May Goal Update

Leisure Time

I will read 10 books per year, 2 of which must be nonfiction.

* I haven't completed any more books, but I do have 2 on the go. One non fiction, and one fiction.

Personal Growth

I will reconnect with my friends by the end of the year.

* Still planning a poker night in June. $5 buy in. Anyone interested?

I will post to my blog 12 times per month.

* Struggled at the beginning of May, but more than made up for it now.

Health and Fitness

I will work out for 30 minutes, 3 times per week.

* I have been working out about 6 times per week, at least 30 minutes per day.

* I have also been going for walks on occassion.

* I have lost ### lbs.

New Goals
Health and Fitness
Learn to Ski by April 1st, 2011
* I will ski at least 10 days this coming ski season.

June Contest: Building of the Storage Shed

One of the reasons I have not posted in so long is that we have been building a large shed for storage.  Rather, Mike has been building, and I have been keeping myself and Kiera out of the way.  Mike had helper John (Nina's father) with him for support.

Hubby estimated 2 days max. 

It took 4 days.  In the sun and rain.  Sometimes at the same time.

Day 1: Walls

Day 2: Trusses

Day 3: Trusses and Roof

(Break Time)

Day 4: Shingles

Day 5: Almost Finished Product

Still shelving, painting and the deck to finish.  Then maybe I can tackle my spring cleaning.  Actually summer cleaning.

So in honour of an Almost Finished Shed, we have another contest.

Prize: $25.00 at Home Hardware

Enter by June 12th. 

One entry for a comment left on this post, and one additional entry if you become a follower between now and then.

PS: Anyone wanna help paint?  Please?

PSS: April Winner - I have your GC still.  I will give it to you on the 12th.

Biggest Loser Update: Week 4

Wow, has it really been a week since my last post?

Four Weeks already.  My how time is flying by.

We had 3 days off this week because of the long weekend.  I wasn't sitting on my butt the whole 3 days, but I felt as though I was falling behind.  I was actually happy to get back to working out on Tuesday.  Don't get me wrong, I still don't like exercise, but I do like the results.

For those of you in your 30's try to lose weight, I think the notes from the IBTC Meeting are important for you to read.

Week 4

May 23rd
No work out today. Feeling really blah too. Guess my body needed to recover. Back to it tomorrow, and back to the gym on Tuesday.

I have to work on eating enough calories. I am barely eating the minimum.

May 27th
My husband has been so supportive so far, eating the same things as me. Even when it is his turn to cook, he is making healthy meals. Last night unfortunately, after spending all day building a storage shed, he ordered Chinese Food, including a couple of my favs. I couldn't have any of it. I had to make a meal for myself while smelling his dinner. The almond chicken was talking to me, and it was saying "Come on, bite me. One little piece won't hurt." I didn't give into the evil chicken though.
Today is even worse. I had to rush to find a babysitter this morning, so I didn't eat a large breakfast, and I didn't pack a big lunch. I am feeling very hungry, almost at the point of binge snacking. To top it off, I have nothing planned for dinner. So now I have to scrounge around and find something. I am so tempted to say forget it and order something in. Urgggggg.

Time for the 1 month picture.  Can't see much change yet, but I feel better.

Weight: 257.2 lbs

Loss: 6.4 lbs

Total Lost: 13.2 lbs
Inches Lost: 7 inches
(arms, legs, bust, waist, hips)

Biggest Loser Update: Week 3

I was really depressed at the beginning of the week.  I have been working really hard, and it doesn't show yet.  I know it will, but patience is not a virtue I am known for.  I compared myself to others, and this reflected in my workouts.  I didn't put my heart into them. 

On Wednesday, I weighed myself on the Wii.  I was only down 0.1 kg. (Side Note: I do not like the fact that it weighs in kg instead of pounds.  I have to try to calculate it out every time.  Nintendo, are you listening?).  I was frustrated, so I did a Wii workout to encourage some of my fat to "get lost".  As I worked out, I realized that my lack of weight loss is because I have been concentrating on what other people are doing and not on what I am doing.

That afternoon, while at the gym, I focused on myself.  I weighed myself at the gym, and I was down a pound.  Maybe all the concentration helped? 

Another note, I am retaining water.  I think....  I only made a couple of journal entries this week.  I gotta work on that.

Week 3

May 16th

"I have really been struggling this past week, not physically just mentally. It is only week 2, and I have lost almost 6 pounds, but I don't see the changes. I don't feel the changes. Today is my day off, my recharge day, and all I feel is exhaustion.

It took me years to get to where I am, and I have no one to blaim but myself. I just keep hoping for a miracle that will magically melt the pounds away quickly. The questions is though, would I learn anything that way? "

May 19th

"I am weighing in today since the gym is closed Friday to Monday for the Victoria Long Weekend. I'm not down as much as I hoped, but then Mother Nature gave my the "gift" this week. To top it off, I have been a little depressed, so not working as hard as I should. Hopefully I can make it up over the next couple of days, and it will show next week."

 

Weight: 263.6

Down: 1.2 lbs

Total Lost: 7.0 lbs

Beauty is in the Taste of the Baby

Baby girl, like all baby's, will put anything and everything into her mouth.

Is she teething?

Is she learning about the world?

(yes she is sucking on the handle for the drawer)

Or is this her way of judging what she likes and doesn't like?

Apparently we made a good flooring choice.

Relay for Life

The Relay for Life is less than a month away. In honour of the Relay, and as an unveiled plea for your donation, I want to share some information about the Relay for Life.

This is directly from the Relay for Life website:

"Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life changing fundraising event that gives you and your community the opportunity to Celebrate cancer survivors, Remember and honour loved ones lost to cancer, and Fight Back for a future without cancer.

Funds raised help the Canadian Cancer Society save lives by funding leading cancer research, offering support services to those in need and leading prevention initiatives.

During this non-competitive fun-filled event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds, or parks and take turns walking or running laps around the track. Each team is asked to at least have one member of your team on the track at all times throughout the event. "

I joined the Hula Hunnies for the relay.  The rumor is that they are One Fun Team.  I can't wait for the costumes.  Our team hosted the Father Daughter Ball to raises money for the Canadian Cancer Society.  And it was a smashing success.

"There was no shortage of tiaras, magic wands and pretty dresses to be seen at the Father Daughter Ball, held Saturday at Vittorio's Restaurant.  The inaugrual fundraiser was organized by the Hula Hunnies, one of the teams in the Canadian Cancer Society's upcoming Relay for Life.  The royal gala boasted numerous princesses and their dapper leading men."

~ Murray Mitchell/The Daily News 

May 17, 2010

PS: There is a picture of my dad and my niece in the news paper.  They look so cute.

Why am I doing the Relay?

I am doing it for my family who has been affected by cancer. My grandfather and my Uncle who died way too young. And for Mike's father who never got to meet his grandchildren.

I am doing this for my father. I am not ready to lose him.

I am doing this for my health. Walking this Relay is my way of starting to live a healthier life. I want to be around to see my baby girl grow up.

I am doing this for Kiera's future. I never want her to get sick

 

This is what just $100 can do:

 

* Pay for 2 nights accommodation at one of the Canadian Cancer Society's Residential Lodges located near major cancer treatment centres in Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna.

* Can be used to match one person newly diagnosed with cancer with somneone who has survived the same disease thru the CancerConnections program.

* Pay for 4 patients to be transported at no cost to medical appointments.  This program is offered by the Canadian Cancer Society Volunteer Drivers and the Freemason Cancer Car Project.

* Pay for 50 Thingamaboob Key Chains to remind women about breast health.

* Pay for 1 important chemical used in research experiments funded by the Canadian Cancer Society.

* Allow the Cancer Information Service to provide information to 2 clients.

What can you do?

Join a team.

Or support someone already on a team...

Like Me.

Please Donate.

.

Random Inspiration

I want to go out and commit random acts of kindness.  No, I am not crazy, I am inspired.  Ok, I am crazy, but that is another topic. 

What has so inspired me?

This post at What a Ride.

What Random Act of Kindness can you commit?

Who is this Monster?

Each day, I love watching baby girl grow, learn and change.  Sometimes it surprises me how rapid the changes are.  Her personality is starting to show.  I think she is going to be a smart, laid back, funny little girl.  She is going to be so fun to be around.

Unfortunately, some of the characteristics emerging I am not so fond of.  She is stubborn, and has a little bit of a temper.  She does not like to go to bed.  Even now she cries as soon as we get close to her room.  She slaps my face when she gets mad or frustrated.And she does not like to her the word "no."  She will slap at you and give you this frowny face.  It is sooo cute.  It is hard not to laugh, but I don't want to encourage that behaviour.

I would like to say she takes after her father but...

PS: I miss my camera!!!  We got it back but it wasn't fixed properly, so back to the shop it goes.  No Kiera pictures. :(

What's for Dinner: Phunky Pho

I got this recipe from the Rachel Ray magazine.  Hubby looooooves Pho, but there isn't a Vietnamese restaurant in our city.  I bought the magazine for a different recipe, but I saw this one and just had to try it.  Mike loved this soup.  He says it was very close to the Pho restaurants.

I will warn ya as I found out the hard way: Sriracha is Powerful Stuff.  I put less that a teaspoon in mine, and my mouth still burns.

Enjoy.

Phunky Pho

You can use Sriracha sauce or hoisin sauce for a little extra something.

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 serving small yellow onion - quartered

4 servings angel hair pasta

4 servings bean sprouts

8 servings basil leaves

1 small red onion - quartered then sliced

8 oz boneless, cooked chicken breasts

1/2 cup mint leaves - torn

8 cups chicken stock

1 lime - cut into wedges, peel removed and sliced

1/2 cup cilantro leaves - torn

4 cloves garlic - sliced

1/4 cup slices fresh ginger - peeled and sliced thinly

Directions

1.In a medium skillet, combine the chicken, yellow onion and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and poach the chicken until the juices run clear, 12 to 15 minutes.

2.Transfer the chicken to a plate to cool; reserve the cooking liquid. Shred the meat.

3.While the chicken is cooking, prepare the pasta. Strain the reserved chicken cooking liquid into the water, then add the noodles. When al dente, drain and cool the noodles.

4.In a large pot, bring the chicken stock, ginger and garlic to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.

5.Place a serving of noodles in each bowl. Top each serving with the shredded chicken. Douse with the juice from a lime wedge.

6.Using a slotted spoon, remove and discard the ginger and garlic from the broth, then ladle lots of the broth over the chicken and noodles.

7.Add in the bean sprouts, red onion, lime peel, mint, basil and cilantro as you like. Season with the Sriracha and Hoisin sauce as desired.

Biggest Loser Update: Week 1 and 2

I have not been able to post my updates.  I have been so focused on this journey, that I haven't had the energy to do much else.  I have been tracking everything though.  Mike found a wonderful website called Fat Secret.  This site allows you to track calories consumed and calories burned during exercise, find recipes, chat with other people on a similar journey, chart your progress and journal about your thoughts and feelings.  They even have a free app for the Blackberry.

As an update, I want to share some of my journal entries with you.

Week 1

May 1st

"First workout yesterday, uggggg. They are not going to ease us into it. It was 45 minutes of circuit training heck. I thought I was going to pass out at one point. I didn't though. I got through it and I am proud of my self. I might even be crazy enough to return."

May 3rd

"Core workout today. They are called crunches for a reason, I heard things crunch. Apparently my abs are slightly separated, what ever that means. Regular excercise will fix that tho. To top it all off, we have homework! Tomorrow we work on our legs. My husband has a wheel chair on stand by."

May 4th

"Didn't need the wheelchair. Not because they were easy on me, but because they worked my arms today. I had wobbly arms for the drive home. Feeling ok now, but we will see tonight. As long as hubby can put my baby girl in my arms, I am happy. Well, he might have to fed me too."

May 5th

"It feels wierd not to be working out today. I had wanted to go for a walk, but life intrudes. We had a leak in the baby's room that needed to be fixed. Oh well, it's ugly out anyway. Maybe hubby will let me play the Wii later."

May 6th

"Ouch. Hubby and I decided to go to East Side Mario's for a date. I looked up the menu online so I can plan what to have. I decided one of the healthiest choices would be the Steak with roasted potatoes and veggies. I added some roasted mushrooms since I never get mushrooms at home. Since it was an 8 oz steak, I cut it in half as soon as the dish came. I also put 1/2 the potatoes aside. We had garden salad to start. The salad was drenched in Italian dressing (the other dressing choices were ranch or blue cheese). The rest of the meal was swimming in oil. Even only eating 1/2 the steak and potatoes, the meal was over 900 calories. That doesn't include the bread they give you as well. Like I said, ouch!!! Never each at East Side Mario's if you are trying to lose weight. There goes the workout today. Wobbly, sore legs for nothing. I just hope I can walk tomorrow."

May 7th

"I guess I should have know since it was called 'Boot Camp', something was gonna hurt afterwards. I just didn't think it would be all of me. Circuit class will be interesting and painful tomorrow. Weigh in is tomorrow as well, so this had better be paying off."

May 8th - Weigh In Day

"Circuit today was killer after Boot Camp. At least it can only get easier from here. That's what I keep telling myself anyway."

Weight: 268.2

Down: 2.4 lbs

Week 2

May 9th

"Road Trip....  Today one of the most difficult days so far. We had to take my hubby's mom home today (she lives 2 hours away), then come home. We always have chips, candy and pop while on a road trip. Sometimes, we have ice cream and/or chocolate as well. It has become such a habit that as soon as I am in the vehicle for more than an hour, I get really bad cravings. It was difficuilt, but I resisted. Well, I did have a diet pepsi, but that doesn't count. I even had salad when we stopped for lunch at Subway."

May 12th

"All I can say today is ow ow ow ow. We worked our core today. It left me saying to my belly - "You are the weakest link. Goodbye!" Of course, my belly is stubborn and it is still there. It is kinda like those house guests who come to visit and never leave. I will get you out belly. I swear I will. I'd laugh but it hurts too much."

May 15th

"I was hoping for more because I have been working my butt off. Literally. Any loss is good though, so I shouldn't be so hard on myself. And I need to work harder next week. ;)"

Weight: 264.8

Down: 3.4 lbs

Total Lost: 5.8 lbs

Comments and Thoughts

The second week was harder.  Not physically but mentally.  Especially after the weigh in on Saturday.  I felt I should have lost more, I worked so hard, but it doesn't show.  I was so discouraged, I almost cried.  I did not put the effort in to the circuit and I felt ready to just quit.  I am glad I have today off to recharge and reset myself.  I have accomplished a lot in a short amount of time, and I weigh less than when I started.  If I start setting my expectations too high, I will not be able to achieve them, and will only be disappointed. 

I just need to concentrate on working hard, and giving 100 %.  It will show.  To that end, I have decided my goal is 2.5 lbs per week.

Here's too a new week...

Dazed and Confused

and I am not talking about the movie.

This is how I have been feeling lately.

I am not sure why.

Perhaps all the concentration on getting fit.  Maybe the early mornings. 

It makes it difficult to blog.

I miss you all though, so I will be back soon

As soon as the fog clears.

And the sun comes out. 

What's for Dinner: Savory Asian Turkey Patties

One thing I love about trying to lose weight is the chance to try new recipes.  This is a recipe I tried a few days ago, and I loved it.  I made 4 patties.  The first day, we made Asian Burgers by putting a little hoisin sauce on a bun with some lettuce.  Please excuse the picture.  We haven't gotten the good camera back, and I am just learning the art of food protraits.

I will say that this recipe is missing something.  I added some ginger and garlic to the patties, which helped.  I am open to other suggestions.

Savory Asian Turkey Patties

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 lb ground turkey or chicken

2 cloves garlic cloves - minced

4 stalks green onion - thinly sliced

8 water chestnuts - diced

Directions

1. Mix ingredients together, and shape into 4 patties.

2.In a non stick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook patties over medium heat until cooked throughout.

Life as Kiera Sees It: Happy Mother's Day

To Mom

Love Kiera

If I could talk, you know what I would say.

I love you mom with each and everyday.

Now as the stream of time does flow,

As I grow I will tell you how much I love you so.

For now when I close my eyes and rest my head,

On your shoulder like a bed,

There is no other place I would rather be.

You've unlocked my heart with your special loving key.

You are the only mom I have to hold.

The only mom that is truly gold.

Oh how I wish I could tell you on this Mother's Day

I love you mom, but wait I do so in my own little way.

You see, when I laugh, it's really what I say.

When I wave, it is what I am trying to convey.

How I jump and move in each and everyway,

It is the words "I love you" that I display.

(~ by My Hubby)

April Goal Update

Late again, but at least I am catching up. Hopefully the next one will be in May.

Leisure Time

I will get my motorcycle license by July 1, 2010.

* Completed!!!  I passed the road test and officially have my class 6.

I will read 10 books per year, 2 of which must be nonfiction.

* I haven't completed any more books, but I do have 2 on the go.  One non fiction, and one fiction.

Community Involvement

I will volunteer by March 31st, 2010.

* I have completed 2 days of training, and I have my first shift on May 18th.  This goal is technically complete!!!

Personal Growth

I will reconnect with my friends by the end of the year.

* May is a busy month with the Father Daughter Ball, and the long weekend.  I am planning a poker night in June.  $5 buy in.  Anyone interested?

I will post to my blog 12 times per month.

* I just made it for April.  Gotta work on that for May.

Health and Fitness

I will work out for 30 minutes, 3 times per week.

* I didn't do much on this one for April.  However, I did start it on May 1st.  With this program, I will be working out 4 times per week at least.

* Looking forward to the Relay for Life.

 

I managed to complete 2 of my goals.  Yay me!!!

I will be looking at making a couple of more over the next month or 2.  Maybe a goal involving photography?  Hmmmm.  Don't want to spread myself to thin, plus I have to start preparing to go back to work.  Sad...

Sleep Training - An Update

Here is a Sleep Training update.

It worked!!! 

We have had some ups and downs, and some night wakings.  Naps have been an issue.

But for the most part, she has been going to bed at 9:00 pm, and she sleeps until about 6:00 am.  Even then, she wakes briefly, then doesn't wake again until 8:00 am.

I guess you could say she's "sleeping like a baby."

If only mommy could.

I Survived

the first day...I think.

Poor husband.  Today is his birthday, and I start my new diet and fitness routine.  So he ends up with a sugar deprived, muscle aching, stinky wife for his birthday.  Happy Birthday Hunny. 

The Biggest Loser

Today is the day I start losing myself, and there is a lot of me to lose. We started the Biggest Loser Program.  First day of a new meal plan, and first work out. 

I will admit that I went into this with a number of assumptions. 

The meal plan will be difficult to follow. 

The workouts will be difficult but they will ease us into them.

I was right about one thing, the meal plan will be difficult to follow sometimes.  I was way off base on everything else.  Have I ever told you I hate exercise?  Well, I do. 

I arrived at the Fit Centre an hour early.  Not completely my choice, but I made the best of it.  I went for a walk to kill time and warm up.  They are a little disorganized, so once I got back, I had a 1/2 hour to kill.  And a 1/2 hour for the fear to start.

The machines looked like torture devices.  I could feel tears in my eyes at the thought.  Finally, the time arrives, as did the "long" walk to the circuit area.  Lorilee, one of the trainers and co owner, started to explain what we are to do at each station.  There were like 30 of them, and I got lost by the 5th or 6th one.  I decided to follow a "pro" (which is simply someone who has done it before).  There was confusion on the order of the stations, but we got started anyway.

My first station was push up bar.  Oh good, thats a great way to start.  I got through that, and continuted on my merry way.  Here is where it gets fun.  I get to my 5th station, and start doing the exercise.  Mikki, another trainer and the other owner, comes to me to show me how to do it properly.  Then she says that the weight was way too easy, so she replaced my 2 lb weight with a 10 lb weight.  Ouch.  It only gets worse.

The next station, I have to pick up two 5 gallon jerry cans filled with water, and run around the outside of the building twice in 60 seconds.  I looked at the 20 gallon ones, but heck no.  It definately took me longer than 60 seconds.  So I only had to step up on the tractor tire (the following station) for about 30 seconds. 

By the time I got 1/2 way (which is kicking the punching bag station, or was it the running up and down the flight of stairs station?), I am almost ready to pass out.  Then a miracle happens, the next station is adominal twists with a medicine ball.  I get to stand still! 

I struggled through the next couple of stations, before I got to one I just couldn't do.  I can't even remember what the station was.  I just walked in place instead.

As we neared the end, the confusion regarding the order of the stations got to the point that people just started looking for a station they hadn't done before.  The hula hoop was backed up, so I never did get a chance to do it.  I did the motion anyway, and I am sure I looked very entertaining.  I even got amcheer. 

I think my favourite was the penguin walk.  Even the name is fun.  Fifty minutes later, the torture was over.  Good thing too because I was starting to vomit a little in my mouth.  Ewwww.  We did 10 minutes of stretches before we were finally released.  I must be a glutton for punishment, because I will be back there next Saturday for circuit.

Hubby picked Nina and I up bearing the gift of Timmies.  I love that man.  Nina and I are scheduled to return Monday for core work.  Doesn't that sound like fun?  Friday is boot camp.  If circuit is considered the easy class, I am afraid...very afraid...of boot camp.  Hopefully someone there knows CPR.

Other than my legs feeling like Jello (I promise the Fat Free kind), I do feel better already.  Or am I delirious from the lack of oxygen?

Now for the embarassing part.  I will be posting a picture at the beginning of each month to chart my progress.  As well, I will be sharing my, gasp, weight with you each week.  I am using you to keep me on track.

Here goes...

Before Picture

271 pounds

Urban Barn Contest Winner

Time for the results from April's Contest.

The winner is...

Amanda

Congratulations.

Since this was spring cleaning month, Mike reorganized his office.  Which means, everything landed in my living room.  Therefore May is my spring cleaning month.

Anyway, Kiera wanted to help daddy fix his filing cabinet.  He broke a caster wheeling into my living room.  Serves him right.

I will announce May's contest at the end of the week.  I am thinking more spring stuff.