Looking Back

What a year 2011 has been. For so many years, it seemed like nothing changed for me: I hated my job, wasn't in love with the city I lived in, but I had the love of a wonderful guy. 2011 changed some of that. I still have the love of my guy, and I think I will for a long, long time. But, I had the courage to change jobs, and went from hell as an ISSR at Acklands-Grainger, to being unemployed from February to June, then I was an Office Administrator for Grimshaw Trucking, then an Office Assistant at the BCOGC before finally landing back at Acklands-Grainger as an ISSR in a different store. We also left the city that I called home, and came to love, to move to Fort Nelson. Lots of changes, I'd say!

 

I think that quitting AGI in FSJ was the best thing I could have done, even though there was a lot of struggle. Quitting with no job to go to is a scary thing. Luckily my hubby made enough to cover us for the few months that I was off. I went through a bit of depression when once I started to look for a job I couldn't find one, but then when I did, I sat on my butt all day and gained back all of the weight I lost the year before plus some. But, even with all of that, quitting is still something I will not regret. That place was totally toxic, and from what I hear, it still is. AGI in Fort Nelson couldn't be more different. There's still the same kind of struggle, but when you don't have a boss screaming at you all the time, it makes it so much nicer. In general, the atmosphere here is 100% better.

 

One thing I can't stand, is our damn radio station. Ever lived in a town with only 1 radio station? Welcome to Fort Nelson! We have the Bear, which is a rock station, which can be bad enough, but the guy who is on first thing in the morning has no personality whatsoever. It's so annoying.

 

Anyways, back to 2011. I think I can look back, and enjoy most of what I did this year. John and I had a great vacation this year, and got a chance to visit a lot of people. It's always nice when you get the chance to see family and friends - and to explore. I am so happy with the fact that we got to spend time around Banff and Lake Louise. Growing up so close to there, we didn't really ever stop to see it, but it was amazing to get the chance to do so. And to finally visit Drumheller! I had never been there, and because a friend of mine was getting married in Hanna, we got to go! I felt like a little kid. It was fantastic. We did a lot more too, lots of camping. Buying our travel trailer was one of the best things we could do. Personally, I'm not much of a camper. I find it very hard to stay focused and not eat all day because of boredom. John is the camper. He works so much that he needs time to relax, and camping is when he relaxes. So, we camped almost every weekend this summer. We usually didn't go too far from home - mostly to Charlie Lake or Taylor, except for our big road trip this summer, and once out to Inga Lake. I even learned how to hook up to the truck myself and haul the trailer. Next year I need to learn how to back it up.

 

And on to 2012. I have no doubt it will also be an interesting year. We still have our house in FSJ, so once that sells, we can buy a house up here. Buying a house is always exciting. Hopefully we can be in one before next fall! And we have a lot of travelling planned again. In February, we're going down to Dawson Creek to see Dierks Bently in concert. Then not much until May. On the 19th of this month we welcomed another niece into our family - John's brother and his wife had their second baby, another girl named Delling Annelle. We'll be heading down to Kamloops for a week to visit them, and our other family and friends in the area. Pretty sure we'll be taking the trailer for that trip, and staying out at the wildlife farm again. Maybe this time we'll actually have time to go and check it out. Then on July long weekend, we're going to camp near Prince George for a week. We're close enough that we can go into town one day, but also close enough that John's family and friends can come out and visit. There is a great beach where we are going to camp, and lots of hiking trails. Then in September, we're going to leave the trailer behind, and go to Edmonton, Golden and Calgary. Visiting family and friends in all places, and John will have his company hockey tournament in Calgary. Yep, another year with a lot of travel. And we want to get up to the hot springs that are just north of here, and to Fort Liard, which is just 2 and a half hours north of us across the NWT border, and to Whitehorse, YT, which is about 9 hours northeast of here. Yep, pretty sure our truck is going to get A LOT of kilometers put on it next year!

 

And then there's the weight loss goals of 2012 which I've already outlined. Man, it's going to be tough, but not too tough. I think, by this time next year, I'll be talking about maintaining, and not about losing. Man, that will feeeel gooooooooood! I can't wait! More on that to come in the next couple of days - weigh0in number 1 is coming up so soon!

 

Anyways, I'm sending this as an email through my work account. It's super dead. I'm the only ISSR here, and I've had one call in the last 50 minutes, and it was John. But, he gave me some orders, so I guess I should get to it.

 

Have a wonderful day all!

The Flu

Yup, I have been hit with the flu. I'm pretty much over it now, but it was an awful weekend. John and I went down to FSJ to bottle some wine and finish some Christmas shopping. Everyone at work has been sick, but I made it through the week without feeling sick at all so I thought I would be ok. Turns out I was wrong. I spent Friday night sick as hell, Saturday basically sleeping, and Sunday in hell. Today was much better. We got the wine bottled, thanks to John, and that's about it. John went to the CEF FSJ Christmas party which was at the casino, so we stayed in the hotel attached. I got to enjoy a wonderful king sized bed basically to myself - I was asleep by 8 and didn't hear John come in! I need a king sized bed! So lovely!

Anyways, it was a good thing I had today off. I tried to get the house all cleaned up so that I don't have as much to do this week. It didn't work out that way. I basically spent the whole day on the couch. I hope tomorrow I feel good. I don't feel bad enough that I need to stay at home, but I don't want to feel weak at work.

Good news is that I weighed in and I lost 4.5 pounds. I have no illusion that I'm going to gain it back as soon as I feel like eating again, but it feels good to me!

Anyways, back to lounging and watching the Big Bang Theory. Have a good night all!

2012

So, 2011 is almost over - can you believe it?!? I certainly can't! It's absolutely crazy!

But, it got me thinking about what I want to achieve next year. I want it to be a better year than this year - as you know, this year was full of change, and not all of them good. I started this year weighing 187.5 pounds, living in Fort St John, and working a job I hated. Now, I'm living in Fort Nelson, working for the same company as before, but much happier, and as of my last weigh in, I was 214.5 pounds - a gain of 27 pounds, 22 of which were gained back from 2010's weight loss. Suffice it to say, I want 2012 to be better. The new town is great so far, and the job is too, but the weight? HORRIBLE!

So, goals for 2012? I want to make them realistic. I know from experience that when I'm pressured too much, I don't lose. This year was proof of that. So, with the help of my husband, these are my goals for 2012:

• Sunday, January 1 - Official weigh-in of 2012
• Sunday, February 12 - 6 week weigh-in - 10 lb goal - reward! {lululemon hoodie}
• Sunday, March 25 - 12 week weigh-in - 10 lb goal - reward! {facial}
• Sunday, May 6 - 18 week weigh-in - 10 lb goal - reward! {lululemon yoga outfit}
• Sunday, June 10 - 24 week weigh-in - 5 lb goal - no reward unless 10 lbs lost
• Sunday, July 22 - 30 week weigh-in - 5 lb goal - {victoria's secret bathing suit}
• Sunday, September 2 - 36 week weigh-in - 5 lb goal - no reward unless 10 lbs lost
• Sunday October 14 - 42 week weigh-in - 10 lb goal {romantic weekend away with hubby}

So, that's a total of 55 pounds in 42 weeks! That's like 0.76 pounds a week. Last year, I would have made the goal of 2 pounds a week, and tried to do it all in like 25 or 26 weeks. It doesn't work for me - and I think this might! I will definitely be reviewing it each weigh-in, but I think this should work. I would LOVE to be down that 55 pounds sooner, but, if it takes me 42 weeks, or 48, it doesn't matter. But, I do think I can do this. 

Here's how it will work:

When I weigh-in on January 1, that will be my starting weight. Nothing before January 1 matters. Then, I will revise my goal for February 12 to be a specific weight, and so on and so forth. Right now, it's a guide. We'll see how my year is going. And how about those rewards? So excited!

2012 WILL BE BETTER.

No other words needed. I WILL use the tread climber. I WILL use the bow flex. I WILL go to yoga classes. I WILL be healthy. I WILL become the best me that I can.

What do you think??

Northern Lights

That's right - Northern Lights. I finally got to see them last night!! I was so excited! Here's what happened:

Last night was John's Christmas party. It wasn't too bad. We went to the community small business party, and it was pretty packed. The food was surprisingly good. Like, yummy. But the band wasn't too hot. We drank a lot, and I even had my first experience with Susan's purse. Yes, Susan's purse. Susan is an older woman (I'd say in her 50s), and a Newfie, so she likes to drink! She had little bottles of Baha Rosa in her purse, and we went into the bathroom and were passing them back and forth under the stalls. Too funny! I couldn't keep up with her at all, so John and I decided to leave.

Now, they were supposed to have safe rides home for us all, but we couldn't get through with the number that was given. It just went t voicemail. So, no, we didn't drive - Curt picked us up so both of our trucks were at home - we walked. Fort Nelson doesn't seem too big, but when you're a little drunk, and it's -5 and you're wearing a skirt and heels, it's a long way home. We were almost home and I looked up, and there were the Northern Lights!

I've only seen them twice before - once near Lloydminster, and once in FSJ. Both times they were green, and rather faint. Last night they were green and PURPLE! And fairly bright! I think if we had been able to get outside of town, away from the street lights, it would have been very bright! It made walking in the cold all worth it! Even if I think I pulled my groin muscle slightly, and my feet are hurting more than normal, it was worth it!

John's off to FSJ for a few days this week. I'm not sure what I'm going to do without him! I got him to put together my tread climber, but I'm having some foot issues that I'm going to need to go to a doctor for. I have a bump on the inside of my foot, above the back of my arch. It doesn't hurt right now, but after standing all day, it's unbearable. It wasn't too bad all week, but by Friday night it was shooting pain through my whole foot. Not pleasant. Makes it hard to want to work out, that's for sure! Hopefully I can get into the doctor this week, and see what the hell is going on.

Anyways, I'm watching Angels and Demons, and working on a really cute baby blanket! Time to go!

Hello Again!

Me and hubby right before a wedding on 11-11-11

It has been a while, again. I know, bad Kara! It's been hard to think about blogging. I've been in a funk for the past couple of weeks, and I am just hoping that it will lift soon. I'm hoping it's just because I'm getting used to being in a new town and not having any friends. I want it to lift NOW.

Good news is that I've lost 2 pounds since I've been here. Bad news is that I was 216.5 pounds when I moved here. Yes, that means that I was the heaviest I can remember. F*@#!!!! I've been eating and eating and eating. So much. Like, I sit on the couch, and think, I probably shouldn't eat any more, but then I do. I'm overeating, and I know it, but nothing is stopping me.

John got the tread climber put together the other night, and I am determined to work through my laziness tonight after work and go on it. I've joined a 30 minute December challenge where all we have to do is put in 30 minutes of exercise every day. I think I can do it - with my tread climber. It's set up to do 30 minutes a day anyways, but I just have to go downstairs and do it!

But, I'm on my lunch break, so I should eat and then get back to work. It's been slow lately, but it's work anyways, haha.

Live! From Fort Nelson!!

Hello all! I know, it's been a long time...again. What a busy few weeks!

I've just finished my first week in Fort Nelson. I moved up last Saturday, with the help of my parents. We loaded up all that we had left that morning, and drove up. I didn't think we had that much stuff left, but it took John's company truck with the canopy on, my truck and my dad's truck to get all of our stuff, and we still had to leave a few things behind! Our house hasn't sold yet, so it's no big deal. We have to go back down the weekend before Christmas to bottle some wine, so we'll bring the stuff back then.

My mom went out to check on the house yesterday, and we have a little guardian angel who has been shovelling our deck, and snow blowing our driveway - my dad's co-worker Chris. He took it upon himself to keep the place cleaned up for us, which is so nice, considering I've never met the guy even though he lives a few houses down from us. It's so nice of him. We haven't had anyone come to walk through yet, but it's nice to know that if we do have a showing, the outside will look good.

My weight is still high like it was in Fort St John. I haven't tried to lose at all, because this week has just been so hectic. Work has been super busy. 3 out of 5 days this week I worked overtime, which is huge for me. I usually never work overtime. I've been so tired because of it that I've been going to sleep at 8. Yep, at 8. It's kinda pathetic, really. The first few days I just couldn't keep my eyes open. And my feet have been hurting so badly that I haven't wanted to unpack much, so my house is still in a state of disarray. John started setting up our workout gear last night, so hopefully he can get it finished today so I can at least attempt to work out. I bought some gel soles for my shoes, so hopefully that will help with the pain so I can work out in the evenings.

Well, that's this week in a nutshell. I'm going to try to blog more, but all this week, I was much too tired. We'll see :)

I'm back!

Wow, it has been a long time since I've been on here. Sorry for the absence peoples! I've been busy getting packed, and getting ready to move, and honestly, I've been a bit depressed, and for once, I haven't turned to writing to help me with that. Maybe this will be the turning of a corner!

Today, I had a health screening at work. I wasn't going to, but it was free, and scheduled for me, so I thought why not. Initially, I wasn't going to because I didn't want to have some nurse or health care worker tell me that I was obese and to get my ass to the gym and start eating only salads. I was ashamed. I didn't want someone else to see how bad off I am. She doesn't know that at this time last year I was 28 pounds less than I am now, but all she would see was that I'm way overweight. But, I decided to brave it. Wanna see my results?

Height: 164cm (64.5 inches)
Weight: 214 lbs
Waist Circumference: 41 inches
BMI: 35
Blood Pressure: 120/96
Glucose: 5.6
Cholesterol: 175mg/dL

So, what does it all mean?

Well, my BMI is high. I'm right in between the high and very high risk category for developing health problems. Not a good place to be. But, BMI is not a perfect determination of health. My waist circumference is high, but not too high. For women, waist circumference should be 35 and under. That's only 6 inches that I need to lose. It's not that hard, I don't think. I looked, but I can't find my old measurements from last year around this time, so I can't compare, but I think 6 inches should be an achievable thing.

My blood pressure is good! Yay! It's not a good example, because it can change within minutes, but at that moment, it was good. Perfect (or normal) is 120/80 and as long as I'm under 120/100, I'm ok.

Glucose was good - normal is between 4 and 7.

Cholesterol was good - as long as it's under 200,  I'm good.

I also talked to the lady (I'm not sure if she was a nurse, or a nutritionist, or what) about my risk factors of getting pregnant while I'm at the weight I'm at. She thinks that I would be ok, because there are a lot of other women who have babies just fine when they're bigger than me, but she gave me some options to think about. She thinks if I get into the 180s, my health risks will go down a lot, so I should have no problems. It was nice to talk to a professional about it, especially about BMI. It's such a hard thing to get a grasp on. I mean, for me, if I look at the BMI table, I should be anywhere from 138 pounds to 145 pounds. Now, for those of you who have seen me, can you imagine me at 145 pounds? Considering that I'm 214 pounds now, and no one believes me? I spoke to her, and we decided a realistic weight for me is in the 160s. I'm totally ok with that. That means that I have about 50 pounds to lose. I can do that. I know I can do that.

Now, I feel renewed. I feel like I can do it - again. I think it's time to start focusing on food. Right now, my ankle is still bothering me, so I'm not sure about how much cardio I can do, but I know I can watch what I'm eating. But, I will need some support. So, here's the deal. I need each of you to email me. Yes, if you read this, I want you to fire off a quick email. Even if it's just to say hello. I need places to email when I'm feeling frustrated, or that I can't do it. I need support. You don't even have to read the email. Just email me back some encouragement. Let me know that someone has seen that I'm struggling.

My email is kara.anne@live.ca. I look forward to hearing from you all!

Anyways, back to work. I have such a good perspective now, which is great. I'm naturally a pessimist, so this is nice.

Also, this week has been a week of good news - and I'm going to add my good news onto it. A friend just told me she's pregnant, and another friend (my ex) just got engaged! Good week.

Small World

So, we're finding that Fort Nelson is a small town. Very small. Yesterday, John met someone who remembers me from years ago when Acklands in Fort St John was dealing with Fort Nelson. It took me a bit to remember who he was, but he knew exactly who I was. Then today, John had his first day of hockey, and he's playing with a guy who is from Golden, that knows my grandpa and used to work with him. I'm pretty sure I remember who he is, and I'm sure I'll know who he is as soon as I meet him. I definitely know his brother through hockey.

Just brings it back that it's such a small place, and that there is always going to be connections.

Food Of the Week

This is my food of the week - banana bread with cauliflower puree! Yes, that's correct. Cauliflower. It's from Jessica Seinfield's book, Deceptively Delicious. It's fantastic. Totally fantastic. I had my dad taste it, and he didn't know there was anything different in it. I had it with peanut butter on it, and it was amazing...I can't wait to try more things! I have a bunch of cauliflower puree and carrot puree in the freezer so that I can try new things throughout the week!

Random Thoughts...

I think, today, I'm just going to post random thoughts throughout the day. Should be interesting to see what I think up during my work day!

• I'm thinking about declaring next week (Mon-Fri) a carb free week. I need to kick my own ass, and get back into working out and eating right. I think the first step will be eating right. So, no carbs (other than fruit before 2pm) for 5 days. I did it for 17 when I did the 17 Day Diet so I think I can do it for 5. I'm thinking it might be a good idea to do it once a month, cut out carbs for 5 days, just to keep my metabolism up. And when you don't eat carbs, you lose weight. Perfect!
• Along with that same thought, I'm thinking about making another 5 day week a meat free week. Just stuff to keep my body guessing, and to help me try out new foods!
• And, in addition, I'm going to try out a few other things, even when I'm not on my 5 day carb free, or meat free times. No carbs after 2 pm. It worked before, so I'll try it again. It makes sense. Carbs are hard to burn, so why have them an hour before you go to bed, when it's just going to add fat to my ass?
• As you know, I sprained my ankle back on October 9. I feel as though after 12 days, I shouldn't be in pain anymore. But I can't even jog across the street without being in pain. It's been a very long time since I've sprained anything, and I'm impatient to know how long I'm going to have to deal with this! Should I wear an ankle brace? Should I just do nothing? When can I do a real workout without pain? Can I even go on my tread climber? So many questions. I guess it's time to Google.
• Great. Google didn't tell me anything good. It could take weeks or months to heal. Dammit. I don't have time for this!
• I really am tired of this job. Thank goodness we're moving. Since this job is only a temporary assignment, I was hoping that I would be able to find something else within the company after that two months, and that I would be able to continue. Man, I'm glad I don't have to do that. I'm in HR, so I see all of the competitions that have been open since I started, and nothing is appealing to me. The amount of entitlement most of these employees feel makes me so mad that I can't even talk to them. Honestly. Government employees are the worst. I can't wait to be out of the Union. Some people like the protection of the union, I hate it. There are so many incompetent people here that are going to be here forever because they can't get fired. Ugh.
• I am freezing! Usually everyone in HR is freezing, and I think they're crazy, but now it's me! Usually, over in IT (yes, I work with HR and sit in IT) it's so warm because of all of the computers going up here, but today I'm frozen! It was -3 this morning, but I've been in the office for over an hour and I'm still cold. I need a heater!
• So, yes, I sit in IT. When I first started, there was an empty desk in HR, so I used it. Then they had another permanent employee start, so I got booted. There wasn't any room for me, so they stuck me in a corner in IT. It's not all bad. They boys are quiet, and I get a lot of freedom because there is no one breathing down my neck all day and making sure I'm not screwing everything up, which I'm sure our director thinks. When I was in HR, I got to look out a window at an awesome view, and now I'm stuck in a corner looking at walls. Not as cool.
• I'm currently very irritated with my husband, and I am trying so hard not to be. Last night, he didn't call me until 9:40pm. He was just getting home, which is fine, but I was trying to sleep. I was pissy already because he didn't call, and then he called and disturbed me. And he didn't even apologize for it! Then I was up until after midnight. I am trying so hard to not let it bug me, because it'll be a Chetwynd situation again where all I am is mad at him, but man, I'm pissy. It's so bad that I don't even want to talk to him. I'm glad that I have plans tonight with Lisa so that I don't have to deal with him until late. I'll call him tonight super late and see how he freaking likes it.
• Speaking of that, Lisa and I are going on a movie date tonight to see "The Good Year." I think it looks great! I'll tell ya about it tomorrow!
• Now my husband is sucking up to me and making me feel bad for being mad at him. Argh!
• I've decided that I want to travel more outside of the country. I'm back to talking to my husband because I want to know his opinion, but I'm still mad at him! He thinks Vegas, which would be ok, but I was thinking more like China.
• Maybe a cruise around the Caribbean. That would be fantastic. Spend a few days in Miami, then get on a boat, go to the Bahamas, Turks and Cacaos, and back. Yes, I think that sounds fantastic.
• It's snowing. Yes, snowing. I don't think it's going to stick around, but it is snowing. Mark your calendar friends; today winter begins!
• Ugh. It's still snowing. Harder now though.

Ok, I think that's it for today folks! Almost time to go home! Yay!

Abortions

Yes, I'm going there. Just stay with me.

A few days ago, I read this article about how in Mississippi they are trying to put a constitutional ban on abortions. Even just reading the title made me so angry - instantly angry. Then I read it. Apparently they have some of the most strict laws on abortion in the US, and there is only one clinic in the whole state that will perform abortions.

So, I posted on Facebook this status:

Isn't the US taking a step backwards in seeking to put abortion bans into state constitutions? All that work of women's rights activists, making it a woman's choice, going down the drain. Makes me sad.

Honestly, I didn't think anyone would disagree with me. Might have been naive of me, but I figured, that after all of the work of women's rights activists in the 60s and 70s, that this would be a general consensus. Apparently not. Half a dozen of my friends "liked" the comment, and posted that they agree. But then there was another friend.

She is a young mother of one boy, and has a girl on the way. I'm not 100% sure, but I think she had her son when she was either in high school, or just out of it. She is totally against abortion with these arguments:

• If women used their rights in a mature manner, this wouldn't be an issue
• Women (and girls) are walking into these clinics every time they mess up and aborting left and right
• People are dying to adopt and if these women (and girls) are heartless enough to murder their babies, then giving them to good, loving, caring families shouldn't hurt them

And basically stated that if you're stupid enough to get yourself into that mess, you should have to deal with it, unless it's justified. She had more to say, but it was all along this line of thought.

And honestly, though I completely disagree, I respect her opinion. I think it's an immature opinion from someone who is basing her opinion solely on her experience and stories she has heard instead of fact. Maybe not just fact, but maybe on hearing different opinions.

Then, I got an email from another friend about the flip side of this issue, the side I take opinion with. She speaks from the experience of having to get an abortion, and it being the best decision for her and the baby at the time. I think that we can all agree that there should be a better system for abortions, and that you shouldn't be able to just get one, that you should have to go through a course of some kind before you do it, so that you are prepared to deal with it afterwards. She said that it took her a couple of years to deal with it, and that she wasn't super young when it happened. She also told me something that totally surprised me. Apparently, at our local junior high school, counsellors are taking girls as young as grade 9 to get abortions without telling their parents. Can you believe that? You can get an abortion if you are under age without parental consent! OMG.

Don't you think that if the make abortions illegal, there will be more back-alley abortionists, and that women who want to get an abortion will end up very sick or dead? Shouldn't it be a personal choice, not a governmental one? Isn't that what everyone fought for?

I completely agree that there are women out there that are making a bad name for abortions. The women who have 3 or 4 or more abortions as a form of birth control, or because they are just too dumb to close their legs make a very bad name for the women who actually make the decision responsibly and don't abuse the system.

I can say, for myself, that even now, as a happily married woman, who is financially sound, I would consider an abortion if I found myself pregnant at this moment. I know that might sound harsh, but it's the truth. I don't know if I want to be a mother, and I think I'd rather be sure than end up a bitter woman who hates her kids.

I just am so glad that I live in Canada, where we believe (for the most part) in freedom of choice. It's obviously still a work in progress, but damn, at least we're not taking steps backwards like the US.

I know this is strange, me voicing my opinions like this, but I just can't get it out of my mind. I needed to type it out. If you have opinions, please comment below!

Vlog?

So, I didn't get a chance to make a vlog, since my Epicure/Tupperware party went longer than I thought, and I didn't get home until after 10. Maybe I'll be able to do it next week!

Anyways, off to bed!

Works In Progress

I don't have much "in progress" but here's what I have done as of right now!

Squares for knit-a-square

Toque for knit-a-square

Knitted sweater for knit-a-square

**23 days until John comes back down to move me up to Fort Nelson...

Weekend Wrap Up!

Well, if you read below, you'll see what went on this weekend! I do have photos to share though, so I'll add them on here.

Today has been a super long day. I worked on filing all day today. Yes, that does make for an EXTREMELY long day. I'm not looking forward to tonight. Long day today followed by a long night tonight. I'm going to try to create my first vlog tonight, or, at least play with the program on my computer so that I can have something for you all on Wednesday.

My body is definitley telling me that it's time to get with it and start eating better. Absolutely everything I eat or drink (including water) is making me sick. Time to have a salads week! Anyone got any good recipes for me?? I think if I can make it through a few days eating more simple wholesome meals, my stomach will thank me!

Tonight I'm going to get a workout in too. Workout 1 of 40 in the next 24 days. Do you think I can meet my goal? I sure hope I can! Salads and working out - maybe I'll have a GREAT weigh in the first week I'm in Fort Nelson!!

Anyways, check out my photos from the road! Yes, I was being unsafe and taking them while driving. Deal with it.

**24 days until John comes back down to move me up to Fort Nelson...

Home from The Fort

So, I've made it home, safe and sound. And boy, is it ever quiet in my house! I don't like it. Not one bit.

This was a long but short weekend. Friday night I went off to Convention, and had a great time, but I knew in the back of my mind that the next day I was heading up to Fort Nelson to leave my husband and kitties for almost a month. The drive up was ok - long but ok. Me and Zeus rocked out to music on full blast. I don't think he enjoyed it nearly as much as I did! Lots of poor moose that got hit on the road on the way up - 4 to be exact. Not all recent, but they were there. So sad. I hope no one got injured, because when you hit a moose, it could kill you easily.

Anyways, so we got everything moved into the new house on Saturday. When we looked at the house, we entertained the idea that once we sell our house, it might be a nice place to buy. Then we moved in. There is clearly something wrong with the foundation because there are large cracks in the drywall, and John's pretty sure that it might just be a wooden foundation with no cement in the basement. And the basement. It would be a total gut job. So, no thanks. I guess we'll be on the house search again in the fall!

But, John is all moved in. He still has lots of unpacking to do, but he has somewhere to watch TV and to sleep, so he's good. I really think that we're going to like living in Fort Nelson. I really do. I might be just convincing myself of it, but I really do think that it will be great.

It just sucked leaving all of them behind. Zeus is scared of the basement, and unfortunately that's where his litter box is. He'll get over it. He basically hid under things for the most part while I was there. He did sleep on the bed, and not under it, so I guess that's something. Zahara could care less. Just more places for her to run around and cry at.

Anyways. Off to bed. On the couch, because that's all there is left. Sigh.

**25 days until John comes back down to move me up to Fort Nelson...

Food Of The Week

This week's Food Of The Week comes courtesy of our health and wellness coordinator. I tried it this week (didn't take a picture of it though!) and it was pretty good!

Spanish Chicken & Rice

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/4 tsp salt & pepper

1 tbsp minced garlic

1 small yellow onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, diced

1-1/3 cup uncooked instant brown rice

28 oz canned tomatoes with juice

2 tsp chili powder

2 tsp ground cumin

1/4 cup grated cheese (optional)

1. Heat oil on med-high in skillet. Season both sides of the chicken breast with salt and pepper and saute until lightly browned. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
2. Add garlic and onion to skillet and saute for 1 minute. Add bell pepper and saute for 2 more minutes. Add rice and stir until lightly toasted.
3. Add tomatoes with juice, chili powder and cumin. Bring to a boil and immediately turn down to a simmer.
4. Place chicken on top of the tomato-rice mixture. Cover and cook 5 minutes. Turn off heat and let sit for 5 minutes covered.
5. Sprinkle with cheese (optional).

Try it out and let me know what you think!



Knit-A-Square

I don't know if I've blogged about this before, but this year I am devoting some of my crochet and knitting time to a charity - Knit-A-Square. Each year, going from September to June (I don't crochet or knit much in the summer, so these months seem to work best) I'm going to choose a different charity, and make things for them!

The great thing about KAS is that I can use up lots of my scrap wool! I've been making 8 inch squares, sweaters and toques - all out of scraps! I haven't had to buy any wool yet, though I'm close. I'm using Red Heart Super Saver because it's very easy to work with, and it's very warm, which is the whole point. Here is a photo (not a great one) of the sweater that I knitted - first non-dishcloth kitting project!

I realize that not everyone out there has the time to devote to something like this, but I'd like to put a call out to all of those who might. I'm looking for crocheted or knitted 8 inch squares, toques or sweaters. They also accept things like teddy bears, so if you know how to make those, I would gladly send them along too. I can't make them, so I plan on trying to find some at a decent price, and send them along.

You can also go onto their website and donate via PayPal. I would also take donations in the form of wool!!!

Please contact me if you want to learn more, or if you want to help. I think this is a great cause, and something so simple to do. By June, I hope to have made enough squares for 2 blankets (70 squares total), and half a dozen toques and sweaters, and I hope to have more donations sent in from others!

Think about it. It's a fantastic cause.

Wonderful Quote from a Wonderful Blog

I hope that Coco Rose Diaries won't mind that I am sharing her photo, but I really enjoyed this photo, and the quote. She also posted a couple of other great photos in her blog, so go over and check it out!

I think that there is a lot of truth in this quote. And I hope that I can live up to it.

Wednesday Weigh In

I have a slight issue with Wednesday Weigh In this week - my scale has gone missing!

To be more precise, John has packed my scale. I haven't decided if I want to buy a new one (which I could probably use) or just go by my measurements. We'll see what I decide.

Measurements (as of 8/31/11 in black, today's measurements in blue):

Neck - 15" 15"

Arm (left) - 15.5" 15.5"

Arm (right) - 16" 15"

Bust - 42" 41"

Chest - 39.5" 39.5"

Waist - 40.5" 41"

Hips - 45" 45"

Thigh (left) - 26" 26"

Thigh (right) - 26.5" 26.5"

That's a total change of -1.5 inches. 

I'd say that's not too bad. I hope that during this week, I can find time to work out - I know I'll be able to on Monday and Tuesday before Wednesday weigh in, but I might not be able to get in a traditional workout before then. We're going to be packing up the truck (moving truck that is) and getting ready to go to Fort Nelson. It's coming up soon!

My ankle is feeling better. Still tender, obviously, but it's not too bad. I can walk normally, I just have to be aware of stairs and getting in and out of my truck. Other than that, I'm almost back in business. Slowly but surely.

Well, I have some last minute cleaning to do, and have to get ready for work. We're having some realtors walk around our house today to see if they have any clients who might be looking for a place like ours. I really hope so!

Anyways, have a great day all!

**Updated @ 1:19PM

So ok, during lunch I went to buy a pair of jeans because, let's face it, winter is coming, and I only have 2 pairs of pants right now. I was down to wearing size 31, and I couldn't face buying anything bigger than a 32. So, I tried on the 32s, and they were all right, so I bought them. Then I started thinking. I know that my DREAM is to get back into 29s, which I know can be accomplished, but right now, I'm at a stage where it's unrealistic to be wearing size 29s, or even 32s. I'm going to take them back after work, or tomorrow morning. I need to remember that sizes aren't everything. It's how I feel that matters. Yes, I feel bad because I've had to go back up in jean sizes, but they could be loose in a matter of weeks and then I'll have to cinch them on with a belt! Who cares?! The size is just a number, just like the scale. You can't take stock value in everything. Yes, I want to lose sizes; yes, I want to lose pounds. But mostly, I want to feel good so that my self confidence comes back! Right now, it's MIA. I hope that the 25 days without John around will work out to be around 40 workouts, and damn, if that doesn't make me lose a few pounds, maybe a size (or just have the jeans fit a little loose), and bring back some self confidence, I don't know what will!

Works In Progress

I had planned on taking photos, and detailing more what I have on the go - craft-wise. But I have a meeting tonight and I have to hurry!

Right now, I have several things on the go.

I'm finishing up a knit sweater for KAS charity in South Africa. It's the first thing I've knitted other than dishcloths! So cute. I plan on making a few more to send also.

I have 15 out of 70 squares for the KAS charity done, and I'm continually making more. KAS's project is called "Knit-A-Square" or crochet in my case. It takes 35 8 inch squares to make a blanket, and I'd like to send enough to make 2 blankets. My mom is making squares too, and I know someone who has made about 20 so far. Hopefully we'll have enough to make 4 blankets, and we can send them off with sweaters, toques, and teddy bears!

I also have a baby blanket that is 50% done, but I have to get more wool. I'm waiting until John leaves to buy more. Not that he really cares, but I'd rather he didn't know.

I also made a few star-like hexigons to start a blanket eventually. I have more to make, but I'll do those when I have more time, and I have to buy more wool for those too.

And as always, I have knitted dishcloths on the go.

As you can see, I have a lot on the go! I'm never bored, that's for sure!! I promise, photos next week! I should have a few things done by then, so I'll for sure have some photos.

For more info on what I've been up to in the crochet/knitting world, look me up on Ravelry - username ladybugk.

Weekend Wrap Up!

What a weekend - a long weekend! I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving.

Personally, I didn't feel like I got a lot accomplished, but maybe I did. Saturday was a bit of a write off, I felt like crap, and pretty much did nothing.

Then on Sunday I sprained my ankle, and I couldn't do a lot, but I did bake pies for Thanksgiving. John worked his ass off to get the deck done, and he did a pretty good job. It's not perfect, but it's good enough to be sold.

Monday was a lot of the same for me. We had Thanksgiving here, so we had to clean up, which I hobbled around and helped. John and I have the house as spotless as it's going to be because either tomorrow or Wednesday we're having realtors come in and take a look. I think tomorrow.

Anyways, it was a pretty good weekend. I didn't get any exercise in at all and I ate like crap, so that part sucked, but it is what it is.

John's off to Fort Nelson this weekend, then it's 4 weeks until I go. Prepare yourself for a lot of whining on my part.

Sprained

Yup, I have sprained my ankle. Fairly badly, I think.

John and I were trying to put up the back stairs, and they were super heavy. John was holding them up, and I was on the deck, going to screw them in from the top, just enough so that he could get them in properly. Well, I almost had the first screw in, and it slipped, so John asked me to come to the bottom and pivot them just a bit so he could hold them better. I took off running, because the stairs were damn heavy, and I wanted them to be off of his shoulders ASAP. Well, there was a lot of scrap wood around, and lots of leaves, and I stepped onto a leaf covered 2x4, and went down. I can't remember the last time I sprained my ankle, but DAMN. It hurts!

So, I spent most of the day on the couch. Not the way I intended to spend my day, but oh well.

I still managed to make pies for Thanksgiving tomorrow! Now I just wonder how long the pain is going to last...

Food Of the Week

Ok, this week's food of the week (and the very first!) is a protein snack bar that I found this week.

I wanted something under 200 calories, something sweet, and something that actually tastes good. This one hits all the buttons. At 190 calories, 3 grams of fibre, 4 grams of sugar and 14 grams of protein, it's a hit! And, bonus, it's yummy!

I'm talking about the Oh Yeah! Almond Fudge Brownie bar.

So good! I picked it up at Walmart for $2.47 which makes it pretty pricey, but it's worth it for once in a while. I don't think I'd buy it for daily consumption. It would be great for a day where I worked out lots, or had a small breakfast or lunch as an in between meal snack, or for throwing in my backpack for when I'm hiking. Might not be the best for hiking in hot weather because it would melt REALLY badly.

My next search for a protein bar of some kind will be to find one that has all of the great qualities this one has (low calorie, high fibre, low sugar, high protein, tasty, etc.) that will be a good hiking snack. I realize that hiking season is pretty much over here, but next spring will be here before we know it (hopefully!) and hiking season will be starting once again!

Stay tuned for next week's food of the week!

Annoyed

I can't help it, but I'm annoyed at everything lately. So annoyed. Almost every person I talk to or have to deal with, or inanimate objects, everything is annoying me.

Tomorrow I plan on working out a couple of times, hoping that some of the stress will lift and I will be less annoyed.

We'll see though.

Last Night

...I was going to catch up on Oil Wives shit

...I was going to work out

...I was going to clean up my house

...but instead I celebrated Alexander Keith's birthday with my hubby, my bestie and my momma.

Weekly Weigh In...Vlog?!

Yup, that's right. I have decided to start vlogging my weekly weigh ins, as well as blogging about them. Don't worry, I will be posting my vlog on this blog. Blog-vlog. Whatever. I watched my friend Monika's vlog this morning, and it inspired me to want to do one too. She's been doing them for months, but I finally made the decision to try!

And I think I'm going to go back to doing more weekly things. I need to get more excited about my blog, and as of right now, I'm not. So, here's what I'm thinking:

Monday - Weekend Catch-up!
Tuesday - WIPs (Works in Progress)
Wendesday - Weekly Weigh In Vlog!
Saturday - Healthy Meal Recipes

And that will leave me with 3 days for random blogging. What do you think? I'm also going to try to do monthly things too, but I'll have to figure that out as I go along. I think that maybe making this blog a bit more functional will be best for me - I love having a reason to blog, especially when my life is going to be a little boring in the next little while.

Also, I want to start getting back into working out and eating well. It's time. Time to get back on track. And it STARTS TODAY.

Tuesday, October 4

Well, at least something happened Tuesday. Well, nothing too interesting, but at least it's something.

Once again, I was feeling sick. What's new these days. I skipped an Oil Wives meeting, but it's not a big deal anyways. But, the most exciting thing is that we listed our house for sale! Yay! We listed it a little bit low, just so we can do our best to get it sold ASAP. Right now, I honestly don't care what we make off of it, as long as we don't lose. I just want it to be OVER. But, it's listed, and that's really the first step. Thank goodness!

Monday, October 3

Nothing much to report for Monday. I can't even remember what happened, so it must have been very anti-climatic.

Sunday, October 2

The second trip to Fort Nelson! This time to look at a place to rent, and my momma came! Here's what we got to drive in:

It's not a great picture (shot with my Blackberry in a moving vehicle) but you can see that there is snow on the side of the road, correct? Yes, snow. On October 2. Luckily, it was not snowing in Fort Nelson, because mom and I just wore sandals (because we're crazy).

We did find a place to rent, I was going to take photos, but the people who were moving out hadn't fully moved out, and it was a bit of a mess. I will take lots of photos when I get in there and get cosy.



I also met with the manager of Acklands-Grainger. The branch needs a lot of help, and I will be the one to help them out! Should be interesting.

It was a good, quick trip up there, but we were all exhausted by the time we made it home. We drove over 800 kilometers in under 12 hours, including looking at a place, having lunch (I finally got to go to Dan's Pub) and meeting with my new boss. What a long day!

Saturday, October 1

October! Feels like just yesterday we celebrated the New Year, not that I can even remember what we did! I think we went skiing...

Saturday brought aggrivation for me. John and his step-dad were supposed to get the railing put on the deck and have the stairs finished. They got 2 out of about 10 sections of railing done, and one set of stairs. Oh man, I was mad. I have no idea what took them so freaking long. I was pissed, to say the least.

Basically, John's mom and I just hung out the whole time, watched tv and crocheted. I was still feeling sick, and to make it worse I was aggrivated. Argh.

Friday, September 30

Another day with Van gone, but I was feeling much more sick. Something was definitely off, and no, I did not go to the doctor.

I pretty much took it easy, which is weird for me. I'm not used to being able to take it easy at work. Literally, I stared at the wall for most of the day.

Then when I made it home, I crashed. BUT, I couldn't crash to hard, because I still had to pick John up from work. It was painfully to drag my butt around. Then at around 9, John's mom and step-dad showed up. They wanted to come and see us before we move (not sure why, since we see them about twice a year anyways). I can tell you that I was not excited to see them, but just because I was feeling so crappy.

Anyways...

Thursday, September 29

Another crap week - I'm behind again!

Van was gone Thursday, so I had the day pretty much to myself. Just working on things nice and slowly. It was pretty good.

Except that it was Thursday that I started to feel sick. Something was weird, nothing like a cold, or a flu, just off.

Bleh. Started off not wanting to blog. Which I should. Anyways.

Working Above My Paygrade

So, apparently, I've been working above my paygrade. That means that I'm going to be doing filing for the next 6 weeks. Apparently that's all I can do.

I think the HR manager is just being a bitch. Excuse my language.

The other HR manager was fine with all of the things I was doing. Basically, my job is to help out the HR assistant because she is so busy. But if all I'm doing is filing, she's still going to get farther and farther behind. She's doing the job of 3 people, and now I'm barely able to help her.

Thank goodness I'm not staying at this job. How much longer until I can move to Fort Nelson?

Biggest Loser

Tuesday is Biggest Loser night! Good show this week - lots of drama, which makes for great ratings, but I hate it. There shouldn't be that conflict there.

But, I can't say that I'm surprised that the guy who got sent home got sent home. You don't gain 2 pounds and not expect to go home. Especially week 2! You should not gain in week 2! So crazy!

Can't wait for next week...

Mondays

Damn. Such a lame Monday. No one felt like working, and the day just dragged on and on.

I can see my goals of weight loss are not going to happen while working there. All we do is eat. It's so bad.

But, it is what it is. I feel like once John leaves, it would be much nicer to be busy, because I'm going to be missing him like crazy, and at least if I was busy all the time, I wouldn't have time to think about how I'm going to be going home alone. Oh well. I'll just have to work out lots!

Realtor

So, we had a realtor come out to the house. She doesn't think we can get nearly what we wanted out of our place. It's frustrating, and upsetting, but I think we might be able to get it sold quickly with her.

I just think that it's more proof that we shouldn't buy another trailer. We were looking at doing the exact same thing in Fort Nelson, but I really don't think it's a good idea now. You just never (or rarely) get your money out of it. We're not even going to make back what we paid for it, which sucks, considering that the economy is good here. Next time we buy (which will not be right away) we will not be buying another trailer. Unless we can pick up one for a steal, live in it for a few years, pay it off and then rent it out. And by a steal, I mean like $20K. Not really going to happen.

Anyways. We're not sure if we are going to list yet, but we'll be able to know by the weekend.

Simon King

If you haven't heard of comedian Simon King, look him up. We went to see him last night in FSJ, and OMG. So funny. So politically incorrect, it was awesome. I've never laughed so much. I'm usually not a laugh out loud person, but he was FUNNY.

Tomorrow is going to be a day full of packing and cleaning. So lame. Oh well.

Super Long Friday

Today was possibly the slowest day in history. I know that it's a Friday thing, but it's been a long time since I've had a Friday like this. I wanted to do ABSOLUTELY nothing. Nothing at all. But, then as soon as I got home (which was close to 7) time just flew on by. So lame.

But tomorrow is photo day! And time to clean up our house. It's so bad. I have so much to do...UGH.

Is Convention Almost Over?

I am so sick of Oil Wives that it's unbelievable. The meeting was almost 2 hours tonight, and it's just ridiculous. I was so frustrated most of the time, ugh.

It's over soon. I should go to Tuesday meetings and keep up, so I might be aggravated more, but oh well.

Anyways. I got home late and it's time for bed! More soon!

Caught Up - Again

I hope I can stay caught up again. It's been such a gong show. I have no sense of a schedule right now, and it's driving me nuts. I haven't worked out in ages, I keep forgetting to weigh myself, and my food has been less than spectacular.

I can't wait to get moved. Can't freaking wait. I want to be moved, have my house sold, and be on the right track again. Soon, soon.

Tuesday, Septmeber 20

Tuesday was a reality check. I thought Friday was my reality day, but it wasn't. Last night I cried and cried and cried. There is so much stress involved in moving, it's unreal. So unreal. It was so bad. I did get over it,  but man, oh man. It's going to be tough on me. But, it's ok. Ok. John and I have a lot of talking to do, and a lot of planning to do, and only a little while to do it before he leaves!

Monday, September 19

Honestly, I can't remember anything interesting that happened on Monday...

Sunday, September 18

Waking up to a socked-in Fort Nelson was not part of the plan. We drove around most of the morning with Suhki, looking at the town, getting his advice on where to buy or not, but I got so confused because it was so foggy that I couldn't keep track of where we were!

We did get a chance to walk around the new sportsplex they have there, and I have to say, it makes Fort St John's look ridiculous. Fort Nelson's is beautiful! Two nice ice rinks for hockey, curling rinks, and so many other things. So great. I think I'm going to like it there a lot!

We had to drive home from our new home (almost new). We got stuck this time in construction, and it took  us almost an hour longer to get to Fort St John. A quick, quick trip, but it was nice to be up there!

Saturday, September 17

Saturday morning started out great. My mom and I went and checked out the Farmer's Market (which I have to admit, kind of sucked), and hung out. Got the oil changed in the truck, you know, lots of really fun things! Not!

Then around noon, John and I were off to Fort Nelson for the night. I have to admit, the road up there sucks - it's rough, badly made, and could be pretty scary. But, it's beautiful. I'm sure that I will get bored of it eventually, but right now, I think it's fantastic. Especially this time of year. It's all yellow leaves and yellow grass. So beautiful. And it doesn't look like the pine beetle has made it's way up there yet, so the evergreens are still just that - green.

We got into the big city of Fort Nelson, and checked into our hotel room - you've got to check this out. For a small, small town, the hotel is pretty awesome:

John sitting in our lounge room

The room with 2 queen beds

Super nice hotel room! And very nice restaurant, where we met John's new manager, Suhki. We had a great dinner, and talked about his plans for us in Fort Nelson - and I mean us. Not just John, as most managers think. He's already talking about how he's going to get me involved so that I enjoy my life in Fort Nelson. Little does he know I'm more of a chill person to John's hyper. Oh well.

It was a pretty great night. Before we met up with Suhki we drove around Fort Nelson on our own, looking for houses and things. It's not a large town (I wish I had thought to bring my actual camera!) but it was nice to drive around. I'm loving it already!

Friday, September 16

Back again! Sorry I've been behind - I'm about to get caught up.

Friday was a bittersweet day. The day that it really hit that John and I will be moving - exactly one month until John was going to have to be in Fort Nelson. John and I went out for dinner to celebrate, though it wasn't much of a celebration. I find that stress makes me cranky, and I'm pretty sure I spent most of dinner bitching at John. It was bad. But, he gets the stress. Thank goodness! If he didn't, I don't know where we'd be!

Anyways, it was the first week of my new job, that I'm going to have to give up in order to move, and the day it hit me that we are going to move. What a week! Only 7 more (I think) until I'm moved!

Weigh-In Thursday?

Ok, ok. I'm falling behind. I keep forgetting. I'm going to have to set a reminder so that every Wednesday morning I remember to weigh before I eat breakfast, or go to work. Here's the scoop:

August 31 - 211.5 pounds
September 15 - 212 pounds (0.5 pound gain)

I knew I was going to gain. I've been so off lately. I do have a lot going on right now, but I should be able to get back into it. Something is stopping me, and I'm not sure what it is.

I think next week I'm going to try spinning. The girls at the office go on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so I might have to go with them.

I didn't do my measurements, but I will for next week.

Have a good day all!

Painting Pictures

That was my night tonight! My friend Doria came over and we painted some ridiculous posters for the Oil Wives play for Convention. Everything is a Hawaiian theme, and the play is something like Hawaii 5-0, mixed in with Elvis' Blue Hawaii (I think that's what it is), and Magnum PI. Basically, anything that was filmed in Hawaii. I wish I would have taken pictures, but I can do that at the rehearsal next week. The obese hula girl, and the parliament building were my projects. They were pretty cool.

And it was nice to hang out with Doria. She's a great chick, and we really do get along well. She's basically moved to Grande Prairie, so she's quite a ways away, but we'll see each other regularly until convention is over (which I might not even be able to make it to) and then whenever I'm in GP she's invited me to stay with her, which saves us a lot of money each time, and I have a feeling we'll be going there quite a bit in the next few months.

Anyways, it was a fun evening!

Another Day Done...

Day 2 of the OGC done. I'm now in HR full time, for now anyways.

And I'm on the 4th floor. I took the elevator all day yesterday, and then after lunch, on my way up on the elevator, I realized that I could be taking the stairs! Silly me! So, now I'm taking the stairs.

That's about all that's interesting today. Lame, yes. Oh well.

Monday, September 12

So, ok. Caught up. I really need to keep up. So hard sometimes though! I've been busy lately, and I hope that it can get a bit slower, but I don't see that happening.

Today was my first day at the Oil & Gas Commission. I think it's going to be more work than I was doing at Grimshaw, but it's very boring work. At least I'm busy, and I'm making good money.

I need to get onto my treadclimber, but I'm exhausted. I will do it tomorrow. For sure. I think I have an Oil Wives meeting to go to, but I'm dreading that too. I'm so over it. I can't wait for damn convention to be over. So over it.

Anyways, now that I am caught up, I should go. Do something more productive.

Sunday, September 11

Sunday, and a long, long drive home. Felt great to get home, that's for sure, even if we did get lost in construction, and it took us an extra hour to get home. I think that the cats appreciated us coming home!

Saturday, September 10

John's hockey day! The whole reason we were going to Calgary was for this. A three-on-three tournament to raise money for the NICUs in Calgary.

He played 3 games, won one and lost two. But he had fun, and I think he played very well. He was done by noon, but so totally pooped that we went back to the hotel for a while, and then went back for the final game. Pretty decent hockey.

Then we met up with my girlfriend, Reetu for dinner. And then a soak in the hot tub for John's sore muscles. Then early to bed, gotta get rested up for the drive home.

Friday, September 9

Calgary! And another hot day.

We got a chance to go visit my sister-in-law (John's step-sister) and her son. He decided that he liked me this time, which he didn't do before. It was super cute.

And we got a chance to relax after a long trip down. A nice, late dinner at Hooters (yes, Hooters. It was mag.).

And our GPS only got us lost twice, and only took us on Deerfoot during the afternoon rush hour. No biggie (NOT! I wish there was a sarcasm font!).

Thursday, September 8

Thursday we left for Edmonton. Fun! So hot. So ridiculously hot. We stayed with my uncle, and went out for dinner with one of my best friends who just moved there.

We also got some good news, but I am not at liberty to discuss it right now. As soon as I can, you will all know!

Wednesday, September 7

Oh yes, I'm way behind again.

Wednesday was a great day! Last day of work with Grimshaw. I really hope that the girl I hired works out.

Wednesday was also supposed to be "Weigh-In" day, but I totally forgot. I'm not going to lie, I didn't really want to know. I know that I haven't been eating well, and honestly, I haven't been on my very expensive workout equipment in a while. Bad Kara, I know.

But, Wednesday was a busy day. Getting ready for what we did on Thursday...

Tuesday September 6

Well, John made a lot more progress yesterday, including installing the crazy death stairs. The back of our deck is so tall that we have to have like 7 stairs or something, but John couldn't get runners that would work properly, so he bought something to work in the meantime. I'm terrified of them. They're like attic stairs. I hope we can get them fixed REALLY soon.

Yesterday was also my first whole day training the new girl. She's doing very well. I think it's going to take her a few days to get into the routine once I'm gone, but I'm sure she will do fine. I have to remember to show her a few more things today, and then I should be ok.

Yesterday was also an Oil Wives executive meeting. I'm so done with Oil Wives right now, but I think it's just the onslaught of convention. I'm really really hoping that once convention is over it will be fun again. I just didn't even want to be there at all last night. And everything has to be discussed when really it doesn't, and it seems to me that we waste a lot of time. So lame.

Anyways, now you are caught up. I have to go have a shower and prepare for my last day at Grimshaw Trucking!

Monday, September 5

Monday the real work started. The deck boards were finally starting to get screwed down!

John and my dad made some progress, and then John made HUGE progress after my dad went home. I actually got to sit out on the deck (the back of it anyways) and it was awesome. I enjoyed a few cups of tea while waiting for John to need my help! Progress, progress.

Sunday, September 4

Sunday we got started on the deck, but only after another trip to Dawson Creek to go to Home Hardware to get more wood. Dad and John both forgot about something, and of course there is no hardware store in Fort St John open on a Sunday, let alone a Sunday of the long weekend. So, off to Dawson Creek John and I went. The boys made some really good progress Saturday, and I helped a little. I basically just held the level. But, I did my part anyways.

Saturday, September 3

I know I've been MIA for a while, and I will be again this weekend, so I better get caught up with what's been going on!

Saturday John and I got more stuff going for our deck. Then Mom and I went into Dawson Creek for the afternoon (huge waste of time!). It was a nice relaxing Saturday, that's for sure!

Kids

I know this isn't a new subject for me, but I have kids on the brain. And not baby fever either. Like, can I really have kids? Do I really want to do that?

We're going on vacation next year, to Mexico for a friend's wedding, and the first thing I saw was that there is a kid's program at the resort, and I freaked. I don't want kids around when I'm on vacation! How bad is that?

Now, I know that one thought isn't enough to make me a bad mom-to-be (if it is to be), but I have those thoughts all the time. I hear a kid whining, and I want to smack it quiet. I see a kid running through a store without the parent, and I want to kick the parent's ass. I just don't know.

Even when we're with kids, I feel uncomfortable. Not when we're with them for just a little while. But like, we went camping with some friends on May long weekend, and I was so uncomfortable with their kids.

I don't know. I'm going back and forth, back and forth. Kids drive me nuts, but do I want to go through my life without kids? Ugh. I don't know. Eff.

September?!?

I can't believe it's the first day of September already! The weather is sure making me believe, but I was hoping that since we had such a crappy summer that we'd get a little bit more of a chance at it! Oh well. C'est la vie.

Good news is that I've found someone to replace me. She's young - just graduated last year, and has no experience. I'd like to give her a chance though. I think it's important to give people chances when they are trying something new, like people didn't really give me. It is giving her a chance to figure out what she wants to do with her life, which is great. I also think that she'll be quick to learn, so that will help greatly. It's going to be a rather boring last few days if she does catch on really quickly. I'll be sitting back a lot and not doing anything, which is fine, but damn, will it ever be boring!

Anyways, time to relax. I've already been on the tread climber today, maybe tomorrow I'll attempt the bow flex!

Wednesday Weigh-In (#1) PLUS Measurements (#1)

Weekly weigh-in time! I really don't want to have to tell you all how much I've gained, but since I've had a loss today, I don't mind as much. Yes, I gained, but yes, it's coming off!

Last week - Aug 24: 212.5 pounds
This week - Aug 31: 211.5 pounds (1 pound loss)

Not a huge loss, but I will take it! I wanted to lose 1 pound, and I did. If I had been eating better, it would have been more, but I will take it! Now that I'm going to be working out more regularly, I think I'll be losing more at a faster pace, or at least a steady one. I'd like 2-3 pounds per week, but I will take 1 if that's all I get! I want to be down to the low, low 180s by Christmas, or high 170s. That's 16 weeks away, and if I lose 2 pounds per week, that will be 32 pounds, just enough to put me into the high 170s. I doubt that I will be able to consistently lose those pounds, but I can sure try!

Measurements:
Neck - 15"
Arm (left) - 15.5"
Arm (right) - 16"
Bust - 42"
Chest - 39.5"
Waist - 40.5"
Hips - 45"
Thigh (left) - 26"
Thigh (right) - 26.5"


Well, I don't have anyone to take my photos, so I will have to wait until next time. Oh well.

Have a good night all!

Tread Climber

Yay for the tread climber! Just did my very first workout. So exciting! It's time to get back at the weight loss!

Food hasn't been great for me, but I'm trying. I am kind of at an in between with my money situation, and I'm buying as few groceries as possible, which means no fresh fruit or veg. But, I'm trying. Trying, trying, trying.

Last Wednesday I did a weigh-in, and it was ok - down half a pound. Better than nothing. I'm hoping for a pound tomorrow, or even half a pound. Hard to imagine since I haven't been eating that well, or working out, but I'm hopeful.

And, starting tomorrow, every other Wednesday, I'm going to post photos of myself to compare from my current weight (which I will let you know tomorrow) and my measurements. I read somewhere that it's a good idea to do that twice a month, and to weigh once a week. Sounds good to me!

Weigh-In Wednesdays start tomorrow! Are you ready?!

Ugh, Migraine

Migraine, again. Boo.

Back From Camping...

That's it folks! Camping is over for us! For this year, anyways.

I'm glad, in a way. It's been a great summer, but I'm more excited about getting into fall. This year, fall means hard workouts and weight loss for me and John! As I am typing, he is setting up my Tread Climber, and then most likely tomorrow night he will set up his Bow Flex. I am so excited to get started on these things! Time to kick it into high gear!

This weekend was pretty good. John and my dad went out hunting a few times, but didn't see anything that they could shoot. There's an early start to the season up here for bull moose (male) of any size, but unfortunately it seemed like they knew it and they were in hiding. Mom and I got a good chance to read our books, and just relax. We got rained out today, but it was ok because I was dying to come home and have a shower. We have one in the trailer, but if we're just gone for the weekend I usually don't worry about showering until we get home. It's nice to not have to use an outhouse though!

I should get back to cleaning up the house. I want to get as much done in the next few days as I can so that this weekend and next week there isn't much to do. We're starting on our deck next weekend, and then the Thursday after next we're leaving to head to Calgary for John's hockey tournament. Gotta keep up!

Anyways, back at it. Have a good one all!

Camping

One last weekend of camping...

I'll tell ya all about it on Sunday!

HST Referendum Results

So, today we found out the results of the HST referendum in BC. Last July, HST was introduced into BC HORRIBLY. The Campbell government basically gave no notice of it, and didn't properly explain what HST was, and what impacts it would have on the consumer, and the benefits.

Former Premier Bill Vander Zalm began the referendum debate, travelling all over BC with a petition to send to the government to stop the HST. Personally, I didn't think it would make it, but with backing of a former Premier, it went right up and was taken seriously.

Then came the referendum. By mail in ballot, the people of BC were asked whether they wanted to keep the HST, currently at 12% with a reduction to 10% within 2 years, or to scrap it, and go back to 5% GST and 7% PST, with no reduction in sight.

Today it was announced that with a 55% vote, BCers voted to scrap the HST.

I'm definitely disheartened by this. Honestly, I didn't notice that huge of a change when the HST came in. Maybe it was because John and I make enough money that a few extra hundred dollars a year didn't matter much to us. What I'm really upset about it that now that BC is going back to GST/PST, we have to pay back $1.6 billion to the federal government. It was given to us when we introduced the tax, and since we're scrapping it, we have to pay it back. All in all, we have about $3 billion going onto our deficit because of this.

If you're interested, you can read more here.

Personally, I think the people of BC made a huge mistake. Though, most likely, this will lead us to another election in the fall, so we can get rid of Christie Clark, and change up the government a bit.

I know I don't usually talk politics, but I'm giving up on my silence. I'm mad. I want some change.

Reading At Work

Yup, that's what I did pretty much all day today. I freaking hate this job. I can't wait to be done.

That's about all I did today. Sad, eh?

Hump Day

It is Wednesday, isn't it? I'm so lost. Hump day. 9 more days left at Grimshaw. Yay!

I'm watching the Sopranos right now. Such a lame show. Maybe if I had watched it at the beginning, it wouldn't be so bad. Anyways. I should go and have a shower and get ready for work, but I'm being lazy.

Yesterday our Bowflex Treadclimber showed up. Monday we got the Bowflex. Now I just need to clean the carpets and then we can get everything set up. I was going to paint the room too, but now I'm too lazy. I'd just rather get it set up so we can start using it - that is why we bought it, isn't it?

And I've been so lazy lately. I made up a plan and haven't stuck to a single part of it. It's getting pathetic. I don't know what it's going to take to get my ass in gear anymore. I've asked for help, support, and I'm getting it, but I'm not doing anything with it. I need to start taking the support, because it isn't going to stay around forever. Sigh. I hope that after this weekend I can get on track. I think camping season will be over, so I can start focusing on other things. All we think about is camping. Soon though, it'll be over.

Anyway. I really should get ready for work.

New Job

It's official - I've got a new job! Not even 3 months after I started at Grimshaw, I'm leaving!

Remember back when I was on the job hunt, I did an interview with the Oil and Gas Commission? Well, I was put on their short list for the next time an entry level position became available and something just became available! I start September 12.

9 more days! And hopefully I've already found my replacement! It'd be nice to have someone trained up before I leave.

But, now I'm nervous. New job jitters. I know that it will be better for me in the long run, but I wish my job now would have been good enough to stay! Oh well.

RIP, Jack

Today, Canada lost one of it's political leaders - Jack Layton, the leader of the official opposition, the NDP. He passed away this morning at age 61 due to complications of cancer.

While I was not a supporter of him in the political world, I really believed he would come back strong from this. Unfortunately, cancer beat him this time, but not before he left some inspirational words for all Canadians:


"And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world’s environment. We can restore our good name in the world. We can do all of these things because we finally have a party system at the national level where there are real choices; where your vote matters; where working for change can actually bring about change. In the months and years to come, New Democrats will put a compelling new alternative to you. My colleagues in our party are an impressive, committed team. Give them a careful hearing; consider the alternatives; and consider that we can be a better, fairer, more equal country by working together. Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done.


"My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world."

This is an excerpt from his last letter to Canadians. You can find the whole thing here.

Enjoy your evening everyone. Read the letter, whether you are a Canadian or not. It is totally inspiring. I'll be reading and re-reading it for a while.

Sunday

We're back from camping today, and no rest for me.

We got home pretty early, and I've been fairly busy since.

I've already made banana bread for John, and a batch of black grape jelly (which I think it going to be very sour, which is unfortunate). Now it's time to rest and relax. Back to the grind tomorrow!

Saturday

Then it was Saturday, and mom's turn to have a migraine. She was back to the campsite by 9:30. Luckily, after some food and a nap she was feeling a bit better. Not great, but better.

The day was good. I spent most of it reading "The Help" which turned out to be a fantastic book. It was nice to just read all day and not have the headache that I had the day before. I was planning on going for a hike with mom when she got off work, but we didn't because of her headache, and I just didn't. Should have, but didn't.

Saturday's weather was perfect. So nice to be camping when the weather is nice!!

Friday

I guess it's time to play catch up.

Friday I had such a ridiculously bad migraine that I left work at 11:30 after only being there for 2 and a half hours. I felt like I was going to throw up, but thankfully I didn't. I just felt like crap. Like, almost passing out in the shower bad. Once I could finally get some Advil down without it feeling like it was going to come back up at me, I felt pretty good, and was able to get back out to our campsite and hang out with mom.

Once the evening cooled down, things got better and I started to feel great, and the weekend began.

Plans

I don't know about you, but I am a planner. Whether it's going away for the weekend (I like to pre-book any hotels, or know exactly what we're doing), or camping (I print off info about any place we go to so that I know what there is to do), or what's going on in my house (I have lists of things to do all over the place - I make my own honey-do lists), I am always the planner.

So, why am I not planning my physical health? I've been letting that go right by the wayside lately, and it doesn't make any sense. I plan absolutely everything else in my life, but not one of the most important things. I did, and when I did, I achieved things. I lost weight. And I was eating healthier.

Last fall, my friend, Monika and I met through Jillian Michaels' website, and started emailing each day. We set goals, and talked each other through achieving those goals. We stopped emailing a while back (well, we still email each other, but not every day anymore) and while she went on to achieve a lot more goals (Go Monika!) I stopped. Now, it's no one's fault but my own, but I stopped making plans and having someone keep me accountable for those goals.

But, I think we're back!

I've been talking to Monika about how I want to get back to it, and she told me to make a plan.

So, that's what I'm going to do - this weekend. I've been so distracted the past few days that I haven't been able to put a concrete plan together, but I am going to take some time for myself while we camp this weekend and make a goal. Well, lots of goals. More attainable goals. Weekly, monthly. Weight loss, workout. Stuff like that.

I'm also going to start having a weigh in day (Mondays, I think) where I blog about my losses or gains, and what helped me achieve those results, good or bad. I think if I sit down once a week and think about what I'm doing right and wrong, I'll be so much better off.

Did I mention that John and I bought a Bow Flex and a Tread Climber? They should be here tomorrow or Monday, and we're setting up our own home gym! I hope that will help us get on track - both of us. Mostly me, but kind of him too.

Anyway. I should get back to work (Bad Kara, blogging at work!!).

Have a good day all! Hope it's as sunny where you are as it is here (for once!).