to what to with her.

Honestly, one of the kindest kitties I've ever met. She gave kisses, rubbed up against us and purred so happily. She must have belonged to someone, but why was she out for days? She had a lump on her back that was quite hard. Did someone give up on her?

After a couple of days, we were worried that something bad would happen and we brought her to the emergency vet to make sure she had the okay to come into our home and live with our cats. The vet said she was okay, with the exception of having been attacked by something and had an infected wound :( The lump was a cyst which was simply filled with fluids.

But we got the meds and happily brought her home. She made herself at home, much to the chagrin of our three cats.

We checked the newspaper for any lost kitty notices. I continued to pray for a sign, but there was nothing and I took that for the a-okay that we had a new kitty. People loved her, she loved them. She even won over the father in law who is not a warm cuddly person at all.

While sitting here this evening, something urged me to check out Kijiji's lost and found. Lo and behold, there it was at the top of the page:

lost my calico cat about 1 week ago. She is petite, has a little lump on her back between her shoulder blades and is not declawed. She is very friendly, if you have found her or have seen her please call
My 2 young children really want her back home as do my husband, myself and her 2 brother cats!!!!

I admit....I hadn't said anything to the husband yet. I thought about closing the window and not looking back. But I couldn't do that. After a few lots of tears, I picked up the phone and called. Sure enough, the family had been leaving on vacation and she ran out just as they were leaving. Someone had been looking for her in their absence.

They came, in a happy mini van, to collect the kitty named Maddie. The wife, who is a vet tech, was so happy to find her cat. We explained the vet and the pills needed to be taken. She offered to pay back the money we spent, but we couldn't take it. It was about making sure she was fine. And imagine if we hadn't brought her, that sore could have gotten worse :(

It was hard to see her go, and my heart truly is broken, but the reunion in the car with the husband was just as sweet. She is going back to a very loving home where her brother kitties have been walking around the house crying for her.
So the husband and I are trying to console eachother over the loss of our new family member. I can only now pray for the strength to accept what is.

Long Weekends are Short

Thanks for the encouragement, buddy :) I appreciate it.

I've been on plan. By being on plan, I met my target on Saturday and was responsible with my food to make way for last night's Rock Band and Long Weekend party we had. I enjoyed snacks and I made sure to have healthy choices on hand. I did dip in liberally to my Weekly Points, but I have today and the rest of the week pretty much planned out. I am anticipating a much better weigh in this coming week.

It's New Brunswick Day today and with all of our great resources, I really do appreciate living in this province. The Rocks, Magnetic Hill...Magnetic Hill Wineries, ha ha.

Ever notice, though, that long weekends aren't all that long since you know at some point you have to go back to work? It's like you spend most of the weekend wondering when it's going to end. Here comes Tuesday. Ugh.

Good thing is that I am on vacation as of this coming Friday. I am very much looking forward to it! I have a lot of activities planned, including some time spent redecorating the front porch and painting a room. I know how to vacation!

Today I am recovering from last night's party with those most often said words "I am never drinking again". I seem to say that after our parties. We don't have them often, but we do have a lot of fun and I have too much wine.

The rest of the week, I am planning on being up early in the morning to do my EA Active and will throw in an evening workout so that I can get 5 in. I'm kind of looking forward to doing the marathon session again. Bring it!

Missed Meeting Coupon

That is how I am referring to today. As a missed meeting.

This week I was on track with my Points and I worked out every day with my EA Active. I was so proud of myself when I did the Marathon workout on Hard this past Thursday. An hour of squats, lunges, running, punching and band work and burning off 300 calories felt so great.

And then comes last night.

My plan was to do another workout to compliment my morning one, and to nosh on a big salad for supper. I derailed my plans by hanging out with my cousin to watch a movie and have chinese food.

I have a problem with sodium. I retain water like a camel. Mind you that steamed rice, egg roll and five chicken balls were really really good.

In the end, I wake up this morning so puffy that the Ghostbusters were wondering how to make me into a big old smores bar.

And my weight is up. Out of the rabbit hole and out of Onederland. I weighed in at 200 even. And it peeves me off to no end.

All of my work towards Saturday morning weigh in lost because I couldn't say no to steamed rice and chicken balls.

Oi.

Missed Meeting Coupon, I'm calling you in!

Goals!

There are so many people I am meeting who are on the journey for weight loss or just to get themselves into better shape. I love being able to share in that journey and selfishly I get so much out of it by learning from any struggles they're having on the way. It kind of reinforces that when I come across them, it's not uncommon and it is possible to get past them.

What is even more inspirational, though, is when someone makes it to goal. Last week my co-worker Chrissy made it to her Weight Watchers goal. How amazing! After months of working at it, she is right where she wants to be. And she looks amazing as well! She didn't have an easy go of it and would fall off the tracking wagon and make some food decisions she regretted, but she got past it and got to where she is going.

From her, I'm learning about the maintenance program and what that will be like. I see Chrissy and I know that will be me soon enough.

Here in the blog world, the writer who goes by Bitch Cakes, reached her goal at Weight Watchers as well. I cannot urge you enough to read her post about this. I was in tears reading this as her journey has been long adn well fought out. What an amazing story she has and I cannot applaud her enough for this accomplishment.

Soon enough, I will be able to write a goal post, too. It happens. It's not only about the climb to get there, but it's also about being there in that moment. Reaching goal is attainable.

I can do it, too.

Working and Working Out

The title pretty much sums up my days so far this week. I have been getting up early in the morning and working out for about 45 minutes with my EA Active and Wii Fit. I honestly do enjoy these activities. The EA Active is a strong workout with squats, lunges and the arm work. I'm going to get the second part of it as it includes some ab workouts.

Then I head into work and get ready to take on my new job on the 16th and distribute my current work profile to three people. That's a lot of time spent training peeps. Ouch, lol.

Needless to say I've also been having early nights.

Except for tonight, it's Big Brother night and I love the house drama, ha ha! I have Matt in our work pool and I'm not quite sure that he's as much of a "genius" as he says he is. Oi! PoV tonight. Lord hopes it goes his way. I want to win this pool!

I can't think of a good title today

Today started out well. I was expecting a bit of a gain and was happy with a 0.4. I'm still in Onederland and am going to do my best tracking to be a loser next weekend!
Last night I hung out with my cousin and we went to the Boardwalk at Magnetic Hill. It was a lot of fun seeing her again and getting out to do something that was not food related but activity based. We went through Butterfly World where the wings were busy:

We then went and hit some balls in the driving range. This was my first time doing this that was not in the safety of my livingroom on the Wii. Let me just tell you that the Wii is not the driving range, ha ha:

Next we drove around the go-karts and then headed off to the casino. With $5 in hand, I lost it in one hand. Christine came out better with a $27.50 win:

I wish I had brought my camera this morning with me as my mom, her neighbour and I went to the downtown market. It's always a busy madhouse there, but so much fun. Veggies were on sale this week at the supermarket, so I was fine without buying much there, but I did find some new buys.

I had a fish cake with tomato chow for breakfast. Absolutely amazing recipe this woman makes, doing the patties up fresh on the grill.

I picked up some homemade hummus:

Two ham and cheese biscuits for breakfast tomorrow (DH has never had a ham and cheese biscuit before):

And my fave, a stand called Red Earth where they make glutten-dairy-free soups. They had containers with the frozen soup and a long list of choices which included carrot curry, truffle chicken and mushroom and loads of others. I decided to try tuscan vegetable:

If it's as good as it looks, I'll be back next weekend to buy more! It's something I am trying to be more concious of is my sodium levels and as much as I love Campbell's soups homemade is always better. Can't wait to give it a try!

Once the afternoon hit, though, my friend the uber headache came calling. I've been head in hands for a while watching G4 and the Comic Con coverage. If I can't drive out to the pool, I will indulge in my geeky side.

May try some Wii Yoga later to ease up the head/back tension and make it an early night.

Have yourself a good one!

Nummers and Numbers

So I'm in Onederland and I'm lovin' it. I've shared it with a number of people at work who know and support my weight loss efforts. We have such an amazing gang who are following WW and getting themselves into a better form of lifestyle.

And while I have hit this milestone and am amazed at how far I have come...I still can't get a grip on some of the plagues in my life. Emotional eating and self sabotage. These things I am putting in the same basket of things to work on.

My eating hasn't been the best this week, going over my Daily Points and nearly finished all of my Weekly Points. This is far from the determined girl from last week who had only a fraction of WP's used.

Saturday: Judy's funeral. Mom and I had to travel to Truro for this and I prepared by packing water (I drank 2L at least) and some healthy snacks. The snacks were forgotten for the most part in favour of the cheeseburger and sweet potato fries we  had when we arrived. I could have and should have ordered the grilled shrimp salad. But I chose the burger and fries. I also had half of an iced cap on the way home.

Sunday: Burger for lunch. Though not too bad since it was only 3 points for the burger, but, still...I had one the night before!!! And then...BBQ chicken nachos I made for supper. 12 Points...but at least I put it together and could control that, but still....

Monday: Got a new job at work. Yay! Pizza and garlic fingers to celebrate. WTF?????

Tuesday: Steak for supper. Oh lord.

So this morning I woke up at 5:30, stumbled down the stairs and worked out with my EA Active. Same story for tomorrow morning and Friday.

The scale is up one pound this morning. It's still under 200lbs, but not by much. Self sabotaging has got to stop here and now and I'm the only one who can do it.

Wish me luck! It's cake day at work. Arrrgghhhh......

Whew....just got in from weeding out the garden for the past hour. It's funny how fast some things willl grow in such a short amount of time!

I haven't showered, had my coffee or breakfast yet, so I'm getting right to the point of today's post...Getting to Know You Sunday!


1. If you had to choose a country to live in besides USA (or the country you live in), which would it be?

Hmmm....Maybe Great Britain? I've always wanted to visit there and I adore Tudor history. So, yeah :) That is where I would plant myself.2. Which would be worse, wearing flip flops in the snow or wearing gloves in the summer?
Flip Flops in the snow. In my part of the country it can get to -40C with the wind chill....I like my toes. I like to pain them. Therefore I would like to keep them!
3. Fried or Bake and why?
Baked for sure...it wouldn`t stick to my thighs as much as something fried would!
 4. If you were an entertainment reporter, which celeb would you love to interview and why?
Harrison Ford. I have been in starstruck love with him since I was four!5. What was your favorite book as a preteen/teenager?
Anne of Green Gables! I loved reading about a red head with spunk! And the Sweet Valley High series!6. List your top 3 guilty pleasure television shows.
Days of Our Lives, Big Brother and Attack of the Show7. What bumper sticker slogan best describes you/your attitude/your life?
Uhm.....I don`t really pay attention to many bumper stickers....but if there was one that said Don`t Stop Believing...I`d be all over it!

8. If you were to join a circus - what performer would you be?
I wouldn`t join the circus. Circuses have clowns. Clowns kill people. Sheesh people!

Christina in One-derland

i did it.

One-derland.

Holy mother of God....

I'm very excited. I tracked like mad this week, every bite, ever sip. I used a good portion of my flex points, though I did get minimal workouts in. I just feel so wonderful to see that number for honest. Now that I'm here, I have more to look forward to. This week, I fit into a size large dress at the store. I'm going to keep on track with this. I'm not going to give up!

Tracking. Drinking water. Making healthy choices.

This has really got me running now!

Another Angel in Heaven

There's only one way to see a silver lining in the loss of a good person and that is they are reunited with thier loved ones in Heaven and watching over us.

One of my best friends' mother passed away from cancer last night. Judy was a wonderful, kind and patient woman who gave everything she had to others.

She lost her husband a number of years ago and it is a comfort to know that they are together again.

Thoughts and prayer for Kyla and her brother Clint are much appreciated at this time.

Getting to Know You Sunday!

The scale and I are in a fight this morning and we're no longer Facebook friends. That's just how big of a fight it is. I mean, seriously, why are you dropping my weight so much this morning in comparison. Sure I don't feel like a swollen balloon this morning and it's actually kind of cool in the house. But that is  no reason to have dropped my weigh so unexpectedly from yesterday. Gah!

In happier news, it's Sunday! Here's something about me you may not have known before....




1. What is YOUR definition of sexy?
Confidence, Friendliness, Kindness. That's on the deeper level. Hugh Jackman glistening in the sun as he comes out of the ocean...oooooooh baby!

2. Would you rather clean up puke or change a poopy diaper?
Considering we are happily without children and have fur babies who go in the litter...I guess I have to clean up puke when there's a hairball incident. Though my gag reflexes are tested at even that!

3. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Extrovert. It's the drama in me. I'm usually the first one people will think of at work when someone has to do some kind of funny/silly presentation or hostess thing. I enjoy it as I like to make people happy :)

 4. If you had to give up one of your 5 senses for a year..which one would you give up?
This is a hard one. I love music, so hearing I need. Taste and smell go hand in hand and I couldn't give those up. I'm a klutz in the dark, so I need t see and I love the feeling of petting my kitty cats when I get home. But I think I am more easily grossed out by touch in a general sense. If something doesn't feel right when I touch it, I get the willies. So...yeah...let's go with touch.

5. Cake or Pie?
Can I have both? I like cake a lot. But I think I'd have to go with pie. My aunt makes amazing apple pies and I do make a pretty sweet pumpkin pie. I think with pie you get more variety, especially if you're including meat pies in that equation!

6. If you could play any character on TV (old or current) who would you play?
Well, I absolutely adore Days of Our Lives and would love a chance to crack at Alison Sweeney's character Sammi. That girl has been through everything, lol. But I think otherwise, something from my childhood that made me happy would to be on Happy Days. Any character. That was just the ideal life to me when I was younger.

7. My favorite website is.....?
I'd say my own, ha ha. But honestly, my day is not complete without looking at some LOL Cats. Never fails to crack me up and down and all around.

8. The highlight of my day is....?
Is coming home from work to my family. Whether it's just the cats or DH has worked an early shift, coming in the door to them is heaven!


Alright, it's your turn, head over to Mannland to share something about yourself!

Danica's Giveaway

I love giveaways. I'm a contest type person who gets excited just by entering them. I know...kind of sad but it makes me smile!

Over at Danica's Daily she is having a giveaway for a bamboo dinner set along with a full-sized sample of a new dinner kit from Good Earth.

Everything looks yummy and who doesn't love bamboo?

Give a look and enter :) Don't forget to take a look around her site as well. She has some of the best recipes I've seen in a long time!

It's the weigh it goes

Weigh in this morning brought me down officially by 0.4. I re-read my last posts just to remind myself that earlier this week when I saw Onderland, it was for all the wrong reasons. I was sick and utterly wasted by the heat. This morning I feel like a balloon because of the humidity, all puffy and ick. But I'm hydrated and in pretty good shape in comparison. It's all in perspective!

That being said, I'm planning on being more concious of what I'm putting into my body. Tracking happens only 3 days a week in the past while and though I'm making the good choices, I'm sure that portions are out of whack.

I opted out of doing Weight Watchers online as I have all the material and trackers (3-month planner) here at home. Saving some money for paying for things I don't use properly. But I'm still accountable here and to my friends at work who are on WW.

It also makes me happy that my mother has decided to follow the program on her own as well. She needs to lose over 100 lbs and I'm going to support her as much as possible. She doesn't eat often enough through the day so that she will binge on a meal and not do well. I'd like my mother to stay with me for as long as she can and the only way to do that is get on the healthy track.

I'm very proud of her! Until she was pregnant with me, my mother was a very very slender woman. I hope her body has that elastic memory from the 70's, lol!

Breakfast this morning has been a tasty banana, half cup of grapes, weight watchers bread with PB and a medium ff iced mocha with no whip from McDonald's. Lunch will be a hamburger, sans bun, on top of a nice big salad. Supper is not going to be so healthy. I'm heading to the movies with mom and will snack on popcorn. Oh I love movie popcorn. I don't have it very often, but I figure every now and then it's worth the splurge. Yum!

Okay...edit in here...I still have access to the online Points tracker until my subscription runs out (yay) and I honestly wonder how movie theatre popcorn can be 3 Points for 3 cups sans butter (I'm not a melted butter fan on popcorn. Makes it too squishy). That seems so low....but I figure I have a two free large popcorn/sodas with my entry and I'll really only eat half of that...I'm putting in 7 points for half the bag...I think...oi! There's no NI on the theatre's website either. Boooo!

Hope everyone has a great day!

You take the good, you take the bad...

Well, I stayed home yesterday and did my best to fight the heat and claminess that was me. I survived with the exception of horrible icky sickness throughout the day,evening and night.

The scale was kind to me this morning.

But a 5lb weight loss since Monday morning is not the healthiest thing.

But it does make me go awwww, thanks for the cheering up.

I'm currently sitting in the coolest, breeziest part of the house. The cats envy  me.

At least I wasn't the only one...

This morning the temperature was a balmy 19 degrees at 6 am when I trodded into kickboxing. I was a little bit late, but fell into step.

The gym was not 19. It was closer to 30. I lasted 40 minutes before I had an epic fail and was led over to the chairs. I was out for maybe a second or two, but it was enough to waste me.

Shortly after I went down, so did my partner. And a young guy I hadn't seen before.

Killer.

Workout.

I'm taking the morning easy and will head into work later. But wow. First time I've been taken out by kickboxing since my first attempt in September '09...but that just made me pukey.

Ugh.

Will recoup. Will not be let down. The instructor said that his top in shape karate trainers have done the same and that we shouldn't feel bad.

I'll get my grrr on again.

Frustration...thy name is scale

So I am a scale addict. There is no 12 step program to break this love I have with my scale. It's something deep and true.

That being said, I have a love-hate relationship with it.Obviously on Saturday we were not friends. I tried to make amends with it this morning by reminding it how much it meant to me and spending some time with it.

It teetered on 199.8 before popping up to 200.6 when I finally stood still.

Let's look at that bar on the left-hand side and the weight it tracked on the 3rd. You see that 202? Yeah, so do I. Now, it's not like I don't know why the scale was mean to me on Saturday. I didn't drink my water Thursday and Friday, despite working out. I can't blame the scale. But I do. It's an easy target.

So this week....I'm going in with good expectations. I'm drinking my water, being at work all 5 days. Even though it's horridly humid and gross, I'm going to morning workouts inside the gym instead of evening workouts outside on the field. I'm doing my EA Active and making good choices. I'm setting myself up to see that 200 mark, or possibly less, on Saturday morning.

I can do it.

I will do it.

I may have had some ice cream on my pineapple bowl just now.

Hush. Don't tell the scale or it'll be mean again.

New week, new start and getting off my butt for games

I like looking at the calendar and seeing a new row of days to go through. It makes me think that last week happened, it's in the past, Hakuna Matata and all that. So despite yesterday's weigh in that we won't talk about, this is a new week!

I woke up and hauled myself out of bed shortly after 8 this morning. After the obligatory playing with the kitties, I headed downstairs to work out with my EA Active. Of the workout games I have for the Wii (Biggest Loser, Wii Sports, Wii Resorts & Active) I find that this one gives me the full body workout. Tons of squats, lunges and workout with the resistance bands to sculpt the arms and back. Seriously, my fave of all.

That being said, I'm looking forward to the new games that Microsoft's XBox 360 is coming out with Kinect. Like the Wii, it's going to be motion sensored, minus the need for a remote or board in hand. The "Your Shape" game looks like it has potential to be pretty hard core if used properly. And I'm seeing some fun in the future with Zumba! I can shake it like I mean it without worrying how I look next to those other girls at the Y.

I'm a big fan of these games that get you up off the couch and playing. My husband is old school and likes to just sit and hold the remote. I wonder how he'll be with Kinect? I know he's only meh with the Wii, but....who knows?

Okay, on to the fun stuff with Mannland's Getting to Know You Sunday

1. What do you look forward to the most on the 4th of July?

As a Canadian, this is just another day for me. Canada Day means a nice day off and fireworks. I guess I do like to watch the Macey's Fireworks from NYC, though. Always nice!

2. Are you a hugger?
Yes! My family is mostly huggers, which I understand some people find it off putting. I guess it's just the way we were brought up. My husband...not a hugger, but he endures it from my family from time to time. That's love!

3. What is your favorite BBQ'd food?
I think everything is better on the grill. Pizza, veggies, nachos...everything. But a perfectly grilled steak or a juicy chicken breast...yum! Oh and corn. I take off the husk and silks and put it right on the grill, turning it every two minutes or so. When it starts to get grill marks or the kernels pop, it's juicy and ready! Now I know what to have for supper tonight!

4. Do you like to watch parades?
I love parades! The bands, the floats, the balloons...however I will only love a parade as long as there are no clowns. Clowns are evil. Clowns will kill you. Yup. True story. No clowns.

5. Who has stinkier farts..boys or girls?
Oh lord, boys for sure. I'm sure that they are brought up in a secret society that teaches them how to ferment their gas before releasing it. DH, I'm talking about you here. Ugh.

6. Vampires or Werewolves?
Unicorns.

7. Do you read your horoscope?
All the time. There are days when it's spot on and scary how accurate it is. Other days, I'm like, you weren't talking about this Gemini!

8. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Have you seen the size of my butt??? What flavour don't I like, lol. But seriously, I'd say some kind of chocolate. Or the Bailey's Irish Cream flavoured. Mmmm.....

Okay! Off to enjoy the gorgeous day we've been given! Link back to Mannland with your own GTKY!

Saturday morning Weigh in

bleh.

That's all I really have to say about it.
I know why.
I know how.
I just don't agree with it.

Better late than never

The title says it all. I came back inside last night from the fireworks (awesome show, btw, I thought fireworks would be ruined for me forever since seeing the ones in Disney) and sat down on the couch. Ten minutes later I was asleep.

Ouch.

I did take a little walk around the block while waiting for the show to begin. It was a nice night, a bit on the cool side, but everyone I passed was in a good mood, which made all the difference.

I had a vacation day today so that I could extend Canada Day. I was up at 7:30 and made up my workout from last night. Have you ever tried the EA Active? It works up quite the sweat! I fully plan on doing another work out tonight since I'm almost done putting things together for our yard sale tomorrow morning. Then the lugging things out to the tables will start early in the AM.

Since the DH isn't going in to work until later today, this morning we took a half hour drive to Amherst, Nova Scotia to this store called Liquidation World. They have a bit of everything there from clothing, electronics, furniture and food. They get the items from stores who have gone bankrupt, or orders that people never claimed. I picked up a few Christmas presents (first time I'm actually ahead of the game) and a few fun things for me (a girl needs a treat!).

We had lunch at Wendy's and I had the Southwestern salad. I love Wendy's chili and topped on a salad...mmm...to die for!

Here's to fingers crossed for weigh in tomorrow morning. I'm not putting pressure on myself. It seems that summer is winning and that's okay. The weight can go down in a slow fashion as long as it goes down! I'm going to take a queue from Melissa and focus on making healthy choices and less on the scale number. The girl has a lot of smarts!

Have a great one!

Bad bad bad...

Last night I didn't go to kickboxing. I used the excuse that it was our wedding anniversary. I told everyone that I was going to do my EA Active Thursday and Friday to make up for the missed classes.

Thursday.

Woke up. Raked lawn. Sat on couch. Made lunch. Sat on couch. Drove DH to work. Sat on couch. Played Harry Potter Leggo. Made supper. Sat on couch. Dug through closets to find stuff for Saturday yard sale.

Do you see EA Active in that list? Nope. Me either.

Plan...it's 9:36pm. Canada Day fireworks are in a few minutes. I'm going to walk to my back yard and watch them, come back inside and work my booty off before bed.

I hope.

Ugh.

Wait...can't leave...Glee episode has Mr. Shu and Kristen Chenoweth singing. Must sigh in dreamland.

Ohhhhh Canada! Happy Anniversary!

Yesterday I celebrated three happy years of marriage to my best friend. He's an amazing man who has never thought me anything less than beautiful and reminds me of that when I'm at my lowest. He's supportive and helpful and makes me smile.

We didn't do anything special, though I did splurge on a footlong Orchard Chicken sub at Subway if that counts...and a glass of Bailey's and Milk (I know how to live). Saturday we'll be going out for a nice supper and hanging  out with friends. Just how we like to spend our time :)

Today is also Canada Day! I honestly think that Canada has most of the things in the world right. I am thankful for being in such a country that takes care of its people and land. Yes, our taxes are high, but it's the price to pay for free hospital care and beautiful land coast to coast.

There is a commercial that came out a few years ago for Molson's Canadian beer. I'm not a beer drinker, but this commercial reminded me just how awesome we are!



Here's to many more years of wedded bliss and many more years to come in the True North Strong and Free!!!

Sunday...a bit of everything!

Last night the husband actually had a Saturday night off. These are rare occassions and I love it when that happens, especially when we've been invited somewhere. With his job, it's very often that I go solo to an event and I'm used to and okay with that. It's more of a novelty to have him there.

My dear friend Char turned 40 last week and this was her not such a surprise birthday party since she found out about it 3 weeks ago. We still had a great time. I indulged a bit too much food wise and had a couple of drinks. I am feeling it this morning. Ouch.

With an 8 am family breakfast scheduled, it was bittersweet. Bitter because my head says ouch. Sweet because my stomach said give me grease. Thankfully I'm not much of a big weekend eater on the norm, so I'm filled up until suppertime. Saves on the Points!

Have you heard of Banks Lee, yet, in the blogging community? He has started a weight loss journey inspired by not being able to get on one of the Potter rides at Universal. That was something I was concerned about when we took our trip to Disney. Could I fit in everything? Thankfully there were some snug moments, but everything fit securely. Banks' blog is a great read. Pop on over and say hi!

On to my own weight loss this week, I was down 0.6lbs. Still not into Onderland. I'm not going to pressure myself anymore on that. It's close, it will happen, but only when my body is ready. Summer heat is getting to me with lots of puffy fingers and feet. I'd hate to see how bad I'd be without my water pills helping out, lol. Staypuff me! But in any case, it was a loss and I'm thankful for that. I also wonder if Friday workouts were pushing that number around. Now that Fridays are done for the summer, it'll be interesting to follow that along.

Are you ready for some Mannland Getting to Know You?

1.If you had 5000.00 to spend on plastic surgery what would you have done?

The loose skin. Ugh. It's there. I think of it as battle scars right now, but mentally, it's hard to get my head around. I am so proud of the progress that I have made, but I have pictures to remind me of where I have come from. I would like to get the skin taken care of once I reach goal. I know that it's holding me back. The typical places like the batwings, the stomach and thighs. Ugh. I just hear it's very painful, though. Pain and I do not get along very well.

2. Do you watch Soap operas and if so what is your favorite and why?
Oh goodness, yes! My mom used to watch Another World and Days of our Lives when I was younger. I remember many times in my life that correspond to these shows! Coming home from school to find out that Frankie was killed by the Bay City Strangler and Cass had to ID her body. And in university when Ryan died...minou. I DVR Days while I'm at work now. Alison Sweeney was who I looked up to for so long. Sure Sammi may not be the best role model, but back in the day she was the "bigger" girl on tv and I thought that, hey, maybe I was acceptable, too. Now she's all thin and still gorgeous and still someone I admire....and dang it, Sammi, hold on until Rafe comes back to you!

3. Favorite clothing brand?
Two places that I shop regularly and swear by their clothing: Reitmans - Their comfort fit is a godsend. All pants that I wear right now are comfort fit and live up to their name. Awesome fit, very flattering and so comfortable I don't know how clothing existed before CF was made. Joe at Superstore (Loblaws for the rest of Canada). These clothes are super affordable and absolutely adorable. It's sold in the grocery chain that I shop at so it's so motivating to skip the ice cream treats in favour of a new shirt from the collection. Shoes, hats, jackets, dresses, skirts, t-shirts, dress shirts...omg...I can't wait for pay day!

4. An afternoon shopping spree at your favorite store or maid service for a year?
shopping. seriously. The cat hair never seems to go away no matter how many times a week we clean. I can't see a maid having some secret power that Mr. Clean and Swiffer haven't already brought to my table!5. would you ever vajazzle?
Do I look like I'm on Jersey Shore? ha! No. Never. Ick. 6. Favorite Disney Princess?
This is hard for me. I adore them all. Love Belle and Ariel a bit more than the others. But when I was at the park, Snow White was the nicest of them all! Belle kind of freaked me out and Sleeping Beauty did not seem to be having a very good day. Snow called me princess, so, well, she gets extra points for that!

7. Last movie that made you bawl your eyes out?
Oh goodness...I cry very easily. It makes the DH uncomfortable when I get all emotional over a movie or TV show. We usually stick to comedies. But when I'm home alone...hello! I think the last one that I watched would have been A Walk to Remember on tv not too long ago. Nicholas Sparks is one of my favourite authors of all time. Even though I've read Walk to Remember a dozen times and have seen the movie just as much, the ending rips my heart apart. Nights in Rodanthe, same thing. Mind you I didn't like the book as much as the movie. And yet...it brings me to tears each time I see it.
 8. Have you ever broken any bones and if so what?
When I was three or four I thought that I was Wonder Woman. I climbed up on top of my dresser and was making the oh so daring jump to my bed about four feet away. I missed the bed. I found the floor, though, and broke my collar bone. My mother didn't let me out of her sight for weeks after that! The thing is, when I was 70lbs bigger, my collar bone was not so noticeable. Now it is and the side that broke looks a bit gnarly in comparison. Can I use that plastic surgery money to fix that, too???

Now's your turn! Share a story or five!

Morning workout

Since kickboxing was cut back to summer hours of Monday and Wednesday nights only, I've lost my last chance workouts on Fridays. I was worried that this would lead me to slack off this summer and drop back into my usual ways.

After some thought after last night's kickboxing class I set my alarm for 5:45 and made the trek over to 6 am kickboxing.

Maybe I thought that Monsieur was going to be nice and gentle in the morning. Maybe I thought we'd spend an hour doing yoga with chimes and soothing music in the background. Uh...yeah...right.

It was brutal.

7 am I was trudging back home looking like I had a mere 11 hours prior.

And I loved it!

Thankfully I was also working the late shift and I went home and fell asleep for another hour. Did I ever need it.

I talked to my co-workers who kickbox with me and think that we might make this a regular habit for the summer. SWEEEEET!

I really feel like I accomplished something great today!

Getting to Know You - Father's Day

My father left my mother shortly after I was born. I met him for the first time when I was 8 and every now and then he would come into my life. He's given the title of dad simply because half of my DNA is from him.

My step father sucks. Completely and utterly and my mother is so much better off without him in her life. Or so I keep telling her and eventually she'll act on it.

My mother raised me alone until I was 10. And at that it wasn't really alone. My grandfather and uncles were my father figures. I adore them and they are my life.

My grandfather passed away 9 years ago and my youngest uncle last January. My life changed with their passing, but I know that they are up in Heaven watching over me and keeping me safe. Not to mention they are enjoying the peace and quiet without the women of my family up there talking their ears off.

For my remaining uncles and for my mother, they were the best Dads a girl could ask for :) And a special celebration for my father in law...he's...interesting!

On to the Sunday regular, Mannland's Getting to Know You

1. While at the beach, pool, etc..Do you cover up your assets or show them off?

I enjoy my aunt's pool and if it's just family around, I'm fine with being in my swimsuit. Around other people, though....well, they don't need to see all this. I'm working on feeling better about myself, but....2. Road trips or Plane trips?
I guess it would depend on where I'm going and how long it will take to get there. I couldnt' imagine taking the long drive down to Florida (3 days worth of driving), but I would drive to Boston again, because it was fun. I do like flying, though. The take off and landings are so exciting!3. I can't stand it when...?
Oh lord, there is not enough space or time for me to write my gripes. I would have to say the thing that bothers me the most is when I have to deal with someone at work who does not think at the same level and speed that I do. I'm no brainiac, but I have a quick mind. People who go slow at work peeve me....4. Have you ever gone topless at the beach?
Oh lord no! These babies are for me, my husband and doctor. Keep your eyes off my twins!5. How many blog carnivals do you do a week?
I don't know what that is....if it involves clowns, I'm not there...clowns kill people :(6. My favorite thing about the weekend is...?
Coffee breakfasts and not being at work!


7. Pancakes or waffles?
Pancakes!!! Oh so light and fluffy!
8. Water Park or Amusement Park?
I'd say Amusement park. Though we don't have any super duper water parks around here that are new and fun. We have Magic Mountain but that's been around for ages!

Alright, your turn!!

Weekly Weigh-In Blues

I was up for the second time since Christmas. Again, I'm not uberly disappointed, but I would like to see the scale go down into Onderland.

0.2lb gain is not bad, considering that when I originally staggered out of bed this morning and came downstairs, my weight was at 203.6. I think seeing that number all week on the scale prepared me for no loss.

It was a stressful few days at work. I now have a pile more clients than I did a month ago now that my back up decided to suddenly leave the company. I'm in accounts receivables and I simply do not like calling people to ask for money, even if they are corporate accounts. I'm in the job because they need me, not because I want to. So having troubled accounts tossed my way....wasn't the best for me mentally this past week.

I know I'll get over it. I know that this is a small stone on my path. We all have these moments and there are people out there who are facing boulders and I shouldn't let my stone get me down.

On the upside, it's been gorgeously warm here for the past few days and after a killer workout last night I headed to my aunt's pool for the first dip of the summer. Sweet. Bliss.

Last night was also the last Friday workout for the summer. I have no idea what I will do with my time now that Friday's are free. But I want to try and keep up some activity. I'll reconnect with my EA Active and get some sweat on during these hot summer nights!

To kick or not to kick...

So my two buddies from work have informed me that they will not be attending the rest of kickboxing this week in favour of staying home and in one case, working in the garden so the family can go to the beach this weekend.

Ah, temptations of summer.

This is where I get derailed, is in the summer when the heat is high and the fans and pool are so inviting. And while I say that I am going to do other forms of exercise, it doesn't happen, I keep my butt firmly planted in a seated or reclined position.

I am going to do my kickboxing! I am going to stick with it and not let summer get the best of me! Though I do plan on taking part in next week's Weight Watchers 5k walk and working in some pool time after kickboxing :D

I would post a pic, but....

Kickboxing was a killer tonight. I think our instructor knew I was at Montana's last night. Though I did have the 8oz sirloin with mashed potatoes and beans for a lovely 11 points. Yum!

Anywho, like my title says, I would have posted how awesomely sweaty I was via pic, but he honestly had us beat the living heck out of us that typing hurts. Ugh.

Can't wait for Wednesday's class!!!

Sunny Sunday and Getting to Know You

Wow, the weather here has been amazing for the past few days. It finally feels, after a week of rain, that summer might make an appearance this year! Now if only my aunt's swimming pool was warm enough, I would be on her deck right now, ha ha. I am keeping my fingers crossed for next week, though!

1. If you could have one of Superman's, powers which one would you want? Superhuman strength..Flight..Superhuman speed..X-Ray vision..etc
Definitely flight. Can you imagine how much you could save on airfare? Though I would need his strength as well to carry the luggage. Or maybe just buy new clothes once I got there with the money I saved from the airfare.


2. The best thing I ever won is....?
To date I guess it would be the super awesome Barbeque from last year's United Way Summer Draw at work. Our old small and cheap BBQ was nearing death and we knew we'd have to splurge on a new one. I bought a lot of tickets for the draw and won! Our new BBQ is stainless steel with bells and whistles I still haven't figured out. It's also big enough to grill food for many when we have people over!

3. Have you ever skyped with a bloggy friend?
That just sounds dirty, ha ha. But, no. I've never skyped with anyone. I don't have a webcam on this laptop (which, hey, I also won at a United Way draw at work last year...hmmm). I think you need a webcam to skype something, right? Heck, I don't know how to text on my phone yet!

4. What is your favorite Summer month?
I should say June since it's my birthday month, but sometimes it's still a bit cool. To really feel summery, it's the end of July and early August. Great weather!

5. Pool, Lake, or Ocean?
I love the ocean. There is something so beautiful and calming about it, even when it rages. But so far as swimming in any of those three, give me a pool any day!

6. One of my favorite Summer memories is.....?
June 2007 when I married my best friend :) And our honeymoon in Jamaica a couple of days later. Sweet!

7. What's your favorite secret bargain?
A store called Ricki's has awesome deals for their recurring customers. The sales are always big and they like to hand out sales on top of those sales. In February I bought an $85.00 sundress for $3.00. Nice!

8. Do you plan on or have you been watching the World Cup?
No on all accounts.

Now it's your turn to answer Mannland's Questions!

Well, I'm off to soak up some of that precious Vitamin D! Hope that you get to enjoy your Sunday as well!

Weigh-in with realization

So I had big hopes for this birthday weekend. I wanted to hit Onderland. That didn't happen. I had a loss of -0.2lbs.

And I was okay with that.

Most times when I hit the scale and the weight loss isn't what I had hoped to be I beat myself up inside with "I should've" and "I could've" and list all the things that I did so horribly wrong. This time was different. It was less I didn't and more I did.

I did enjoy myself this week. I did work out hard. I did lose sight of my goal but have no regrets.

I do know what to do this week.

Is this some sort of wisdom with age thing?

And the hours tick down....

34 will be awesome. 34 is the year that I am not fat anymore. 34 I will be a healthy BMI!

And my last hours of 33 were spent working out for those who cannot do it anymore. Raising money for cancer research is not just something for fun, but in rememberance of those I have lost. I breathe because they cannot. I run because they cannot. I push myself to be stronger because they cannot.

One hot sweaty mess!

Thank god for Under Armor!

How to spend a last day...

Well, tomorrow is my bday and I'm leaving the world of 33 behind. It was a good year in all with its ups and downs. I'm looking forward to what 34 will bring me. And I'll have to update that sidebar, too.

Eating has been so-so this week. Just a lot of ups and downs and I've been lacking in the tracking department. Birthday bliss or birthday blues, I'm not sure! I'll just blame work since yesterday was a buzz kill day in the office.

What will this mean this weekend on the scale? Will I be in Onderland? It would be nice, but 2lb drops don't come that easily, even on super tracking days. But I'll be happy with any loss, really, as it brings me closer.

So how am I going to spend my last few hours as a young 33 year old? Kickboxing. Not only is tonight kickboxing night, but our instructor is having another 2-hour bootcamp, sans meditation time. I'm ready to kick the old me I started with a year ago out the window and keep on enjoying this kickboxing-fiend I have become!

No big party plans, either for the bday, that was covered with Disney. And totally worth it! Now if only I can get mom on board with going for her birthday next year....

Welcome back!

Whew, two weeks between posts. Well, I have an excuse that I was away on vacation and then spent this past week recouping from said vacation.

Disney was everything I could have ever wanted and more. I am officially hooked and can't wait to go back again! The highlights were Tigger who danced me around and tried to make off with me until his "handler" called him back. And Snow White calling me Princess. Seriously. So happy with that.

And there was so much walking! I could have kept going all day, but once we got back to the hotel, boys oh boys did I feel it! It was as though I had gone through a lot of kickboxing classes all at once! But I was raring to go the next morning.

Even though our suites had a kitchen, we did eat out a lot. And although I had the trusty backings of Hungry Girl's advices on eating out, I did my own thing. But thankfully held back a couple of times and packed half of it to go and ate the rest the following day. I am jealous of the restaurant options in the U.S. as I adore OG and T.G.I. Friday's.

And Banana Republic. Oh lord I can fit into the clothes! I see a trip to Halifax in my future to do some shopping soon!

Despite how much I adored my trip, coming home to my kitties was great. As was getting back into a routine of healthy eating and kickboxing. I expected a gain this week (uhm, yeah, I kind of plowed through those OG breadsticks with alfredo sauce) but was very happy with a 0.8lb loss. With my birthday on Thursday, I am aiming on this coming week's weigh in to be just at or below 200lbs. Eeek! No pressure.

Speaking of back to routines, it's time for Getting to Know you Sunday

1. If a person has a booger in their nose. and you can see it, do you tell them?

It would depend on the person and situation. If I know them and like them, sure. If it's out in public and I can do it discreetly and I don't know the person, of course.
If I don't like you....well, happy day for me!
2. What are you passionate about?
Family and friends. Protection of animals from harm (hello, BP, I'm looking at you).
3. How long have you been blogging?
In this incarnation, a couple of months. I had a blog about ten years ago that was for fun, but it died out when I found something new and shiny to look at, ha ha.
4. What is your favorite "summer" drink?
I'm a fan of Jost Sangria made here in the Maritimes. For partytime, I like Smirnoff Light. It's not as sweet as regular Smirnoff coolers.
5. What is your favorite type of music?
I'm pretty eclectic with music. I'm a huge fan of 80's pop and usually keep my Sirius set on that station. Though I also enjoy showtunes and modern pop. As long as it's not metal or country or Taylor Swift, I'm happy!
6. Something I do before I go to bed is......?
Say goodnight to my cats. They really are my kids and I'll tuck them in if they're sleeping on a blanket. I know. But really. I love my cats.
7. My Summer vacation plans are...?
Pretty much done! Disney was our big event for the year. The rest of the summer will be spent getting our front porch converted into my sitting area. I have two weeks off in August and plan on doing that and hanging out at my aunt's pool. Good times all around!
8. My favorite must have, can't live without, beauty product is?
A good moisturizer with some SPF. My face dries out so fast in spots and I love a good moisturizer to freshen up my face with. One thing that is a treat to buy and is perhaps the best product I've come across is the Lise Watier Vitamin C capsules. I adore Lise Watier products and these capsules feel so good on the skin during the summer months.

Well, that's what I've got for this morning. We're off to a movie and a quiet rainy afternoon in. Oh sleepy day!

Getting to Know You Sunday!

Wow. It's going to be an awesome day here! It's 9 AM and already 15C (or 59F if you sway that way) with highs going to 28 (82) I can't wait to get out there!!! But there's still so much to do inside to get ready for the trip.

The cat sitter is coming in to get herself set up. My babies need some TLC when I'm not here. I'm one of those people who do see my cats as my children. We don't have any plans on having children and by the medical history of the women in my family, it would be dangerous for me to try anytime in my 30's. We're okay with that and we spoil our kids. Hence the kitty sitter.


see more Lolcats and funny pictures

I will definitely be making it a point, though, to get outside and soak up some sun on this sunny Sunday!

Now on with the Mannland Plan

1. Do you have a fetish?

My this is one way to start a Sunday! If we're going with something that I just absolutely adore and makes me so happy but is odd (I mean, I love getting new nailpolish and pretty clothes....) I would have to say a book that feels nice. I love holding a book in my hands and the feel of a soft cover.

2. Do you sing in the shower?
I sing everywhere. Not usually in the shower early mornings since DH is still asleep...but otherwise, I let the Journey rock those acoustics!3. Who was your first crush?
When I was four I told mom that I was going to marry Han Solo. And I do still have a crush on Harrison Ford. That man can do anything!4. What do you think is the best manly trait a guy could have?
I'm going with the nice manly hands. DH has awesome hands, hee hee. Also that old fashioned sense of taking care of "the woman". When we're out walking and we come to a curb, DH steps down first and kind of lifts my hand up a bit as if helping me. It's small, sweet and makes me feel taken care of.5. Do you sleep naked?
I enjoy PJ's. Nightdresses. Oversized t-shirts. But there comes a time in the summer when it's just too hot for your own skin.
6. What do you do when (you think) no one is looking?
Run my fingers over my face quickly to check to see that there's no unsightly breakouts that have occurred since the last time I checked the mirror.
7. What's the first thing you do when you go online?
In the morning I record my POINTS for the day and then read comics. I can't stand to leave the laptop without checking Lolcats either.
 8. Summer is.....?
Almost here. Not long enough. Pool time!

Vacation!!

So this week's weigh in blew me away. 2.2 lbs. I have no idea where it went, but I'm thinking that our two hour boot camp on Wednesday had something to do with it. It was another fund raiser for cancer and we even did a half our of yoga. It was perfect!

This brings me so close to Onderland. I have not been this weight since at least '93 and it feels amazing. I'm giddy. I'm excited. I'm scared out of my wits.

Yesterday at 5 I was officially on vacation. I don't know if I'm happier to be on vacation or happier to be away from work, but either way I'm out of my normal routine for a week. In fact I'll be out of my country as I am going to Disney for the very first time.


I'm such a Disney nut and I can't wait to go. When I think about seeing Mickey and Cinderella's castle...I can't help but cry. This is a dream come true (well that and the time I was back stage at Phantom, but that's another story). But this is also part of my biggest fear.

While driving home last night I was like, ha, I'm on vacation, let's stop off at McDonald's. I quickly quashed that since a - I had kickboxing and b - I had weigh in this morning. But that was my immediate mind set. Vacation = off plan.

My cousin who I am travelling with has already mentioned that we'll be going to the Cheesecake Factory. I've read enough Hungry Girl posts to be terrified of this heavenly place. I want to go to Olive Garden since I'm addicted to their salad (no croutons and dressing on the side, please). But what other temptations will there be?

Is Disney really enough walking to cover up all that food? I want to enjoy my vacation, but I really want to enjoy that feeling of coming home to Onderland.

Gah!

Why are vacations so stressful?

Step by Step

(omg I love NKOTB) hee hee

Okay, so we're starting a walking challenge at work this week. We're in teams of 5 and the goal is to drink 64oz of water a day and to walk as many steps as possible. Teams win a catered lunch and a grand prize at the end.

I'm just putting this out there that when I hit Disney...my team's going to rock!

Oooh doozy! Getting to Know you Sunday

Ugh. I had way too much wine last night. Two good glasses. Mind you it was great wine, but when I broke out the LIPS game on the XBox...well, I should have known better than to try and face a very sunny day like this so early, ha ha.

We're having a date afternoon today. I look forward to these days when we get out of the house and not do something that is home reno related. We're going to have lunch at A&W (I'm going with the 7 Point Chicken Grill and a side salad with a diet root beer) and then to see Iron Man 2. I'm a Marvel Geek...I can't help but love these movies.

So there's something new you can know about me. Let's see what MannLand can pry out of me today!

1. The most expensive thing hanging in my closet is.....?

Up until a week ago it was my wedding dress. I love my dress, but it's a size 24 and no one in my family wears that size. I brought it to a consignment shop last week so that another bride to be can feel as gorgeous as I did that day!

I guess now the most expensive thing would be my rehearsal dress which is strapless and flowy. It's a 3x but it's the kind of material that I can still wear now!


2. Have you ever played a team sport?
As kids we would have games of softball for an afternoon at family gatherings. But that's as close as it got. I was always a big kid and, well, never really encouraged to play sports for school or anything. Looking back that makes me feel pretty sad.


3. If you were a bug, what kind would you be?
I want to say butterfly, but I don't know if those are bugs. How about a lightening bug? I'd love for my butt to have some kind of purpose in life and a reason for being big. So there you go. Light up my butt!


4. Where on your body is the worst place to get sunburned? (thanks Ian)
I'm a pale redhead. I don't think there's a part of me that has not experienced a sunburn due to my own stupidity or faulty sunscreen (there's a reason that you should buy a new bottle each year). The most painful would be the back of my legs. You don't give that part of the body enough credit until you have to sit or bend your knees. Yup. Ouch.


5. Are you happy?
I'm content. I guess that's close. There are a lot of things in my life that I would love to change a little and a few I would like to change a lot. But I only have control over myself. So I'm content with how I'm coming along.


6. People are always abbreviating..are there any abbreviations that make your skin crawl when people use them?
I strongly dislike texting for this reason. I would guess it is common words that would be complete but for some reason people shorten them. There's not one in particular. I think the thing that really peeves me is when people cannot get "Their", "There" or "They're" straight. Not to mention "To", "Too" or "Two". Ugh.


7. Do you love where you live..or could you live anywhere?
I love my city. It's not too big, it's close to the sea and family. I couldn't live in a large city like New York or Toronto. Heck, I know I couldn't stand to live in Halifax either. Nope, it's good right where it is. I could live almost anywhere around my city, though...if that counts?


8. What, if any, extreme measures do you go to to keep yourself from overeating when you're full?
Oh, this is a good one. I have done a lot since there are more than enough times when I know I'm full, but I keep eating. Pouring an obscene amount of salt on top of food so that it's inedible. Squished a napkin on my plate. Asked someone to remove the plate from me completely. I know my limit. Sometimes I just don't know how to put the brakes on and I need some assistance.

Well, off to the movie. Going to take some aspirin, too. Got to say, Pelee Island wines is not something you soon forget!

Follow me Down...

Yay, another loss on the scale. This is pretty sweet to feel back in control and back on target. This past week was a challenge because I brought stuff into the house which I don't normally have and realized that is a big no-no for me.

My bff Rachelle makes the best chocolate chip cookies in the world. I figure that she laces them with crack or some other kind of addictive substance. Seriously, they are that good. When she put up an offer of 2 dozen into the United Way Silent Auction we had at work, I outbid everyone for them. All in the guise that they were a surprise gift for my loving husband. Uh huh. I don't think he bought it either.

I tracked the cookies and I'm not proud to say that I had 10. I normally may have 3 in a month. Thankfully her cookies are also kind of small. But that's not the point. My deep chocolate vitatops meant nothing to me in the face of these delish monsters.

And Cadbury 100 calorie chocolate mint bars. Ugh. How I love thee. I had one of those a day, too.

I was having those 100 calorie snacks all the time a while back. The Doritos, the Chocolate Bars, the Sun Chips. How yummy and so convenient. Then I realized that while they were yummy and convenient and packaged out nicely....I was still consuming 500+ calories of crap in a week.

So I started to ween myself off of them. At first it really was pretty difficult. I wanted all of that stuff because it was so good. But now, I honestly give them nothing more than a glance in the grocery aisle. This relapse was a stupid move and I have one chocolate bar left. I'll have it tonight with a glass of wine, but otherwise I am focusing on Onderland and getting myself to a better me!

I want to share with you guys a picture from June 2007. This was on my 31st birthday and two weeks before my wedding as we celebrated my bachelorette as well. Note that this isn't the most flattering photo, which is why I'm showing it. I was sitting around 272lb at this point, in my hands holding a tray of jello shots which I've mostly consumed by that point in the evening. I look at this as my beginning photo. To remind me of where I have come from. At the bottom of the photo I realized that that wasn't my stomach fat, but just the ab fat. And that I couldn't put the regular size garter belt around my leg any higher than my knee....so it went on the arm for the night. Something needed to be done.

Later on, I'll post a pic of where I am today. I feel so proud of where I have come from! Chocolate chip cookies be danged!

Dear Husband...

It's not a lot to ask, but when you buy my favourite bag of chips and sit them between us on the couch while we are playing Left 4 Dead 2, they are a huuuuge temptation to me and I am fighting the need to tear into this whole bag the day before weigh in.

As if PMS Max wasn't enough to deal with today.

I love you.
Your wife.

Spring Clean up

So this week is Spring Clean Up Week in the city. I enjoy this week. It's a chance to slowly clean out all the stuff that clutters up our home.

I've been married for three years this June and when I moved into my husband's home earlier that year, I knew the move came with living with the chair....

I think every man has one. A beat up old broken chair that has more sentimental value than any family member could provide. My husband has such a chair. It sits in our front porch propped up on the wall and covered in cat hair.

Now, my husband doesn't sit in it. He never enjoys the porch either. But each year when Spring Clean Up happens, I suggest we clear the chair out. And every year he says no. End of story.

This year I worked my butt off and carried out a large chair from the porch and a table. There's a couch that is way too heavy to move myself (hopefully I can get him to help me tomorrow) and another chair that I will repurpose when I turn the front porch into my summer haven.

And yet the chair remains.

Maybe next year....

Such a bad blogger am I

First of all, thank you for your kind words. Hitting that 2lb mark after a couple of lousy weeks makes me feel a heck of a lot better! And yes, my scale will make house calls, ha ha.

I have been so busy that blogging took the back burner. But it was for good reason. We're planning a trip to Disney in a couple of weeks and I have been running the roads to find something to wear.

See, this is my city in June:

Well, okay, not really, but that's what it will feel like in comparison to hot Florida, right? Not to mention my legs are just as white as that snowy background.

Now, I wouldn't call myself cheap by any means, but I'm pretty frugal when it comes to buying some things. Lately it has been clothing. I hate the thought of buying anything full price right now since I have no plans on having my right now clothes fit me this time next year. So I have been hittng up Kijiji and thrift stores in my area trying to find summerwear that is Disney friendly.

And I've had no luck :(

I did break down and buy some cute denim capris at Reitman's (I LOVE YOU REITMANS,lol) and a pair of shorts at Old Navy. Paired with a couple of other items I should be safely dressed and rated PG for the Disney cast members.

Have I mentioned that this is my first time ever to Disney and I am in fact a Disney freak? Yeah...pray for my hubby :P

Kickboxing is calling, but I am going to be a better blogger. I have a lot to share right now and I think it's going to be scary and fun and just downright nuts!

Back on track!

I finally saw a loss on the scale that made me happy. Dropping 2 pounds this week was a relief. Could be that I also had a stern talking to the scale as well.

Thinking back, I tried to figure out what I did differently. But I actually reverted back to eating the way I was, packaged foods and all. This week I am going to do a happy medium of the past two weeks. Some packaged foods mixed in with some healthy lunches.

Today we are continuing gardening weekends. The past couple of weeks my husband and I have trekked out early in the morning to clear out weeds and trim down bushes. So far so great! This morning it's finally time to mow the lawn. I get to rake. Ugh. Not my favourite thing to do, but it's not mowing, either, ha ha.

I'm feeling a lot more confident in all of this. Much better overall!

Getting to Know you Sunday!

Wow...I can't believe that it's Sunday already. Where did the weekend go? It's a gorgeous day here with temps going up to 21 (going up to 70 for you Americans). My day is filled, though, with re-caulking the shower. Hopefully I'll have enough time to go outside and enjoy the rays a bit!

On to the Sunday tradition with Mannland and Getting to Know you Sunday!

1. Are you superstitious?

Pretty much, yes. If I make a purchase at a store and the cost is $6.66, I'll ask them to charge me another penny. My aunt has had a bird sitting outside of her window for the past week. That's not a good sign. yeah...I'm superstitious...

2. If you were an animal..what kind would you be?
A kitty cat! I love kitties. I have three and could could have more if I could! What a life to be a house cat. Eat, sleep, get tummy rubs and laze in the sun.

3. You would never catch me wearing.........?
Crocs. I cannot stand the things. I'm talking of the regular ones. I know the company makes sandals and other types of shoes, which are nice. But the traditional croc look...Ugh. I don't care how comfortable they supposedly are. They have no place on an adult foot!

4. If someone posts a VLOG..do you watch it?
Depending on the length. I'm not one to sit and watch someone for a long period of time. I guess that comes with the way our news is presented these days. Quick, fast, to the point!

5. Have you ever waxed your girlie/manly parts..or any other part of your body?
I get my eyebrows waxed every now and then. I have very fine blonde eyebrow and arm/leg hair so I can go a while without a proper wax job. That being said, I have a very low tolerance for pain and have enough trouble getting my eyebrows done. I could never imagine having that done to any other body parts...especially there...ick...

6. Are you a spender or a saver?
I try to save. I have a savings account through work and RRSP's for my retirement year. However I rarely have money left over at the end of the pay period. I'm working on it.....

7. If you were starring in a movie..who would you want to play your leading man/woman?
The list is quite long, lol. But I would have to say Hugh Jackman. He is so yummy! *sigh* I'm getting all weak in the knees just thinking of him now.

8. Smoker..never smoked..social smoker..or smoked back in the day?
Never ever ever smoked. Have no desire for it. Will never have a desire for it. Does not enjoy the smell of it around me or on other people around me. My mother is a smoker and growing up I was exposed to it all the time, including in the car with the windows rolled up. Ugh.

Weigh-in Woes

Well, I'm down this week. A whopping total of 0.4.

These past couple of weeks have been very frustrating for me on the scale. In three weeks I've only managed to lose a pound, something that I was doing every week a month ago.

I stopped going to Curves, but I've been meeting nearly those same activity points and then some by doing other exercises.

I could blame the stress of Oscar's passing which I'm still carrying around some grief. I could blame Wednesday's horrible out of control food lust.

Instead I'm going to sigh heavily, shrug my shoulders and go about my day...a day which holds horrors of its own....

I'm dragging myself to Shediac to try on some bathingsuits for our trip to Florida later this month. Last year's bathingsuit does not fit anymore (yay!) and I need something new to torture myself with look glam in.

And in three more weeks, our instructor has announced a second bootcamp night in support of Relay for Life. There's nothing that's holding me back from that!

What a workout!

Today I over ate.

By 17 points. Wow. It was one of those things where I simply didn't care that I was having what I was eating. I tracked it. But wow.

On a happy note, today at kickboxing we had a two hour bootcamp to raise funds for Relay for Life. Given the events of this past week, I thought that it was very fitting. Tonight, I worked out and did my best to keep going for the two hours in Oscar's memory.

Our group raised $284.00 through donations and from the look on my face, you can tell I was excited!

R.I.P. Uncle Oscar