Wednesday, August 31, 2011

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!



Tuesday, August 30, 2011

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?!

Sunday, August 28, 2011

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!

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Camping

One last weekend of camping...

I'll tell ya all about it on Sunday!

Friday, August 26, 2011

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.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

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?

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

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.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

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.

Monday, August 22, 2011

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, August 21, 2011

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.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

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!).

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Center Stage

Do you remember that movie? Go here to refresh your memory! John and I are just watching it - the end anyways.

I had to share a photo - well, a thank you card. My bestie made it up for the Shields' for me. Love love love love love it!

Don't you absolutely love it?!? I do!

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

The Shields Wedding {LBK Photography}

On August 6, one of my best friends got married, and I was lucky enough to take her wedding photos. It was a bit of a gong show, but I don't think I've seen someone enjoy their wedding as much. After all of the stress to get it done, Ashley seemed to let it go to enjoy what was left of one of the most important days of her life.

Here are some of my favourite photos of the night:

















I definitely wish I had gotten more, but I am happy with what I got for a first time out of the gate!

Monday, August 15, 2011

Finalized Projects

My "Forever Diamonds" throw

Chunky Granny Scarf, inspired by "The Royal Sisters" blog

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Camping Weekend

I had quite a great weekend this weekend. Camping was great. We have 2 more trips planned, and hopefully we'll camp all the way to the end of September. It is getting colder at night, so maybe not, but we do have a furnace!

The only crappy thing is that we haven't gotten a chance to go to Tumbler Ridge - my favourite place. Maybe once September comes we'll stop camping and start doing day trips!

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Camping & Crocheting

I wish I could post a photo to set this scene. Words will have to do.

I'm in the middle of a campground, sitting at a picnic table. To my right is a roaring campfire, waiting for John to get back from work to cook some smokes. To my right, is the truck, which is powering the satellite radio station playing from the trailer behind me. And in front of me is a ball of blue wool, crochet hooks, a notebook, and a cross stitch pattern that I am going to attempt to turn into a blanket. And mosquitos are buzzing all around.

Welcome to my weekend!
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

Friday, August 12, 2011

Brilliance

I wish I had some of that today. I'm completely drawing a blank on what to write about today.

Like, completely blank.

Work, as usual, is slow. There were a few exciting things to take care of this morning (missing freight) but nothing that took very much time. Too bad.

Tonight is camping night! I hope the bugs aren't too bad. I'd like to be able to sit out without having to spray myself with repellent. Anything to not have to use that stuff!

But anyways. Back to work.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Massage

Does anything feel better than a massage? I don't think there is much. My masseuse is kind of mean, so I feel like I want to scream the whole time, but I feel amazing afterwards.

We took our trailer out to the campsite tonight, and we'll be camping all weekend. Love it!

Anyway, time for bed!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Camping Prep

Yes! Time to camp again! I am so excited for more camping! I think it's supposed to rain this weekend, but I don't care. I want to camp so badly!

So, tonight was a lot of prep for camping, and now it's time to relax. Mom and I started to walk after work again, and my knees are aching a bit. I'm thinking a bath is in order. I did clean up my bedroom, so I might as well enjoy it! And my book!

Anyhow. I should go. Time to beat the heat! Have a good night!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Walking The Track

I had an excellent walk today at our indoor track. It's around 26 degrees Celsius when I leave work, so I can't really go for a walk outside, but thank goodness for the track. They already have the ice in on the two bottom rinks and the oval, so it's nice and cool in there. And at 3, it's very dead in there so you don't have to worry about people blocking your way. So nice! I think I might go back tomorrow after work too!

Monday, August 8, 2011

Conclusions...

So, I've come to a few conclusions - wanna hear about them?

First of all, I've come to the conclusion that though I want my blog to be a crafty kind of blog, it's not going to happen. I love some of the blogs out there that are dedicated to crafts. If I wanted to have more than one blog, that would work. I toyed with the idea a few months back, but I deleted the other, crafts-only blog because I didn't think I could maintain it. I want one blog, but I want it to be about life, so c'est la vie. I guess I will have to deal with it not being a total craft blog, but I hope you'll keep reading anyways.

Second of all, I've come to the conclusion that posting every day is getting to be a nuisance, but I have a goal, and I am going to stick to it. Look out for next year though. Might not be the same thing!

Thirdly, I've come to the conclusion that I may never understand my feelings about my grandmother's death. I think my father is going through the same thing in a totally different way. I'm not sure if I should feel sad, or upset or anything, so I'm just not going to until the mood strikes me. We're talking about going back there next year to see the family (one last time for me). We shall see.

Fourthly, I've come to the conclusion that I HATE ALLERGIES. Why did I get them all of a sudden? I am so stuffed up, and antihistamines only take the edge off. So lame!

And fifthly - I think this will be the last one - I've come to the conclusion that I need to get off of my butt again. I've gained so much weight this summer, and I've barely cared. Now that I know how much I have, I need to get going. I've been doing well food wise today, now it's time to get going with exercise. I have an Oil Wives planning meeting tonight, but hopefully I will be able to convince myself that I need to get out and go for a walk at some point too. I have a change of clothes and my runners and hikers with me, so there shouldn't be an issue, but you know how that goes. With the allergies, I've been so super tired I'm finding it very easy to make the excuses.

So, back to work. Just thought I would share some conclusions with you all while I have them on my mind. Tomorrow, photos of my newest finished project!

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Finishing Projects

Finally, I'm finishing up some projects. I only have a photo of one, so here it is:


147 of 420-ish. I so thought I was half way! Oh well.

I also finished a big red and brown blanket made just for me! More photos to follow!

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Wedding Day!

Not for me (duh, I'm already married!), but for my friends Ashley and Shawn. This one has been a long time coming. Ash and Shawn hit a rough patch a while back, and broke up, but have been back together for over a year!

Basically, it's a very exciting day!

Friday, August 5, 2011

What A Compliment!

A few days ago, while posting photos from my recent vacation on Facebook, a friend who I haven't seen since high school or the year after messaged me with a great compliment.

She told me that me and the hubbs are super cute. How nice is that? So, I asked her why (obviously, I need to know why we're suddenly cute) and she told me it's because we just look so happy. How awesome is that? Not only are we cute (which we are) but it's because we look happy all of the time! Love it!

Just had to share the recent happy thing, since I'm still unsure of other recent events.

Have a good weekend all! I'm putting my photography skills to the test tomorrow with Ashley and Shawn's wedding - wish me luck!

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Death In The Family

Before you get sympathetic, let me explain what happened.

My dad's mom died. She's been very sick for a long time, but she was in her 80s, so it was expected. She went into renal failure earlier this week and didn't last very long.

Now, about the sympathy part. I haven't decided how I feel about it. You have to understand that this woman was only my grandmother because she was my dad's mom. I met her twice in my whole life, and she never once called me on my birthday or at Christmas. My mom called and told me and I didn't feel a thing.

I'm not sure how I'm supposed to feel. This was someone who I didn't know, who my father barely ever talked to, and someone who clearly didn't care too much for me, or just didn't know how to show it. So, basically, I feel nothing, but I'm not sure how I feel about not feeling, if that makes any sense.

Surprisingly, my dad was very upset. He finally told my mom a bit about why he left Nova Scotia, and why he doesn't have much to do with his mom. It definitely helped things make sense.

But there's where I'm at. So confused. Oh well.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Bring It On

Yep, I am watching that movie. The original, and best! I remember watching this in high school and loving it! Brings back some memories.

Today was actually a pretty good day. Eric showed up from Grande Prairie, which was so fantastic! Someone to help rein in the boys. It definitely made my day easier. And he's coming back tomorrow, and Troy is back Friday. Ah. Thank goodness for that!

Anyway, back to my movie...

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Sick At Work

Today is definitely not my day in some ways. I felt great this morning, came to work, everything was normal. Then about an hour and a half into my shift, I felt a bit hungry so I grabbed an apple. Got caught up with something for about 10 minutes, then went back to my apple. And nausea overtook me. So badly! I was actually threw up, which is so rare for me.

And this happened to be the day my boss isn't here, and I'm in charge of running the guys. I can't even go home sick! Well, I probably could, but I worry about what would happen to this place if I left. I'm even scared to leave at 3.

Today was the day I was going to re-start the 17 Day Diet. I'm at such a crappy point right now, I need something that will work quickly, even if I can't work out a lot. Well, that kind of went down the tubes today. I had to run to the grocery store for gravol, and I've been munching crackers since. There goes the no carbs part of the diet! But I can't feel sick all the time. I must have taken my vitamins too soon after eating, or didn't eat enough. I have such a damn sensitive system. It's lame.

Anyway, I might just wait until Thursday to start the diet. I'm afraid of being sick for a couple of days. I'll just have to try to eat properly for the next bit, and see how it goes.

John just phoned me, and apparently when we bought our truck last month we were entered into a draw for a patio set. And we won! It works out perfectly because we're actually going to biuld our deck this summer (like, soon) and we were going to have to buy a set, but now we don't! Even if I don't like it, I like the price a lot! It's going to cost so much for the deck that I'll take anything free that I can get!

But, anyhow. I should get back to work, though I don't feel like doing a whole lot. I'll just answer the phones and emails! I can always catch up tomorrow!

Wish me good health! I don't wanna feel sick anymore!

Monday, August 1, 2011

Happy BC Day!

That's right! Today was a holiday in BC. Maybe other places too. All I know is that neither John or I had to work today! Can't complain too much about that, except that I don't get paid for it! Oh well.

We went with mom for a walk in the community forest today. You can see a whole lot of damage from when we had all the rain. There was a large part of the trail that was closed off, and quite a large section was ruined because of the machinery that had to be brought in to take out dangerous trees. I'd guess that the trails won't be back to normal until next spring. I guess we will have to find a new place to hike!

Anyway, my hubby has a headache and I feel that I should maybe take care of him. Have a good night all!