Blogger Input Required!!

Hotch Potchery got me thinking.  Well, I've been thinking for a while (haha).  I have been in the worst rut.  I'm not talking about food or exercise.  I mean in my life.  I have no purpose, no focus.  I really had no idea what to do with myself.  I still don't, but in the mean time, Hotch Potchery gave me an idea. 

I'm going to test some fitness magazine workouts and review them.  To start, I need to choose between the following two plans:

From Shape Magazine May 2009 "Your No-Fail Beach-Ready Plan" Jenny McCarthy on the cover

From Shape Magazine March 2009 "The Easiest Bikini Body Plan-EVER!" Jaime Pressly on the cover

I noticed, with both plans side by side that they used the same model for the moves.  Guess they figure we would REALLY want her body.  

ANYHOW, what I need from you guys is:  please vote for the one you would like to see tested.  I will do the program as described for 4 weeks, including the cardio that they recommend.  I will take my measurements and weight at the beginning and at the end.  I will also detail the program, how easy/hard it is, yada, yada, yada.

I know, right - you're all on the edge of your seats with anticipation and excitement!!

In any case, you all have till Monday to get your two cents in.  I will start the program Monday.

Oh, and not to worry - you'll all still get to hear about me walking the dog - I know, I know - it's too much excitement for one blog!!

Have a healthy day bloggers!!

Thai Chicken Thighs for Sparky's Hazel

This recipe is for the slow cooker, but I've done it in the oven also...

8 chicken thighs skin removed (around 2lbs or 1kg)

1/2 cup chicken stock (or 125ml)

1/4 cup peanut butter (or 50ml) (natural peanut butter tastes better)

1/4 cup soya sauce (or 50ml)

2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (or 25ml) (I omit this - daughter doesn't like)

2 tbsp lime juice (or 25ml)

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or 2ml)

1 tsp ground ginger (or 5ml)

1/4 cup chopped peanuts (or 50ml)

Place chicken thighs in slow cooker.  In a bowl, combine stock, peanut butter, soya sauce, cilantro, lime juice, cayenne pepper and ginger.  Mix well and pour sauce over chicken.

Cover & cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, until juices run clear when chicken is pierced with a fork

Serve garnished with chopped peanuts and additional fresh cilantro

This dish can be assembled up to 12 hours in advance.

We just love, love, love this dish!!  

Reality Check - Biggest Loser Spoilers - Be Warned!

So, Biggest Loser last night.... what did you all think?

My thoughts are as follows:

• I don't know why, but I was very angry when they showed Helen walking into the gym, and she has been so successful on the ranch, and her daughter was still so heavy.  Don't get me wrong - I thought she looked like she had been working hard, but it irked me to no end that the mom was essentially done because of what I perceive is her own selfishness, while the daughter still had a long road ahead.
• I also noticed that the other thing that irks me to no end is that Helen seems boastful.  And insincere, all at the same time.
• I was really, really impressed with them doing the marathon.  I thought Tara's & Helen's times were awesome and even though I can't stand Ron - I was crying when he finished the race.  What determination.  The guy is falling apart and he walked a friggen marathon!  Wow.
• I thought it was fun to see the past show contestants during the marathon.  Ali has one rocking body!  Holy noodle!  And that Michelle - what a pretty girl she is.  Anyhow, they all looked happy and healthy.  I would love for them to do a whole special on past contestants.  Instead of the dumb ass fillers they give us during the season, they should give us clips of life after the ranch.  You know, actual reality.  
• It was refreshing to see the contestants lose a "normal-ish" amount of weight at home.  I think Tara is an eating disorder waiting to happen.  From over eating to over exercising.  At one point she said to someone, "I'm happy now" and my husband looked over and said "she seems like she is everything BUT happy to me".  I think he is right.  You might be able to change some habits in 17 weeks, but not the underlying problem.  

There you go, all of my thoughts.... except....

How wrong is it to me that it bugged me that one of the contestants now weighs less than me?  Actually, what bugs me, if I'm honest - and I might as well be - what bugs me is that if I made even a half hearted attempt to stick to my eating plan, this wouldn't be the case.  I guess more than bugged I'm disappointed.  In me.  AGAIN.  Ugh.

I've been sick and so haven't exercised (except for walking the dog for 5k every day, at a leisurely pace) it was a week Monday.  This morning I woke up and the bug is done.  I feel now like I can expand my lungs and so will start exercising again.  I'm glad, because I quite missed it.  I so wish you could get a rush of endorphins from sticking to your eating plan.  Then I would never go off!  ;-)

I'm making sticky chicken thighs for dinner tonight, with broccoli and I'm going to try the sweet potato fries that Cowgirl posted about.  

Not much else on the go..... have a healthy day bloggers!

Biggest Loser Spoilers Ahead!!

All time "I hate Helen" moment last night had to be when she said that she didn't know if she was ready to go home when she was talking to Tara.... really Helen... is that the same home that you sent your daughter to weeks ago?  Honestly - I can't think of what kind of mother wouldn't insist that their daughter stay in something like this.... She drives me crazy.  Oh, don't get me wrong - I think she looks great - but she isn't a good mom in my eyes.  

I was sad to see Filipe go home last night.... I found him funny and I enjoyed his clips.  I was really impressed to see him running the family/friends boot camp in his backyard.  Good for him.  And his family and friends.  I look forward to seeing him at the finale.

Tara wins another challenge.  It was very nice to see her at the end of it - when she finally accepted herself..... Of course, like with any show, it is annoying to see the same person win all the time, but even though, it will be fun to see how she does at home after this latest breakthrough.  

I personally think Mike will take it all.  I would have liked to see Ron go - I don't like fibbers.  Plus, I have to be honest - I find him rather distasteful to look at.  I realize this is really, really shallow.... but he gives me the icks!

I thought the train the trainer portion was fun to watch.  Bob was even yummier sweaty.  Mmmmmm.....

I'm still feeling pretty crappy.  I have to be honest - I would rather not be sick while all this swine flu is out there - even though there is no way I have it - it is unnerving!   

The only exercise that I did yesterday was a walk for an hour with the pup.  Tonight is my night to go to the gym with husband.  I think I will just sit on the bike while he does his weights.  I don't know if I have the energy to lift weights.  I figure as long as I move some part of me... I likely could pull off a weight workout,  if I'm honest, but I really believe that you get healthy faster if you rest.  Maybe that's a cop-out, I don't know... but that's what I'm going with!!

I'm making Thai chicken thighs tonight.  That has to be one of my favourite meals.  That is the one thing about me - no matter how sick I'm feeling - I never, ever lose my appetite.  Sigh....

I bought myself a nice fresh loaf of 3 grain rye bread today and made myself a ham sandwich for breakfast.  It was really good.  Rye bread has to be my favourite type of bread.  Followed by pumpernickel.  Mmmmm.

Well, I suppose I have blathered on long enough.  Have a healthy day bloggers!

Feeling Weepy

I must have PMS badly today.  I have been tearing up all morning.  My daughter is driving me crazy and every time I think about it.... the tears start.  Ugh!

No work out today......I woke up feeling quite sick (I have a head cold, I think).  I went to the library right when it opened and checked out 3 books.  I've really been feeling like reading lately, but alas, was out of books to read.  Of course, now when you go to the library you have to check the books out yourself, which I've never done, and so the library lady came over and treated me like an imbecile.  She clicked the ok button on the screen with the instructions and then walked away.  I was like "um now I don't know what to do"..... so heavy sigh from her...... it was all I could do not to smack her with one of my books.  Little bitch.  When she was learning her job, I bet she got training.  Now I have to stand there doing her job with no training, and I get the eye rolls and sighs.  I was SO not in the mood for that today.  

What else.  I'm watching Stargate Atlantis again from the beginning to get ready for Season 5 on DVD.  Unfortunately though, last night I had bad dreams about my house sinking.... too much SA right before bed I guess!!

Well bloggers.... that's all I have for today.  What a snoozer - sorry!

Have a healthy day!

Boredom is my enemy!!

Well, my day didn't go as planned today at all.  

My run on the treadmill was BAD.  I was tired, and I think that coupled with the fact that the tread keeps right on going at it's pace, was really hard on my knee, and after 20 minutes I had to walk.  Oy!  My knee was so sore, I had to step off the machine when I was done sideways one leg at a time like an old lady!!  I'm going to do either the bike or the elliptical this week to rest my knee up a bit... and then I think I just have to suck it up and run outside.  Huge sigh.  Maybe I will be lucky and in a week spring weather will be back???

Instead of going to yoga, I took puppy on a new path for a walk for an hour.  I have no rationale for this other than I felt ripped off from cardio for not being able to complete my 30 minutes of running.......

Daughter & I did not go to a movie, because I decided I can't really afford it.  This meant that daughter then went out with friends, and I have been here all day alone.

I have already talked myself out of walking to the store for chips 3 (yes, THREE) times......

Ugh....

Mmmm, Saturday with my Tims

My day of nice to my body went well, except I never did get around to the yoga.  The swim was good (although I ended up a bit sea sick), and belly dance was a hoot!!  Teacher showed us a drum dance that she might teach us.  It was smokin!!  I can't wait!!

Yesterday I had the annual Spring Fling up at my Club.  That is a fashion show and lunch for the ladies at the club.  Fashion show was a lot of fun, they got some of the fitness instructors to model and they were such good sports.  The lunch was a kind of disappointing though.  This year they skipped the salad course, and actually, when they brought out the main course, we all thought it WAS the salad course, because there was a bouquet of lettuce (held together at the bottom by a thinly sliced cucumber) and some salmon & a shrimp.  No rice or anything.  Plus, I don't eat stuff out of the water.  I told them politely that I didn't want a plate, but they very nicely took the salmon off and put a chicken breast on there....but left the very offensive shrimp.  Huge shudder.  Anyhow, we all left very hungry.  And for $45, I expect a half cup of rice.

Last night I worked out while daughter was coaching synchro (we were having dinner at the Club 'cause husband is still off golfing), so I did my 30 minute run and lower body weights.  Then a healthy veggie burger (no bun) and garden salad for dinner.  Yum.  The Club's veggie burgers are really good.  THEN when I got home, it was sunny and a whole 5 degrees out...and puppy had been in kennel the whole time we were out....so I took him on an hour walk.  My feet were quite sore last night - I'm quite sure I need new running shoes.  Last time I think I bought new ones before 200k, but this pair I'm at almost 400 I think.  Yikes!!  I have to check - but I'm sure I got new shoes before Christmas.....

Today....a 30 minute run and then my yoga class.  I've just been running on the treadmill....which is both easier and harder on my knees.  In any case, I'm not going back outside till it friggen warms up.  I'm a fair weather runner for sure!!

Daughter & I may go see a movie today - I wanted to catch the Julia Roberts movie, but she would rather the new Mathew Maconohey (Lord, I know I spelled that WAY wrong, but I'm too lazy to look it up) & Jennifer Garner movie.  It looks fun also, so.....I told her though that if she wants popcorn, she has to buy her own.  I usually get myself the kiddie popcorn and drink, which is only $5 or so.  

Well, that's about all I have for today.  Have a healthy day!!

be kind to my body day!

I went to the club last night with husband.  Yesterday was an upper body day.  I do my run in the morning on my own, and then just do weights with husband.  Last night I was feeling spunky & strong so I upped some of my weights.  WELL, this morning I can hardly get my top on because it hurts to move my arms!!  

As such, I have decided to make this a "be kind" day.  What will that entail?  WELL, it doesn't entail running today (my feet hurt when I got up this morning).  I am going to do 35 minutes of swimming lengths (breast stroke) with friend at 1:00.  When I'm done watching No. 1 Ladie's Detective Agency on PVR, I will fire up the old Wii Fit and do some yoga.  Then tonight, at 7:00 I have belly dance.  All nice, loving, kind to the body exercising.  Obviously I will not be earning a ton of activity points with this type of exercising today, but I really feel like my body needs it.  

Hmm, husband left for his golf trip today.  Of course, the roads are so bad with ice now I'm really worried about him getting there ok!

Not much else on the go for today.  Had the best breakfast today.  1/2 of a Dempsters Everything bagel with peanut butter.  Mmmmm.  It was so good.  I have two hard boiled eggs cooling right now for lunch.  Life is good.

Oh, Co-Op is starting to get more and more WW products in, and in the past few weeks I have tried both the chocolate & banana nut muffins.  I was really surprised at how decadent they taste.  For 3pts, it is a pretty nice treat.  Not every day, of course....but....once in a while.

Well bloggers, have a healthy day!!

it is snowing outside right now

I haven't posted for a while.  For many reasons.  

1. I haven't really felt like it - I had too much to say and nothing all at the same time
2. My daughter & husband finally came to blows - mostly because daughter is busy being 16 and husband had finally had enough.  This caused much stress on all 3 of us.  For many, many days.
3. My computer has been shutting off at the oddest times, resulting in "check disks" that sometimes ran more than 24 hours only to shut off again.  Last night the screen hinges broke completely and the screen was hanging on by a cord at each end!!

Last night husband took me to the Apple store and we came home with a MacBook.  I'm so happy.  It is so light.  And now I can iChat....well, I could if I knew anyone that could also do that.....

OK.  My fitness has been on track through all of my upheaval.  In some ways, that was the only thing to get me through it all.  I am still running (around 5 times a week), doing weights 3 times a week (one week 2x upper body, 1x lower body, next week the opposite), doing my belly dance once a week, yoga once a week...and walking the dog around 5k a day.  Yay me, right?

WELL....I've also been tracking my points.  Haven't made it ONE day on points.  It just shocks me that there was ever a time when that was enough food.  WTF?????

Daughter & husband have started talking again.  Sort of.  Daughter is not applying herself at school.  Not really making any effort to be part of our little family.  It is so frustrating - she has so many opportunities available to her...and she is squandering them all.  Sometimes I wonder if we have done our children any favours by giving them all that we didn't have.  Hmpf!!

Hmm.....sadly, I don't have much more of an update.  I have over 300 blog entries to read.....so overwhelming......like so much of my life right now. 

I have been feeling very lonely.....kinda since Christmas....everyone seems so busy....I spend most of my days talking to my dog...and while he is good company...he never really has much to say!!  I was hoping to go back to work part time, but as yet have not heard anything.  I like many things about being home, like being here to get daughter off to school, making a kick ass supper every night...being able to go to the gym whenever I want in the day....but it is very lonely.....

Ugh - I think the snow (and clouds that come with it) is really getting me down.  I need spring to be here for real!!!!

Have a healthy day bloggers!!!

400th Post!

Holy noodle, I've been blathering on here for a long time - 400 posts! Cool beans!

Tornwordo asked about the joke that my husband's company played. Well, here it is. He came in to a very official letter, signed by the controller, saying that they were re-aligning the company finances (husband is part owner) and so, could he please write the company a cheque for $18,478 by April 5. I have never heard panic in my husband's voice like that at all. And of course, before they could tell him it was a joke, he was on the phone with me....not cool.

With daughter home sick yesterday, I was prepared to use it as an excuse to not go to the gym. Yes, that's right, after all of this personal growth with healthy lifestyle changes, I was completely committed to blowing off my exercise. Then daughter, bless her heart, realised that she had to coach her little girls and couldn't miss, and she wanted to go up early so she could grab a sandwich first. So now I have to DRIVE up to the club. All of a sudden is seems like I will have to OUT OF MY WAY to actually skip the workout. Crap.

I get my run done (I'm limiting my treadmill time to 30 minutes, till the bruised feeling is gone in my knee), and I decide to try my new lower body workout. I have been procrastinating, because I have to use the machines, and I'm not comfortable with them yet, and I'm shy, yada, yada.

I get to the laying down hamstring curl machine and it clearly needs some adjusting to fit my body length - but I have no idea which buttons to push/pull to get it where I need it to be. Of course, all of the staff are so busy chatting that I can't get their help. I will be putting in a complaint today. I belong to a ridiculously expensive/high end club. They really should be clamouring to help people on the floor, instead of chatting about their weekend plans. And when they are all together like that, even though I walked up to them, they didn't break up the chat. Me, being me, was too intimidated to make a big deal. Ugh. I hate me being me.

Luckily, husband knows how to use this machine, so when we go up today, he will show me how to adjust it, and I will finish off my lower body workout. Plus, I will do my 30 run. When I started running, I ran every day, cause I just enjoy it. Somehow, over the years, I got it in my head that I shouldn't do that. What a load of shit. If I like it, I'm doing it.

I am waiting for husband to be done in the hot tub so we can watch a show we have taped, so all that is on the tv right now are info-mercials. OMG!!! I have to buy everything I've seen! HAHA!! First was some dvd system that uses dance to give you rock hard abs, and now is a steam floor cleaner that is so light you can use balloons to lift it off the floor!! In all honesty, I can see how that would be nice to have for my ceramic tile in the kitchen....

Have a healthy day bloggers!!

Posting Point Style...cause I'm lazy

• My title says it all
• Daughter is sick. Took her to the clinic yesterday and then to the lab for blood tests where they took 8 viles of blood!! All of the joints in her body are aching and swollen. What the hell causes that?? I have to wait until Tuesday to find out when the tests come back.
• I watched Oprah cause she had Valerie, Marie & Starr on. I've been boycotting Oprah for so long I was SHOCKED to see how heavy she is AGAIN. Poor her.
• Got my Mary Kay makeup today. I put it on immediately. I really like the colours. So does daughter - she informed me immediately that she would be borrowing it!!
• I was mildly disappointed with the ER finale yesterday - it was a really long, non-eventful episode. Good thing they wrapped up lots this season.
• My husband's work played a really, really mean joke on him for April fools - I seriously thought he was going to have a heart attack - I have NEVER seen my husband that stressed in the whole time we've been together (almost 20 years). I felt SO bad for him when they came in and told him it was a joke. Thank God it was a joke though!
• We had Barkbusters in to work with the puppy - OMG people - if you are having issues with your dog, these are the people to call. No KIDDING. I can't recommend it enough. My dog is a changed dog after ONE session! (to be honest, I'm a changed owner also!)
• Mizfit: I did in fact have a massage yesterday, where I had the EXTREME pleasure of saying to my massage therapist "this is easily the most painful thing you've EVER done to me!". I don't know how I kept myself laying down on the table. The upside is that she worked the kinks out!!
• My ridiculously thin, tiny "pal" said over coffee today that she was trying to lose 5 lbs...it was all I could do not to clock her one right in the face. Why would I care at all? I must think about that reaction. That is just wrong.
• Not much on the agenda for this weekend. We have a curling banquet to go to tomorrow night. I'm going to wear my new makeup.
• Have a healthy day bloggers!!

ow, ow, ow, ow

I'm thinking my new weight program is effective.....it hurts to type. Hurts to lift my tea cup. Hurts to put my top on....Do you see the pattern here??

Went to the gym first thing to run on treadmill. Short run - 30 minutes of 10:1's and 5 minute cool down. Slow run - total of 4k including cool down. My knee still hurts where the bruise is on the side. But not an injured knee kind of hurt, just a bruise hurt. Actually was uncomfortable to stretch....but I did it anyhow cause I'm a good girl.

Was supposed to go to synchro today, but I'm not going to. I don't think my knee is ready for all that treading water doing eggbeater.

Did some more work on the toy I'm making for my niece. I have two feet done. Just have the arms and eyes left. The toy is called Rudy the Rectangle. Hahaha. I forgot how relaxing crocheting can be.

Oh, I stopped for gas this morning, and bought a bag of...hickory sticks while I was paying. I can't remember the last time I did something like that. I had the bag half eaten before I really even thought about what I was doing. I didn't eat before going to the gym. I have got to have something right away in the morning - I was starving by the time I was done. Silly girl.

Well, not much else on the go today. Chicken stir fry for dinner, and household chores on the agenda for the rest of the day. The excitement never ends!

Have a healthy day bloggers!!

Monday, Day 1, Week 3

Well, ladies, I survived the belly dance show! Actually, all in all I think it went well. I didn't forget any steps, didn't throw up, didn't pass out.

I will post pictures/video as soon as I can get my hands on some.

This morning I hit the gym again - I'm all healed from my big fall and I no longer have any excuses. I ran and it went well. Did my new weight routine and it went well. Tomorrow its back to synchro.

This afternoon I started a crochet project - I'm making a stuffed toy for my new niece. It will be cute!!

Just a short post - I have a really, really bad headache and I need to close my eyes for a while.

Have a healthy day bloggers!!

Saturday....

Mmm, Saturday morning. Husband is curling this a.m. Daughter went straight from a birthday party sleepover to the mall shopping. Just me, the pup and my Tims. I can think of worse ways to start the day.

One of the blogs I read uses NutriMirror to log her food. I had never heard of this before, so I googled it. What a nice site! I've used WW for so long, I don't really know much about actual nutritional information. I know to choose lean, whole grains, high fibre, veggies, fruit. But I mean just the makeup of what I'm eating. Anyhow, I'm going to log my food on there for a week, just to see. I did yesterday. Oy! I failed miserably. If you're hitting your goals, the #'s show green. Mine were all red. Nowhere to go but up!! Or down, I guess - haha

What else.....oh, I ordered some new eye shadow from Mary Kay. I got their spring catalogue, and ordered the Coastal Colors Set, which includes an eyeshadow palette that has blue, brown & green, a Bahama Blue eyeliner, and a Caribbean Coral lip gloss. I think it will look very pretty....

I have to go to a curling banquet tonight. Should be fun - there will be a band or dj, so dancing should be on the agenda I hope.

Mostly I will spend the day fretting about my show tomorrow. I'm not nervous, which is kinda making me nervous. Hmm, I guess that doesn't make much sense, but there you have it.

Have a healthy day bloggers!

I HEART Italian Wedding Soup!

5pts for a can of Italian Wedding Soup. Mmmm, what an awesome deal. I add two cubes of frozen spinach and some frozen broccoli and I have a screamin good lunch! It's heating up on the stove right now. Yum.

My knee is still feeling....owie. I pulled my pant leg up to look today and yowsers, am I bruised. I have a huge bruise on the side of my knee, and my knee cap is completely yellow. The bruise is only now working its way up to the surface. Sigh. I still haven't tried running. I have belly dance rehearsal again tonight.....I'm thinking I will wait until after my show. I was going to try to start, but I'm still quite sore.

Speaking of the belly dance show - I have finally figured out how I'm going to do my makeup. I decided just to do it the way I "normally" do (I only wear makeup around twice a year), but I've added some purple. Oooooo. I know, I'm a wild woman!!
I was going to try to either a) curl my hair or b) get my hair done, but have scrapped that idea because, after trying yesterday a) I cannot do it, nor can I learn fast enough and b) I do not have the $$ to get my hair done. I will just run a flat iron through it. That will just have to be fancy enough.

Hmmm, not much else on the go. Hope you all have a healthy day.

PS: Thank you again to Tiggerlilly for your post today...your timing couldn't have been better. You rock!!

Feeling Better

I've been resting up, licking my wounds. Every day that something feels better, I notice a new owie. My teeth finally stopped hurting yesterday, but that is when the pain in my upper back showed up. I was going to book a massage, but I can't stand the thought of someone touching me right now (much to husband's dismay!!). My knee is still bruised, and swollen on the side, BUT I can stand up and sit down quite easily now, and going up stairs is ok....coming down is still a bit hairy, but to be completely honest, my knee has bothered me when going down stairs for a while, so.....bruises have shown up on my the back of my forearm, and they hurt since I seem to use the back of my forearm for everything! It's like having a cut on your finger...that is when you notice you use that finger for everything!

I did go to Belly Dance rehearsal last night. The show is on Sunday so I couldn't miss. I got moved to front and center because I'm the anchor! I think what they mean is I remember the routine the best. I made it through the rehearsal just fine, but my knee swelled up when I got home. As I think I mentioned, both husband and daughter will not be able to attend my performance. They both came to the rehearsal last night, which ended up being a dress rehearsal, so they now have a good idea of what they would have seen. The both said it looked good and that I was the best. Which of course, they would say, but it was nice to hear regardless. I'm in quite a panic now, worrying that I will forget my place. Oy!!

Daughter is on Spring Break (yay) and so we are going downtown to meet husband for lunch. Vietnamese sub. From Thi-Thi - the only place you should ever go to for Vietnamese subs cause they are the best in the city!! I cannot WAIT!!!!! I get the satay beef.....mmmm...my mouth is watering just thinking of it.

So, the finale of Big Love....what a show! I loved it. I think next year will be GREAT!!! I'm quite excited about Nikki's ex-husband and daughter joining the cast. That should provide some good drama.

Oh, I got my hair cut and coloured yesterday. Well, the cut was more of a trim, and I just coloured it brown, which is my natural colour. It feels nice and fresh. Amazing how a simple hair appt can make you feel like a million bucks.

Have a healthy day bloggers!

Help - I've fallen....but I can get up...ssslllooooowly

Yesterday was a nice day. Husband had to curl, so I decided I would do my run outside while he was doing that, and then we would meet at the club later to do weights together.

I get out my Garmin, program my run (which takes me for friggen ever, by the by), get changed, get heart rate monitor on, get ipod ready, grab cell phone, put harness on dog, get poop bags, Kleenex, attach leash, put on the running shoes with the sensor....oy! at this point I'm exhausted and ready for a nap!!

So, off I go. An "EZ" run scheduled. Quick 4k. I run 2k up the road.....after 1k back, I stop at poop bag bin to make Indiana's deposit....start my run...and promptly trip on sidewalk. Attempt to use fence to break my fall, but only succeed in hurting my upper body as well as my knee when I finally do come crashing down in spectacular fashion. I'm completely disoriented, but after a few moments get up, and realize that a fellow is yelling at me from his porch "are you ok?" Having grown up with a mother who took pride in her children not being a bother, I promptly yell "I'm fine" even though I'm not. I try to move forward. Can't move my one leg, cause my knee is stuck. Crap. I have my cell phone, but no one to call because husband is curling. So, it takes me over half an hour to hobble home, crying almost the whole way, of course. And pesky puppy - kept pulling me - I kept saying "you're supposed to be able to tell when I'm sick and behave!!" But, he would just look up and then pull. Sheesh.

The good news is, that while my knee is really swollen, I am able to get around today. I can even bend it a bit. Yesterday I couldn't - which meant every time I had to pee I had to do a one legged squat onto the toilette!! My arm is all bruised, and my shoulder is killing me. My teeth also really hurt - I must have clacked them together when I fell.

Today is a scheduled rest day, and I intend to do just that. Of course, had I waited until today to do my run, I wouldn't have tripped on that part of the sidewalk because last night we got over 5 inches of snow!

I'm a little worried about my belly dance rehearsal I have tomorrow night. I don't know that my knee can go in the directions it needs to for the dance. Belly dance, while I love it, is very hard on my knees.

Have a healthy day bloggers!!

Thursday already?

Yesterday I ran on the track at the Talisman. As I mentioned, it was my first time using the facility. I liked being on the track - it was comfortable. What I didn't like was going around and around in circles, and how hot it is in there. Of course, it has to be, because of the pools, but...didn't make for a comfy run. I kicked butt though. I was happy with my time and how I felt at the end of it.

What I didn't do yesterday was my weights. I was just too tired, as was husband. I forgot how draining it was watching swimming all day, and the smell from the chlorine makes me quite nauseous.

On the agenda today....housework....blech....and belly dance tonight! We are getting extra time at the end of class, which should be fun. We need the practice!

Who's been watching that new show called Lie to Me, anyone? It is fast becoming one of my favourites. Oddly, Wednesdays are becoming one of my favourite nights for television. Lots of crime shows.

Well, I think I will take the puppy for a walk. He's been sleeping all day, he could likely use the movement! Lazy little monkey! Plus, it will get me off my ass and going on the housework, I hope, as does my husband, HAHA.

I'm making chicken fried rice for dinner tonight. I like that, cause I can get lots of veggies in there, and daughter will then eat them all. Plus, it's also a great way to sneak in the brown rice! Did I tell you all the other day, I made rice for dinner, and daughter said, wow, mom, this rice is great - what kind is it?? I laughed - I had run out of brown and found some white rice in the cupboard! Guess I don't have to wonder which one she likes better!

Have a healthy day bloggers!!

When your self-image leaks onto your daughter....

it hurts. This post will contain a Biggest Loser spoiler, so if you haven't watched, come back when you have.

Last night husband & I were watching BL, as we do on Tuesdays, except that daughter happened to watch a bit, since we were eating in front of the tv. Husband had to go to curl, and daughter sat downstairs for a bit, chatting on facebook. During the time she was down here, the contestants were running their half marathon challenge (without any official training). As the times came up, I think everyone but 2 of them beat my time. As Kristen finished, I said "even Kristen beat my time, I'm going to kill myself". Daughter looked over. The look on her face....it actually makes me cry to even think of it.

Here's the thing. That comment came out of me out of habit. I am so used to putting myself down, that I didn't even think. Here I had the chance to set a great example for my daughter. I trained, I ran and finished my race. Daughter had been proud of me. And in that moment, it was all undone. In that moment I showed her the part of myself that I hate. And the worst of it is I actually, deep down I actually am really proud of myself. I'm already training for my next run so that I can finish comfortably. And now I have to have a talk with my daughter to try to explain all this to her.

Ok, how weird is this - I'm sitting here typing this, crying, and she came out of her room (up an hour early) and asked what was wrong. Talk about the perfect opening. Anyhow, talk is done, and all is well. She said she didn't think anything when I said that, but I still feel better having talked to her.

Daughter is having her first ever speed swim meet today. Luckily it is at a really nice facility here in town, that has a running track (Talisman) and I'm going to do my run on the track while daughter warms up and stuff. I've never run on a track - I'm kinda excited to try it! Weights tonight with husband. Yesterday was a cross training day, and I was going to swim, but it is TTOM, and I'm an old fashioned gal, so no pool for me. I did the eliptical for 45 minutes instead. It was hard. But a good hard. Sure felt my hamstrings when I was done.

I made salad for dinner last night. We had left over beef tenderloin and a Korean chicken breast, grated cheddar, mixed greens, 3 coloured peppers, green onions, cucumbers, a pint of grape tomatoes, garlic almonds, pumpkin seeds, soybeans, raisins. I set up everything in a separate little bowl and then we all made our own, like a salad bar. It was really good.

Well, I have to get my bag ready. At my club, I don't have to worry about towels, locks, shampoo, hair dryers, yada, yada....so I really have to get my bag ready!!

Have a healthy day bloggers.

Monday, Day 1, Week 2

My birthday dinner was so freaking good! Husband was so proud of himself and his culinary skills that he said he would cook more often. I will believe it when I see it. In any case, I enjoyed him cooking last night. It is just such a treat to have someone else cook. I know that is what going to a restaurant is, but it's different to have a meal cooked at home.

I did my workout first thing this morning. 4.8k run and my weights. I am changing my weight routine for next week. You know those muscles that kinda go from the top of your neck to the top/middle of your shoulders? Mine is starting to resemble the Incredible Hulk. I think it might not be proportioned well (the program I'm following). So, I will be pulling out my old standby book - Body for Life. It has a great weight program. Kim Lyons was good for the first two levels, but I don't like this third one. And if I don't like it, I will start skipping it. And I don't want to do that.

I was a bit pissed at myself today - I forgot to start my Nike+ until I was well over 1k into my run. Sheesh. What a doorknob I am!

Hmmmmm, is anyone out there watching Big Love? Next week is the season finale. I'm so sad it will be over....we all love that show. It has been a great season - every episode just leaves us stunned. BSG finishes this week also.....sigh.....I can't imagine how they are going to end that one.....although I have no doubt it will be great.

Well bloggers, have a healthy day!

The End of Week One

I made it through my first week of my new training program for my next 1/2 marathon. I think it went really well, and I liked it. Yesterday I was supposed to do weights and a run after yoga, but I ended up moving my run to this morning. Other than that, I was spot on. I have to write out my weight training for the next week later today. This week I am adding my trouble spots exercises - I keep forgetting to do them.

Husband and daughter are making dinner for me tonight. Beef tenderloin. Mmmmm, I can hardly wait. And a chick pea salad and a green pea salad. It should be really, really good. It is part of my birthday present. I'm so spoiled.

Not much else on the go or to report. Have a healthy day!

You're Going Down You Big Blueberry!

That is what Filipe said to Kristen on BL - best line ever!!


Tuesday was my birthday. I celebrated by going to my synchro class. It went really well. It was really, really hard, but I was moving the entire hour! It was my cross training day, so that was a great way to give my joints a rest. We ordered in Chinese and my sister was still in town with my new baby niece, and so it was a great day!!


Monday night we had an extra belly dance class - a rehearsal for our show. It was so much fun - we danced the entire hour, our routine over and over and over and over. The good news is that I now know the entire routine. It is so cute!

Wednesday I ran, but forgot my Nike+ sensor. I was so mad. Mostly cause it was just in the locker - but the treadmills were filling up fast so....anyhow, I had to run @ race pace, which is 8.0. It was a good run. On the treadmill. I'm kinda bummed that I won't have it in my stats, but....

Thursday I went to the Brier with my girlfriend. OMG - it was so much fun!! I had a freakin ball!! My girlfriend treated me to lunch as a belated birthday treat, and so for two hot dogs and two waters she paid $16!! Oy - that was a treat all right. I haven't had a hot dog in.....I don't even remember....years and years. It was so good - and she took a picture of me eating it!! HAHA.

Last night was belly dance and boy did we work hard. She kept us an extra 15 minutes, and we just did the routine over and over and over. It was fun. Everyone picked their skirts out and next week I'm going to bring all my hip scarfs to class to see if anyone wants to borrow to go with their skirts.

Today was a "Long Slow Run" day of 6.4k. I did it at an 8.13 pace on the treadmill. It is really nice outside, but not a lot of people have shovelled their sidewalks so it is still too icy.

Tomorrow will be a busy day. I have yoga, and EZ run to do of 4k AND it is a weight day. Phew! I'm going to need a nap after for sure! haha

I'm meeting my girlfriend for drinks tonight.....since I'm not drinking for lent, it will mean club soda for me, but it will be mucho fun never the less.

Hope you're all having a fabulous day!

Monday, Day 1, Week 1

I went to the gym right away this morning after dropping daughter at school. Since this was my first time doing weights and a run on the same day (normally I do one or the other), I decided to do my run first. My reasoning was that the gym gets busy after 9:00, and so I wanted to hop onto a treadmill while they were free. This meant though, it was a bit squishy doing weights. There were lots of people meeting with their trainers, and they always take up lots of room. In any case, I was able to find a little corner to call my own and away I went. I did two sets of 10 for each exercise. I'm going to stay with the same two circuits for the whole 12 weeks, and just work on increasing the reps and weights for the whole 12 weeks. Last 12 weeks I changed my weight routine every 4 weeks. Just changing it up!

The only thing that was kinda a drag is that I used my Nike+ for my run, which was only 40 minutes, but forgot to turn it off, so it looks like my run took me 1:10 minutes!!! Oh, well. I had all the stats from the treadmill anyhow. I ran at a 8:13 pace, which was my avg pace for my half marathon. One day a week I need to run at my "race pace", which is supposed to be the pace I want to run my race at - I'm going to try to do my race at 8:00. I chose 8:13 as a beginning pace for the other runs because it was a number I had from the last race, and because it is an easy pace, and I have a long road ahead of me. I need to be sure I start slow so that I don't give up.

I cannot believe how cold it is outside today. I am so tired of the cold weather. My feet are cold just sitting here typing. What a bummer! It was so cold this morning that my garage door wouldn't close on it's own!!

I have an extra belly dance practice tonight. It isn't until 9:00!! I think I may have mentioned at some point that I'm performing in a show at the end of the month (Calgary readers can e-mail me if they want to know where they can buy tickets wink wink). Well, we will be two classes together performing one number. Since we have never even met, we are doing some extra practices with them together. I'm kinda happy because I've been stressing that we aren't practicing together. I'm one of those people that doesn't adjust well to change so I need to see where I will be standing and get used to who will be next to me. Plus, I'm a smidgen stressed that we haven't learned the whole choreography yet. Oy!! In any case, I'm happy to have an extra belly dance class!

Mmmm, not much else on the go for me today. Might boogie out in a bit to grab a latte. I have a hankering for some milk, and that is my favourite way to drink it!!

Have a healthy day bloggers!!

Not Dead!

it has been a million years since I've posted!

I have been re-evaluating my life. There has to be more to life than worrying about my weight. I had a bit of an "ah ha" moment on my last two day contract job. I was sitting training a gal, and she got an e-mail from a co-worker saying that he was starting up a fat loss competition. $200 to enter, top 4 win $$, body fat % to be done by professional from a local college. Sounded like they were going to have fun. So, gal I'm training turns to me and says "you should go in this!". I was stunned. And really, really insulted. I just told her that $200 was a lot of $$ for me, given that I don't have a job and changed the subject. But as I told husband (who said "well, that would be a waste of $$, you look great - you don't have anything to lose"), I realized that the reason I'm having trouble is because I am actually happy with where I am.

So, what does this mean? Nothing, except that it felt good to feel good about myself. I just finished my first Fitbook (www.getfitbook.com) and tomorrow I start my new one. Tomorrow I also start my half marathon training schedule. I have sat and planned out the next 12 weeks of training. I will be running 4 times a week, doing weights 3 times a week and swimming once a week. Oh, I also have yoga & belly dance going on, but that's just for fun, not fitness.

I hadn't ran (run??) since I did the half marathon on Feb 15. At first it was because I was so sore everywhere. But, as time went on, I got more and more freaked out about running. I dreaded how much my knees would hurt. I dreaded that feeling my lungs would feel because I had been a lazy bum....(I had kept up with my weights, but cardio had run amok!). Well, today I went to club with husband, got on that treadmill, picked a nice slow speed and ran. I did great. Everything felt good and now I'm really looking forward to starting my training tomorrow. I'm a bit bummed about the weather - there is so much ice on the streets around my house that I will be training on the treadmill till it melts. I did have it at an incline, so that should help when I have to start running outside.

What else. Oh, ya! I signed up for adult synchro!! It is so hard, and everyone else in the class has experience, but I'm going to keep at it. I made it through my first class without drowning, so I feel pretty positive about it. It is shockingly hard. My daughter swam competitively for 7 years, and it looked so effortless when she did it.....I sure have an appreciation now for her gold medal routines!!

Well, I guess that is all for tonight. Just wanted to say hi. I have over 900 blog entries to read......oy!!

Have a healthy evening bloggers!!

I can walk again!! (Go Team Lean!!)

My run on Sunday was so much fun. Don't get me wrong, I've never done anything that I found that hard, but somehow, it was still fun.

So, my official finish was 2:54:40. That is from my Garmin. My chip time is 5 minutes more, but that is because I took a pee break and had to stand in line for a stall, if you can believe it!! I'm not counting that as part of my run time, since I was sitting! ;-)

I did really well for the first 14k....then the pee break....then my groove was gone! My hips were killing me, and I really finished the last part of the race running for a couple of minutes, walking for a couple.....on and on.... At one point I actually wondered if I could even finish! Somehow, I did.

So, I finally see the finish line, see my walking group waiting for me there......then I look over, and there is my husband and daughter! They came down to surprise me! Husband took the picture that I posted on Sunday. They stood there from the 2:30 mark (in case I actually was a speedy). They were cold, but they were smiling so big at me. I saw husband, ran over to him and let out the biggest sob of my life. I actually lost my breath! I think the race people thought I was trying to steal my race chip - cause while I was hugging husband and daughter there was a man at my ankle trying to get it off! Husband cried at my reaction to them being there. I don't think they have ever done anything that thoughtful. It made the pain worth it! He said me finishing this race was a really big deal, and he wanted to be there for it! I told him he might be a keeper yet! (haha)

The night before the race the dogs we were dog sitting had me up all night. I don't think I even got 4 hours sleep.

Oh, the brunch after the half marathon - totally worth it! It was at the Sheraton Hotel and it was delish.

So, lessons I learned from this run that I can apply to my next half marathon run (which is the end of May)

* make sure to get the long runs in. I only ever ran 12k before the race - and I would have benefited from the mental training had I done the longer runs. You really do need to train yourself to go further.
* have food with me. 14k's in I was STARVING to the point of distraction. I'm sure if I'd seen a small kid with food I would have taken it from them!!
* figure out my goal finish time and what pace that is and then practice that pace. I think I started this race too fast. My avg pace was 8:13, but I started the race under 7. I likely would have felt better for longer if I'd slowed it down.

I'm sure there were other things, but that's all I can think of now. Overall, it was a really good experience. Of course, I can think that now that the pain is gone. I had trouble going up and down the stairs even as late as last night. Monday I went to the Club and did the bike for 30 minutes. Really slow, but I thought it might work out the kinks. I guess it did, cause today I feel much better!

The best part about doing that race? I so inspired my daughter that she is thinking of trying a mini-triathlon!

I realize I'm kinda going on like there aren't a million people out there running half's (and more!) all the time. I'm just so happy that I finished!!

Have a healthy day bloggers!!

Did I Run the Half Marathon....or Didn't I????

The picture says it all, baby!! More tomorrow - I'm exhausted and having a glass of wine!!

Freaking out...what else is new (Go Team Lean!)

I needed to take a break from blogging for a bit. It was taking me hours to read all the challenge blogs and it seems counter productive to spend hours sitting reading about food.

I have been stressing about the half marathon I have to run on Sunday. I just got an e-mail from the running room with a map of the new route. Crap. I hate last minute changes like that. We went out a week ago to do the route so that I would know what to expect, and now it is all different. Well, not completely different, but different enough to FREAK ME OUT!!

This morning I contemplated just not doing it. Then I thought - that's stupid - just do it. The thing is, the only reason I want to run it is because I'm not a good walker and 22k is just too much walking for me. Then this girl at my club started yapping at me about how long it would take. I think I mentioned this before. In any case, I went from just wanting to run it so I would finish faster than walking to worrying about my end time. I hadn't even been worried about time. URGH!! Why do I care about what people think? I kept telling that girl I just wanted to finish and she kept saying "ya, but in how long?? I did it in 2 hours". I just said "ya, well, I would think you would, but I'm more of a jogger than a runner"....but she still kept asking for a time. Then I finally just blurt out 2.5 hours (totally unrealistic) and now I feel all this pressure!!!

I did weights last night. If you had asked me what I was working on, I would have said upper body. But today I can hardly sit or stand my ass is so sore. So I guess it was more of a full body workout!

I was chatting with a friend on facebook and she has decided to train for the next 16 weeks to do a body building competition up in Fort St. John. Isn't that amazing? The training that is required for that sort of thing is amazing. She will be doing weights 6 times a week and empty stomach cardio 5 times. I asked her to start a training blog - I think it would be very interesting reading.

My BIL called husband today to see if we were going to get FIL a present for his 70th b-day. Husband explained that right now we have no $$ and we have a couple of gargantuan bills coming due in the next few months (the balance of his business loan being one of them). I guess FIL wants a 40" plasma tv (don't we all?). I normally would never tell my husband not to spend $$ if he wanted to except that his parents came into town over Christmas and spent no time with my daughter. They cancelled out of Christmas breakfast at the last minute (they had come every year for breakfast for the past 10 years) and even though they were in town for a week, they only saw my daughter when they came over for dinner Christmas day. That is their choice, certainly, but if they can't give us (my daughter) their time, I am sure as shit not spending $ we don't happen to have to buy them a fucking tv. I was so angry when I heard this. Truth is, I was so hurt at Christmas, even if we had the $ I would have said no. I don't think you should give a gift if your heart isn't in it. You just end up resenting it. At least I do. In the end, husband had decided no before speaking to me about it and had already told BIL this. The icing on the cake was when husband told BIL we didn't have the $$ to buy half a tv, BIL actually asked if we had vacation plans this year - like if we did, then we should pony up for the tv!! Am I out to lunch to think that one thing doesn't have anything to do with the other?? It just so happens that we don't have plans, because we don't want to take a vacay we don't have the cash for, but....

On top of all that, the actual reason husband even called me was to tell me we need a $700 brake job for our car today. All of the above was just an aside to that.

I have two days of contract work next week. So that is good. I have to go in and train the girl again that I trained last November. So far I've been paid to show everyone the same stuff around 3 times. I guess as long as they want to pay for it, I shouldn't worry about it. I have been hoping for some contract work....two days isn't much, but better than nothing for sure.

OK. I suppose I have rambled now like an idiot. Sorry. This stuff has just been swirling around and around in my head. It helps to get it out in a forum like this. Better this than picking up the phone and yelling at one of my relatives. Well...maybe not better for you guys who had to read it...but.... ;-)

Have a healthy day bloggers!!

Much Better Mood

Phew - I'm in a much better mood today.  I did get dog out for a walk yesterday and it felt so good to have the sun on my face.  It was ridiculously nice out yesterday and even my lullulemon jacket was too much -  I had to unzip my jacket.

Puppy is still adjusting to his new booties, and he managed to kick them off no less than 4 times.  Twice, sadly, I didn't notice and we had to walk back from whence we came to look for the missing booty.  Little monkey - likes to keep my on my toes!  Anyhow - he was happy to have the sun on his face also - and he didn't even bark at one person that we passed!

Not much on the agenda today.  I've already been to the Club for a massage that hurt like hell.  Tonight is Belly Dance.  Should get out for a walk this afternoon - take advantage of the nice weather.  I'm sure that I heard on the radio this morning that it is supposed to snow tomorrow.  Shitters.

Have a healthy day bloggers!!

Biggest Loser TV - Spoilers (Go Team Lean!)

GOOD RIDDANCE TO BAD RUBBISH!  That Joelle!!  OMG!!!  She just did not get it.  Even in the end when talking to Carla.  I loved that episode.  Husband was completely engaged - I haven't seen him pay attention to the tv like that without there being a sporting event on ever.  We had to pause the broadcast to pick daughter up - but husband would not budge until he saw Joelle's weight loss.  0.  Oy.  Sometimes I wish you could see 24 hour feeds like on Big Brother.  You just don't know what they are doing with the editing.  But, for her to make that comment about Carla working hard, and Bob's team having more teams to vote....that made it seem obvious to me that she wasn't fussed about the fact that she wasn't trying.

And the gal who only lost 2 lbs at home.  Ha - I can so relate to her!!  I said to husband - that is the most realistic thing I've ever seen on this show.  She is what most people go through.  It was nice to see that little dose of reality in there.  Like they said - they are the Olympics of weight loss.  She had clearly embraced her opportunity being back on the ranch and worked hard.  Nice.  

How cool was it that both Bob & Jillian called people out and just said - hey, if you aren't loosing it's cause you didn't do what you needed to.  I knew the whole "maybe you gained muscle" thing was bunk because my trainer had told me that unless you are actually training for competition and eating as such - you won't ever gain weight from working out with weights.  

Can I just say how much I love Tara and Filipe & Sionne?  (I don't know if I spelled their names right, but hopefully you know who I mean).  I love how hard they work.  I love the effort they put in.  I love how positive they are.  I just love everything about them.  I sure hope all 3 of them are able to go far so we can have lots of viewing time with them.  

I had a really rough day yesterday.  So down in the dumps.  Hopefully today will be better.  My laptop is so broken.  I have been having trouble turning it on, and getting it to stay on.  Today I tried to lift the screen and the entire top part of the keyboard area lifted (the hinge on the right side of the screen broke) and the entire computer fell apart.  We so do not have the $$ to buy another computer right now.  Ugh.....I'm using daughter's computer right now.  Much to her dismay.

Tonight weights with husband at Club.  I have to get the dog out for a walk.  Both of us will feel better if we get some fresh air.  I'm sure of it.

I don't feel like reading blogs right now.  I'm in a crappy mood and I feel like if I read one more blog that says "oh, I ate this (hamburger, slice of pizza, piece of KFC) and NOW I will have gained" I will scream.  We have to (and I know this from previous week's experience) eat 3500 EXTRA calories to gain a pound.  That is more than a slice of pizza.  See, I'm cranky.  Cranky from seeing myself reflected in the 216 blog entries I have to read.  ;-)

Well bloggers.....have a healthy day.