I feel better today, but I have no voice :( It sucks! But I made it to Boot Camp last night, and I ran on the treadmill afterwards. Also went to my monthly weigh in at weight watchers today so that I don't have to pay for a missed meeting. Fully clothed I was 155.6

Had a yummy chicken wrap doused in hot wing sauce with lime last night - yum! So easy to wrap up a bunch of veggies, chicken & sauce. Quick, healthy, light dinner. I just wish the wraps that are so much lower in points weren't also so much more expensive.

Tonight I want to run on the track again. Hopefully the rain holds off and I'm feeling strong enough. If the weather turns to crap I'll just workout at home. I could probably use some upper body weights too since we didn't do alot of that at class last night.

I have a 5K run coming up on Feb 8th. I'd really like to do it in about 26 minutes. I think that's possible, but it's my first "race" so I have no idea how it will go. I've run outdoors lots but I've never timed myself over a distance, and it's alot different than running on a treadmill, or even a track.

They changed it!

Can you believe it? I drove home yesterday and McDonald's changed their sign. WAHOOO!!! Someone from there MUST read my blog - aaah haa haaaaa - don't you think?? It now is advertising some kind of chicken wrap or something and somehow that's not as appealing. Ahhh, so much better. So nice that they could do that for me - lol!

Trying to get over some flu/cold thingy here. Can't believe this is the 4th time I've been sick since the beginning of December - 3 colds/flu and one stomach bug. It sucks! I thought I was all healthy and everything. It's been going through the whole extended family too.

Boot camp tonight and I hope I'm able to go. I hate to miss it.

My dear sister and her family are coming to visit tomorrow. They live about 8 hours drive away so we only get to see each other a few times a year if we're lucky. I sure hope they have an uneventful drive on the winter roads. But I know they're more used to driving on snowy roads and my BIL will be careful, I'm sure of that.

I haven't planned meals in a couple days because I'm just completely lacking energy. I really need to figure out what I have and do some planning.

Here's hoping that I'm better - soon!!

Stupid Craving that won't go away

I have this strange craving. It's strange because it's not something I ever usually had, nor is it something I particularily even like.

But every time I drive into town I pass this McDonalds and they have on their board "Double Cheeseburger" and I have to tear my eyes away every single time!!! And sometimes I find myself thinking about it when I'm not even near the sign. Why, oh why, oh why??? Like I said, cheeseburgers have never really been my go to food. I just don't think that a cheeseburger is what I'm craving. Very strange.

Anyhow, I'm not about to cave and have one because it's not what I want. I don't deny myself, but I think I'm smart enough to recognize something that isn't reasonable. Maybe I need to make myself a homemade burger, or beggie burger. Maybe it's the yummy pickles & other toppings that I'm wanting. Hmmm, something to think about.

Did session 2 of the Sun Run training last night. I have to cram a bit as I should be on Week 2, but I started Week 1 late. So will put a few extra runs in this week. I'm being careful not to push myself hard with the speed though. Luckily I'm used to working out on a regular basis already so it's not like I'm overdoing it, I'm just changing what I've typically done for a workout to following the running schedule.

I was too lazy/rushed/tired last night to have a proper stretch though and am feeling that today. Tonight I'll be sure to spend some extra time on that.

And a few other pics

Here's a few more I managed to get off of my computer. I think they're from September.

Just a little posed - heeheeee....

Trying out some clothes in the closet (haven't worn this anywhere yet)

and one of the big things that helps me stay on track during the workweek. I try to make these up every Sunday night (or Monday morning). This is a 4 cup container and I chop up whatever veggies I have and enjoy them just like that - no dip, nothing. I usually eat this container before I eat whatever else I've packed and it makes me feel so satisfied. Plus I'm getting major veggie servings here, and variety too! I'm not a salad person typically so this is a good alternative.

Recent Pics

Just a few pics from this weekend's birthday bash. I may have had a drink or two ... before these pics were taken.

Playing model - heehee

Me, one of my nieces, and my SIL

DH and his cakes....

Sun Run Training Begins

So my sister has agreed to run the 10K Sun Run with me in April. I'm apprehensive about being out in such a massive group of people (I'm not a crowd person), but I'm kind of excited about it. Her DH is coming too, and as of today my DH and my DS have both said they're going to run it - as well as at least one of my running ladies. It should be fun.

We had a party last night for my DHs 40th birthday. I think it was a pretty good success. I rarely ever have days where I forget to eat. I mean, come on ... seriously! Who FORGETS to eat??? I may forget my cell phone. I often forget birthdays. But eating?? That is one thing I never forget. But ... yesterday was one of those days. I had a ton to do and by the time guests were arriving and I cracked my first cider, I realized all I'd eaten was a small bowl of yoghurt in the morning. Then, I still really didn't eat much during the party, but I did drink. This morning wasn't pretty - hahaha. But, I survived and the party went well.

I'm having an issue with my camera, but if I can get it resolved I'll post a couple of pics from the party. I wore a new shirt that is completely different from any style I've ever worn. Got tons of compliments, so that felt fantastic. And I think that even as I lose more weight it will still look even better.

We're starting up a new challenge on the WWs board and I'm going to give being a leader a shot. Eeek!!! Never done that before. Sure hope I don't disappoint.

Well, I'm off to go check out DHs training :)

Ugh, I'm getting sick - again! I'm hoping this one is just a short lived flu. Upset stomach, massive headache, chills/sweats, weakness. GRRR, I don't have time for this right now. It's my husband's 40th birthday party this weekend and I have a ton to do to get ready.

Went on Sunday and ran the track and the stairs again - with a couple of running buddies. The track was frozen in some areas so it was a bit dicey, but it's still such a great workout.

I had a moment yesterday of hope for the future. My daughter has never been one for exercise, though she's slim and active. Just anything that could be called "exercise" rather than just fun does not fit the bill for her. Once she made a comment about not liking running because it makes her heart beat - hahaha - she was pretty young. I've always hoped that one day she'd venture to the other side and I dream of a day that maybe her & I can do some active things together. My son is pretty active and much more likely to go on hikes or jogs, or lift weights with me. But yesterday, my daughter voluntarily chose to go down to the gym and run on the treadmill and I think she did some sit-ups. Not sure what prompted this, but it gives me hope that one day maybe she'll take a class with me, or go climb a mountain or something.

As for my last WI, I wasn't able to record a WI for this past Friday. My scale seems to be having a hormonal meltdown and I can't get the same reading from it twice in a row. In fact, I can't even get the same reading twice at all. Out of a dozen times (or so, yeah I'm addicted) it was showing me up to 3.2 lbs down for the week or up to 1.6 up for the week. I believe I was down, but still could not get an accurate number so have to forfeit recording the weight.

Asian Noodle Salad

Trying this recipe tonight. It was on my work computer and I figured this was the best way to get access to it for when I get home :).

ASIAN NOODLE SALAD

2 tablespoons sesame seeds
8 oz. pasta (uncooked)
2 cups mixed vegetables (Broccoli, Red Pepper, Sugar Snap Peas, Baby Corn, Mushrooms, Red Onion, Celery, Carrots….)
1-2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon olive oil (separated)
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped green onion

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sesame seeds, and cook stirring frequently until lightly toasted. Remove from heat, and set aside.

2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain pasta, and rinse under cold water until cool. Transfer to a large bowl.

3. Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in skillet, add garlic and let it sizzle. Add vegetables and sauté until tender crisp. Add vegetables to pasta.

4. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine vegetable oil, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, sesame seeds, ginger, and pepper. Shake well.

5. Pour sesame dressing over pasta, and toss to coat evenly. Gently mix in cilantro, and green onions.


Can add cooked chicken, beef strips, pork, shrimp as desired. Can be served warm (don’t rinse pasta with cold water) or cold. Keeps well in fridge and flavour improves if it sits before serving.

Successful Shopping

I can't believe it, another successful shopping day!! WAHOOOO

At Christmas my parents gave us some money and I set aside my portion to renew my closet. Thank goodness because it is badly in need of refilling. A while ago I went through my drawers and got rid of alot of clothes that were too small, too big, too outdated... Then last weekend I did the same to my closet and now it is essentially bare. It went from full (overfull) to maybe 1/3 full, and half of what is left are clothes that have memories for me and I'm not willing to part with - as well as a couple things that I think are too big but I have to try on before getting rid of.

This morning was great! I tried on a couple things that I found buried in my closet and now have a renewed pair of jeans (not the greatest, but they'll do) and 2 new pairs of dress pants. One pair of pants I bought a while ago with the hopes of getting into them. Today they fit! Well!!! YAHOO!

At lunch I had to go to the mall to return an item I'd bought for my daughter, and somehow left there with a pair of pants, a skirt, and the most wonderful pair of calf hugging black heeled boots that come up to a couple inches below my knees. They were EXACTLY what I was looking for. The skirt I wasn't even going to buy. I just put it on to see how it would look with the boots as I have a similar skirt already. But it looked so good I just had to buy it. It was $25 - but when I went through the till, it came up at $12.50. Can't beat that!!!!

I never have success shopping. Usually it depresses me. Especially since I have short legs, but just a tad too long for petite length. So pants are always many inches too long and never truly look good in the store. I've e-mailed a lady I know who does alterations and I'm actually going to get all my "new" pants adjusted to the proper length.

And the best news of all ....... I'm almost down another size. Close enough that the pants I bought I got in the smaller size because the bigger one was too baggy and the smaller one was just a bit snug. Those will be my next goal pants - lol. The skirt I got was the smaller size too! Ahhhhhhh, that sure feels great.

Yo-Yo Week

This week has sure been a yo-yo week on the scale. The first two days in I saw almost a 1 lb loss each day, then I had a meltdown and it went up 3 or more and it's bounced all over the place. Though since that initial gain I've been up all week from last Friday. This morning was my recordable weigh in and I had no idea what I'd see, and expected to have a gain to record.

But NOPE! I'm down 0.4 and I'll take it!

Went to Walmart last night and they had my favourite All Bran Guardian cereal on sale last night. I love that stuff but it's so expensive for a tiny box. 2 pts per cup and full of fibre. I got the Cinnamon flavoured one. So cute with the little hearts in it (I'm a sucker!).

All Bran & Special K were all on sale, the Special K was gone - wiped out - and I got the last 3 boxes of this All Bran. Good timing too because I was needing a change from my daily oatmeal. I love it, but it's good to mix it up a bit.

Off to my son's ortho today. Hoping they'll say he can get his braces off soon. He's had them just over a year but they suggested last time that he's close. I hope so.

2009 Goals

Last night it was back to Boot Camp - WAHOO I LOVE that class. I wish I could do it at least 3 or 4 times a week (hmm maybe I wouldn't love it so much then). This seems like a really fun group too. There's about 1/2 of the group from last time and then some new ladies who were having so much fun.

She divided us up into groups of 3 last night and I was so happy to be put with the 2 other most competitive people in the class - our one and only guy and a super fit girl. The 3 of us have been in the same class for a while and we're always super competitive with each other. So it was great to be with them as we pushed each other alot harder.

I've set myself some goals for 2009:

* 20 consecutive big girl push-ups
* run 10km under 1 hour
* run the entire Ft to Ft non stop (about 14 km)
* climb the Grouse Grind in 50 minutes or less
* eat fish at least once a week
* REACH MY GOAL WEIGHT!

If I can surpass any of my fitness goals by the end of June then I will reevaluate and change as necessary.

Tonight is fish night. I'm making a recipe from one of my WW's books. They call it Easy Crusty Cod, but I've adapted it and call it Crusty Citrus Sole :). It's sole fillets (super thin, no bones!) top with a mix of flour, milk, olive oil, lemon & lime juice & cayenne pepper, then sprinkle with a bit of bread crumbs & green onion and bake in the oven. I'm not a huge fish fan but this is so good, quick and simple. So far I haven't been able to under or overcook the fish so it's a good one for me. I'm a bit freaky that my fish is fully cooked without getting tough.

Good news - yesterday I followed my meal plan. Bad news - I also consumed another day's worth of food. Little hormonal meltdown. First it was the chocolate whoppers - 8 pts worth. Then it was a small bowl of party mix (could have been worse I suppose, could have been the bag) ... and a handful of almonds. Then some friends dropped by and I had 2 glasses of wine. Then I went to get a diet pepsi and was out, so instead of turning to water or tea I grabbed juice and had 2 1/2 cups.

I suppose it could have been worse, but it was still a ton of empty calories that were unnecessary. Though I did stay mostly away from the crackers and didn't touch the cheese & meat.

But my friend TOM arrived today so I'm sure that's what that was about. If I can keep damage like that to one evening that's not bad. I journalled everything! And I still have about 10 WAPs left, and I haven't used any APs. My goal is to not dip into the APs this week and that should balance it out.

Tonight we're having dinner at friends, lasagna, which I don't love so will only have a small portion. I'm stating right now that I will have one small piece of garlic bread (if it looks good) and no more. I also will not have ANY wine, nor dessert or any snackies (if they have it). I will bring along a veggie plate and a diet pepsi.

My husband's birthday party is in 3 weeks and I want to be at or under 150 for that and I really think I can do that if I stay focused. It's not an unreasonable, nor lofty, goal - so there's no reason. Over the holidays I went shopping with my SIL and bought some neat tops and I'd kinda like to wear one for the party, but I'm not quite comfortable in them yet so I need to work!

So far the week has been going great. I've been able to stick to around my points allowance comfortably and am feeling good. Starting a new challenge today where a different member posts a new challenge each week. This week it is to pre-plan the days meal either the night before or the morning off. Also, to do 15 min stretching at least 3 days this week. I haven't been doing much stretching so this is a good one for me.

Preplanning breakfast and lunch is pretty easy, it's dinner I struggle with. Don't know why, but it's the one meal that I like to leave until right before and assess what I feel like having, or what my family feels like, and often the decision is based upon who will be there to eat (which is ever changing). Financially it's good to preplan your dinners, I just haven't been very successful at it. I need to see what I have in the freezer and work around that.

What I should almost do with my family is just have dinners planned for each of us. DS & DH are big meat eaters, DD avoids it as often as possible, and I'd mostly rather have soup or a wrap or something simple like that. And so.....

I'm going to go pull out some chicken for tonight and we will have chicken wraps for dinner :). The family can custom make them to their tastes, or can even heat them up into quesadillas if they so choose.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! Bring on 2009!

Here we are, a new year, a fresh start - it's wonderful. Made it through the holidays with only a 1.6 lb gain, which I think is not too bad. I was up a little bit more, but some of it must have been water gain.

Got a bad cold, again - grrr! Once again it's hit me square between the eyes. Hopefully it doesn't stick around too much. The last two days no medicine could touch it and give me any relief, that sucked.

Had a nice new Year's at my sister in law's house. She had a bunch of friends over and they seemed like a nice crowd. Just wish I hadn't felt so awful so I could have been a bit more social, oh well, another time.

My sister got me a 3 month journal from weight watchers with the Canadian food guide & restaurant guide, and a little book with recipe/meal ideas. Today was the kick off for that. I got up this morning, recorded my weight & measurements. Set my next couple of goals and am raring to go. Gotta love this time of year for that.

Boot camp starts up again next week and I'm eager to get back to that. By then this cold should have cleared mostly (I hope). This morning I lifted a basket of laundry and struggled, obviously I'm just a "little" weak today :).

Today I'm going to start packing up the Christmas decorations and give my gym a good cleaning (it's getting pretty gross down there).