Is it too early for New Year's Resolutions?

Hello friends. Sorry I haven't been blogging much lately. It seems that a lot of my enthusiasm has disappeared this holiday season. I'm just not feeling it. I have great plans to visit a lot of amazing people, but I still can't get into the mood. Maybe Friday will be different! I think, though, I might feel this way every year that we leave home at Christmastime. It's always such a rush to visit people and we have to drive soooo far. Oh well. I'm sure I'll be fine once I'm on the road!

So, a New Year's Resolution? I think one is in order. I really need to keep up with this blog! This is my life story, after all! So, what do you think my goal should be? Once a week minimum? Twice a week minimum? Let me know what you think!

Now, off to work. Lunch breaks are much too short!

MIA, again

Yes, I just realized that I haven't posted much lately. I tent to go through spurts. Oh well. I'm back now (let's see how long I can keep it going this time!).

How's life been for you? It's been very cold, snowy, and stressful here. The lowest we got down to was -31, and it only lasted a day, thank goodness. It's been around -20 for the last few weeks, and unfortunately, we still get snow when it's that cold. It's amazing how much we've already gotten! And the stressful, that's about work. Inventory went off without a hitch, but now I'm working on records maintenance. Basically, I have to touch every single piece of paper that we have in the branch and re-file it all. And, I'm behind. It all has to be done by next Monday, and I'm pretty sure I'm not going to be done without a lot of overtime, which I am not looking forward to. Looks like I'll be working from 7-5 at least this week, and maybe the weekend too. Lame.

But, I am getting excited for Christmas. I was planning on putting up my Christmas tree yesterday, but it just didn't happen. Maybe one night this week. I'm not doing a huge amount of decorating since we're not even going to be here, but a tree is a must. I want to wrap all of my presents, but I feel weird doing it without the tree being up. So, the tree must go up! It doesn't take me much time to decorate it anyways.

But, now I should get ready for work. My hair is so long now that it takes forever to dry and straighten, I better get my ass in gear if I want to make it to work on time!

Work Update

Wow! It's been a while since I've done an update from work! I guess I must have been busy the last little while! Not so much now. With the crappy prices of natural gas, a lot of projects have been cancelled in our area, and it's taking a toll. The projects aren't cancelled forever; they're just being mothballed, but it could be a couple of months or a couple of years before they get started up again. Not the best time to be in the north, but we're going to have to stick it out!

I'm right into planning for Christmas right now. I keep thinking that we don't need to spend a lot of money, but then I keep thinking about what I can buy for people. Gotta stop myself! We're going to be doing a lot of travelling, so I will be gracing lots of family and friends with my presence! And John's too, of course! Molly is going to stay at Gramma and Grampa's to keep them company for Christmas, so it'll be lonely in our truck, but it's ok! The longest journey is from FSJ to Edmonton, then Golden to home. Every other leg should be ok because they are all short jaunts. I can't wait to spend the night with my sis in Edmonton, my good friends in a town just outside of Calgary, and with lots of family in Golden. We're contemplating going through PG to see John's family too. Anything is possible with us!

I've also been crocheting a lot. I mean, a lot. I have lots of finished projects! Maybe tomorrow I'll do a photo bomb! I've been working on lots of fun things!  Other than that, not much is going on. Winter is well upon us, and it won't be going away for a long time. April at least. Oh well.

Time to go to work! Well, to get to work, I guess is the right way of putting it! Have a good day one and all!

Inventory Prep & Inventory

What a week it's been. It feels like it will never end - yes, I do realize that it is Friday morning, but not only am I prepping for my inventory next weekend, I have to go and help John with his inventory tonight after work. It's crazy. I've been working lots of extra hours with an incredibly sore left wrist (I don't know what I did, but it's painful), and most likely, I'll be working this weekend too. Then all next weekend. I'm so glad the weekend after my inventory is a long weekend. I'm going to stay inside and do NOTHING! It'll be so nice. I can imagine it now. PJ's and tea and movies. Yipee!

Has anyone watched "Rock of Ages" yet? Surprisingly enough, it's pretty entertaining. Except that they remade Pat Benetar songs. It would have been an amazing movie if they would have just left her songs alone. Mary J Blige doesn't do it justice, but Tom Cruise actually does a pretty good job. I'm listening to the soundtrack now, and it's very amusing!

Other than that, life has been pretty boring. Working so many hours makes me so exhausted, so I don't want to do anything when I come home, and let me tell you, the house has taken a beating. I need to do some major cleaning this weekend. I think I can get it all done in a couple of solid hours, but it's so hard to want to do it after working so much. Gotta get done though. Maybe I should just hire a cleaner!!

Ok. Time to go to work! Yippee!!

50 Shades of Distracted

What a distracted couple of days I've had! I started reading The 50 Shades of Grey on Thursday night - bad idea! I should have waited until the weekend! I've been totally mesmerized, and distracted, and well, if you've read the books, you know what else. I haven't been able to do anything but read! I just finished the second book, and now I need to get some stuff done around my house! Hubby plays hockey tonight, so I have lots of time this evening to read. I'm sure book number three will be done in a short matter of time as well.

I don't want to jinx it, but this has been a great month for weight loss so far! I just checked, and I'm down 6 pounds this month! I'm not sure how, but I'm happy about it either way! I haven't been eating as much the past few days, so obviously that helps, but it feels great. I'm just feeling better. Plain and simple.

Ok, time to do some housework that has been lacking in the past couple of days during my 50 Shaded of Distracted phase.

Have a nice day! Even if it's snowing like crazy like it is here!

Weight Loss

Well, it's only Wednesday, and I'm already down a pound since Sunday. Yay! I don't have any idea how it happened, but apparently it did. I'm really going to try to work out tonight. I've been so drained by the time I get home that I just come in the house and crash. I have way too much to do to do that this afternoon! I had a mishap with the laundry on the weekend and tried to flood the basement, so all of the towels that I had just freshly washed are dirty again, and so are both of our winter jackets from winterizing the trailer. Time to get my ass in gear!

Have a good Wednesday everyone!

Tuesday

"I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day." - E.B White
Makes sense, doesn't it? I think I'm going to enjoy the world today.

#2

Post #2 today! Strange, no?

I did a silly thing. Well, kind of silly. I looked at old pictures, pictures from Kamloops when I was like 60 pounds lighter. Bad idea. I'm a little depressed that I let it get this bad. It's crazy. The good news is that I'm losing weight, just not because I'm meaning to. I need to be working out.

Last Tuesday, I was at 214.3 pounds. This morning, I was at 211.3 pounds. That's a loss of 3 pounds, but I have no idea how it happened. I wish I was working out and eating well, because it would feel like a loss. This just feels like maybe I drank more water yesterday and that helped.

I'm not sure that I want to make hard goals of losing a pound a week, or 2 even. Maybe just to be lower each week than the week before. Might not be a lot each week, but less is less. I'm just tired of feeling like the fat girl. It's stupid. I'm so confident in most areas of my life, but when it comes to meeting new people and stuff, I feel like people are judging me. Stupid, right? And I really need to meet some people. I just have no idea how to do it anymore. How do adults make friends? Especially when they're super insecure and quiet because of that?

Anyways. Man. Gotta get going and do something. Looking forward to a fun filled week coming up! (not)

Winterizing the Travel Trailer

What an ordeal. We waited too long to winterize our trailer. Or, I guess I should say, we didn't realize that it was going to be full blown winter the second week of October. We ended up using 22 jugs of RV antifreeze. And it's around $6 a jug. Frick. I mean, it would have been more if we had taken it to Dawson Creek (5-6 hour drive away) but it's crazy. And, we were pouring the antifreeze into the trailer, and couldn't figure out why the pump wasn't picking it up. It was because there was just a little bit of water in the lines, and it was frozen. So, we had to back the trailer into John's shop at work and hope that none of the lines had busted. So lucky that none of them did! Now at least the trailer is good to go for the winter. But man. It could have been simpler!

Oh, and did I mention, it was raining the whole time, and below zero. Yep, freezing rain. I hope neither of us wake up tomorrow and are sick. What a weekend. Hope you all had a better, more relaxing one than I had!

Sleepy Saturday

I really, really, really want to have a sleepy day today, but I know that would just be a bad idea. So much to do around my house! Laundry, dishes, clutter management. It's going to be a full day. So what have I decided to do? Crochet and watch Eat Pray Love in bed. I know I should get going, but damn. It's -5 out, ice pellets in the forecast for this morning, and it seems appropriate to be in bed!

Cleaning has become my ultimate nemesis these days. I spend all weekend cleaning, and get the house to a manageable level, then during the week I am so tired out from work that I come home and either crawl into bed (which I did 2 or 3 days out of 4 this week because I was so cranky) or lay down on the couch. Not the right thing to do by any means. Now, our house looks like a couple of slobs live in it, and I have a ton of work to do today and tomorrow. I promise myself every Sunday night that I'll take better care of the house during the week, but I never do. Ugh. Anyone else feel like that? Any tips on keeping up with housework? I don't know how people with kids and full time jobs do it. I can barely do it and I only have the job!

Anyways, I'm super unmotivated. But, I should try to get off of my ass anyways. Have a good Saturday everyone! Hope you get to have a bit of a lazy day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Well, in our lovely neck of the woods, it's Thanksgiving today. We celebrated with my parents on Saturday, and spent today getting caught up on the essentials - couch time and laundry! It's been a pretty positive year, so hubs and I have a lot to be thankful for.

Now, it's time to get my ass in gear so that this time next year, I can be thankful that it's a bit smaller!! Last year at this time, we were packing and packing and packing to get John moved up here the next weekend. Crazy how time flies. Hopefully, when I look back at this time next year, I'm in a different place. Not a new home or new town, just physically. I'm getting winded from walking up the stairs, I notice I can't move as fast at work. It's bad. So, time for me and the treadclimber to get reacquainted. And maybe take Molly for a walk. Maybe that should be the first step. Better go and try to convince hubby that we need to go outside! Or, maybe I should check and see how cold out it is first!!

Hope you all had a good Thanksgiving, and that you too have a lot to be thankful for!

Computer Systems Crash

Yup, computer system is down. And it's been down most of the week. It's driving me nuts! We should just close the freaking doors and go home. I have so much that I could be doing!!

Right now I'm thinking about switching out my stupid iPhone for a Blackberry. I am so sick of this stupid touch screen. One day, I should do a post and leave all of the autocorrect mistakes on it. I hate it! The touchscreen sucks (I just had to type touchscreen in 3 times to get it right and the last time autocorrect caught it so that it was spelled correctly) and honestly, I don't need all of the apps at my disposal. I want to call and text and check Facebook. That's all. So back to BB it is! I think I'll pick one up this weekend.

Other than that, nothing much is new. Our temperatures have dropped below zero at night and there was heavy frost on the truck this morning. So lame! But it's better than too hot, I think!

Anyways, I should probably get back to work. Not sure what I can do, but I'm sure that I can find something!

Have a good day all!!

October 1

October?!

I can't believe it's October 1st! Can you?? It seems nuts to me! I might have to finally turn on my furnace! It's not too chilly today, but there is a chance of snow, so you can tell that fall is very much here! It's very smoky again today. I really want it to snow so that the damn smoke goes away! It's bad! I think we might be sleeping in the basement again tonight!

Work was interesting this morning. Computers were down until after 10. And by computers, I mean our whole system including the phones. It was a long morning, and now we have so much to do to catch up! Absolutely crazy. Hopefully I'll have some energy after work to take Molly for a walk. If I do, I'll take some photos in the trees. It's amazing how many leaves have fallen already! They started to turn at the end of August, and most of the trees are already bare. Lame!

Anyways, back to work. Have a great day all!

Vegas 2012 - Paris

Back to blog again! I know, I know! A shock!! I told you I was going to try to get more regular about posting!!

So, like I mentioned in my last post, Hubs and I went to Vegas at the beginning of last month. What a fun place! It was much much much too hot, but that was something we apparently felt the need to find out the hard way. We stayed at the Paris resort (because I'm still obsessed with Paris!) and it was awesome! We were right next door to Planet Hollywood, and right across the strip from the Bellagio.

Wanna see some pictures??

 This is one of my favourite collages (all collage photos were taken on my iPhone). I LOVED the resort! Every morning, we got to see the Eiffel Tower! Yes, I do realize that it's a quarter of the size, but it's still pretty cool. We actually went up it the last night and got to see a Bellagio show from the top. Now that's cool! It was kinda scary up there - I have no idea how I did it when I was up the real one! The photo in the collage was actually from the pool, which was another place we spent a lot of time. With it being so damn hot, we had to! Otherwise we would have melted. Like literally, melted.

The was Gordon Ramsey's Steak, his new restaurant in our hotel. So worth it! Very expensive, but so worth it! It was amazingly decorated, and the service was amazing. I had his famous beef wellington, and holy crap! It was amazing. Just amazing! But, if you're going there expecting the menu to be the same as what you see on Hell's Kitchen, you're in for a disappointment. It's a steak house, so don't expect scallops or risotto. If you want that, go to Hell's Kitchen!!

Here are a couple of shots from our wanderings. The one on the left is New York New York. What a cool looking place! I wonder if you can actually go up the towers and the Statue of Liberty. That would be awesome! On the right is Planet Hollywood, our neighbour. I really enjoyed that hotel. The Paris was a very laid back and low key, where Planet Hollywood was upbeat and rockin' all the time! We saw "Peepshow" there, and went to a couple of restaurants. Also the Miracle Mile shops right there. So very cool!

And here's Caesar's Palace. What a neat place! We took these photos the first night on our way to the Ron White show. I was impressed by the size of the property that it was on. It's massive! Apparently the hotel itself isn't the largest around, but there are the Colosseum shops (very expensive shops like Coach) and lots of fountains and other things. Pretty sure that Wolfgang Puck has a restaurant in there. I definitely would like to wander around there a little bit more next time!

And then there were the cool shops! Hubs and I spent most of one day at the south outlet mall (I definitely recommend that one in the summer, because it's more of a traditional mall, with 90% of the shops inside, where the north outlet mall is a long way north and is an outside shopping area) and on our way back, we stopped in at M&M World and the Coca-Cola Store. Both were super packed but cool! But, a word to the wise - don't bother buying any M&M's there. Or Coke, for that matter. It's super expensive! If you want souvenirs, then go for it, but Wallgreen's has M&M's for a quarter of the price!! I did really enjoy the experience though!

And, one of the other parts of the experience was the drinking of course! Good beer, wines, and of course, margarita's from Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville in the Flamingo. It was amazing to me that when we went to the little shop in our hotel, a 24 ounce beer, or a little bottle of wine, was the same price as water! We learned our lesson though - find a Wallgreen's and buy water there! Personally, I can't live on just beer and wine and tequila (because, let's face it, I pretty much just drank the tequila out of the bottom of that pitcher!).

And then there was the food! There was a burger place in the hotel, and it was so good - we went there twice, so you know it was good! I had this amazing turkey burger. Served on a parmesan cheese bun, with turkey bacon, white cheddar, lettuce and tomatoes. Oh, and I forgot - a over medium egg! So good! Hubs even had to have one the second time we were there! It was a bit weird when we had a regular hamburger there - Canadians aren't used to being asked if we want our hamburger rare, medium or well done! Then we had chicken and waffles over at the PBR in Planet Hollywood. So fricken good! I think I've found my new favourite meal! It's definitely a must try!

So, it's obvious that we enjoyed our time in Vegas! My words of advice on going to Vegas are: don't go in the summer unless you can deal with 40+ weather, don't go on a long weekend unless you LOVELOVELOVE crowds, and take your time while you're there. The best thing we did was relax a bit. Some people go to Vegas and never have a chance to relax. Hubs and I relaxed, but mostly it was because after about the second day we decided that we would definitely go back. Actually, we're already planning our next trip back - this time in February, and with some friends. We're planning on staying at the MGM Grand, so it'll be a whole new experience. Hopefully we'll be able to go to Freemont Street then too. I just couldn't bear the thought of going there the last time because it was just too hot! Next time though, I'm there!

Ok. I fought with Blogger to get this one perfect for way too long! Time to get going!!

Have a great day all!

Ok, a real one this time!

So, how about that last post?! My lovely sis got mad at me this evening because I hadn't posted since August 17. And she was bang on! It doesn't seem like it's been well over a month, but I guess it has! Seems weird. Like I've taken a vacation from my regular routine, and let me tell you, it hasn't been productive! Right now I'm in Edmonton on work related stuff (more later) and I'm not quite ready for bed yet, so I guess a quick blog post is appropriate!

So, since I've already told you that I've taken a vacation from routine, you can gather that I'm off of the weight loss train - if you could even say I've been on it at all! It hasn't turned out too badly, but it hasn't gotten any better! The training I was in for the past couple of days might help me out with this though.

So, what have I been up to since August 17? Not going to lie, it's been mostly nothing. Hubs and I went to Vegas for the first time at the beginning of the month - more on that in another post! Other than that, we bought a couple of new quads, have been working and working, met Trevor Linden (!!!) and just been coasting.

This week I came to Edmonton for training. As you know, I'm an inside sales and service representative. The training for the past 2 days was about becoming a better ISSR and learning more about the company. I do have a lot of "take-aways" from this experience, but I have one that I learned from the people around me that surprised me and made me more aware of how lucky I am.

All of the "trainees" are ISSRs like me. Of course, during our breaks, we chatted in general about life. I usually sit back and listen and observe at this point, and it was no different for the last 2 days. I was SHOCKED to find out that most people couldn't even afford the cab ride from the airport to the hotel and back, and that they had to get cab chits from head office. I understand that it's about $80 each way, but it amazed me how many people weren't able to even pay for that! I assumed that all employees of the company got paid well, at least competitively, and that having that extra cash (which we get back) wouldn't be a big deal - but it is! It seemed to me that I was 1 out if 12 who really didn't have to worry, and that was strange for me. Maybe I'm jaded now. But, I also have no idea what each of their situations is. But, it was still shocking to me. Does that seem weird? I know it wasn't long ago that I was in that same spot, but I'm young, and I'm sure I was one of the youngest by far. It just makes me think of how lucky I am that hubs wanted to take the opportunity to move farther north because it ended up giving us both great opportunities and the ability to not worry as much about the money involved.

I dunno. I feel pretty lucky. To be this young and have (most of) it together.

But, ok. Bath is getting cold, and iPad is dying. More another day. I'll try to make a conscious effort to blog more consistently - don't want the sis to tell at me more!

Good night all!

Blog for Ash

Here you go sista! More will come, promise!!

Smoked Out!

I wish I could tell you that the photo below was just a light haze. In fact, it's a thick layer of smoke in town. I can barely fricken breathe.

More About Goals

So, I thought about my goals yesterday. I'm not ready to post them, as I want to be 100% sure when I do post them. But, just so you know, I have been thinking about them!

Work is another story entirely. As you know, I am currently an inside sales and service representative - meaning I deal with customers on the phone and when the come into the branch. I had my last "performance excellence" (sounds a bit like corporate BS, don't you think?) meeting with my branch manager, and it went really well. We talk about my progress, and if I am improving or need to work on some parts of my job. Then, right at the end, he asks me where I want to go. Basically, in our branch, I could move up to outside sales (no thanks!) or branch manager. And I really hadn't given it too much thought. He told me that I need to think about it, because if I want to become the next branch manager, we need to start training me for it now. Floored me! Totally floored. I honestly hadn't thought too much about it because we have been so focused on John's career, and not mine for the past 5 years. Now it's time to think about what's best for me, and it's so strange!

Anyways, quick update. Need to get the branch open for the day! Have a good day all!

Setting Attainable Goals

Good morning world! A quick post because I should be getting ready for work, not blogging, or reading articles on livestrong.com.

This morning, I read the article "Find Your Motivation" and I have to say, it makes sense. Quickly take a read.

I think, all this time, I have been making goals the wrong way. Instead of saying that I want to eat healthier by cutting out fast food and going out to restaurants, and that I want to exercise more to become healthy and avoid things like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol which are all prevalent in my family, I've been saying that I want to lose weight. And giving it a specific number, or jeans size, or whatever. What I should have been doing is making small, attainable goals that will become good habits, and will help me become healthier so that I can live a better life.

Now, I really should think about what I need to make into my first goal. Maybe 2 small goals to take me through to the end of the month, and see how that goes. I have been losing a bit at a time, which is great, but I haven't been exercising at all, and while we have been eating at home, it still hasn't been the healthiest.

Anyways, I should get ready to go to work, but I really am lacking the motivation there. Lots to think about on the work front as well - more later on that.

MIA

Wow, it has certainly been a while since I last posted! Not a lot has changed in my life. John and I bought a quad and have been having a blast playing around on it. It's only a 350, so it's almost too small for both of us, but the little Honda keeps on going!

John on his new toy

We had a really fun long weekend - what were you up to? We went camping at the VERY popular Muncho Lake. We showed up at 8 on Friday night, and had to take the very last spot in overflow - good little spot with a picnic table but no fire pit (not such a bad thing for me with my allergies!).

So beautiful! 

And of course, we ended up right beside the lake, right on the boat launch. It was amazing. John took Molly for a quad ride Saturday morning (took her for a long long run, is more the case) so I got a chance to sit on the dock, and meditate. It was so amazing. Want to see the view I had?

This obviously wasn't taken while I was meditating - Molly was out fetching her ball!

It was beautiful! Absolutely beautiful!

Other than that, it's been great! John and I got home Monday, and started making a plan to eat better and work out more. Now, the workouts haven't happened as much as they should have, but we have been eating better, resulting in John losing about 8 pounds, and me losing 5.5 pounds since Tuesday morning. Pretty amazing! I know I've set goal after goal after goal, and I haven't really made any at all. I just want to live. I know, I know. I need to have goals, blah blah blah. I just want to enjoy myself, and I have been doing that. I think once we are back from Vegas, I will start working out hard and trying to lose more, but for now, I am so content with just being.

Ok, now, time to get some crocheting and housework done!! Have a fantastic weekend all!

Had to Share

My niece in the jammies I bought her in Jasper.

Confessions

All right. Time to face the music. I'm back from vacation (1 of 2 this year) and it's time to get back into working out.

I weighed this morning. It made me cringe. Then it made me mad. Then I got over it.

This morning, I weighed in at 212 pounds. Bad, right?

Such is life. I wondered what I should do about it, and it's really very simple. I need to get over it and get going! It's so hot right now that it's difficult to even want to go outside, but I do get up at 5 am, so I can attempt at getting a workout in then.

I've given myself a goal of 10 pounds per month. I think that's manageable. I just have to get going. And no, I'm not going to worry if it doesn't happen. I'll just keep working on it. I'm also going to come up with a goal tonight. I want to do some jogging this summer, so it will involve that. I'm going to attempt a jog tonight, and see how far I can go. Then I'll make up a goal accordingly.

I'm very sick of being the way I am. I want to lose weight, and want to be active. Wanting isn't enough. Time to get to DOING it. Losing weight. Being active. Can't be this hard to do. Just gotta do it. Go for it!

Ok, back to work. I'm in charge, so I should probably be working! Have a good day! I'll keep you all posted on the goals :)

 

Lost

Have you ever felt this way? I'm so there right now.

Our house in FSJ finally sold, so I'm feeling good about that. July 10 is when the new owner takes over, and we're free and clear. It'll feel nice, for sure. Then we can get on with things.

But, I still feel lost. John and I are eating whatever we want, and not exercising nearly enough. But, I don't know where to begin.

We're going on vacation this weekend (for a week) so I don't feel like starting an exercise routine because it'll just get pushed aside while we're gone. But I need to work on a plan of attack for when we do come home. The bow flex and tread climber need to get used! No ifs, ands, or buts about it! But how do I begin? I'll need to do some planning while we're away - hopefully I'll have free time for that.

John and I decided that we're going to go to Vegas in September, so I need to look good! That gives me 2 months to kick ass - then forever :)

Quick Photo Share

Just a quick post this morning. I just uploaded some photos from the wedding we went to on my birthday, so I thought I would share.

The view from our room at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort - definitely want to go back and explore more there! (When it's not raining cats and dogs)

Wedding info - yes, that does say Thompson and Tomson!

Cute niece #1 - Tyhlar

Cute niece #2 - Teagan

Cute niece #2 and her cute mom

Bride & Groom

Me & Keeks! One of my dear friends from high school!

Beautiful bride Brittany - she was my first roommate when I moved out on my own!

First dance - to Bob Marley

Look at that backdrop - Fairmont Ski Hill

Bride & her dad

A great wedding, even though it was very rainy and cold!

Have a great day everyone!

Back from Vacation

I'm back from a quick vacation - and I do mean quick! 6 days, 3000 kilometres. Yep, long, long days for driving. 6 hours the first night to Grande Prairie, 7 the next day to Golden, 1-ish the next day to Fairmont Hot Springs (shortest day in the whole vacation!), 5 the next day to Jasper, 3 the next day back to Grande Prairie, and finally another 6 back home the next day. We left around 2pm on Thursday, and got home at 6 last night. Ridiculous. But awesome too.

The reason we went so far was to get to a wedding in Fairmont. Great wedding, even with the rain! It was supposed to be an outside ceremony, but the weather was horrible. So they put up a tent, and it was chilly, but good. Then the reception in the ski lodge. It was actually pretty nice. I got to see some friends from high school, and make a few new ones as well. It's just too bad we were so tired from all of the travelling.

Then there was Jasper. Hubby got a bunch of my friends to meet up for my birthday - so awesome! My last few birthdays have been pretty lame, so it was really nice. Having some drinks and food and hanging out with friends in one of my most favourite places - priceless! Made turning 26 ok!

But now we're home, and I need to get back to weight loss. I am saying this as I eat chocolate covered pretzels from Jasper, but oh well. I'm working on a plan - I'll let you in on it later!

Back to work!

 

 

I want to lose...

...5 pounds in June. Is it doable? YES!

This morning I had a super crappy weigh in. 205.5 pounds. Yikes! I'm letting myself slip badly! I need to stop it!

There are 30 weeks left in the year. Well, 31 maybe. Sometimes I get confused when I count.

So, 30 weigh ins. I want to be around 160 pounds by the end of the year. Even if I average a pound a week with a few good weeks in between, I can do it.

I just need to get off of my ass.

Sigh. I didn't realize how much I enjoyed winter - only due to the fact that I get to hide behind sweaters. Now that I'm wearing t-shirts and tank tops, I can't hide. It sucks! I almost want winter again, except I don't want to be stuck inside all of the time. Now might be the time to get serious!!

Ok. Time to work. It's so damn slow though! I wanna go home!

 

I Knew There Was a Reason

I stayed home from work today. I wasn't feeling well this morning, and I didn't sleep well. I also have been having some pain in my side, so I figured today would be a good opportunity to go to the doctor about that and the pain I've had under my arms for weeks.

Now to the reason for my blog title today.

It was nothing. Probably just a rib that was a bit out of place, rubbing on my insides. So, nothing. Then, the doctor prodded my stomach so hard it's hurting. How's that for ironic? That's why I don't go to the doctor. It's never anything big. I feel like I waste the doctor's time with my hypochondria. I always think there's something wrong. And then I leave feeling kind of foolish.

I don't know how you all feel, but I hate going to the doctor. Usually it's just because I'm scared of something being wrong, but I also hate the idea that I'm going there for nothing. But, I guess it's better to go and ease my mind than not and have something really wrong be happening.

I dunno.

Anyway, I'm going to go back to chilling in the only cool place in my house - the basement.

Another Deal has Fallen Through

Yes, another deal has fallen through. Our house still has not sold. It's too bad, because I knew that the guy who was buying it wouldn't be able to do it. It was a guy that hubby had to "lay off" (aka fire) because he didn't have his shit together. Then, him and his new girlfriend (of a few months) decided to move and buy a new house. Now, the thing about the girlfriend. The guy was actually with someone else, I think until January or February. The mother of his little girl, who is just over one year old. He basically jumped from her bed to the new girlfriend's. Then there was a period in April that he was back and forth, and then he decides to move and buy a house with the new one. Can you say stupid?! So, now we've waiting almost a month, and we're back to square one. How many people go through this many failed offers? Apparently our idiot realtor is meeting someone today to write up and offer that will be on condition of sale. I'm not too excited about it. And our realtor is so dumb I doubt I'll be able to even get any questions answered. Oye. I just want this to be over. So over. Now we have to wait even longer. I'm so tired of this.

Ok. Time to get ready for work. I'm just so annoyed.

Tuesday Weigh-In

Another Tuesday is upon us! In Canada we celebrated Victoria Day yesterday, and got the day off of work. Love long weekends! Usually, it's the first weekend most people go out camping, and it snows. Well, we were lucky enough to get the snow a couple of days before the weekend, making it a really nice weekend. So nice, in fact, that I got sunburnt. I wore sunscreen on Saturday, but by the time I thought about it on Sunday I was burnt. Spent most of the afternoon in the shade but it still hurts to move today!
I weighed in this morning at 202 pounds. No change. I'm glad. With all of the crappy eating that usually accompanies camping, I did really well. Now it's time to kick it into gear. The weather is dreary today, so I guess I'll be working out inside. Not so bad though. I have a lot to get caught up on.
Do any of you out there have someone come in and do cleaning for you? I'm thinking about hiring someone to come in once a week, and do my bathrooms and floors. I can keep up on my own laundry and dishes, and keeping everything else tidy, but bathrooms and floors get left behind a lot. I don't think I'll be doing any of that until the fall, but I wonder if it's worth it. I think it is. A clean house is a happy house!
Anyways. Back to work. Another slow day by the sounds of it (no customers and only one phone call in the first hour and a half).

 

Wednesday Weigh-In

Back to weigh-ins. I weighed in Monday at 204.5 pounds, yesterday at 202.5 pounds, and today at 202 pounds. Now, if only I can keep this going! 2.5 pounds so far is really good! I just have to not give into temptation for this weekend. No buying chips and junk! We're not even 100% sure where we're camping yet, but hopefully it's somewhere we can take Molly for lots of good walks. At least I'll be forced to get my exercise! Even if it is snowing!

I've decided that I need to go back to little rewards for my weight loss. Little goals and rewards never hurt! So, when I get to 195 pounds, just a mere 7 pounds away, I'm going to schedule a much needed pedicure. Now, I hope I can hit that before the wedding so that I have nice feet for the wedding, but if not, that's ok. I'm not going to put timelines on. I want to be 160 pounds by the end of the year. Right now, that's 42 pounds away. According to BMI I should be anywhere from 110-145 pounds. I would like to be in the 150s, but for this year, I will settle for low 160s. I'm sure once I get that low it will be a huge struggle to lose the rest, but at least at 160, I think I will feel good about myself. Then I just have to keep working out and going at it and eventually I will be where I need to be.

Now, I should go and get ready for work. I'm actually blogging before work today! Not at work! Big surprise there! I've been off track and I know I need to blog more, so I will try!!

Have a great day out there!

Thursday Weigh-In

Finally down a little bit! I weighed-in this morning at 201.5 pounds. Not great, but it's better.

Yesterday I watched what I ate, and while it wasn't all the best of food, it was better than what I have been eating.

I spoke to a good friend, B, yesterday as well. She gave me a lot to think about. More on that to come once I've had a chance to think about it.

It's a gloomy morning here, but it's supposed to get nicer. I hope it does! Have a great day out there everyone!

 

 

Wednesday Weigh-In

I'm  still at 203.5 pounds. I shouldn't be surprised - yesterday was a non-stop eatfest. Gotta pull myself together!! This is ridiculous!

 

 

Tuesday Weigh-In

Frick! It just keeps getting worse! This morning I weighed in at 203.5 pounds! I gained another pound and a half!

This has just got to stop. Bahhhhhh!

 

Monday Weigh-In

So not please. Actually, I was quite pissed this morning. I had planned on weighing in yesterday, but I woke up at 3:30 in the morning, and ate before I weighed. I was so tired I didn't even realize it.

Last weigh-in was April 16. I can't believe it was that long ago! Here's what happened:

April 16 - 198.5 pounds

May 7 - 202 pounds

A gain of 1.5 pounds.

So mad! I can't even believe it. I wasn't necessarily following a diet, but I thought I was doing pretty well. Apparently not. All it does is piss me off. I'm so dehydrated that I'm sure that's part of it, but I'm still mad. Mad at myself, and no one else. There is no one else to blame.

But, a month until I leave to visit friends and go to a wedding. One month to kick ass. I walked to work today, so that's a start. But frick. I just want to get this going. Good luck losing 15 pounds this month Kara!

Oye.

 

Feeling Off

I think this week has just been one of those weeks. And it's ain't over yet!

I've felt kind of off track all week, and I've missed a few "official" weigh-ins, and everything seems off. Last night, I felt faint walking up the stairs. It wasn't cool. It was early in the evening, and I made it for the rest of the night, but it was so weird.

This morning, I went and saw my friend TA, who owns the local coffee shop, and got myself a London Fog. Let's see if some love from London can get me back into a good mood! I need to get onto the Vitamin D as well. Something is just off, and I have no idea what. I'm aching for the weekend, and I have no idea why. I don't do anything! Hubby works and works and works, and I sit at home on my ass. Maybe it's because I don't have as much to do this weekend. Maybe.

Anyways. I'm off to work. Well, I'm already there, but I should do something other than drink my London Fog and type this up!

 

Do you like giveaways?

The check out my craft blog - {lbk creations} - for the details!

Skipping Weigh-Ins

Bad girl! I know! I shouldn't be skipping weigh-ins. How am I going to stay accountable when I don't stay accountable!?

It's been a tough couple of weeks. Not tough as in life, tough as in motivation. I have none! Still! It's super annoying. I just want to get back on track, but I'm at a loss. I'm craving diet Coke like crazy, and wildberry Twizzlers. So stupid! Moving a block away from a convenience store might not have been the best idea!

I think things might be slowly turning around. Yesterday, I worked out at lunch. Tread climbed it! It was pretty nice, actually. I was planning on doing a workout when I got home too, but I didn't eat right during the day, and I was wiped. I did, however, sit in the sunshine and read a book - and soaked up some Vitamin D! I've been feeling kind of down, so I think that might help. I started taking my Vitamin D pills as well; hopefully that will help.

I really want to start focusing. Almost a month until my friend B's wedding. I want to be in the mid-low 180s by then. SO BADLY! But I lack the motivation to get there. In a month, I need to lose about 15 pounds. I think I'll feel good if I can at least make it to 10 pounds lost. I know how crazy that sounds, believe me. But, As of May 7 (exactly 1 month before we leave for Fairmont) I am cutting out all junk. No giving into cravings, no diet Coke, no Twizzlers, no white bread, no white pasta, no white rice. Veggies, lean meat, and some carbs are going to be all I'm going to eat. This week is my trial for that - we'll see how it goes. So far so good. Hubby's birthday is on the 15th, so yes, I will tell you right now, I am going to cheat and have a piece of cake - especially since I am going to be the one making it! But a small piece! I think if I can stick to it for a whole month, I will see the changes that I want to see. As long as I work my butt off, I know I can make something happen.

Anyways, I should maybe get back to work. So dead though...

Lack of Motivation

I am so freaking tired. So so so tired. I think it's my allergies. Taking an antihistamine barely helped today.

Which leads me to my lack of motivation. I'm tired! Who wants to work out or watch what they're eating when they're tired?? It's so nice out today - cool, but so sunny - and I really want to take Molly for a nice long walk, but do I have the motivation? I better find it somewhere!

Yesterday John and I took Molly for a 3 kilometer walk. It was really nice! I'm hoping to do either 4 or 5 tonight though. I don't think John wants to go on super long walks, and he plays hockey tonight and tomorrow night, so I might as well take advantage!

But, I have to get the motivation up. Argh!

 

Official Weigh-In - Week #15

Wow, fifteen weeks into the new year - where has the time gone? I guess it's almost time to stop calling it the new year!

As you can see, I've stopped going by official weigh-ins. I've skipped a few, and it's mighty confusing for me! It's the 15th full week of the year, so I'll go with that.

I didn't weigh yesterday, and here's why: I was scared. I honestly thought I had been so lazy, and ate so much that I would be back in the 200s, and I didn't want to face it. But, I sucked it up this morning, and did a weigh in.

Sunday, April 1 - 198.5 pounds

Monday, April 16 - 198.5 pounds

Well, at least I didn't gain! Thankfully, because of one awesome week, I'm only behind 2 pounds for my goal on June 3 of 182.5 pounds. Now, I just need to kick my ass into gear! MK and I had been texting each other our calorie goals, and at the end of the day, sharing how we did. It forced both of us to track what we were eating, and I know we both found it helped...until we stopped doing it. This week, we're going to work really hard on getting back on track with it, because we both saw large successes with it before. I just need to take a bit, and see why the heck I've been letting myself get back into a rut. It makes no sense. I know that I can be successful if I try, but then I stop trying and get mad when I can't lose or when I gain.

Anyways, back to work. Hopefully I can kick my own ass (and MK can too!) and this week will be good!

Have a great week everyone! Keep it STRONG!

 

Appreciation

I love to feel appreciated.

Today, we got our yearly raises. I always assumed that they were "cost of living" increases, but all these years, I have been wrong. They are called "merit" raises, based on your performance, and your yearly evaluations.

This year, I get 5%. Doesn't seem like a lot, but when teachers are going on strike because the government won't give them 3%, it's pretty big.

Funny part is: the rest of the branch is only getting 3%. I get extra because I go "above and beyond" what is expected.

Frick yeah!

Feeling pretty awesome right now!

 

 

Wednesday AM Quickie

Just a quick post.

This morning I weighed in at 198.5 pounds. On Friday of last week I was 196.5 pounds, but after Easter weekend...well, you know how that went for most of us. I'm glad to have only gained 2!

I checked on my goal. I have this weigh-in on Sunday, and 8 more, and 16 pounds to go to make my goal. Thankfully, I kicked butt on one week and lost 4.5 pounds, meaning that I only have to lose about 1.5 pound per week until June 3. Now, to get my butt in gear and actually start losing!

I was planning on walking to work since I am way behind on my 100km in April challenge, but I woke up late. I actually only had about 4 minutes to write this post. I haven't done any workouts yet, but I have been so busy trying to get my house in order. It's so annoying living with boxes everywhere!

Oh, and I think I forgot to share the best news. We accepted an offer on our place in FSJ on March 31. I was always sure it would sell in March, I just wish we didn't have to wait until the last day! The guy has until April 18 or 19 to meet all of the conditions, and then it will be out of our hair, and we will have some money to fix up this place how we want it! Yay!

Anyways, I think I'm at my 4 minute limit. Can't be late for work today - the big boss is coming (my boss's boss). Whoopie [insert sarcasm font here].

Post-Easter Breakdown

No, not that kind of breakdown. I actually had a pretty good Easter!

 

But I can just imagine how my weight loss has gone. I was 196.5 pounds on Friday morning. Now, not so sure.

 

I'm skipping weigh-in this week, and going for next Sunday. We'll see how I am on the 15th.

 

Hope you all had a hoppy Easter!

Official Weigh-In #13 {a few days late}

Finally! A better mood! I actually kicked the bad mood yesterday, but I didn't get a chance to blog. I fell asleep on the couch at like 8:30 last night! I guess the hockey game just wasn't interesting enough to keep me awake!

So, who wants to hear about my awesome week 13 weigh-in?!

Sunday, March 25 - 202.5 pounds
Sunday, April 1 - 198 pounds
Yep, that's a loss of 4.5 pounds!

Pretty freaking awesome, right?? Yep, it is. I'm so excited to say that I am out of the 200s! It does suck that it is right before Easter - my favourite holiday! Oh well. No chocolate for me this year! Unless it's small quantities of the dark stuff!

I also told you that I was going to make a couple of April goals. Here they are:

• Continue with vegetarian Wednesdays
• To do 16 dvd workouts - 4 per week - which I am already behind in!
• To walk 100km - approx 3km per day - I'm also behind in this, but I will be walking to work soon, and that's 2km each way. 

A few simple goals. Of course, my goal of 2 pounds per week is still happening. This week so far, not so much, but with 4.5 last week, I'm already ahead! Just have to stay there.

This weekend is going to be tough. We are heading to FSJ for 3 days. That means 3 days of eating out for most meals. I am going to try my hardest to be diligent with it, and not eat the most fattening thing on the menu, but I will be honest. I am going to Wendy's and I am going to eat whatever I want. One meal, whatever I want. But also, we are bringing Molly, so she will still need to go for walks, so I'll be able to get in some good exercise because it's much nicer in FSJ than here! (We're expecting snow today - there's actually a snow warning - when is it going to end?!?)

Anyways, off to work! Yesterday was better, let's just hope today was better than yesterday!

Am I?

It's been brought to my attention that I might be too hard on myself. Could it be true? I don't know!

I had a screw up at work, and I don't want to get into too much detail because I'll just get frustrated and insolent again, but it may cost us quite a bit of money. And all I can feel is stupid. I made a stupid mistake, and now I feel like an idiot. My boss wasn't mad at all, just said "shit happens" and moved on. Me, I'm freaking out.

I have been programmed by my former AGI boss to expect perfection, and I won't take anything less. In FSJ, when you screwed up, even the tiniest bit, you were reprimanded, usually with him having a freak fit at you. So, I've come to expect nothing less. I chide my co-worker because he screws up all the time, and it's never anything nearly as large as what I did.

He's the one who told me I'm being too hard on myself.

So, I started thinking. Maybe, yes, I am too hard on myself. But how do you stop that? I'm sure that's part of why I overeat and eat things I know are bad for me. It's got to be. But how do you stop the cycle?

This thing at work happened yesterday, and might take a couple of weeks to resolve. If I'm feeling like this for the next few weeks I'm going to go right insane!

But the worst of it is that I can't even tell my husband. I feel too ashamed to admit that I'm not perfect. I know that I'm not, in life in general, but at work, I'm usually aces. Like, I may mess up, but it's small things. This is a big thing. Nothing to mess my job up about, but I can't get it out of my head.

It sucks. I slept very poorly last night because of it. Kept having weird dreams. Good news is that I didn't overeat too badly last night, and I managed to walk quite a bit with Molly. Down another little bit, so that's a helper. At least my personal life isn't suffering so far.

I will get to my weigh in from Sunday. It was such a good one, but I want to be in a good mood when I write the post. Maybe later today I'll feel better. I want to write the post because I feel so good about it, but I don't want my negativity to be in the forefront of the post.

Ok, off to work. Yay (enter sarcasm).

Happy Future

Something must be going on - two posts on the same day - again!

I'm just having a really good day. Vitamin D must be doing it's job! I'm just in a very positive mindset today and I'm loving it!

I've been thinking about my goals, and I think that I may have over thought it a bit. I thought I could do more than I can. Not saying that I couldn't achieve all of those goals, but I know that I need some lenience. I can't just go full out for 6 months - I'll need a break, for sure, and that was evident with my last goal. I only lost 1 pound instead of 10.

So, I figured out some ideas, and I don't think I'm going to reach my goal weight this year (at this point, with where I am, that's my thought) but I'm ok with that. If I go according to plan (which pretty much never happens) I'll be at it sometime in February next year. That's pretty much a year to get from 200 to 150. 50 pounds in one year is ok, right? I still want to enjoy life, which is why I've kind of made the plan up that way.

But, like I said a few posts ago, things do change! I could change my mind tomorrow, or next week, or with my next goal. I just don't want to miss out on life because I am losing weight. So, once I get into the 180s, I'm going to tone it down a bit. I'd like to be able to go out for a beer or two with friends, and not worry about how I'm going to work them off. But, you know what? I'm happy about it. I don't mind a long journey, as long as I'm not setting myself up to fail. I think I've done that too much in the past, and then I get discouraged. Well, the next 10 weeks are going to be tough, but after that, not so tough!

Anyways, back to work, once again.

 

Vegetarian Wednesday

What a success! I am so excited! Yesterday was my first "vegetarian Wednesday" and it was great! Quite a challenge, because after so many years of eating a lot of meat, even one day seems like a lifetime! I was craving meat so bad by the evening - doesn't help that I had leftover shepherd's pie in the fridge! - but I worked through it and it's all good!

Yesterday morning I weighed, just to see what would happen with cutting out meat. I was 202.5 pounds. This morning, I woke up excited to see how I did. Down to 200 pounds! I can hardly believe that with just one day of cutting out meat, I was able to lose 2.5 pounds! So great! It does all have to do with food! And working out and walking, of course!

I told you that I would let you in on what I ate, so here we go:

·         OrganoGold Latte - 90 calories

·         Crunchy Peanut Butter Cliff bar - 250 calories

·         Fruit salad (ambrosia apple, red naval orange & banana) - 285 calories

·         WF Hummus & carrots - 100 calories

·         Strawberry Nutrigrain bar - 130 calories

·         Kashi Toasted Asiago snack crackers & laughing cow cheese - 135 calories

·         2 eggs - 140 calories

·         Total of 1130 calories

Not too bad, right? I know that there is a lack of vegetables there, but I just wasn't feeling it. I planned on making a nice salad with spinach, peppers and my eggs, but after I worked out, I didn't feel like moving and the eggs were enough.

I'm just so excited that it was such a success. I also found that if I tracked my food in the morning, and planned out what I was going to be eating, that helped a lot. I'm going to do that again today, and hopefully it works out the same way! If I stay on track today, I'll have almost 500 calories left for dinner. Pretty good, right?

I definitely need to keep this positive momentum going. I'm feeling so much better already. And I'm even feeling ok after my second workout. I can't believe how hard JM's 30 Day Shred hit me, but it sure did. I was planning on just doing it 3 times a week, but I'll maybe do it tonight too, why not? I switched down to 5 pound weights for most of it instead of the 8 pounders. I found that with my 8 pounders I was quitting before I should, but with the 5 pounders I do ok. I can sure feel it in my arms though!

I am so enjoying the mornings alone at work. Today is the last day though! The boss won a trip to Rome, Italia, through our company, so he's been gone since last Wednesday, and it's usually just me and him from 7-8, which means that it's just me. We've been so slow lately, that the first hour of the day has pretty much just been me. It's nice to be able to get caught up on things and just chill out. Not that my job is very stressful lately with the slowness, but it's nice to not have anyone around, just me, and the sounds of the radio and the fans. I will definitely be sad in a way when the boss is back. This has been really nice!

I hope you all have a good STRONG day! I'm going to try my best to have one too!

 

 

I'm declaring...

...Wednesday to be vegetarian day! I got the idea from MK. She has it listed as one of her goals, and I think it's a great idea. Wednesdays will be so light! Eating extra fruit and veggies sure does seem much lighter, and I can't understand why I didn't think of it before!

I'm going to do some research today, and figure out what kind of yummy vegetarian things I can make for tomorrow. Stay tuned! I'll post what I eat tomorrow!

{two posts in one day! must be a good day!}

Official Weigh-In #12 {a few days late}

Ok, I am a few days late - oops! I am so forgetful lately! I did, however, remember to weigh on Sunday.

Sunday, March 18 - 200 pounds

Sunday, March 25 - 202.5 pounds

2.5 pound gain :(

12 week weigh-in goal - 193.5 pounds {fail}

As you can see, I definitely didn't make my goal. Lame! But, I know why. Poor eating and very little working out. I can't blame anyone buy myself. And, I do call it a "failure" but I think failing every once in a while is humbling. I need to take a look at the last 6 weeks, and see why this happened, and make myself work harder for the next goal.

I did weigh this morning, and I'm down to 202 pounds. Monday, I was up to 203.5. My lack of motivation is horrible, and it's pissing me off, to be entirely honest. I lost the 1.5 yesterday because I worked out (Damn JM - I still HATE squat & press) and ate better. Not stellar, but better. I've completely lost sight of the goals I set out on January 1. But, I'm working on gaining the strength back to make it happen.

So, now I have a new goal. I'm throwing the goal schedule I made up out the window. Yup, right out the window.

My new plan is to make goals one stage at a time. One large goal at a time, and a bunch of mini goals.

My next big goal is for June 3. I am going to wedding on June 9 (my 26th birthday) and I want to be in the 180s by then. I want to feel good about my body, and being around 30 pounds lighter in 5 months would definitely do that. Not to mention that I will be seeing a lot of people from high school (I would imagine) and I'd like to not feel like a fat slob. I know I can't get into the 160s by then, so I will settle for the 180s!

My next goal is:

Sunday, June 3 - 182.5 pounds

That's 10 weeks away, and 20 pounds, so 2 pounds per week. I'd like to get a bit ahead of myself, and be a bit lower, but, I think that this is a good, solid goal. I'm going to have to work really hard, but I think I can do it. With some hard work and good eating habits, I think I can do it.

I'm also going to do my measurements soon (waiting for something special to come in the mail - I'll keep you posted) and do them every couple of weeks to see where I'm at. I think losing inches is more important than weight, but weight is so much easier to keep track of!

And as for mini goals, I'm working on that. MK made a few goals for the end of April, which are more fitness based than weight based. I'm thinking about some of those as well. I haven't weight trained all year; in fact, I just found my weights. Doing pushups and crunches yesterday just about killed me. Not cool! Those will be some of the things that I will be working on towards my next goal of June 3.

I'd also like to start doing at least 1 big walk per week. Now that we have Molly, we've been walking, but I doubt more than a kilometer or more at a time, except for Saturday, where we walked to get a coffee (or a London Fog in my case) and I think that was between 3 and 4 kilometers. I'd like to do one 5-10 per week (starting at closer to 5 and working up to 10). Soon I will be able to walk to work, which is 2 kilometers each way, just waiting on it to not be so cold in the morning (looks like I might be able to try on Thursday!) and that will help out. 4 kilometers a day plus walking Molly at least 2, that'll be 6 a day. I think I can handle that! The pounds should just drop off! LOL!

Anyways, I should go back to work. Not that there is anything to do, but, I should anyways. Now I have a new goal to look towards - June 3 and 182.5 pounds!

Thoughts

So, lately, I've been doing a lot of thinking. I've had quite a bit of time on my hands (and mind) because work has been slow, and hubby has been working a lot.

Basically, it started when we got our dog. She's a sweet dog, but I wasn't sure I wanted to take on that much work. I was terrified, to be honest. And it's turning out exactly how I thought it would - John loves the dog, but I'm doing all of the work. But, it's not as bad as I thought it would be. I'm enjoying her for the most part, but she is still a dog, and a lot more work than my kitties.

Getting the dog got me thinking about kids. I had a panic attack every night for the first few days that we had her. Then I started thinking that I'm never going to be able to handle a kid if I can't even handle a dog! Totally freaked me out. And for a while, I've been thinking that kids might not be for me, or us, I guess I should say. John and I enjoy being able to do what we want, and go where we want to go without having to think about anyone but ourselves. And as some of you know, I haven't been on any kind of birth control for a couple of years, just assuming that if it happened, it happened and we would deal with it when it came up - or didn't.

I've decided that I'm going back on it. No more playing with fire. I'm at the stage now where I am 100% sure that I don't want to have kids in the next couple of years, so it can't hurt to be on it.

Having said that, I've also been thinking about my career. For so long, I've been working a "job" because I knew that within a few years I would be getting pregnant and being a mom would become my career. Now that I'm not sure that is ever going to happen, I need to start thinking about a career. Twice I've started college, planning on getting a degree, and have quit. Right out of high school I did a semester at College of the Rockies, and right before I moved to FSJ I did a couple of courses at Thompson Rivers University. I haven't really achieved anything, post-secondary. I think it's time. I had KB look into some distance learning colleges, and I think I'm going to be heading back to TRU, online. I'm currently thinking I might start a bachelor of arts, and take some different courses and see where I end up. I should be able to transfer the couple of courses I did in 2007 to a bachelor program, and at least be one course ahead. I need to do a bit more research, but I think this is the way I'm going to go. Even if I just get a general bachelor of arts, I think feeling the accomplishment that goes along with it will be key for me. I might find something along the way that I am passionate about, and will want to explore it further. If anything, it will give me a great feeling of worth. That I am worth it to a larger company. That I am worth being in a job that I love, not just one that pays the bills.

I still have a lot of research to do, but I feel that this is a step in the right direction for me. I just wish I hadn't discovered it when I was almost 26!

And, of course, weight loss is always front in my mind. I'm down 13.5 pounds from January 1, and that feels pretty good. I want to be down about 30 by my birthday, so I have 16.5 pounds to go in 81 days (I think). That's approximately a pound and a half per week, and will put me around 183.5 pounds, which is what I was Christmas 2010. I think I can do it, we'll see though!

So, I have lots to sort through in the next little while. I'm not sure when I would start taking courses online, but I'd like to start sometime next month if I can. I should probably get in touch with someone at TRU to get more details. It's dead at work today so I might just be able to do it!

Have a great week everyone - a STRONG week!

 

Official Weigh-In #11

Well, I'm back on track. Back on weighing in, and back on working out.

Last weigh in was a while ago, but here's the new results:

Sunday, February 26: 202.5 pounds
Sunday, March 18: 200 pounds
2.5 pounds lost

I can't be mad at that. Yes, my goal was to be at 193.5 pounds by next week, but I'm quite ok with not being there. I had a couple of bad weeks. Moving, then getting sick - not a good combination. I'll be happy if I get half way to my goal - 198.5 pounds by next Sunday. 1.5 pounds? I should be able to do that!

Anyways, it's Sunday, and John is actually home. Better go make breakfast, and then we can take the pup for a walk! Have a good Sunday everyone!

Mid-Week Weight Check

It has been a long time since I've weighed, so I thought I'd sneak one in this morning. Last night, I weighed with all of my clothes on after dinner, and I was 205 pounds. I didn't think that was too bad considering how the last 2 weeks have gone.

Then I weighed this morning.

201 pounds 

That means I'm down 12.5 for this year! Whoo hoo!

Oh My Lord!

It has been a super long time since I last posted! Life has been so busy! Moving, and then I was sick, and just busy!

I thought I would do a quick post with some info AT send me about Body by Vi. She sent me a link to a blog of a fitness trainer, and it makes some good points about the problems with Body by Vi. You can find it here. Personally, I am very against diets like this for the long term. I know that there are things in that are bad, but there are in pretty much every thing we eat. I think a week on this would be ok, but I really worry about the people on the 90 Day Challenge. Read this, and do some more research. Get your own opinion before trying something like this.

Off to watch hubby's last hockey game of his season. And I better go and check on the dog...I think she was chasing the cats!

Sunday!

Oh my gosh! With being so busy moving, and having Thursday and Friday off, I totally lost track of the days, and didn't realize it was Sunday until 7:30pm. No weigh in for me this week, or anytime soon since I'm not even sure where my scale is!

We are getting settled in pretty well, but there is still a ton to do. Our bedroom is painted, and all of the extra bits are almost done. We should be able to move from my office room into our bedroom in the next couple of days. Having to go back to work is sure going to slow down the progress, but my mom and dad are coming up on Friday to help. I think mom and I are going to paint the spare room. Yay, more painting!! Not! Feels like that's all I've been doing!

I'm just waiting for John to get home from hockey so we can go and sit in the hottub. I didn't think I was going to like it, but I do enjoy it. Speaking of that, I should go and throw my bathing suit into the dryer. It's -11 out right now, so it would be much nicer if it was dry!

And to whoever left the comment about Body by Vi, please forward on the website you mentioned. I'd love to be able to do some more research!