Relay For Life

Saturday was our Relay For Life. I know I had touched on this subject a bit a while ago, but here's how it went.

My goal for fundraising was actually only $100. I didn't do too well in the past, so I thought this would be a good goal. I ended up raising $182.25! I would like to thank everyone who donated to me! It's amazing to see how much got donated! Next year I'll have a much bigger goal in mind!

My mom and I showed up for the relay at noon, and watched the first few laps. Survivors wearing their bright yellow shirts walked first. It's amazing to see how many of them we have in this city. So proud to be a part of this event. Then the caregivers of the survivors walked. Then, it was our turn.

Unfortunately, since there was only 2 of us, we weren't there long. We walked for about 2 hours, and gave in. It's much to hard as an individual. Next year, I'll be walking with a team!

It's great to be a part of this, and I'm sure that they are still taking donations. Be a part of making cancer history!

{Here's a little sidebar. If you look on yesterday's post, I made a comment about my weight this morning, since I had forgotten to weigh yesterday morning. I'm currently at 193.5 pounds, which is exactly 10 pounds since I started this blog 52 days ago. (I think it's 52 days, something like that!) Pretty good, eh? I think it is. I'm only few small pounds away from being in the 180's, and man, that's feeling good. Talk about self inspiration there!}

Sunday Goals

This week, I'm going to do something different in terms of goals. Every week, I make goals, and I don't accomplish them. Something always comes up. Well this week, I'm going to have none of that.

This week, my goal is to get better, so I can get back to jogging. That's really all that matters. I miss it more than I ever thought I would!

I forgot to weigh myself this morning, and instantly started drinking tea to get my throat to open up properly. So, I don't know exactly what I weigh, but I had weighed in the week and I was at 195.5. That's a pound and a half down from last Sunday, which is pretty good when you don't do anything for a week. I think it's all due to the Slim Fast diet.

Speaking of Slim Fast, it's going really well. I'm very rarely hungry on this program, which is different from the last time I was on it. I'm enjoying it. Yes, it is hard to not eat an actual meal at lunch, but the rest of the day is good. I think I can stick with this for a while to help me out.

I hope you all are having a good Sunday. I just watched "Invictus" and let me tell you, that is one FANTASTIC movie. It's so good. If you haven't seen it, go out and rent it. It's so amazing. So amazing. Even Matt Damon with a South African accent is good!

Have a good day today everyone!

50th Post!

This is the 50th post on my blog! 50 days in a row! I'm so excited! Honestly, I didn't think this would last that long. I'm so not good with stuff like this. But, I'm setting myself up pretty well to keep going!

Here's to 50 days, and many more days to come!

And, since it's Saturday, here's a recipe for you all!

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/no_bake_macaroni_cheese.html

I don't know about you, but I love pasta. And what's better than a pasta recipe that is still good for you? Like it says in it, you will be able to pronounce every ingredient! Try it out and let me know what you think. I'm going to!

Have a fantastic Saturday!

Still Sick!

It's hard for me to imagine still being sick! I'm very rarely sick like this. I think it's strep. I'm going to the walk-in clinic tomorrow morning. This is ridiculous. It hurts into my molars.

That's all I have today. I just don't even feel like sitting up, that's how bad it is.

I just wanna go for a jog!

Rewarding Yourself

You know, there is something to be said about rewarding yourself. I know I don't do it enough. It's a very hard thing to do, when it comes down to it. I mean, sticking to goals is very very hard. Believe me, it sucks. I've been hitting walls left, right and center the last little while, but I never reward myself for not giving into temptation and eating a whole bag of chip or a huge thing of ice cream.

And why not? I mean, my life has changed so much in the past while, why shouldn't I reward myself a little bit? I don't know why I don't but I would love to!

This month, everything has been coming at me. I've been sick quite a bit, and with so much stress going on, I haven't been working out much. But, I think this weekend, I'm going to take my hubby out for dinner and a movie. That's a little treat I haven't been doing much lately. We haven't seen a movie in so long!

What do you do for rewards? Do you even do them at all? Let me know. I need some reward ideas!

Staying Fit For The Summer

I guess it is getting close to being that season, isn't it? Now, I know, personally, that this summer is going to be the summer that I'm going to get into shape. Well, at least part way into shape. As long as I am able to run my 5K by the end of the summer, I'll be doing great. I think I should be slowly jogging it by the end of June or early July, but I want to be able to burst it out!

I realize that summer is hard for some people to stay in shape. Livestrong.com had an article with some tips on how to stay in shape this summer. Check it out. It has some pretty good tips.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/102470-tips-staying-fit-summer/

As for me, I'm feeling much better. My migraine is still present, but not so bad as yesterday. I went to bed about 8 o'clock, and had a massive fever. I had the sweats, and then was freezing. It didn't last long though. I woke up this morning without it, but with the lingering body pain and headache. I stayed home from work today, and though I hear that I am one of 2 or 3 people who called in sick, I feel good about it. I got lots of rest, and hopefully it will help get rid of the lingering body pains and sore throat. I have more energy today than I did yesterday, so hopefully that's a good sign. I hope I don't crash tomorrow.

I hope all is going well in your world. I could use a bit of luck in mine. Damn sickness.

Oh, and I've been called to jury duty. WTF?!? I'm so not happy about it.

Migraine

I have a migraine, with body aches and a sore throat.

This is all you're getting today.

Sorry folks. Hopefully something better tomorrow.

Sight Seeing

In the greatness of today, I almost forgot to blog. Silly Kara.

Today John and I ventured about an hour from home to meet SS and her hubby for a picnic by the lake. It was such a great day for it. Not too hot, not too cold. We had lunch, SS's hubby fished a bit, then we attempted a quick hike, but the trail was too grown over.

Then we went somewhere else, and did some more exploring. It was so much fun! We walked along the river, and took a whole bunch of pictures. It was just great to get out in the sun.

We also started the planning for hiking for my birthday. What a change from the regular birthday. Usually it involves lots of food and booze, but this year, it's hiking. As long as I can ease SS's mind about bears. I don't think there is much to worry about, but I guess we will see!

I hope you all enjoyed your Victoria Day. I know I did!

Sunday Goals

So, yesterday, the power was out. Today, it's the cable, and with that, the internet. So, I'm writing this on my BB. What a pain in the butt.

Goals for this week, eh? Well, last week didn't pan out too awesomely. We ate out, and I only worked out two times. It was a tough week, and I know that's not an excuse, but it's all I've got.

Luckily, I only gained half a pound. That puts me at 197 pounds. It seems I've hit a standstill point. A plateau. This week, John and I are going to start the new Slim Fast diet. It's a two week program, so it should be ok. If it works, maybe we'll keep going. Something to kick start my metabolism again. And I need to start working out twice a day again.

So, goals for the week. Let's see if I can make them this week. Keep up with the Slim Fast diet. Do 4 days of walk/jog training. And do the Shred at least 4 days. Easy enough, right? We'll see.

Enjoy your Sunday everyone!
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

Healthy Recipe Saturday!

Ok, so maybe this week isn't so healthy. I was curious about something, and then I decided to share it with everyone!

http://www.joyofbaking.com/RedVelvetCake.html

Yep, that's right. Red Velvet Cake. I never knew what it was, but I decided this morning to find out. And man, it looks good! I think this may be something I need for my birthday! Which is coming on quickly! 19 days until I turn 24, though, I will continue to tell people that I'm 21 or 22 until I can no longer get away with it!

Enjoy your Saturday of the May Long Weekend. It's lovely for us. We have over 4 inches of snow on the ground, and it's still coming down!

Paranoia

You know, it’s funny. It didn’t even occur to me until early this morning that my friend’s brother had been murdered. You know how you know, but you just don’t know? It’s messed up. It just amazes me that I didn’t realize the gravity of it all until this morning. I mean, it was MURDER. Pre-meditated, no doubt. Holy crap.

 

It’s made me quite paranoid. I’m generally a pretty logical person, but right now paranoia is overruling my logic. It’s nuts. I don’t want to go for a walk because the place I go is not well trafficked, I’m freaking out about every weird noise. Ugh, this is so not a good way to live.

 

On the bright side, it’s a long weekend this weekend! We were going to build a deck, but it turned out to be a bit more costly that we originally thought. So, instead we decided we would stick around town and get caught up on some other stuff outside and in. And now it’s looking like a fantastic idea. We have a snowfall warning for tonight and tomorrow. Sunday and Monday look promising, but I’m really, really glad we decided NOT to go camping! We might not hike tomorrow, but at least we’re not freezing in a tent somewhere.

 

I’m still trying to get some pledges for the Relay For Life. I’ve gotten $65 so far, and I still have a few people to harass. Maybe this afternoon I will. I only have a goal of $100, but it’s looking good so far. I’m so not a fundraiser. I hate asking people for money, especially since most people are living pretty tightly these days. Oh well. I should be able to weasel $35 out of people today!

 

I hope all is well in your world. Keep on going!

 

 

 

Deaths

Well, this post sucks. More deaths have occurred.

A guy I know through his sister was stabbed today. I don't know much of the details, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. He was only 28, and has a young son. WTF?!?!

And, with my elementary school friend, that makes 2 within a week that I know that died senselessly. Like seriously, WTF?!?!

I just can't get my mind around it. I mean, why??

I just don't get it.

Home Alone

I've discovered something about myself today. If I'm at home alone right after work, I will eat and eat and eat, and not care. Yep, that's right. I'm a closet eater. I never really thought about it before, but it totally makes sense.

I can totally understand now what Daris from TBL went through on his month at home (as broad casted last night). He ate late a night to combat stress, and when he was bored. I get that. I do that. I'm an emotional eater, and yes, I eat more when I'm bored or stressed. Stupid, stupid way to be.

At least I know it. Maybe I can change it. It's going to take some work, but I can do it.

Just like not eating out. Tonight I almost asked John if he wanted to go out to eat instead of cooking something at home, but I held back. Eating lunch at home has helped, but I just can't keep driving back and forth from town. Too much gas. At least I'm eating better, but spending more money on gas really doesn't help my money stress.

I think that walking or doing the walk/jog after work is really helping me out. I feel hungry when I get home, but not so bad that I need to scarf, like I think I need to once I get home from work. Yet another great reason to get my butt outside and go!

Have a good night all!

Uh, Wow

And by "Uh, Wow" I mean that I have nothing to write about! Craziness! My mind is blank right now. Nothing important comes to mind.

Work was nice and plain and boring today.

Did my workout and it kicked ass.

And TBL is on tonight.

Maybe tomorrow I'll have something to write about.

Oh boy.

I'll be back tomorrow.

Weekly Challenge

From Jillian Michaels: for the entire week say NOTHING negative about yourself. If you start to, stop yourself and then say something positive about yourself.

Easier said than done, right? I mean, I can be a very negative Nelly sometimes. But, I wonder how it'll feel to say only good things? It's worth a shot.

I made it through the first day of week 3 of the walk/jog program from hell. Actually, it wasn't that bad, but boy oh boy, do you know you're working out. It's pretty intense. Great, but very intense. I didn't do all 5 sets; I gave in after 4, but I know tomorrow I can do it. I was worried I might not be able to walk, but turns out it's all good.

Today I found out that a guy that I've known since I was 4 committed suicide last night. I have no idea why, how or anything, I just know that he chose to end his life. It's crazy to think of, because this was like THE happiest person ever. Obviously there was something there that did not meet they eyes. I feel very bad for his wife. They were high school sweetheart, married last year or the year before. I can't imagine what she's going through right now. She's only 22, and he was only 23. Barely adults yet. It's really rough. I just can't see what could have been so bad that he thought he had to end it all. I guess I'll find out more in the days to come, but unfortunately it'll be mostly rumor based.

Hug the people you love often, and tell them that. Clearly you never know when it will be the last time you get to do it.

Have a good night everyone.

Sunday Goals

Well, this week didn't go quite as planned. I wanted to workout 5 times, walk/jog 5 times, and eat healthy. I worked out 3 times, walk/jogged 4 times, and ate bad all week. I'm not sure what was going through my mind. I just couldn't get it in my mind that I needed to take care of myself. I just wanted to be bad I guess.

I still ended up losing a pound this week. I'm currently at 196.5. 33.5 pounds to go until I get back to the weight I was 3 years ago when I moved up here. It's not so bad. If I can keep up with my goal of 5 pounds each month, that's my goal by the end of the year. And really, that's not too bad.

Goals for this week are pretty much simple. I'm not going to set a number for how many times that I need to work out, but I would like to do 4. I'm going to make my goal of 4 times this week doing my walk/jog, even if it kills me. And, I am going to cook dinner each night this week. I can't really say how healthy it's going to be, but cooking at home is much better than eating out. No eating out this week!

Another thing I have been thinking about is drinking. I had said earlier in the week that I was worried about drinking when it comes time to go camping. I am worried about that, because if it starts to pull me off track, it's not good. But, looking at this summer, we might not be able to camp as much as John would want, so I don't really need to worry about camping. But, it birthday parties, and going to the bar. Stuff like that. I am still worried about that. I don't go out a lot, so that's not an issue, but the pressure to drink it big. And it's not even direct pressure, but you know how it is when everyone else is drunk and you're sober. It's not fun. But the thing I think I hate more is that the next day, whether I'm hung over or not, I never feel like doing anything. Today we spent the entire day watching movies (I finally watched "Avatar" and I actually liked it. Mel Gibsons' "Edge Of Darkness" was pretty disappointing.). But, I could have been cleaning up from last night's party, or could have gone for a nice long walk with John. I just didn't feel like doing anything. I'm still undecided on the whole alcohol thing, but today was an eyeopener for me. I'm just not sure that it's worth it for me right now.

Anyways, since I've done nothing today, I'm tired. I will be back tomorrow...stay tuned!

Heathly Recipe Saturday!

As I was browsing the web this morning, I came across the Company's Coming website. I have about a million of those cookbooks, and I think Jean Pare is amazing! I know it's not all her, but she started it all, so there!

This one is a really good one. I'm pretty sure someone has made it for me before. A very good alternative to traditional puffed wheat squares that are full of chocolate, and we know that can't be good for us.

http://www.companyscoming.com/recipes/puffed-wheat-fruit-squares/2007/7/363/

Check this out, and try it out! See what you think! You might be surprised!

Check back in tomorrow for my goals of the week!

Blog via Email?

Today I’m doing my very first blog via email! I’m really not sure how this is going to work, but I need to try it. It’ll be so much easier for me when I’m on vacation. Since I won’t be standing in front of a computer all day. Or on one all night. Right now I’m at work, and I’m not sure if I need to send this email from my specific email from the blog, or any email. I guess we will see.

 

I’m so happy it’s Friday today. My hubby comes home today! So excited! He’s only been gone since the 3^rd, but it seems like forever. Even though I did see him on the weekend. It’s a long time. I’m really not sure what I’m going to do when he’s gone for turnaround! Gah! Not looking forward to it! But he’s home today! And nothing makes me happier.

 

Camping season is getting close. I’m kind of nervous for it. I mean, you know what goes along with camping. Beer and food. That’s all you do, right? Well, I’ve pretty much cut out alcohol for now, and I’m kind of nervous about what is going to happen when we start going. I don’t want to have to work out hard all week and diet extra just because I know I’m going to be drinking and eating bad when we camp. I’m not a big drinker to begin with, so it might not be too bad. It’s the food that is going to get to me. Time to change up how we camp!

 

Luckily, I don’t think we will be camping much this year. With John doing turnaround for 5 weeks, a wedding and being on call this summer, I don’t see too much camping in our future. Though, June 5^th we’ll be out in the mountains camping! Close enough to my birthday that we could call it my party!

 

Ok, I have to get back to work before someone notices that I’m blogging! Have a great day everyone!

 

 

5K in 8 Weeks...Update!

So, last Monday, I started another exercise routine. SS found a walk/jog program online that trains you to be able to run a 5K in 8 weeks. I was a bit trepidatious, but I think I've found my groove.

The first week was pretty basic. Walk 6 minutes, then jog for 6. Do 4 sets total. Do this 3 times this week. Not too bad, right? It seemed OK the first day, but the second day was killer. I wasn't sure 3 days last week were going to happen. But, I made it 3 days, and I think I found my stride.

Then this week, it all changes up. Walk 5 minutes, then jog for 2. I was scared. What if I couldn't jog for 2 whole minutes straight? So, my mom and I set out Tuesday afternoon. I think I has psyched myself up too much. We did our 5 minutes, then it was go time. This was it. Could I do it??

Well, it turns out, not only can I do it, I can enjoy it! Yes, after those 2 minutes I am breathing hard and freaking out a bit, but man, it feels good to accomplish! Today was a bit harder, but we were running against massive amounts of wind, and I was pushing us a bit harder. I moved us from a fast, bouncy walk to a regular jog. And man, I love it!

So, SS, that means you need to get our butt out and go! It's not as bad as you think!

Until next week. I can't remember how long we walk for, but I know we have to run for 4 minutes. Yep, time to double it. And I think we have to do it 5 times total instead of just 4. And maybe we have to try to do it 4 times in the week instead of 3. I really need to send a copy home.

Today was not my ideal day at work. Busy busy busy, and people not working as a team. We're constantly talking about how we need to be working as a team, but somehow, someone always decides that they need to look out for themselves first, or they decide that another part of the team needs their help more than their direct team. Basically, we have 4 teams at work that need to work together to make a collective. We have the ISSRs (which I am a part of), the OSSRs, AMs and the warehouse staff. Each team needs to stick together in order for the whole team to run smoothly. Well, when one ISSR decides that one of the OSSRs needs more help that the ISSRs, the team starts to break down. And well, it was so bad that I almost gave up. I just get so frustrated! Ugh! Thankfully it was only the last hour of the day, or I would still be in a foul mood! Instead of remaining frustrated, I went on my walk/jog and feel so much better! Now if only the dishes would do themselves...Ah.

Better go. Enjoy your night.

Rest Days

Today, I took a rest day. I know what you're thinking - a rest day?? You shouldn't be taking rest days! Well, I disagree! On Jillian Micheal's program, she tells you to take 2 days off each week. Generally, I have been taking rest days consistently, but this week I thought I could do without.

Then, my Achilles tendon tightened right up. I was not a happy camper. That happened to me a few months ago and I couldn't walk right for over 2 weeks. Not cool. So, today I gave my legs a rest. That way I can be back at it tomorrow!

My uncle, UB to you, has a saying that he loves to tell us over and over. Gravity doesn't take a rest, neither should you. Well, UB, I disagree! My muscles need time to recuperate. I'm not used to this much working out! Just not!

What do you think? Are rest days good or bad? I am going to stick with good, but if you have an opinion, leave a comment for me! And, by rest day, I mean no exercise, or less anyways. You can't take days off from eating right. It just kills you in the end. Just let your muscles rest.

Have a good night everyone. Enjoy the nice weather! We're sunny every day now! Whoo hoo!

FIRE!

Yep, pretty much am having the worst night ever. I was cooking some chicken, and then our oven lit on fire. All I could think of the whole time was "OMFG, I work at a safety store, and my house is going to burn down because I don't own a fire extinguisher!" Guess what I'm buying at work tomorrow??

I'm in a pretty foul mood right now, so I'm going to go finish the dishcloth I'm knitting then watch TBL. Talk to you all tomorrow, when maybe I'll feel a bit better.

Ahhh, Clean Office

I just finished cleaning my office. Do you know how great that feels?? I can't even describe it. I'm such a pack rat, and it feels great to get a chance to clean every once in a while. Ahh. It's such a great feeling to be able to write from a clean place. It's still cluttered like normal, but it feels so much better. Organized clutter, I'd say.

I just got a message from John. His cousin, who has been battling lung cancer, has just been given 3-6 months to live. She's been battling cancer since I've known of her, about 3 years ago. It's terrible. She's not even 30 yet, I think. What a stupid disease! More reason to support the Cancer Foundation! Donate to the Relay For Life! Give people like Nicole a better chance at surviving this stupid disease!

OK, that's all I have for tonight. Though I'm not close to Nicole - I barely know her - I feel really sad right now.

Have a good night everyone. <3

Goal Night Sunday Night!

Well, another week has passed - and what a week it was! It was my first week back to my routine after having the flu. Let me tell you, not my most favourite week. Weight gain and the following frustration did not do me well this week.

So, plan for this week. Wake up at 5 each morning this week, and workout. Walk/jog every day after work. That's 5 morning workouts and 5 after work workouts this week. I don't think that's too hard to do. I've got to get in as much working out as possible before John's birthday this weekend (big 26!) because let's face it, I'm getting druuunk.

Also, this week, my goal is to really, seriously eat healthy. It's such a struggle for me. But, this week, if I feel like eating out, I'm going to Subway. It's better than anywhere else. Hopefully I can go grocery shopping tomorrow and get some good lunch stuff!

That's it for this week. I'm crossing my fingers that my will is strong enough!

As for this weekend, I had an amazing weekend with John. Yes, he worked all day Saturday (no surprise) but the time we spent together was amazing. Our relationship has been rejuvenated! It feels amazing. We need to have away weekends more often I think. It helps out relationship out to get away, I think. Mini-vacations here we come!

Have a good week everyone!

It's Saturday!

And you know what Saturday means! Time for a healthy recipe.

I like this one because it gives you the freedom to make it whatever you want. I think I would try this one with cranberry juice and strawberries. MMM. Check out the web site. It has some other great recipes on it too.

http://www.planetorganic.ca/goodfood/recipecorner/beverages/açaífruitsmoothie

Enjoy your Saturday! I hope the weather stays nice because I plan to walk everywhere today!

Relay For Life

You've heard of the Relay for Life, right? Well, if you haven't, time to get educated.

Go to http://www.cancer.ca/ and find out more. Believe me, you will love the idea of this fundraiser. It's nothing like you've ever done before.

I've done the relay twice - once as a volunteer in high school, and as a participant 2 years ago. And loved it all. There's nothing better (in my mind) than raising money for such a great cause.

This year my mom and I are walking as individuals. Unfortunately, there is not enough interest in my core friends group to have a team. So, we're not going to let that stop us. We're going to go out there and do it up. This year is very different for me. Before, I knew of people who died of cancer, but I didn't really know anyone who had died of it. Last year, my great aunt, and my mom's former boss both passed due to cancer. Now it's all that much more personal. It's rougher this year. But, we're proud to be doing it! Time to take a tragedy and turn it into something amazing.

If you can, please donate. Make a random donation to a team in your area, or simply make a donation. Something. Anything.

This is not the last you will hear about this from me. I'm taking up this cause. You will hear about it regularly. Be prepared.

Down Day

Today was kind of my down day. I did the stupid thing and weighed this morning. When am I going to learn that I can only weigh once a week?? I gained 3 pounds. Now, I knew that was going to happen due to losing 6.5 pounds one week from the flu, but still. I expected 2, but no, 3. So, it threw my whole morning into a spin. I didn't even finish my workout this morning I was so bummed. I know that was probably the worst thing I could have done for my mood, but I totally got into a "why does it even matter" kind of mood. Then I promptly kicked myself out of it. Who has time for that? Not me!

So, yes, I missed my workout this morning. So what? I went about my day, and did a good workour after work. Not as good as if I had done both workouts, but not bad either. I'm going to reward myself for not staying in my slump by going to have a bath. Good night everyone!

Love...

...Is there anything better? I'm really not sure that there is. I mean, love is what makes everything in our human world. Love drives us to be better, smarter, sexier (*wink wink*). I mean, if it weren't for love, I wouldn't be here and would definitely not be me.

Last night, John told me he was proud of me for changing my life. Seriously, what could be better than that? I mean, my sis tells me that too, and I believe her (really!) but hearing it from the love of my life makes it so much better. It makes it seem like it's all worth it.

I know that it's worth it, whether John's proud of me or not, but it is that extra kick. It's one of those things that could go either way. I mean, if he was opposed to me getting in shape and getting my life back on track, we would be having some issues. I have heard stories of couples that split up because one person started to change their life for the better and the other one couldn't handle it. They'd try to derail their partner into failing. And why? Because they were scared that once the other person went through their transformation, they wouldn't want the same life. I know that no matter what happens, as long as John supports and respects my changes, we can get through this.

And, I was talking with SS today, and she reminded me that I need to love my body. It's hard, when you've been so negative about it for so long, to figure out things you love. It's hard to be positive when all you see is the negatives. She made me tell her my 3 favourite things about my body. Today's answers were my eyes, hips and calves. Love them all. Love my hips even though they are covered in cellulite. Love my calves even though they are too large for me to find knee high sexy boots to fit. And my eyes. Well, I just love my eyes. Nothing much to say about them other than they are GREAT. So, maybe, today, you should stop and think about the positives of your body, and stop obsessing (like I tend to do) on the bad parts. Try it. I dare you.

Kick Ass!

Today was the first day of my walk/run training - and it kicked ass! I thought it was going to be totally different, but it was absolutely awesome! SS set me up with a great system!

This week, we walk 6 minutes and jog one. Repeat it 3 more times. So easy. Do it 3 times this week. Super easy! I'm going to be running a 5k before I know it!

Other than that, today was a bust. Ate too many whole grains and spent the whole day in pain. Whole grains are hard on your system! It sucks. But, I worked out this morning, and did my interval training after work, so really, not bad. Now if only I could get my eating in line.

I'm really struggling with lunches. I'm good with breakfast, snacks and dinner, but lunch sucks. I pack something, then don't want to eat it, so I got and grab something at Safeway. Safeway is better than fast food, but only marginally! If anyone has any suggestions for me, please! Let me know!

Time to go though, TBL is on in 20 minutes! Have a great night everyone! Write down your positive message from today so you can think about it tomorrow when you don't want to work out, or when you want to eat that donut!

Forgetful!

I almost forgot to blog today! I was just about to go and get into my jammies and put on a movie! Silly girl! I think it's all the fumes from the Limeaway I used to clean our shower earlier. My brain is fried.

Today was a crappy day for me. I had to take the hubbs to the airport. He's gone for 2 weeks, but I get to drive up to see him Friday night. Still, I didn't want to get out of bed to workout, and then after work I was unprepared for how cold it was, so I came home and cleaned instead. At least I still did something. I didn't just sit on the couch at least. Oh well. Tomorrow is a brand new day and I'll be back at it. My mom and I are walking, rain or shine (or snow) after work, so that should get me back into it. Time to start my walk/run program so in 8 weeks I can run a 5k! Very exciting.

OK, since I was about to go to bed anyways, this is going to be short. I promise something more interesting for tomorrow!

This Week, Sunday is Healthy Recipe Day! (#3)

This weekend is all messed up, blog wise. Switching around the days is confusing me! I was just going to sit down to write about goals, but then I realized that I did that yesterday! I'm a goof, I know.

Once again, this week I'm going to refer to my organic cook book. Such good recipes in there! Too bad organic foods aren't as easy to come by. Maybe in bigger cities they are, but certainly not here. I'll have to drive into the city to get any good organics!

This week's recipe is:

Fruit Salad with Cherry Vinaigrette
(makes 8 servings)

Cherry Vinaigrette
1/2 cup fresh organic sweet chrries, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup orange juice
1 to 2 tbsp organic honey
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp canola oil
A pinch of salt

Fruit Salad
3 cups of organic cantaloupe, diced
1 large organic mango, peeled and diced
1/4 cup almonds, sliced

Comnine cherries, orange juice, honey, vinegar, oil and salt in a small bowl. Stir well and set aside 5 minutes for flavours to blend.

Combine cantaloupe and mango in sald bowl. Add dressing just before serving. Sprinkle with almonds.

Nurtients per serving: 75 calories, 2g total fat <1g protein, 15g carbohydrate, 11mg sodium, 1g dietary fibre, trace saturated fat

**Variation: For a flavour variatin, substitute peaches or nectarines for the mango. If fresh cherries aren't available, use frozen cherries, thawed and drained well.

Doesn't that sound yummy? Especially since summer is coming! I can't wait for all of these fruits to come into season so we can get them here! Enjoy!

This Week, Saturday is Goals Day!

Since May 1 has fallen on a Saturday, it's time to look back over my month of goals. It's only been 21 days since I started the blog! Can you believe it? I can't. A lot for me has changed since then.

When I started the blog on April 10, I thought I weighed about 205 pounds. I weighed a couple of days later to find that I was 203.5. My ultimate goal for the month was to lose the 3.5 pounds that were holding me over the 200 mark. Now, if you've ever been over the 200 mark, you know how crappy that feels. It's nothing like going over 140, or 160. Those numbers don't seem near as scary. But, 200! That's scary. I remember the first time I weighed over 200. I don't remember the exact day, but I do remember it. It was so not a happy day for me!

Last week, I weighed in at 200.5. I figured half a pound would be nothing, and started my week off normally. Then I got sick. No workouts, but also no food. Not good either way.

This morning I weighed, knowing that I have lost a whole bunch due to having the flu. I weighed in at 194 pounds. Yep, that's 6.5 pounds this week. I have no illusion that I'm going to gain some of that back once I start eating again, but it still made me feel pretty nice this morning.

So, what are my goals for the month? Well, I'm still sticking to 5 pounds a month. I'm going to wait until next week though to determine what that means in terms of numbers. If I go with that now, that means that I'll have to be down to 189 by the end of the month, but because of how I lost all of that weight, I don't think that's a fair goal. I probably could do that, but I'm not setting myself up for failure. I think that's where my failings have been in the past. Maybe this month a good goal would be to workout 5 days a week, come rain or shine. The last 2 weeks I've had something derail me, and I'm tired of it! Time for 5 solid days of JM! And, I'm going to start the walk/run program that SS sent me so that by the time my hubby is working there for turnaround we can run a 5k together!

Of course, eating well is on the top of that list too. With John being gone for the next couple of weeks, it'll be much easier for me to eat properly. It's so much easier to cook good foods for yourself than for someone else too. Weird how it is. When I lived down south I ate so much healthier. Now, not so much. Though, when I lived down south, I used to eat fruit and yogurt for dinner at least twice a week in the summer. Granted, it was around 40 degrees all the time and you didn't feel like eating to begin with.

OK, that's all for this week. In the words of SS: "it's time to get back to loving ourselves." Love yourself a bit today, all right?