Satruday Recipe - Four Grain Bread

I don't know about you, but I love a good loaf of home baked bread. Nothing tastes better! But, it takes way too much time to do on a regular basis! Here's a great recipe for you to try when you have the time.

I hope you're enjoying your long weekend. My hubby is working so we don't have much planned. They're busy busy busy, which is good, in a way. The money is good, but the poor guy is getting burnt out. So bad. I think he's only had 3 full days off this month. He's working more than most guys out on the rigs. It's not very much fun for him, or me. I miss him lots while he's gone, but at least we get to spend the nights together now, not like when he was away. And, our vacation is coming up, so hopefully we have a chance to get some rest in. I have a lot planned, but plans can get changed.

I hope you all are having a fantastic day! I'm going to go and do what I love - crochet!

Fridays, Ugh

Another Friday is over. It seemed like today everyone was on edge. Which, really, when there are more women than men at work, is a bit crazy. One of my co-workers brought in his son, and that sure changed the mood. He's about 6 months old, and so so so cute! At least something nice and bright during the crazy work day.

I went and did Mom's circuit today, and have to say, she needs to start running it. I barely got my heart rate up, and I know she could have. Maybe I'll go with her again tomorrow, and hope that she runs it.

And, just so you know, things are ok. I know I had a couple of crazy FB statuses, but things are fine. I'm fine. John's fine. Things with John and I are fine. Just a super duper bad day. Hopefully tomorrow will be better!

Hope you all had a good week! More tomorrow morning. Looks like we have another storm rolling in, so I hope the power holds out for us!

Super Storm

Wow, we're getting pelted with a storm right now. Bad news. Like, I was soaked running from the truck to the house. Good thing mom and I went for a walk earlier. We only got rained on a bit. And the power is out in town. I think our power won't be on too much longer.

There are so many things I wish that I could say, but I think the time has passed. I wish that I had the chance to say the things that I had wanted to, but staying true to who I am is much more important. I know that this blog has changed, and I'm sorry if you read it before and I deleted the middle part. It's just not something that I want to live forever as something I have said.

Hope you all are enjoying yourselves out there...if you like storms, you should be here! Tons of lightening!

The End of A Friendship

You ever have one of those friends, that drove you nuts, but you loved them anyways? Then, suddenly, the friendship is over, and you're not sure whether to be happy or sad? That happened to me today.

I don't want to go into the details, because it was pretty bad, but, it's over with SS. For me, I think it's really good. Maybe not for John. I think he's pretty upset about losing her as a friend, but she said some things to me today that even he couldn't deal with. If she had wanted to stay friends with him she should have thought before she typed. Hurting a guy's wife is the worst thing to do if you want to stay friends. If her husband is great, like mine is, he won't question dropping her. So, it's over.

And now I can finally move on. I've been so stressed out about the friendship that I've been sick. I've had anxiety attacks, thankfully when no one has been around to see me as that mess. But it's over. Time to surround myself with people who I know love me and would never say things like SS said to me. Ever. Even if it was true. I know that the people who love me would never try to hurt me. They would talk to me, not insult me.

So, it's time to get back to losing weight. It's been so on the back burner the last week or so with John coming home, and having Uncle B coming up. As much as having Uncle B here was good, it was kind of shitty for me. Great for Mom, because she's finally motivated. It's totally happened now. Maybe now she can try to motivate me some. It's just been hard. I've been so stressed, and haven't cared. Today was no better. I totally pigged out after work, and barely noticed how much I ate. That's never a good thing. I guess I'm getting up at 5 and running tomorrow morning.

More tomorrow. I'm just in such a better head space right now, it's not even funny. It feels fantastic.

Thank you to all of you out there, KB & AT mostly, for not being the kind of friend that sets out to hurt someone. I love you both very much.

Another Quick One!

Yet another night that we didn't get home until after 9! I think, after I work out with Mom tomorrow, I'm coming straight home. I need to have some home time! Since it's late, this is it, but tomorrow I should be able to have time to get you all caught up! Have a good night!

Monday Madness

Sorry folks, no photo today. I'm much too tired for much of a blog. Uncle B worked the hell out of me yesterday and this morning, and I'm pretty sure that once I get home, I'm going to crash. Literally, there will be a crash landing in my bed. I didn't sleep well at all last night, because of how sore I am, and it's making me so cranky! I kinda want to just go home, crawl into bed, and wake up on the right side! Oh well. It is what it is. I'm on my lunch break, and I should eat something. Have a good day all!
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

Sunday Goals

Well, I weighed in at 188 pounds this morning! Yay! And, it's our 1st wedding anniversary today! I'm 12 pounds less than I was at the wedding! That's a pretty good feeling, I think!

Well, since my crazy Uncle B is on his way here, the only goal I have for the week is to make it through to Tuesday without dieing. I'm not sure he understands what I want out of him being here, but I'll go along with it if I have to.

John's making me golf today, we'll see how that goes. I feel kind of like shit today, so it might not be very good! I'm exhausted already, and maybe a bit stressed about Uncle B being here. I don't know. Will be an interesting couple of days.

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend!

Saturday Recipe

Personally, I love a recipe that takes little or no time to prepare. This one is like that. Stir Fried Spicy Chicken Tenders. Looks good to me. I've discovered a love for cayenne pepper, so this one is great. I'm sure you could substitute the spices for anything you want. Check out the Everyday Health website for more great recipes (and articles!). I cheated this week and made cookies. I had a craving, now it's gone and I have a dozen cookies sitting here. Oh well. John will eat them.

I haven't been blogging much in the last couple of days, so I thought maybe I should catch up a bit. This week hasn't been my best for working out, but not my worst either. Monday, walked with Mom. Tuesday, power cleaned the house. Wednesday, picked up John in Chetwynd, FINALLY. Thursday, went swimming where I did small things, like treaded water, and held myself up and kicked my legs against the side of the pool. Friday, went for a run with John once he got home. Not bad, but not great either. I need to start working out in the morning again, but I just can't get into it! Except for on the weekends. Then it's not too bad. I need to finish the blog and get out and go! I thought I should get some water in me before I start running though.

Today is Farmer's Market day, and I'm going to see what kinds of local produce I can pick up. I grabbed some stuff at the grocery store last night because I know Uncle B is coming and he's going to make me eat strange food. I talked to him this morning and he told me to grab stuff, and we'll go from there!

I'm actually terrified of him coming. I know it's going to be good and bad. He's a monster when it comes to working out. I'm just hoping that he sees what I can do, and doesn't push me so far beyond my limits that I can barely move at work.I'm hoping that I'll get a few great workouts in, and that he can help me set up some routines to get me off of my plateau. I've been hovering between 189 and 190.5 for the month. Not too impressed, but I sure hope he can help me out of it.

Have a good Saturday everyone. I'm going to try to enjoy mine too!

Another Late One

Sorry sis! Another late one! Hope you're still awake!

John and I went for a run when he got home tonight. It went better than I thought. I forgot the stopwatch, so I can't be sure, but I think we went faster than I've gone before. Very exciting. I'll be running multiple laps before we know it!

Hope you all had a fabulous Friday!
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

Swimming

So, here I thought I would be able to write a nice, big, happy blog tonight, but we went swimming instead, and just got home. The good news is that we got out of the house!

So, instead of reading my writing, check this out. It's an article on tension taming foods. Because, I mean, come on. We all have tension in our lives that needs to be tamed every once in a while!

Tomorrow I'm making John come for a run with me, just to see where he is. Should be fun! Have a good night all!

Home Sweet Home

John is finally home! Yay! I have a husband again! And hopefully, a more motivated one that will help me stay motivated!

Quick post tonight since we're on the road. I'll do better tomorrow - I promise!
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Clean House?

It's official, I can do nothing more to make my house clean. I think I broke the vacuum cleaner.

I was vacuuming, and didn't notice the cat's toy until it was too late. And, I don't know how to get the machine apart to pull it out, so I have to wait until John comes home.

Which is tomorrow! Whoo hoo! Finally, he's going to be home! It's been much too long. Five and a half weeks is ridiculous. RIDICULOUS.

I didn't run today, but I should have. It was 28 degrees out though, and for once in my life, I actually wished I had a gym pass! At least then I wouldn't have fallen to dehydration after only minutes! I can't believe how hot it is! Phew.

Well, I don't have much today...That's all folks! More tomorrow!

Monday Photo

Here's my photo from the weekend. What is it, you ask? It's my dashboard, showing how far of a run I've been doing. I have a pedometer, but it doesn't seem to work (it gives me a different reading each time I walk somewhere, like a huge difference!) so I drove the truck around it to see what I'm looking at. 1.6 kilometers, in around 12 minutes. I think that's pretty good for a beginner. Makes me feel a bit better. I thought that if I could get up to running 3 laps, I'd be laughing, and it's true! That's almost 5 kilometers in 3 laps. I'll take it!

Today my mom and I walked after work. She needed to get out! We haven't really had a chance to walk together since June. That's way too long! It was a good walk, until the end. When it started to POUR. But, we didn't get too wet because we were really close to the trucks when it got really bad!

Hope you had a good Monday everyone!

Wow...

...it's my 100th Blog Posting!

Can you believe it? I can't! Actually, this is the first time I've ever got this far with a blog. I've started a few others, but never made it past about day 10. This is a cause to celebrate! And, look back at where I was 100 days ago, and where I am now, and look forward to the future.

On my third post, I revealed that I weighed 203.5 pounds. I was VERY unmotivated for change. The whole concept of working out a lot was lost on me. We were still eating very poorly. McD's was a regular thing.

On my 51st post, I weighed in at 195.5 pounds with a cold. I wasn't exercising much, I had taken a break from the 30 Day Shred, and was fighting some kind of bug. It was also around then that I really decided that I wasn't going to drink for a while. Until I got to my goal weight.

Now, on my 100th post, I weigh 190.5 pounds. Since then, I have lost a total of 13 pounds, and 19.5 pounds this year (the weight that I was at my biggest, January 1 this year). I can run for 12 minutes or more without stopping. I think I could go farther, but I'm weary of pushing too far because my Achilles tendon is killing me again, and I think I need to go to the doctor, just to make sure nothing major is happening. These days, going for hikes is nothing I can't handle, considering that we hiked 27 kilometers in one day in June.

Looking to the future, I still have about 30 pounds that I would like to lose before Convention in October, but, I'm willing to settle for at least 20. I believe that I can make it to 30, if I buckle down once John gets home (which might possibly Wednesday night instead of Friday or Saturday! Yay!) and is around to help motivate me. My biggest struggle isn't getting out to run, it's eating right and getting up to work out in the morning. I know I'm not seeing as great of results because I'm not getting up as early in the morning and working out. I'm thinking I'm going to convince John that he needs to work out with me in the mornings. It might work. Maybe not. But, it's worth a shot. And, I'm looking forward to a vacation full of lots of hikes and walks, and playing golf with John and my Grandpa. I'm looking forward to playing golf in general. I'm looking forward to going to the pool, and starting to swim laps. And, maybe to get a volleyball, and playing a bit with John in the evenings. And, just to being able to have someone to run with in the evenings, and to keep me active this winter. I'm looking forward to really learning how to skate. And to go skiing! And snowshoeing!

I'm amazed to see the transformation that I've gone through. Not even just the physical transformation, which is huge (I'm actually going to go and try on some older clothes to see where I am with them!) but the mental one too. I know more than ever before about my body, and what I am capable of, even if I do have an anxiety attack here and there. I know that it's all just a part of being me. And, knowing that my husband loves me, and is proud of me, and that I am inspiring a couple of you out there, it's just amazing. I don't know what else I can say about it. It's just amazing. AMAZING.

I want to thank all of you for the kind words, and motivation that you've provided to me in the last 100 days, and pre-thank you for all of the motivation that I know you will provide in the next 100. Thanks everyone. I love you all! Just remember that! And, enjoy your Sunday!

And thanks for reading 100 posts of my rantings! You rock for sticking through reading my neurotic thoughts!

Saturday Recipe

So, today, I finally got my photos from our trip to the Bahamas done. John and I went last year in August for our honeymoon. And, yes, it's taken me almost a year to get the photos together! I know, I know. Forever!

But they are done now. And, I've been thinking a lot about the foods that we had while we were there. And then I found the cook book that I bought while we were there. Here's a recipe from that book that I think looks amazing:

Seafood Chowder

2 pounds white fish, cut into uniform pieces
4 cups water
1 onion, chopped
2 potatoes, diced
2 tomatoes, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

In a large saucepan, bring fish to a boil until tender, about 15 minutes. Strain liquid and remove bones (or remove bones before cooking). Return fish stock to saucepan and add remaining ingredients. Cook over medium heat until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Add flaked fish and heat to serving temperature. Makes about 6 servings.

Doesn't that sound delicious? I think it does. We had a version of that, maybe a more fancy version, and one of the restaurants at our resort. So yummy. Also, if you have the chance, try jerk chicken or beef. Spicy, but so good!

Enjoy your Saturday!

Travel Foods

Travelling on a plane anytime soon? Check this out. Healthy options for food on the plane. Or, you can apply it to anything. Any road trip that you plan to take.I know I'll be using this guide quite a bit when we're on vacation in August.

Today was a pretty boring day. You know when work is so slow that time is dragging by and it seems like you can feel every single second of the day? That's how it was this afternoon. I had nothing really to do, that I wanted to do might be more correct, so by the time that I got off of work, I didn't want to do anything. But, I still did. Went for my run. Toda I ran the loops in 12:34, so a bit slower than yesterday, but not by much. It feels pretty good. And, my McFlurry tasted amazing!

A guy I worked with loaned me the DVD "RV" with Robin Williams. I'm going to go and watch that, and crochet my heart out! Have a good night all!

Running!

Oh man, it feels so good to be back running! What a great feeling! I might be feeling it in the morning, but that's ok. It was just so great to get out there again. And, the best news is: I actually ran the whole frontage road loop! In 12:17! Whoo hoo! I'm so excited. Before, it was hard enough to even think about running for the 10 minutes it took to get most of the way, but as I was going, I just thought, well ok, I'm almost all the way there, let's see how much longer it will take to get all of the way. Because, really, the last bit is the shortest, so I figured I could do it! And, I did! I'm so very excited! I'm on my way to 5K!

Basically, that was my excitement for the night. Then, I came back to the house, talked to the hubbster, then watched Big Brother 10. It's very much a guilty pleasure. I don't catch it on all of the 3 episodes each week, but if I catch one, I'm happy. While I was watching, I crocheted a bit. I found some super cute pictures online this morning, and translated them into patterns. I made 2 Christmas ornaments tonight. Yes, I did say Christmas ornaments. I am a bit crazy, if that is what you're thinking. Making Christmas ornaments already? Better too early than too late! I have a ton of ideas, so I thought why not. And, I began the first square for a super cute bag. We'll see how that turns out!

Anyways, I'm going to get going. I have to work out in the morning. I've been craving a Smarties McFlurry all week, and I made a deal with myself. If I ran today and tomorrow, and worked out tomorrow morning, I can have one tomorrow night. Have to do it. Just have to!

Have a good night all!

Presents

So, today, my mom and walked through town to get John his anniversary present. Yep, we actually walked. I haven't been doing that much lately, and it felt really good. But, what felt the best is that I have his present, and out anniversary is still like a week and a half away! Yay me!

John has this thing where he thinks that everything has to be sentimental. He gets it from his mom, and it drives me nuts. Once, just once, I would like him to buy me what I ask for. Take, for instance, the second birthday I had with him up here. I asked him for golf lessons. That's it. How hard is that? Apparently pretty hard. He bought me a new iPod, which is great, and I love it, but I already had an iPod, and I liked it a lot, and didn't really need a new one, where if he had just done as I had asked, we could have been enjoying golfing together a long time ago. But no. I asked for that last year too, but I can't even remember what he bought me, but it sure wasn't golf lessons. It just makes me mad, because he asks me, then ignores what I want. Why even bother asking? He never tells me what he wants, and gets great stuff that he uses. If I don't get earrings next weekend, I'm going to FLIP OUT.

Today was a pretty good day. Had to get the rotors resurfaced in the truck, which cost around $330. That kind of sucked. It came out of our pretty small vacation savings. Oh well. It could have been worse.

Other than that, nothing exciting. It sucks to be on call this weekend, but oh well. Talk to you all soon!

Losing It

Tonight was "Losing It" night, and if you missed it, go watch it. It was pretty good. Not as much of a tearjerker as usual, but it was still really good. It made a lot of things jump out at me. While I don't think I'm nearly as bad off as the couple on the program, their issues sure made me think. Like, what if, for some reason, my weight loss journey ends, and I get back up to way above what I topped out at, and I'm at risk for diabetes, heart attack, or stroke? I mean, it's a scary thing to think about. It definitely made me stop and think.

Just to think of all of the things that I would miss out on if I let myself go is huge. HUGE. I can't believe, now, that I let myself get to what I was. Now I still have 30 pounds to lose! Just madness.

And, I'm having a hell of a time getting my ass in gear and getting outside. Today, Mom and I were for sure going to go for a walk or jog, and didn't. Just didn't. For no reason. This has to stop! I need to get my ass back on track! I don't even know why I'm not. I felt so much better when I did! UGH!

To make matters worse, being the wimp that I am, I'm having issues with the spot around where I got my mole removed. I think I'm allergic to the latex in the band aids I've been using, and I have a huge rash. The stitches themselves look great, but I have a nice stinging rash. Fun fun.

Oh well. Tomorrow, I will be going for a nice long walk/jog after work, and I'll tell you all about it. I might have to blow off some steam after I find out how much my stupid truck is going to cost me.

Weekend Photo: Wedding!

This weekend, John's mom got re-married. My photo is one taken by my sister-in-law while we were up on Connaught Hill taking pictures after the wedding.

It was actually quite a fun wedding! I was shocked. I'm very much NOT a wedding person, but it was fun. It's so much nicer when it's not your wedding, I'm coming to realize.

The only hitch I found was when John's crazy aunt asked me when I was due. It's a good thing I know she's crazy and probably got me confused with John's brother's wife who is about 2 weeks away from giving birth. Though, no matter how many times I tell myself that she's just the crazy aunt, it's still a blow to the ego, especially after all the weight that I've lost. Even though everyone I saw told me how great I look, it still burns a bit! Just goes to show how much further I think I need to go! Damn crazy aunt!

As much fun as it was to go away, I'm sure glad to be back home. I have to be on call this weekend, so I won't get to see John or Chetwynd this weekend. I'm totally bummed about not being able to see John & SS, but I'm even a little bummed to not be able to go to Chetwynd. As much as I think it's a hole in the wall, and would never live there, it is kind of fun to visit. I'll admit it, I don't hate it as I once did. I think it's kind of quaint. The carvings are so fun. And, it's nice to just walk around the little town, checking it out. Reminds me of wandering around Invermere, but smaller.

Anywho, I should go and get some dinner on the go! I thought for sure I would have gained a ton of weight back this last week and weekend, but I"m at 190.5 pounds, so it's not too bad. I've got to get back down under 190 again though! Got to get back on track!

Have a good one!

Sunday Goals

Quick one tonight fans! It's 10 and I'm ready to go to bed!

This week: eat well, and exercise every day. Something, at least, no matter what the weather. Just something to get the heart pumping. And, I want to try my Carmen Ellectra Striperobics DVD this week.

More on the fun weekend tomorrow!

Saturday Recipe

It's Saturday again people! Again! Can you believe it? I can't.

Right now, I'm in PG at a wedding, but I'm still here for you!

Who else thinks of seafood in the summer? I do. I think about it all the time. I think it's just thinking about the whole "throw a couple shrimp on the barbe" quote all the time. Most people think of just steak in the summer, done on the barbecue, but me, I think of seafood. That's why I think this recipe from Everyday Health is great. Yum. That's all I have to say!

Enjoy your Saturday everyone!

Wedding #1 of 2010

I'm headed off to John's mom's wedding in PG tonight. Leaving right after work to drive to Chetwynd to pick John up (which is thankfully on the way) and get to PG hopefully around 9. Might be closer to 10, depending on how long we get stuck in construction in the pass.

It's interesting that we're going to John's mom's wedding. It's just strange to be an adult and go to your parent's wedding. But, like I was telling my friend AI today; at least they were both able to find love for a second time. Lots of people aren't that fortunate.

All feelings aside that I have for the groom, I'm happy for John's mom. She really does deserve happiness. Everyone does. No matter their choices before. Everything else is in the past, and that's that.

I'm actually excited to meet the mythical NF. This is John's mom's best friend, and I've been around for 3 years, and I have yet to meet her. She's living in Thailand teaching, and has been John's mom's best friend for years, since they taught together, and she taught John in grade 1 or 2.

Other than that, a whole 2 nights with John! Whoo hoo!

Have a good weekend everyone!

Vacation

So, I've been thinking about the fantastic vacation that I have planned for John and I next month, including about 7 hikes, 7 towns/cities, and about a million visits. I think, maybe, I over planned a bit. But, here's what I have planned:

Night 1: Leave FSJ for PG; stay overnight:

Day 1: Drive to Mount Robson, and hike to Kinney Lake. Maybe hike a bit more around the campground. Camp overnight.

Day 2: Drive to Well's Grey (Gray? I don't know) and hike into Moul and Helmken Falls. Drive to Kamloops.

Day 3: Hike at Sun Peaks; see John's brother and his wife and new baby; party our faces off with CL.

Day 4: Relax Kamloops style; go to Stump Lake to visit CB.

Day 5: Head to Vernon to see DB; off to Kelowna to visit John's family.

Day 6: More Kelowna visiting; head to Golden, stopping at Craigellachie, Revelstoke Dam (maybe) and Canyon Hot Springs.

Day 7: Hang out with the family in Parson; maybe go golfing with Grandpa.

Day 8: Fun filled day with the nieces! Emerald Lake, Takkaka Falls, Banff and Radium Hot Springs (Sis, did I tell you about this? If not, you know what I'm planning to do with your kids now!).

Day 9: Hike Canyon Creek with MW.

Day 10: Run 5K with my sis; hike Gorman Lake with KH and HL.

Day 11: Drive all the way from Golden to home, stopping at the Columbia Ice Fields, Jasper and GP.

Think I'm ambitious enough? I think we might have to scale a few things down, but doesn't it seem like it would be a lot of fun? I think so. It's so different to plan a vacation around things like hiking, hiking and hiking, instead of sitting, sitting and sitting. I'm excited! So excited! I think John thinks I'm crazy! Maybe I am, but we're going to have a lot of fun!

Heatwave!

I hope today find you all in the same hell that I am in. Yes, I am referring to the heatwave that has swept over us. It's not even super hot, but I feel like I'm melting. And, my dad decided we were cooking over an open campfire tonight, so we were outside, in the heat, cooking on more heat. How stupid. I know I shouldn't complain, but it's so hot! I don't feel like doing anything. I didn't even go for a walk today! How bad is that!?! Bad, I know! But it's so hot that I'm losing motivation! And, our pool isn't open, so I can't even go and chill out there! I guess it's cool bath and book time for me. After I wrap John's mom's wedding present. It's this weekend, and I need to get it done or else I'll forget!

Speaking of book, if you haven't read "Eat Pray Love" go out and get it. I'm int he third part of it right now, and it's amazing. I can't say enough good things about this book. The author is incredibly funny, and can write so well. You just want to keep reading. I'm intrigued by the religion that she explores during her time in India and Bali, which is strange, because I am not a religious person in any way. But, it's fantastic. I can't wait to finish it, but at the same time, I don't want it to end. And, they made a movie of it starring Julia Roberts, which is going to be fantastic, I can already tell. I mean, Julia Roberts? You can't go wrong!

Anywho, off I go. Lots to do to get ready to go for the wedding this weekend! Ciao!

New Image!

So, I got my hair chopped today. Like supremely chopped. Like, barely anything left. What a new thing, for a new body! It's so different. I was always the long haired girl. But, I was also the fat girl, so whatever.

Today was good. My parents finally made it home. Finally, I have someone to hang out with other than the cats since John is gone.

Really, that's it for today. I'm tired, and LS should be here soon, and I need to clean off her bed. She might want somewhere comfortable to sleep!

Have a good night all!

Weekend Photo: Chetwynd!

Photo from this weekend in Chetwynd. I don't know if you know anything about Chetwynd, or where it is, or anything, but it's famous for these wood carvings. Every year they have a competition and get about 10 new ones a year. And the coolest part? It's all done with a chainsaw! I think it's cool. It's where SS is from, and I think she kind of thought I was a little bit crazy for wanting to go take pictures of them. It's all about capturing the essence of a town. I mean, do you go to Paris and not take a picture of the Eiffel Tower? No, you don't. The inhabitants of Paris hate the Eiffel Tower, but tourists love it. They think we're all bizarre for wanting to take pictures. It's the same with the carvings. I love them! Love them! But, I think if I was from Chetwynd, I would think differently. I would think the same as SS. But, I would still go to the competition every year and take pictures!

The weekend was good. Good, in the sense that I had some good quality time with John, even if it wasn't quantity time. I can't wait for him to come home. He's pretty sure he'll be home the week of the 21st, but who knows. Their behind on the turnaround right now, I think, so it could be any time. I think the only thing that's making it ok is the fact that he's making mad money. Lots and lots of overtime. Which we need in order to go on our vacation next month. But, it still sucks. I think I'm dealing with it better, but I think John's finally getting to the point where keeping busy with work and going to the pool and stuff isn't enough. I think he finally misses me! Like, I know he misses me as much as I miss him, but I think he's finally understanding what I went through the first 2 weeks.

Anyhow, I should get my ass in gear. LS is coming to stay here tomorrow night and you can't even see the spare bed because that's where John decided my paper recycling should go! I'm getting my hair cut tomorrow...can't wait to see what my hairdresser does to me!

Sunday Goals - Live from Chetwynd!

Today, as many Sundays to come, I'm coming to you live from Chetwynd, BC! John has been working here for the last few weeks, and has about another month here. Well, 3 or 4 weeks. A month is easier to say, just not easier to think. I'm not sure why I've been so worried about keeping where I am a secret, but now you know where I am, at least today!

I'm stuck in John's basement suite that he's been sharing with his soon-to-be step dad. And, I forgot my book. And, I don't really feel like having a shower and getting ready. And, since it's Sunday, there's nothing on TV. I have "Moving Up" on TLC in the background, but I think I've seen every episode, so it's not that interesting anymore. Thankfully, the Internet is working. I've been going checking out everything I can online. And, I've found something kind of frustrating.

I was on JM's site, adding in my last weight from yesterday morning. As of July 3, I weigh 188.5 pounds. 21.5 pounds lost. Now, I do recognize that this is a huge accomplishment, though, if you saw me in person, I would tell you about it, then get all blushy when you congratulated me. I love people knowing what I'm doing, but I'm still embarrassed when I get compliments. Just one of those things. But, I think that might lead me to what I found on JM's site this morning. When I put in my weight, there's a section where you can check out your ideal weight based on your height and weight. Well, basically, that's BMI, and while I think that BMI is an outdated way of thinking, it still puts things into perspective. My goal weight should be from 130-145 pounds, with a bit added because I do have a large frame for such a shorty. I'm thinking maybe 150 should be my ideal weight. Which is fine. I want to see if I can get down to 145, but if I can't maintain it, I know that it's vanity weight, and I will be happy somewhere in the 150s.

Then I looked at the BMI chart. Technically, I'm still in the obese category. 180 pounds is the last weight on that part of the chart, and 174 is the lowest number on the overweight side. That kind of depresses me. I've lost 21.5 pounds, and I'm still in the obese category! Now, I'm not depressed about the weight loss. I'm still very excited about what I've been doing. I mean, who wouldn't be when their husband tells them how proud he is, and how excited he is that they're changing their life? No, what I'm depressed about is the fact that at one point, not too long ago, like the beginning of this year, I was right in the middle of the obese category! That's freaking crazy, is what that is! I mean, eww! It's still hard for me to believe I let myself go that badly! I just don't understand fully how it happened. I know that sounds silly, like, I should know how it happened. And I do, but I don't understand how I didn't realize how bad it was for me. I went from walking everywhere for 20 months in Kamloops, which is a city made on hills, to moving up here, and driving everywhere. I ate pretty crappy in Kamloops too, but I walked, and for the summer months I used to walk downtown from Sahali after working an 8 hour shift in a fast food kitchen, work out at the YMCA, then walk up this huge hill home.

I just can't wrap my head around all of the changes that took place when I moved North. Life changes, I know, but it shouldn't have changed in the way that it did. It should have changed in the ways that it is now. I mean, walking in Kamloops was one thing, but I never imagined running a 5K, or a 10K, or doing something like the Emperor's Challenge. I wish I had went in that direction, instead of the eating fast food and not doing anything frame of mind.

So, my goals for this week?

Do 3-4 sessions of running for 10 minutes. I can only do 2 sets of 10 right now, yesterday I did a 6 minute after the 2 10s, but I need to be able to do 3 sets of 10. That's the goal for the week. Then I'm going to step it up a bit more so I can get that 5K down.

Attempt at getting up and doing a JM workout. The Yoga Meltdown is kicking my ass hard, but I think it's mostly due to the tendonitis in my wrists. But, I think if I keep trying, it'll get easier. I think it's because I'm used to yoga being slow and deliberate, not fast and deliberate.

And, I would like to get a real yoga class in sometime too. I think they're going to start them up again this week (the classes we cancelled all last week) so I'll just have to find the schedule, and go. At least once.

And, I'm going to eat well. Not great, I know that! I know that there is one day during the week that I'm going to crack, but hopefully I can convince myself that if I need to crack, I should just go to Subway.

And, last but not least, I'm going to do some soul searching. Of sorts. Figure out why I fell into my slump, and figure out a way for it to not happen again. I know that I'm going to need lots of support, so if I call you and need you to just listen while I freak out about stuff, I need you to listen. I know there are a few of you reading that will, and I appreciate it. I'll thank you in advance!

Anyways, I'm thinking I should get my butt in gear and do something. I have pictures to take (can't wait for tomorrow's photo from the weekend) and I'm going to visit the visitor's info centre to get some brochures for John and my vacation in August. We're having a whirlwind of a vacation (I'll let you in on the details soon!) and I like to be prepared. Know exactly where we're going. I really hate flying by the seat of my pants! So, I get organized. Visitor's info centre's are the best for people like me. Brochures, brochures, brochures!

Have a great Sunday everyone! Thanks for reading my huge blog today!!

Saturday Recipe

Today I thought we'd do something simple, basic, and a favourite of everyone. I mean, who doesn't love chicken noodle soup? I'm a fan, but only when it's cold out. I'm reading an article in "Fitness" magazine, and it's saying that there was some research done that states that people who had one and a half cups of chicken noodle soup before a workout were more hydrated than those who drank water. I'm not sure how much truth there is to it, but it's something to think about. Here is the recipe:

Chicken Noodle Soup
1 store bought deli roast chicken
2 quarts cold water
2 carrots, washed and sliced into circles
3 celery ribs, roughly chopped
2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
2 springs fresh thyme, leaves only
Salt and pepper
2 cups uncooked noodles
juice from 1/2 a lemon
2 sprigs fresh parsley, roughly chopped

Place the chicken, water, carrots, celery, onion, garlic and thyme in a large stockpot over medium heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer 20 to 25 minutes; remove chicken. Shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones. Season broth with salt and pepper to taste; add noodles and shredded chicken. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until noodles are cooked. Add lemon juice and parsley; service.

Makes 6 servings

I think it sounds pretty good, don't you? It looks like we're in for some rainy days, and I have to keep running, so I might need the soup to warm me up right down to my bones!

Well, it's off to clean and run for me now. Got to get ready to go and see the hubby! Have a good weekend everyone!

Before I forget...

...I had better blog! I'm so tired that I almost forgot!

Yesterday, being Canada Day, was a day of celebration. Well, some jerks decided to celebrate loudly until after 4am this morning, keeping me awake. So, I'm a wee bit tired. And, to top it off, we were 3 people short at work today, so we were pretty busy.

I have managed to have a bit of a nap, but now I don't feel like doing ANYTHING. I think I might just pack what I need to take with me tomorrow to see John, and deal with the rest in the morning. Just do what I have to tonight, and make sure tomorrow morning I get in a good run (3 sets of 10 this time baby!) and get my dishes and laundry done.

Hope you had a better day than I did! A good recipe will be coming tomorrow!

Canada Day!

Yep, it's July 1st, and that means it's Canada Day! Check out these links for some Canadiana:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqg8YLHlQJc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWQf13B8epw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjiwBwBL4Qo

The second one is freaking hilarious! Oh Canada.

But, anyways, it was a pretty fantastic day. I went to our parade with AB and her son. What fun. We both almost kicked some 14 year old girl's ass because she came and stood in front of AB's son. Not cool. The lady standing beside me was pissed too. Like, seriously, why would you do that? Oh yeah, you're 14 and the center of the world. That's right. I forgot. Also, when the clown showed up in the parade, the lady and I both groaned. What a funny thing. Random lady and I both hate clowns! Too funny. We had a good laugh.

After the parade it was onto the classic car show. Some really rad cars! Then to the park where they had those bouncy blow up things for the kids, and the farmer's market was set up outside. All in all, it turned out to be a pretty good day. Other than the fact that it was so windy that they actually cancelled the fireworks tonight. Not cool. Not that I was planning to go or anything!

So, I came home, and basically did nothing. I planned out our vacation this summer. Boy, it's going to be a good one. We're doing at least 7 hikes, running a 5K with my sis Ashley, taking her girls for the day, and visiting family. Oye, what did I get myself into?!? And, it's all in the short matter of 11 days! I told John I must be going crazy! Oh well. That's what vacations are for, right? Running yourself crazy before heading back to work?

So, after much planning, I went for my jog. I thought that I would try to do the 5 minute jog, 2 minute walk thing. I thought that wouldn't be too bad since yesterday was so good. Well, I started out, and the first time I looked down at my watch, I had gone 3 and a half minutes. I thought, ok, well maybe I'll go until I stop. Just see how long that is. A good song came on my iPod, and I kept going. Next time I looked down at my watch it was 8 and a half minutes! Well, at that point I thought, hey, I can go another minute and a half! So, yep, I did it! 10 minutes straight! Then I walked for 4 minutes, and did it again! I was going to do another, but my legs were cramping up, I think due to lack of water. So, tomorrow I'm going to take my water bottle and stash it in the mail box area so that I can do at least 3. Why not? I was so worried that I wouldn't be able to do my 5K, and now I'm thinking it's not going to be too bad! Yay! What a Canada Day!

Hope you all had a great Canada Day!