Golden - Day 2

So, the first full day in Golden is over.

Grandpa seems ok. He's moving much slower than normal, but that's to be expected with a stroke. I'm hoping he'll get back to normal soon.

I signed my Grandma up for Facebook. My uncle thinks it's a sign of the apocalypse.

I went shopping in Golden. If you know what Golden is like you'll know how hilarious it is. Clothing stores are ridiculous here. $40 for a pair of yoga pants for a kid. Yikes. I went to Moon River and spent too much money, which is the same as every time I ever went in there. I also checked out the wool at McLoeds and there is a better selection there than at WalMart. So strange. But so expensive!

I had an awesome visit with my cousin Nicole. It's been a long, long time since we've had that good of a visit. It was really nice.

And now, after talking with my hubby and bestie, it's time to read and then hit the hay. Night all!

Golden - Day 1

So, we made it to Golden. What a trip. We left at 6AM and got here at 4PM. We made awesome time, but it was a long, long, long trip. No wonder I always make John drive!

Grandpa seems to be doing ok. I'm sure things are still trying to get themselves righted with him, but he seems well.

I'll try to post again tomorrow. I'm on the grandparent's computer because I can't get mine to work with their internet, so we'll see. My phone's dead too, so I can't even email in. It'll be charged tomorrow though! Hopefully I'll have some good photos to share once I'm home!

Golden

So, tomorrow I'm off to Golden. I should be able to still blog, I'll try to make a point of it every day. I do have a long trip ahead of me tomorrow, so it might be late!

Crocheted Mitered Square Hanging Towel (pattern)

So, I found an awesome pattern online for a mitered square hanging towel for the kitchen. I found it on thetoddlerwhisperer blog - which is great! I instantly made one of my own:

This one goes great with a set that I made for a friend's wedding in July:

It's the hanging towel, 2 pot holders ( I will share the pattern another day!), and 4 knitted dishcloths.

I did have an issue with this pattern. It does work out really well, but I didn't like the way the handle attached to the body of the towel:

I just think it seems flimsy in a way. It's definitely secure and it's not going anywhere, but I just wasn't pleased and I couldn't figure out how to secure it more using the same pattern. So, I did it myself and this is what I got:

Yes, much different colours, but it is much different where the button is:

So, there it is. Basically, I just made the handle separately, and sewed it onto the top of the towel. The stitches are covered by the handle when it's hanging, and it's so much sturdier.

So, how did I do it? I made a mitered towel, which you can find the pattern anywhere. I changed colours at row 24, 41 and did one final row. You can do it any way you want! For the handle, it was 2 rows of 10 single crochets, the a button hole made by doing 4 single crochet, chain 2, miss next 2 single crochet, 4 single crochet. In total there were 30 rows on the handle.

And, I love the new one. It works so much better for me. And it's so easy! Only a couple of hours! 

It feels great to have finished products. I love these little ones. They just make so much sense to me. Blankets take forever, so now it's all about the small things!

I found these dishcloths the other day too. I have 5 of them still kicking around. It's so cute. I think I'll make a few more of these in the next little while. I just adore them. So easy to make, and so cute.

Ok guys, I should go. I have an interview scheduled for 2:30PM. It was originally scheduled for 1PM, but my keys were locked in the truck. I threw them into our console on Saturday when John was driving, and totally forgot about it. Then I went to leave and realized that I did not have keys. Awesome, eh? So, I called the guy who is interviewing me, and while he was good about it and just told me to come later, it still sucked. It's definitely not the best way to make a first impression! Oh well, it's only for a 2 week temp job anyways. If I don't get it, it's not the end of the world.

More soon!

Blah

So, I know there are some things I should talk about, but I don't want to talk about it. Lots of stuff going on, but you know, sometimes you just don't want to go there.

Another time, perhaps.

Night all!

Saturday Workouts

I had the most awesome workout today.

But, I can't tell you about it right now. I rubbed my eye and got makeup in it and I can barely see. Ick.

Job Interview

Finally, a job interview that looks good. It's only for a 2 week temporary position, but it's something to get my ass out of the house. So excited! I don't even care if it's only a temp position. Maybe they'll like me so much they'll want to keep me!

So, now I want to get my laundry done, and dishes, then off to the gym. I want to go hard today. I only walked yesterday, and I want to do more today. I didn't feel like I did enough yesterday, even though I was totally tuckered out after the walk.

Have a good Friday everyone!

Craft Day/Rest Day

Today, I basically had a rest day. Only a walk with mom this afternoon. Then I came home and started crafting. I made a mitered teatowel, and I'm not 100% sure about it, so I think tomorrow I'll try it my own way. Then I started knitting. It's a dishcloth world here right now!

But tomorrow, I've got to get back to normal. Clean the house, do laundry and work out hard!

Have a good night!

Wedding Photos

So, more than a year since my wedding, and I'm just getting around to sorting through all of the photos that were sent up to me after the wedding. I thought today, since I'm waiting for photos to print, I might as well share some of my favourites!

It's my uncle with my super cute niece. She was only 5 months old at the time!

And of course, the first kiss!

Gramps and his big sis!

Just sitting down to dinner.

Have a good day all! I have a mountain of pictures to sort through!



Books of 2011 - #11

Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

My mom gave me this book, and I have to say, I was hesitant to read it. But, it turned out to be fantastic. Somewhat of a love story, but more of a life story of a woman who went through great tragedy during WWII in Russia. It's so addictive that you will not want to put it down! I promise!

Run! Run! Run!

Today I went to the track, and ran my little heart out. It was pretty awesome. I think I ran more than I ever have. It felt awesome. So awesome! And tomorrow we're joining the gym - me, John and mom. Hopefully that will help all of us out some. We can all use it.

Now, I'm going to watch some TV then head to bed. John's off playing hockey so he's in for a late night. It's so dumb - they start their game at 9:45PM. How stupid.

Anyways, have a gooder.

Sunday - Goals Day! (Week #11)

So, apparently I missed week #10. I think I was more worried about my clothes not fitting!

Since I'm back to normal - no headaches! - I'm really only thinking about losing weight. Something. I don't know what I weigh right now since I haven't even looked at the scale since last week, but all I want is to lose some weight. Something, anything - I'll take it!

That's it folks! Simple and easy this week!

Massage

So, my migraine has officially left the building. And I had the best massage ever today. A nice one hour relaxation massage, and the first one where I didn't cry because of the massage therapist attacked my shoulder knot too much. So fantastic. But, she's not registered, so I can't claim it. Too bad. I might have to go a few times a year anyways. The woman who did it is the one who also did my Egyptian wax, and I'm pretty sure I'll be going to her for my toes as well. She's pretty cool!

Anyways, Sex and The City is on. Just wanna watch!

Have a good night!

Sunshine

So, better mark it on the calendar - we went for our first outside walk today! It was gorgeous out! It was about -3, but the sun was shining! I think that's what I needed because my head actually feels pretty good. Sunshine is so good!

Tonight I think John and I are going to order some Chinese food and rent a couple of movies. Relax. Ah. Can't wait!

Have a good weekend everyone!

Another Interview

So, I had an interview with Macenna staffing service. It's a local staffing service, and their success rate is really high. I hope that I hear something soon. Especially considering that I didn't even hear back from the guy from Bergen Financial. He told me he'd call on Wednesday, and that was yesterday. Still nothing today. Thanks for keeping your promise Neil! But, it's actually a good thing, because I don't think it was what I wanted anyways. But still. At least call!

Also, I still have this damn headache. I was doing well with it this morning, so I thought that I was in the clear, but nope. I did get medication for it - ridiculously priced medication. Thank goodness for extended medical! Eight pills was almost $80, but I only had to pay $8. So crazy! $10 per pill!!! What!!!

Oil Wives tonight. Hope it's not too long because my head is still pounding!

Books of 2011 - #10

Sense of Evil by Kay Hooper


I've definitely discovered an author that I love. Her books are realistic, if you can call books about psychics working for the FBI realistic. It makes you believe that it could happen. And it's interesting. This one actually surprised me. I can usually figure out who the bad guy is right away, but this time was hard. I couldn't figure it out at all! Every time I thought I had figured it out, it proved to be wrong! I really liked this book, and I hope to read a lot more of Kay Hooper's books.

The Journey

"He who returns for a journey is not the same as he who left." - Chinese Proverb

Just think about this for a bit. That is all. Good night.

Headaches

So, another day with a headache. It's getting pretty bad. I was thinking that it was because of the stuff I was cleaning with this morning, but I had a massive headache yesterday too, so can't be that. It sucks, because I can't get anything done. I got a bunch of stuff done this morning though, so it's not too bad, but man oh man. Now it sucks. I think I'll take some more tylenol and see if that helps. I have a doctor's appointment on Wednesday to see if I can find out what's happening.

Until then, have fun out there.

Crappy Day

What a shitty day today was. Just the worst.

We woke up this morning, and got ready, and then it was off to Grande Prairie. Sounds like a good plan, eh? I really needed some dressier clothes. For the past 3 and a half years, I've been in jeans and yoga pants, with maybe one or 2 nicer outfits. Well, if I'm going to be getting a job in an administration role of some kind, I assume I'm going to have to dress a bit nicer. So, we thought it would be a good opportunity to do some shopping, and save half the taxes. So, we hit up Costco, which is always fun, and then met Danielle for lunch. Here's where it all starts going downhill.

She took us to this restaurant that's more of a sports pub. That's fine, normally, but I wasn't too hungry, so the menu was pretty bland for me. And our waitress was the worst! I ordered a plain old taco salad, hold the green onions. Something simple, right? Wrong. She couldn't even get that right, and the taco chips that were on the top were old and stale. Usually, I just ignore that, and since it took so long for us to get it, there was no way I was sending it back, but Danielle let her know how bad it was. And she didn't care! Didn't offer to get me a new one, didn't even seem concerned that the food she was serving was bad. I ate most of it, because it was really only the taco shells that were really bad, and there weren't many green onions. I just couldn't believe the lack of service. So bad.

Then we go to the mall. First, to Suzy Shier. I try on 2 pairs of pants - size 11. Neither fits well. I mean, I can do them up, but it's not pretty. Then to Smart Set. Same deal. By the time I was in Smart Set's changing room, I was crying. I had a fat day. Seriously! It was so difficult. I mean, I know sizes change and stuff, but I was wearing a size 11 around Christmas, and now I can't. It really made me upset. So, we made it out to the truck, I cried for a good 15 minutes, and then went to Reitmens. A place I never thought that I would shop. But, I found pants there. Then we went back to the mall and got some shirts. At least I have a decently professional closet now, not just hoodies and jeans. It just really sucked! But it was the motivation I needed, I hope. I want to lose. And lose a lot. This is the one time in life that I will win by losing.

Ugh. Time for bed. Huge headache from the crying.

Interview #1 of 3

So, had my interview today. Didn't go exactly as planned, but it was ok. He really wants to make sure that the person he hires is a person that will be the exact right fit, and I get that. It'll be him and that person working together day after day. So, he wants to do a 3 step interview process. That's fine. I'm not 100% on this job anyways. It's an administration position that might turn into more of a financial planning role. I'm not sure that I want to get into that when I want to have a family in the next few years. So, I'll wait until Wednesday when he calls to let me know if he wants to interview me again, and go from there. I know there are a lot more jobs out there, so we'll see.

Off to GP tomorrow to buy some clothes. I went though all of my stuff, and I don't have much that I would be able to wear in any administration position, so I need to buy some essentials. Not much though - I don't want to buy a lot and then not fit it in a while! That would suck.

Have a good night all!

Job Interview!

So, I have an interview tomorrow. I applied for a job Thursday around 11AM, and got the call for an interview just after noon. So fast! So, I go tomorrow at 10:30 for the interview. I sure hope that I get it. It's for some kind of financial company, and it would be so nice to get it! I will for sure keep you posted...

Rest Days

Ok, I'm so done with rest days. Every single rest day ends up with me eating too much and gaining weight back! Not cool at all! I was down to 191 lbs, but I gained 0.5 lb yesterday. So lame! I feel as though if I don't work out each day, I don't think as much about what I am eating, and then it's just over. So, no more rest days, I think. I'll take the day off of The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout, but instead maybe I'll do a workout DVD. I have 4 of them to choose from, and 2 rest days a week - I should at least be able to stay interested and not get bored.

So, the second of 46 days of Lent. Giving up chocolate and Pop Chips definitely seemed like the right thing to do. But now all I want is chocolate and Pop Chips. Thank goodness Greek yogurt seems like a treat to me. I think I'll be eating a lot more of that. And it's good for you! Yay. But, 45 days left, no chocolate or Pop Chips. Can I do it? I think so!

Now to catch up on "Village on A Diet" - I haven't watched this Monday's episode yet, and there's only 1 episode left! Gotta see how my friends are doing! Kind of funny, because I've seen almost all of the people on the show since, so I know, but it's interesting to see the show! Have a great day all!

Lent & An Egyptian Wax

So, today marks the first day of Lent. Since I'm not Catholic, I usually overlook this event. This year, I am giving up chocolate and Pop Chips. I tend to forget these things, so tomorrow I'm going to make a big sign to put on my fridge. At least I'll see it all the time and hopefully it'll sink in.

Today I got my very first Egyptian Wax done. I have to rave about it. (Check the link if you don't know what it is.) I've gotten a regular wax done before, and it has broken me out in a rash that lasted over a week. Already, only 9-ish hours later, I'm feeling very little pain. The last time I got a wax done it was painful to walk - so painful that I laid on the couch all day because I didn't want to move. This time, none of that. The girl who did it was really cool too. She's originally from St Petersburg, Russia. She moved here when she was 12 to Farmington, which isn't even really a town, just a gathering of farms with a convenience store and gas station. Oh, and a 9 hole golf course and driving range. A lot like Parson, near Golden. She told me lots of cool stories. It was nice. I'm going back in 3 weeks for my maintenance appointment. Looking forward to it hurting less and less!

Have a good night all! John's home and it's time for bed.

The Biggest Loser

So, Biggest Loser tonight. Love that show. Love it love it love it. It's very inspiring. I just want to go out for a run. So badly. I need to get out there. But, I've heard that we're supposed to get more than usual snow this month, and that winter is supposed to be around until June. What fun. Looks like we might only have a 3 month summer this year! Lovely.

Now to bed. I'm hooked on my DVD set of Everwood. Love that show too. So cute. Thank goodness for the TV and DVD player in my bedroom. Zeus and I are much appreciative of it!

Books of 2011 - #7-9

From the Heart - Nora Roberts


Well, in typical Nora Roberts fashion, this one was wonderfully romantic. It's actually 3 of her older books - Tonight and Always, A Matter of Choice and Endings and Beginnings. All three make you believe in romance. Very good read, if I do say so myself! Can't believe I'm already through my ninth book so far this year!

Sunday - Goals Day! (Week #9)

Ok, simplicity is the name of the game this week. So, simple goal - lose weight. I think I'm doing ok, but today was a total write off. But, I still should show a loss. This week though, it's going to be a good one!

Rest Day

I totally thought today was supposed to be my workout rest day! But, um, NOPE! I ate too much today, and I thought, hmm, I should do a workout anyways. So, I logged onto my workout, and sure enough, I had a workout planned for today! Good thing I checked. And it was a good one. I love the boxing style workouts. I think maybe John and I should try the MMA gym in town. Just to see what it's like! I feel like I need to try more things. John and I are thinking of buying gloves and sparring, but maybe we should hit a gym first. Just so we know what we're doing (and so he doesn't knock me out!).

Tomorrow we're going to visit one of my besties in Fairview. So excited. I miss her, and her little guy, Cam, so much. I'll take some photos tomorrow to post. He's so great. So is she! Uh, miss her so much!

Ok, time for a nice warm bath! I think I deserve it after my workout!

Friday Boredom

So bored...I can't believe I've been off work for 3 weeks already. I was so lazy today. I walked and did my workout, but then I laid on the couch. Napped with the kitties. I so can't do this anymore. I was done everything by about 1, and then nothing. Gotta space it out more, I think! Tomorrow will be better because John'll be home around noon, and Sunday we're going to visit friends in Fairview. Should be fun. But for now I'm lethargic from doing nothing. Just waiting on John to get home.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Lent

So, I'm thinking of giving up something for Lent. As a non-Catholic, it's never really occurred to me, but it does seem like something that would be quite symbolic of my weight loss journey. I'm thinking chocolate and Pop Chips are on the chopping block. What do you think?

I just read Bob Harper's blog about the last episode of the Biggest Loser. Check it out. He makes some good points about Arthur being kicked off, and why he needed to be there.

Now it's time to start a new Biggest Loser program on my Xbox. I've done basically nothing today, so I should get my ass in gear.

Have a good day all!

The Biggest Loser

**SPOILER ALERT**

Ok, I have to talk about this, because I'm pissed. Last night I only got to watch the first 45 minutes of TBL because I had to go to an Oil Wives meeting. So, I watched it this morning. AND I AM MAD AT THE RED TEAM.

In this episode, the contestants got to go home for 2 weeks, and had to come back ready for a 5K, for which they had no idea what the prize would be. So they have their 2 weeks at home, and come back to the ranch. The 5K that they were to do would be the same as the beginning - they would choose their trainers and teams based their place in the 5K. So they battle it out, and Arthur, the biggest guy EVER on the ranch comes in last. Then they go to the weigh in and the teams are chosen. It ends up that Arthur switches over to the red team, who is like a family that looks out for each other. They lose the weigh in, and everyone pleas for Arthur to stay in the competition because he needs to be there. So, what do they do at the elimination? Vote out Arthur! The only person on the ranch who really need to be there! It's so pathetic! Why would you do that? Why?!? I mean, there's a girl on the red team who now weighs in the 180s. Why the hell would you keep her, and not keep the guy who is still in the high 300s? I don't know, but I think it's pretty cowardly. Now what will happen if they lose again? They're going to have to vote her out. So dumb.

Ok, I'm done with my rant now. Just so mad!

Today I did my Biggest Loser weigh in. The thing about the game I have is that the weigh in is in kg, which sucks. The reason it sucks is because there are 2.2 lbs per kg. So, when I have an ok week and lose only 1 pound, that's only 0.45kg, which doesn't show on the scale. When I have a decent week and lose 2 pounds, that's only 0.91kg. It's very hard to lose weight the smart way on it. I mean, I know I'm doing well, but it rounds everything up to the next kg, and it's really hard to see the progress. I know it's happening, but it sucks.

Monday I listened to a Jillian Michaels podcast on iTunes. If you have iTunes, you can go and download them for free. The one I listened to had a caller asking about her fat burning supplements. She talked about how they work, and that all they do is accelerate weight loss, because who doesn't want to see fast progress? So, I started taking them this morning. I did some research online, and decided that it would be a good idea to take them, but not for too long. I think I'll take them until I get down to the low 180s like I was before Christmas, and then go off of them. And after that I will use them solely as a helper to get me through plateaus. Basically, Jillian said that if you're losing about 2 pounds a week through diet and exercise, this should help you lose an extra pound a week. To get to my goal of 145, I'm looking at 2 pounds a week for about 6 months. That means I'll be damn close for my friend Tasha's wedding in July, and pretty close by my friends Ashley and Shawn's wedding in August, and for sure there by John's cousin Terry's wedding in September. Yes, 3 weddings this summer. 4 if we make it to Clinton for my friend Jenna's wedding in August too.

It's going to be hard, but I really want to keep thinking about these weddings. I want to look fabulous at each of them!

Tasha's is an important one. She is a high school friend, and I assume a whole bunch of high school friends will be there. Since I started gaining the weight, I've only really seen a handful of people from high school, and they were all my really close friends. I'm thinking that I will be seeing a lot of people that I partied with, and those people will have never seen me like I hope to be. I don't know really what I weighed in high school, but I do remember taking a size 12 pant. I'm hoping to be in my 9s or 8s at that point. That will be a huge accomplishment to me. I know it's vain in a way, but I really want it to be that way!

As for Ash and Shawn's wedding, well, I'm only going to know a handful of people there, so I don't really care how I look there! I'm taking their wedding photos, so I'll just be that annoying girl with a camera!

And then there's Terry and Sherri's wedding. If I'm at my 145 goal then, none of John's family will have seen me at that weight. When I was introduced to the family, I was in the 160s. Then I climbed up and up and up to the 200s. Then, last summer at John's mom's wedding, everyone was so amazed at how I looked, and I weighed 187 lbs at her wedding. Just wait until they see the 145 pound Kara! They won't know what to do! Ha!

I know these goals may sound silly, but I think they are what is going to help pull me through this weight loss. I keep thinking that I want to go to Le Chateau and buy a dress. I think I've only bought about 3 things at the store in my entire life. One was my winter dress jacket, and I was so shocked that it fit that I had to buy it. But I even remember when I was in Kamloops trying to find clothes there and it was hard. I'm bound and determined to buy one of my dresses there. I just keep thinking about it. There was a really nice dress when we were in Grande Prairie a few weeks ago that I wish I fit into, but I don't want to buy anything now! I have about 35 pounds to lose before the first wedding! If I bought a dress it sure wouldn't fit for that wedding!

Ok, I need to get ready to go now. I'm going to go drop my resume off at one place and go meet mom for a walk. Yes, I'm walking with her again. I gave up on being mad because I need to see someone during the day or I go stir crazy. Today's my "rest day" but I think I might come home and do a workout too. Gotta keep it going!

10 Things I Love About ME - March

I was just reading a "Biggest Loser" book, and one of the things that it said to do, other than talking about watching what you eat, writing it down and exercising, was that most women can't think of 10 things that they love about themselves. How true is that? Very much so, I think. The book said that about once a month you should sit down, and figure out 10 things that you love about yourself. I think it's a fantastic idea, and I plan to do that on the first of every month.

Here's what I love about me for March 2011:

1. I love that I love to read.
2. I love that I an very crafty.
3. I consider myself rather thoughtful, and I love that.
4. I am a very loyal friend (only if you deserve it though!) and that something to love.
5. I love that since I'm not working, I'm becoming more open and adventurous again.
6. I love my legs - just my calves - but I love them. They are strong, just like me! (And they look good in heels!)
7. I love my eyes. Just do.
8. I love that I can just sit down some days, and write and write and write. I love my writer's soul.
9. I love that since I have lost some weight, I have curves. I love curves!
10. Finally, the last thing...Hmm. I love my personality. Maybe a bit volatile at times, but it is what it is, and I don't change it to suit others.

So, are you going to stop and think about this? Are you going to write down your 10? I think you should. It is hard to sit and think about yourself, I know. But it'll feel so good when you do it! I promise! Just try it. Once. Then maybe another time. And then another. Before you know it, you'll have a hundred things that you love about yourself - I promise!