Thursday, January 31, 2013

Oh, just the little things going on in my brain today.

Ever sit back and really think about yourself?  How you’re feeling, and why you’re feeling such a way?

I’ve done that this morning.  And here are my very scientific - and probably quite boring – findings:

1. Worried – Well, I’m always worried about something, so this is nothing new.  But on this particular morning, my worry seems to be centered around the fact that I’m afraid I’m not losing any more weight.  Like, I’m STUCK at 11 pounds lost and I will never again lose another ounce.  Ever.  I have not weighed myself since Monday (my rule is only getting on the scales on Monday, otherwise I get obsessed) – but I just have a bad feeling about it this week.  I’m trapped in my fat body and I CAN’T GET OUT!!!!

weight-loss-program

2. Jealous – My mother and I talked about this this morning. I’m insanely jealous of every damn person who has gone South, or will be heading South, this winter.  My mom was all like, “Meh, I don’t care, I don’t really mind winter, I don’t think I’d even want to go,” and then I was all like, “That’s because you’ve never BEEN THERE!”  Don’t get me wrong.  I love winter.  I love snow.  But seriously, I’m dreaming of a week in Cuba.  Or the Dominican Republic.  Or Jamaica.  Or even Florida. And hating everyone who gets to go this year.  Assholes.

dream vacation

3. Excited & proud – The Sens, of course.  They’re kicking ass & takin’ names.  Last night, they whooped the Habs pretty good. 5-1, final score.  I only wish I’d been there to taunt those Montreal fans in attendance along with the rest of the Sens Army.  Very proud of the fans who were there, OlĂ©-ing their hearts out, and TAKING BACK THE BANK.  Good job, kids.

Sens win

4. Dull  - That’s right.  I feel kind of dull these days.  I mean, I’m kind of happy being dull, and I’m kind of enjoying my dull lifestyle.  I watch LOST on my laptop because my TV & DVD player are total jackasses.  I work out.  I eat fruit.  I hang out with my mom and watch hockey.  I read.  I work on my puzzle.  I drink tea.  And…well, that’s about it.  Dullsville, and happy to be here, I guess.

5. Determined -  I mentioned my jackass TV and his brother the asshat DVD player.  My TV – or rather, the satellite dish, I guess – has been a pain in my butt for over a year now.  There’s a cord that I think isn’t working properly, so every couple of days, the dish goes nutty and cuts in and out, like it would in a bad storm or something, except there’s no storm.  I wiggle the cord, and if I’m lucky, it’ll work for a few more days.  Then it goes apeshit again.  Usually on the night that I want to watch The Vampire Diaries.  So frustrating.  Also, my DVD player kak’d out on me a few weeks ago, so I’m using the super-cheapo one that I had in my room, and it doesn’t work very well either.  (As in, won’t play the LOST DVD’s at all, it sucks them in, goes to black screen, and holds them hostage until I unplug everything and start it all back up.  Then it will spit the DVD back out at me.)  SO.  Needless to say, my new mission in life (aside from losing a kabillion pounds) is to get a NICE, NEW, MODERN TV and A FUNCTIONING DVD PLAYER and MY OWN DISH THAT HAS CORDS THAT WORK.  This is getting ridiculous, people.

6.  OLD -  Yes, some days, I feel very old.  Some days I do not.  Some days I still feel like a kid, and it panics me that I’m turning 30 and I still feel like a kid.  But then some days, I see something like this and it makes me feel like I’m insanely old:

friends very old

And it also makes me want to start watching my Friends DVD’s again.

But I bet my DVD player will eat them.

*sigh*

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Ramble on.

It’s still January.  Seriously.  Has it not been January, like, forever?

I’ve got randoms floating through my brain this morning.  Here we go.

  • The weather is baffling me.  Last week, it was forty below, today it’s going to +10 or 11 or some ridiculous balmy temperature.  Every time it snows, we get a heatwave and it all melts.  I am so not impressed with this dumb January freeze-and-thaw routine we’re in.  THIS IS THE TIME FOR PRETTY SNOW, not spring-like conditions.   Man, do I ever wish I could really control the weather!!
  • If you’re a pal of mine on Facebook, you may have already heard this lament, but HOLY FRACK it made me mad last night when I was *trying* to be a good kid and do my TurboFire workout properly - attempting some of the jumping that I’ve avoided for the first few weeks – and the dumb DVD wouldn’t stop skipping.  Every time I jumped, it went beserk.  My dad always told me I was as graceful as an elephant, and that was never more obvious to me than last night!
  • Lament #2 of the week:  The fact that in the first two weeks, I lost just over 11 pounds, and then last week I lost nothing.  Not an ounce.  Zip.  Nada.  Soooo frustrating.  Especially since I was still well-behaved food-wise for the most part, and never missed a workout.  Dammit.
  • I can’t be plateauing already.  Impossible.
  • I’ve been told to forget the number on the scale and just be proud of myself for following my program.  But I get such gratification when I see that damn number go down.  *sigh*
  • OK!  Moving on!!
  • LOST.  Final season.  Two discs in.  It’s weird.  I’m still enjoying it, but I really kind of do feel lost watching it.  I mean, I’m following these characters that I’ve been so wrapped up in for the past few months, and all of a sudden I’m like, “What the heck.  They’re in this temple, and so much is going on, and I don’t understand any of it.”  I was warned this would happen.

lost6x01-0805

  • There are so many books that I want to be reading right now – Divergent by Veronica Roth, Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Stieg Larsson (all sitting on my book shelf waiting for me)– but instead, I’m plodding through our book club selection, Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides.  I’m not a fan.  I don’t hate it, but I definitely don’t love it.  It feels like I’ve been reading it for-ev-errrrrrrr.  It brings the weird and uncomfortable in epic proportions.  Definitely one of the strangest books I’ve ever read…

middlesex

  • Did you guys know Wade Redden scored a goal on the weekend?  It made my heart happy. :)

Wade blues

  • I am so thrilled that there are new pictures of Wade to put up on the blog!!!!!!  squeeeeeeeee!!!!
  • And of course, the Sens comeback win over the Washington Capitals last night also made my heart happy.  Oh, how I missed hockey!!

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Happy Wednesday, friends!

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

A cold day in January Happy List

I can’t seem to shake the heaviness in my heart this week.  I guess at a time like this, that’s how I’m supposed to feel.

But today, rather than dwelling in the sadness, I’m going to focus on the positives and try to find some happiness.

So here’s what’s bringing some happy to my life today!

  • My car, and the fact that it started this morning in the –30 Celsius temperature.   I know, it’s brand-new, there should be no problems with a brand-new car starting.  But I was worried, because it’s SO SO FREAKIN’ COLD OUT, and also I realized that my car did not come with a block heater.  (This is the reason why girls need boys to help them buy cars.  I did not know what a block heater was, let alone that I needed my car to come with one.)
  • The news that our student minister, Nancy, passed her Ordination interview in Montreal yesterday.  Congratulations, Nancy, so very happy for you.  One more step… :)
  • My new sippy cup from DISNEY!!!  I have an obsession with tall plastic cups with lids and straws lately.   Lindsay brought me one from the land of Mickey Mouse, along with a cute pair of Disney socks and a super-cute pink Minnie Mouse pen.  Presents always make me happy.

Disney cup

  • My cozy giant fluffy warm blanket from Chapters.  I bought it shortly after Christmas when it was on sale (the Chapters blankies are kind of expensive, but sooo luxurious); however, I don’t think I truly appreciated it until it the bitter cold of this week.

blanket

  • The puzzle on my dining room table.  I’ve been working on it a bit each evening this week, and I’ve found it to be a stress-reliever, and it takes my mind off other things.
  • WEIGHT LOSS!!!  Dudes, I’m losing weight.  And it feels awesome.  I’m down over 11 pounds in just over two weeks.  The TurboFire workouts are getting a little easier each day, and I’m really enjoying them.  I’ve also found it not as difficult as I thought it would be to stick to my healthy eating plan.  I know I’m only a few weeks in, but I’m pretty happy with my progress thus far.
  • LOST, Season 6, on DVD.  I finished Season 5 back around Christmas time, and I’ve been waiting impatiently for Season 6 to arrive from Amazon for weeks now.  (My order got held up because of one of the other items on it not being available at that time.)  I’m finally going to see how this thing wraps up, and I’m very excited about that!

LOST-Season-6-Promo-Poster-lost-8120940-1440-900

  • My Hamilton Beach single-serve blender.  My momma bought this for me last week, after my Shakeology order arrived and I was trying to figure out how I could make shakes at work for lunch without having to lug a big blender with my every day.   This little blender is sort of like a Magic Bullet, but it was cheaper and seems to be working great so far, and compact enough for me to take with me to work!

Blender 2

  • HOCKEY’S BACK!!  AND WADE REDDEN’S BACK!!  OK, so he’s not back in Ottawa, but my favourite player of all time is finally back in the NHL, and that makes me so very very happy.  For the first time in my life, I have an interest in St. Louis Blues hockey…  I’m also insanely pleased with the Sens’ start to this short season, two big wins under their belts and looking great!  GO SENS GO!!

Sens

  • Pictures of happy times and fond memories.  For the past few days, many of my friends have been sharing pictures of good times and happy memories.  I thank God for that.  They truly are a comfort at such a difficult time.

Tim 2

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

There are no words…

Our little community is hurting right now.

There has been so much loss and sadness.  Some of my close friends have lost their grandparents, and there have been several other families grieving lost loved ones as well.  So many family and friends that we’ve been praying for.  Too much to take in less than a week.

On Sunday, we received the terrible news that a friend of ours, Tim, was taken tragically in a car accident.

Tim was one of the great guys.  He was quiet, but always kind and polite, and would never pass you by without a smile and a friendly hello.  He was a family man, a great friend, and a talented athlete, and we are all greater for having known him.

I wrote about Timmy Ball Player once here on this blog, when I did my “Meet the Flyers” series.  When I look back on memories of Tim, most of them are tied to the ball field.  I know that the guys are going to miss him terribly, as both a teammate and a friend.  It’s so hard to believe he won’t be there with us anymore.

Tim

There really are no words to express this kind of sadness.  All I can say is that our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Tara, their beautiful little boys, Greyer and Ashton, as well as his step-daughter, Lauryn, and all of his family & friends.  I hope they can feel the love of this community and draw strength from that at such a devastating time.

Tim 3 

Rest peacefully, Tim.  We’ll miss you.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Friday Confessions: Meet “Purdy”

I haven’t done a Friday Confessional in so long… I think it’s time!

FridayConfessionalMamarazzi

I confess… that I gave a pretty darned easy hint the other day on the blog as to what my “big news” was.  Most of you guessed correctly.  I bought a new car, and I’m super excited!  It’s my very first NEW new car! :)

New car 

I confess… that I named my 2013 Ford Focus “Purdy”.  My dad always named vehicles after the people who sold them to him, or who previously owned them.  My sales lady’s last name was “Purdy”, and I thought it was perfect for my “Purdy” new little red car.

I confess… that despite my excitement over buying a new set of wheels, I was more than a little sad to say good-bye to my ‘97 Rav 4, “Linda”.  I bought her second-hand almost 9 years ago from my aunt & uncle, and she was the best.  And honestly, if there hadn’t been another costly exhaust leak, I’d probably still be driving her.

Old car

I confess… that on the way to the dealership yesterday morning, the fond memories of adventures in the Rav flashed through my mind and made me feel so nostalgic.  But after a lot of running around to get the new car licensed (which my mother swears we shouldn’t have had to do) - driving back and forth from Kanata to Aylmer and back to Kanata again in a car that sounded like a jetplane - I was more than relieved when I finally got to slide in behind the wheel of my new, much quieter car.

I confess… that I don’t handle stress very well.  Yesterday, I was chewing gum.  Apparently chewing it hard, probably especially when we hit a snag at the license bureau due to an error in the paperwork, and I thought I was going to literally melt.down.  Because today, my jaw is aching, and the area around my temples is sore to touch.  Awesome.

I confess… that I still haven’t figured out what half of the buttons do in the car.  It kind of looks like a spaceship inside.  Also, I have one radio station that comes in clearly, and I cannot for the LIFE of me figure out how to change the other presets.  I need to spend some time just sitting in the car and reading the manual, apparently.

I confess… that I don’t really have any other confessions to make other than car-related ones.  But I’m glad this ordeal is over.  Since my car started roaring last Thursday, I feel like my life has been on hold – and it’s all been about the new car deal.  I feel like I can start doing things again…start breathing again.  I’m so relieved.

I confess… that I couldn’t have done it without my mom.  She put on her “Dad” hat and asked all the questions and made all the requests that I never would have thought of.  Thank you, Mom!!! My cousin Jim was also a big help, since he works at the dealership in the service department, and was able to get me some great deals. :)

Happy Friday, everyone! :)

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

My “Firsts”

I saw this fun little meme on another blog this morning, and thought it was an interesting one!  Feel free to steal it if you wish :)

1. First thing you do when you wake up in the morning

Hit snooze, then grab my phone to check Facebook/Twitter/texts/BBM’s for 9 minutes.

2. First thing you do you when you get home from work

This is something that has changed in the past week and a half, actually!  I now drop off the MVT mail at the post office next door, then change into my work-out clothes and do the TurboFire class on the schedule for that day.

Turbo-Fire

3. First kiss

Oh, one of my more embarrassing tales of woe!!  It was on the front steps of Gavan’s, with a boy whose name I can’t even remember right now, while my friends watched out the window and laughed.  It was…sloppy, to say the least. 

4. First home

I guess that would be the place I’m in right now!  I moved straight from my parents’ house to the place I rent now, four years ago.  It’s actually our church’s Manse.  Our current minister didn’t need living quarters, so I agreed to rent it.  A two-storey, 4-bedroom old house that at one time I never thought would feel like “home”, but now I’m quite comfortable there.

IMG_3626[4]

5. First car

I guess that would be the red Ford Taurus my parents bought me when I got my first “real” job in the city and needed transportation!  That was in 2003 I guess. Up until then, I just bummed the keys to their vehicles when I needed wheels.

6. First car accident / traffic violation

I’m trying to think here... I’m pretty sure I had a speeding ticket prior to, but I can’t recall the details.  So I’ll go with the time I accidentally ran a red light in Aylmer, and of course a cop was sitting right there when it happened.  I cried and begged for mercy, but he still whacked me with a fine and I think it was 3 points off my license… but I guess it was a pretty serious violation and I deserved it!! haha!!  As for accidents… I used to back into my brother’s car on a regular basis in the driveway.  I have no idea how it happened so many times.  I used to say his car was “invisible”.

7. First thing you wanted to be when you grew up

I think I’ve told this story before, but the “Year 2000” video my class did in Grade 1 (because we were to be the Grads of 2000 and we were special) indicates that I wanted to be a doctor.  I have no clue where that came from.  I don’t ever recall wanting to be a doctor, but that’s what I said on that video.  Go figure.

8. First choice beverage

Water.  I love water, drink gallons of it every day.  If I’m going with alcohol, I’d probably say a Rum & Diet Pepsi.

9.  First choice dessert

I’m trying NOT to think about desserts these days.  But, say it’s my birthday and I’m allowed, I’m going with my mom’s white cake.  Yum.

10. First choice restaurant

Kind of depends on what I’m in the mood for, but the restaurant I’ve eaten at the most over the past few years, hands-down, is Montana’s Cookhouse.  The appetizers – Four Cheese Spinach Dip, Oven-Baked Antojitos, and Kapow! Shrimp – are to die for.  I’m also a big fan of their Firecracker Burger and Chicken Tacos.  If I have room, which I never do, the Skillet Cookie makes  an excellent dessert choice.

montanas_cookhouse_canada_free_appetizer_2

These are the Antojitos.  They are amazing.  And now I’m starving.  Thanks, blog.

11. First song that comes to mind

Ho Hey by The Lumineers.  It’s my current favourite.  (Not to be confused with my current anthem, which I shared with you yesterday).

12. First major purchase

I guess that was probably my Rav 4.  I bought it second-hand from my aunt & uncle for a great price, but it was still probably my first big big purchase.  The first car I ever bought myself!  (And for those of you wondering what my “big news” is to come later this week, this is your official hint…)

13. First job

I guess that would be baby-sitting.  I started that when I was 12.  Two years later, I got a job waitressing at the little restaurant in town.  Between the two jobs, that’s how I earned the spending money of my teen years!

14. First time you flew on a plane

I’ve only flown once, and that was to Cuba, two years ago right around this time!  I was terribly nervous, and held Brittany’s hand as we took off in Ottawa.  She was probably really happy when I released my sweaty death-grip on her!!

IMG_0665

15. First real "big girl" job

That was in 2003, post-Toronto School of Business.  I got a job at a small accounting firm in Ottawa as an Office Admin Assistant.  I hated every minute of it, and cried daily.  Thankfully it only lasted about 6 months before my current job came along, and the days of crying about going to work ended!!

So…what are YOUR “firsts”??

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

My Inner Ninja

Hi kids!

I know I keep promising I’m going to be a better blog friend, but… things still haven’t really settled down just yet.  Christmas is over, and it’s a new year, but life has been busy.  And of course, so much of my focus lately has been on this new “lifestyle change” – the working out, the healthy eating.  I feel like it’s getting my full attention, and that’s exactly what I need to do right now to be successful.  But it means I haven’t really had time for much else.

After one week, I’m down almost 3.5 lbs.  I’ll take it.

Today, since I don’t have much time to wax poetic, I thought I’d share with you the song that I’m considering my current anthem.  When I hear this song, I feel instantly motivated and ready to tackle anything.

And it ALMOST makes me want to start taking Karate again.  (almost)

(Actually, getting my black belt is on my list of long-term fitness goals.  I got to my brown belt and stalled, then turn and ran and HID.  I wasn’t feeling physically fit enough to take on that challenge – I just knew I couldn’t do it at that time, I’d have died.  Literally. But once I get back to feeling capable, I’d like to attempt it again.  Maybe someday.)

Anyways… without further ado… Here’s Classified featuring David Myles with my new favourite tune, “Inner Ninja”.

I have even more exciting news to come later this week… Stay tuned…

Happy Tuesday! :)

Wednesday, January 09, 2013

My “30 Before 30” Project

I’ve had this post ready to go for a few days now, but due to huge Internet issues at work, I’ve been unable to post it… Hopefully everything will be resolved soon, and I PROMISE to be around to visit all of you ASAP!  Until then…here’s what I’ve been up to this week…

***

Picture me. I’m standing here, and I’m belting out, “It’s a new dawn! It’s a new day!” All Jennifer Hudson-like.

jennifer-hudson-3

Oh, wait. That’s Weight Watchers. Shit. Nevermind.

But, really… It’s a new dawn. And a new day.

It’s 2013, baby. And I’m all about making this year better.

It’s time for a brand-new Jill. And it’s not going to happen by magic potion, or divine intervention. It’s all up to me.

I’ve always known this. This isn’t a new revelation. But with the beginning of a new year, I’ve found a new resolve; a new willpower.

I’ve been needing a change. Desperately. And I’m finally ready to make that change.

I can almost picture some of you sitting reading this, rolling your eyes and laughing.

Here she goes again…

Yeah. I know. You’ve heard all of this before.

I wouldn’t believe me either if I were you.

But I’ve reached that point where I’m feeling like enough is enough. The yo-yo weight problems I’ve dealt with my entire life are dragging me down, and I’m ready to do something serious about it (again).

I’ve learned over the past ten years that I have to reach this place on my own. No matter how many concerned family and friends tell me I should be focusing on my health and losing weight, I won’t do anything about it until I’m ready.

It’s an addiction. Plain and simple. I have a food addiction. I love food. I love food that isn’t good for me. I love junk.

But I know if I let my addiction go long enough, I will eventually start to feel like crud. When clothes start feeling tight, and I hate that reflection in the mirror. When I start to feel worry over my shortness of breath when I exert energy. When I see pictures of myself, and think Ew.

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I love my cousins, and love this pic, but HATE that spare tire and double chin…and oh-so-much more…They are beautiful.  I am EW.

I reached “that place” sometime over the Christmas holidays. I can’t pinpoint the exact moment, but I literally felt like I put on 10 pounds over a few days. I was eating whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, and it suddenly dawned on me that I was feeling uncomfortably full all the time. For those of you who don’t know what that’s all about, it’s a really gross feeling.

And you know when I think that ultimate moment of humiliation came? When I was babysitting my niece and nephew the day after Boxing Day, and 4-year-old Danica took her blanket (or “mossey”, as she calls it), and tucked it under a pillow very discreetly, sneaking a glance at me with a little smirk on her face.

Playing along, I said, “Hey! Where did your mossey go?! It disappeared!”

“I hid it, Jilly,” Danica said sweetly. “SO YOU CAN’T EAT IT!!!”

She giggled uncontrollably, and I laughed right along with her.

But at the same time, it was kind of that wake-up call that I so urgently needed.

I was eating too much. Clearly.

Fortunately, I already had the tools to start me on this new journey to a better me. And I finally had reached the point where I was ready to dig those tools out, and start wrapping my head around it all again.

It was several months ago that my friend and co-worker Jared informed me that he had become a Beachbody Coach. I wasn’t surprised to hear this, as Jared & his wife Holly are both very active, health-conscious people, and they have always been very motivational and encouraging when I’m on a weigh-loss kick.

Holly-Jared-2012

There have been many days that I’ve thought, “Meh…I’ll skip my lunchtime walk today”, and Jared will come in and say, “Are you going for your walk today? It’s beautiful out there.” And 9 times out of 10… I do it. If he didn’t tell me to go, I probably wouldn’t.

So knowing that I would now have a Beachbody Coach sitting at a desk 20 feet away from me… it would be silly of me to pass up that resource and support, right?

Jared thought I might be interested in the TurboFire program that Beachbody offers. At first, I totally resisted the idea. Why? I have no idea. But all I can say is, I just wasn’t ready.

Then came Black Friday, and a 50% off deal. I sighed, and thought, “Maybe it’s time.” I shared the fact that I was considering purchasing the TurboFire program with my mom and my sister, half-expecting them to say, “Ack, it’s too expensive! Just use one of the dusty work-out videos you already have!”

They sort of surprised me by telling me they thought I should go for it. “You really do need to do something, Jill, and maybe if it cost you some money, you’d be more likely to follow through.”

So. I had Mom and Kara’s blessing. I placed my order that day, and a little over a week later, the TurboFire package arrived on my doorstep.

Jared was excited when I told him it had arrived. One of the things he does as a Coach is set up accountability groups, so that likeminded people can start the program at the same time, and check in with one another (usually via Facebook) to encourage and support one another and share their successes. He wanted me to jump right in with the TurboFire group that he had starting at that time, in early December.

I’m pretty sure that, having known me since we were kids, Jared already knew about my bull-headed stubborn streak. But he’s even more aware of it now. I told him I wasn’t ready to start TurboFire. Christmas was on the horizon, and as a food addict, that meant I was dreaming of the delicious delights that the Christmas Season would bring.

There is not set, strict diet plan for me to follow with TurboFire, but they do obviously emphasize the importance of a healthy, balanced diet, and they offer up many great healthy recipes and tips in a book included with the program.

Jared’s opinion was that if I started up pre-Christmas, I’d be more mindful of what I was eating over the holidays.

I didn’t want to be mindful. I wanted to be gluttonous.

So I stashed the TurboFire on a shelf in my house, and pushed it out of my mind.

And I ate like a mothertrucker.

On the day Danica teasingly hid her blanket from me so that I wouldn’t scarf it down, I started seriously thinking again about how I needed to lose weight – yes, now a necessity – and how perfectly this would coincide with the New Year’s Resolution I make every year: To drop pounds.  Big-time.

This time, I gave myself a specific starting goal (I seem to get better results when I have a target in mind), and that is to lose 30 lbs. before my 30th birthday, which will be July 28th of this year.  This is my very own “30 Before 30” Project.  I figure turning 30 is going to suck big-time, and if I don’t fit into any of my clothes and I feel like complete ass, it’s not going to be any easier.

I decided that by the time my 30th birthday rolls around, I want to feel as good about myself as I possibly can. It feels like a reasonable – and doable – goal to work towards.

By the time I returned to work last Thursday, January 3rd, I had absorbed all of the literature that came with TurboFire, I was beginning to cleanse my cupboards of the junk, I had started making my healthy foods shopping list, and I was feeling more and more excited about starting the program that following Monday.

When I saw my coach that morning, I declared, “Jared! TurboFire! I think I’m ready!”

“Awesome! There’s a new group starting January 14th!”

“NO! I’m starting next Monday! The 7th!”

Like, I said, Jared knows me pretty well. He didn’t bother arguing. He simply shrugged and said, “OK! Sure!”

Monday was my first work-out. I admit to being a little daunted before I started, because I’d seen a few snippets of the TurboFire classes, and this is some intense, fast-paced stuff. I wasn’t sure I could handle it. I thought I might die.

TurboFire1

But I really liked the instructor, Chalene Johnson (thank God, because if she was anything like my ol’ pal Jillian Bitchface Michaels, I’d have quit on the spot), and I really loved the music. While I’m quite sure I looked like a frog in a blender for most of that first half-hour Fire Class, I actually felt like it was something I could catch on to fairly quickly, and it helped that there’s a girl doing the low-impact/beginner moves for me to follow. It made it a little less intimidating.

I can do this. I know I can.

It’s all a state of mind. I’ve done it before. I know I can do it again.

This time, I want to find a routine – both exercise and diet – that I can stick to. And I’m confident that TurboFire is a great way to kick it off. I’m also going to be starting Shakeology, the meal-replacement shakes that Beachbody offers, in the very near future.

shakeology

Almost a year ago to this day, I had dropped 32 pounds completely on my own, just by exercising regularly, eating healthier, and avoiding junk food at all costs.

And then my world was turned upside down. Life sucked, and I gave myself a free pass to comfort myself with food. I ate to feel better at a time when nothing else felt good.

I was never able to get back on track. And now, almost a year later, I have gained it all back. Plus one pound.  This isn’t something I’m proud of.

I have many little goals this time around that I hope will become habits. Things like, “learn to love salad” and “follow the workout schedule, even when I don’t feel like doing it” and “become addicted to exercise”.

I don’t want this to be a fad. I want this to be my lifestyle. I want it to feel good, and to be part of my every day life. I need some structure to stick to.

So that the next time my world is turned upside down, I won’t retreat to my old ways, and seek asylum in the world of chips & dip, burgers & poutine, candy & chocolate.

This could be just another of my hollow promises. Another passionate post about changing my ways that will be dropped by the wayside, and forgotten in a few weeks.

Or it could be the start of something really awesome.

I have a support team behind me like no other.  All of the comments, “likes”, and messages on Facebook from friends and family members when I declared my “30 Before 30 Project” had begun on Monday are a true testament to that.

It’s up to me now to prove to all of you that I can do it.

It’s a new dawn. It’s a new day.

And I’m ready.

***

If you’re interested in TurboFire or any of the other programs Beachbody has to offer, or are just looking for information in general, feel free to get in touch with my coach, Jared.  You can visit his website here:  Team Integrity 

Yes.  I’m now part of something called Team Integrity.  That says it all right there, doesn’t it?! ;)

Friday, January 04, 2013

Christmas in a nutshell. And Welcome 2013!

Whoa.  So that was a bit of a bloggy break, huh?!

Happy New Year, dudes!  I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, spent lots of time with family & friends hollying & jollying, and that 2013 is being good to you so far!

I never intended to be absent from the blog for this long, but… it was a busy time!  Christmas gatherings, so much food, lots of time spent watching movies and reading books, hanging out with my nieces and nephew… it was a wonderful break!  But now I’m looking forward to catching up with all of you – I’m sorry I haven’t been by to see you guys in so long!

OK.  So.  First of all… Santa rocked.  (Or, I should say, my brother-in-law, Chris, rocked.  He drew my name in our Secret Santa exchange.)  I got a several of the items from my Wish List (including CK perfume, The Big Bang Theory Season 5, a car adaptor for my iPod, and Rock of Ages on DVD – he explained that he just COULDN’T get me Magic Mike. Understandable. Also, my momma disobeyed the Secret Santa rules and got me a panini maker, the book Dead Man’s Hand, and she knit me a scarf, hat, and mitts.  She is forgiven for breaking the rules.) – so yeah, I was one happy kid on Christmas morning.  Thank you, Chris & Mom!!

You know, there’s just too much to tell you about in just words.  I think it’s time for a holiday photo dump.  Here we go…

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Christmas Eve Cutie Cousins!  We told Caden & Danica to watch Neve’s head – so of course, it looks like the babe’s in a headlock! lol!

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This is our Young Family traditional Christmas Eve party at Patti & Randy’s – here’s Uncle Garry singing for the littles :)

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The ladies showing Cousin Jim some love!

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With my Uncle Garry, one of the best guys I know!

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Tessa, Tiff, Brando, Benny & Jumbotron!

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The adorable Kayla & Ben :)

Yes, folks.  The Coconut Song is alive and well.  Although this may be the strangest version I’ve ever logged on film… it captures some of my family members & neighbours at their finest, to be sure.   Danny appears to be blurting out curse words and Jaime is trying to shush him.  For a while, I think I’m singing all by myself.  And then Ben jumps in with some serious enthusiasm.  My only regret is that my memory card ran out and all I have to show for it is this wee snippet.  Enjoy.

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Santa’s a good lad…Nothing makes me smile bigger than seeing the gifts under the tree Christmas morning!!  It always kind of takes my breath away.  We are blessed!

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Our adorable little Elf Baby

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A 7-year-old’s excitement Christmas morning is priceless…

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…and so is the magic of a baby’s first Christmas!

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I just love this pic.  The Christmas morning hustle & bustle makes a wee one sleepy!

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While my brother and sister were off Christmas Day to celebrate with their in-laws, my mom & I headed for my Aunt Marion & Uncle Eric’s to have Christmas dinner with the Draper family.  These two little guys are brothers Gordie and Will, and they were begging someone to take their picture while they posed by the fireplace.  I didn’t hesitate to oblige! ;)

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On Boxing Day, we had our family dinner at Mom’s.  This was Take #1 of a family pic – Danica refused to look, Chris’ eyes are closed, Kara & Neve aren’t looking, and Caden is SERIOUSLY pissed off about something! LOL!

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Take #2 was a little more successful!!

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Princess Danica

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My brother and his baby

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Caden making Baby Girl laugh :)

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Danica & Neve showing off their flexibility lol!

Unfortunately, I don’t have any pics from New Year’s Eve, but it was a fun night as well – a little more low-key than I’m used to (No, Sadie didn’t even show up) – but fun all the same!  My sister’s birthday is NYE, so she came up to Mom’s with the kids, and we invited some people in to play cards, have some snacks, and a few drinks.  We had a great time!

On New Year’s Day, this was the scene on my mom’s front lawn…

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Due to the snow we got during the Christmas holidays (yay!!!), my mom’s shrubs in her front yard were suffering from the heavy weight of it – so she sent Danica out with a broom to sweep the snow off them.  She took her job pretty seriously and did an admirable job! haha!

Well…that about puts a wrap on the Holiday Recap!  I have big things going on already for 2013… details to come next week…

Happy 2013 to all of you!  Best Wishes for the New Year :)