Thursday, February 26, 2009

Thursday, Feb 26 2009

A nice day in Toronto, I must say. That certainly helps to keep me motivated.

As mentioned yesterday, I ventured into the big city for a focus on my career. I attended a seminar on Interviewing Skills in the morning and met with Barb, my amazing transition coach, in the afternoon. I am SO HAPPY with how my new business venture (YMT Strategies) is evolving. Yesterday's time in Starbucks was incredibly helpful and Barb just helped me nail more details. And for those who know me, details aren't really a strength of mine!

Food intake was quite controlled, starting breakfast with a coupla small pork chops and some cashews. I had a wee snack of almonds in the morning, then off to a salmon salad lunch with Eaka. I'm waiting to meet some friends for dinner at an Italian place in Etobicoke, where I'm sure they'll have some good entrees. Not worried...All good.

Today I was carrying two bags filled with boxes of baby food for my great nephew Lucas when I met a nice man enroute to the elevator in the parking garage. Admittedly, the bags were heavy, but I was handling them both (and my big ass purse) quite well. OK, so ladies WE know that there are men in this world we can take. However, for ego preservation, we always let them open the pickle jar...know what I'm sayin'? So, this lovely man saw my heavy load and said "Wow! That looks really heavy. Can I help you?" He was so sweet and, even though I was twice his size, I very delicately said "That would be great, thanx". Now, here's the cool part. He grabbed one of the bags and had to carry it with TWO hands, AND he had to put it down in the elevator. While I realize that it's not very feminine to be able to beat the entire senior male population (including the guards) in my condo building in an arm wrestling match, I felt a tinge of pride knowing that I carried BOTH bags of baby food without a problem. Shout out to Werner for showing no mercy!

Well dudes and babes, I'm signing off. I'm heading to Collingwood for a chick's weekend with some high school friends I haven't seen in ages. After telling her when I'd arrive, Mary emailed me back and said "We'll have the wine ready!" God give me strength.....

Cheers!
yt xox

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Wednesday, Feb 25, 2009

Happy Hump Day, everyone!!

Today was yet ANOTHER good day - can ya stand it?!? I met my friend Kathy for lunch at a great place called "The Apricot Tree", then mosied to the Starbucks next door for tea and some good thinking. I pulled together my "yt get busy list" to determine my plan of action for each of the three areas of my career change. I had to leave after about 1 1/2 hours as I suddenly became overwhelmed with the urge to step on the table and join Frank Sinatra in a rousing rendition of "My Way". I didn't think people would appreciate it, especially "nose picker" in the corner - he may have been distracted from his mission of digging for gold.

OK, moving on....you're welcome!

Food choices were smart, including a pork chop and almonds for breakfast and a seafood salad for lunch. Dinner was chicken and veggies. Saving my grapes for a snack tonight...assuming I'm hungry! Did a workout on the treadmill this afternoon, so burned some calories. All good...

I went into my favourite health food store, Planet Organic, where I saw my favourite cashier, Tracey. She just oozes with happiness and is always so helpful, pointing out upcoming specials and seminars. She told me about the upcoming "Gluten-Free Boot Camp". I don't know about you, but the mere mention of the words "boot camp" makes my eye twitch. A gluten-free boot camp? Seriously? Here's where MY mind goes...

I imagine myself laying on my stomach in a pool of sweat, tears streaming down my cheeks nose-to-nose with a chocolate cupcake. I've failed in my attempt to do "girl" push ups. A very butch woman in fatigues is standing over me yelling "You disgust me. You want the cupcake? YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE CUPCAKE!!"

Needless to say I will NOT be attending the Gluten Free Boot Camp at Planet Organic March 23rd!

Just so ya know, the site is now open for comments. Sorry about the confusion, but I didn't realize permission needed to be granted.

Tomorrow I'm back downtown, fighting the suits as I walk to my career seminar at Felix Global. Poor me....tee, hee....

Have a FAB night!
yt xox

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Is it really only Tuesday, Feb 24, 2009?!?

For some reason, I'm feeling like it's the weekend. Perhaps because I spent the day doing, well, nothing. Oh sure, I had some productive moments, but not so much really.

It's about 8:30-ish and I'm happy to report another good food/control day! Breakfast was pork chops and almonds; lunch was a VERY yummy Greek salad with a burger (who needs lettuce, anyway?!?), dinner is TBD. I'm not feeling hungry just yet. Whatever it is, it will be light, given it's late at night.

I cleaned out my email folders, including the one titled "mom updates". I read through alot of the emails I'd sent to the family of her "earlier" days in the home in Burlington - what a hoot! I'd forgotten alot of the funny stories and the times when she was not only lucid, but quite spunky and hilarious! It was so great to remember her in that way, so I'm grateful that I'd saved the emails. Reviewing those emails also reminded me of the importance of getting my health back on track. Seriously, thinking of the poor health history in my family makes me do a mental head slap and ask myself the question "whatsamatta for you?!?"

Then I got to thinking about my nieces & nephews - a fine lot they are. I'm so proud of how so many of them have maintained or took control of their own health. Like Catherine, Sandra & Stephanie who have lost a WACKLOAD of weight and look amazing. Or what about Craig, Tommy & Mark who have taken the time to get certification; Mark to instruct Yoga and Craig & Tommy for their personal training through Can Fit Pro. How about Keri, Chrissy & Andrea who still manage to keep themselves looking & feeling great during pregnancy (Keri) or after giving birth (Andrea & Chrissy). And let's talk ongoing focus of activities & good eating with David, Noelle, Ryan & Jennifer. And lest I forget our little dancer, Lisa. Kudos to all of you and thanx for inspiring me...not to mention cheering me on!!

In a moment of inspiration (I'm telling you I am motivated people!!), I dusted off my Yoga DVD, popped it in and actually tried to do it....vs. watching it from my couch as I ate dinner. OK, so there's room for improvement...ALOT of room...but at least I tried it. BTW, for those of you interested, it's actually called "the downward dog" and not "the dirty dog" like I thought it was. Hmmm...wonder where my mind has been?!?

So, on that note, I will bid you good night. Tomorrow I'm having lunch with Kathy Buckworth who, after sending out my initial "need your help, please" email, replied back with..."I can help. I'm a mother and used to saying 'Don't put that in your mouth!'" She cracks me up!

Keep the emails coming. Oh, and for all you "blog virgins", if you want to post a comment, just hit the comment button and type away.

Cheers!
(a)yt xox

Monday, February 23, 2009

Monday, Feb. 23, 2009

Well heidi-ho everyone!

Today was a good day. It started with my being 1 lb. lighter than this time last week. I was a tich disappointed with the small loss until I realized it was a loss and not a maintain or, worse, gain! I'll take it!

As you can see, Werner the ruggedly-handsome-yet-very-evil trainer maintains editing rights to this blog. Hence the revised description of him in yesterday's entry....and the addition of the picture. Honestly, "ruggedly handsome" is not my word choice.

I did a work out today, which is why even typing this note brings me pain. "Drama queen", you say? Well, YOU try doing step ups carrying a 12 lb. medicine ball for 3 sets of 50 reps and see how YOU feel!

I know what you're thinking..."wanna little goat cheese with that whine, yt?" I hear ya. Here's me moving on...

Great workout and I'm highly motivated. Had a good conversation with Aubrey this morning. We both were committed to eating only when we're actually feeling hungry. I know it may sound a bit ... um ... obvious... to some of you, but for me, it's good to bring that thought to mind BEFORE I actually shove something into my mouth! It's time to retrain my brain!

Today's food consumption was quite reasonable and healthy. Protein & nuts in the morning (a coupla burgers...yes, burgers! and some almonds), followed by lunch of a big ass gourmet-with-loads-of-fresh-toppings-and-charge-you-a-week's- salary salad. I had some more nuts after my workout then off to meet Vincent for a spontaneous dinner at The Fork & Spoon. Dinner was beef & broccoli and a mango salad. I am stuffed like a big 'ole chicken...no need to eat anymore tonight!

The workout was quite good, as I was sweating and puffing par usual. I was, however, VERY hungry after it, despite the yummy chocolate protein "shake" I was given. I really must figure out what to eat and when to eat it before the workout. Otherwise, I may do something silly like gnaw a piece of my arm off or attack someone eating Dairy Queen at Union Station. Does anyone have any suggestions for me?!?

It's 9:35 and I'm ready for my Epson Salts bath and bed. God bless the person who discovered the virtues of Epson Salts and God bless Shoppers Drug Mart for adding lavender!

Positive notes for today:
- As I was walking to the GO station at 5:40 pm, I noticed it was still sunny out. HURRAY!! The days are getting longer!
- Despite my growling stomach, I resisted the temptation to push the woman standing in front of me onto the GO Train tracks, stealing the yummy looking chocolate smothered ice cream thingy from her before I pushed. Sometimes, it's life's LITTLE victories that need celebrating...

Until tomorrow, bon nuit mes amies!
yt xox


Yvonne pulling 150lbs in a forward sled pull... great work!


Sunday, February 22, 2009

Sunday, Feb 22, 2009

Welcome to my blog!

Thanx to Werner-edited-edited-trainer, I have been set up to record and share the trials, tribulations and triumphs of my journey to good health. For those of you reading this...thank you for walking along with me.

In response to my note asking for help, all I can say is ... "HOLY RESPONSE, BATMAN!!" You people ROCK and many of you have taken up the baton of challenge, setting your own weight loss goals. I say "good for you"! Together we will achieve our goals, feeling more fit and looking more fab-you-luss in the end! Yeah for us!

It's about 3:45 and I just returned home from a morning service with friends Aubrey & Duane, and their wives and kids. We then went out for lunch. It was great to see how incredibly supportive the gang was, either in ordering healthy choices or sheilding me from their french fries. I found myself asking the waitress to check and see if the feta cheese in the Village Greek Salad was, indeed, Greek made from goat's milk and not Canadian dairy...it was, btw. Slap on a chicken breast and it was an easy choice for me, given my love for salads and Greece!

Then I headed to Loblaw's where I picked up veggies and meat for the week. The next adventure is in the cooking and prepping of such purchases. That I will do tonight during the Academy Awards. Nothing like cleaning peppers while watching movie stars on the red carpet!

I must confess, I was a tich opposed (ok, hissy-fit opposed) to the idea of the email, but it's turned out to be the best thing I did. It reminded me of the GREAT support network I have and just how much, deep down, we want to see each other succeed. How cool is that?!?

Some of you may recall my commitment to be "an ambassador of positivity" this year. Sometimes, that's been really challenging to maintain, so I've decided to end each blog with a positive slant, speaking about what I am thankful for.

- I met some nice people today who are struggling with things much bigger than my journey to good health. I am thankful for that perspective, and the realization that hey! I'm doing ok...

- I am thankful for the knowledge, tenacity and creativity of Werner-ruggedly-handsome-trainer. He has shown to me a great balance between compassion and butt kicking. I am glad he hasn't given up on me, especially during the times when I had given up on myself.

Just to reiterate my goals...
- buh-bye to 15 lbs. by the end of April
- no grains, sugars or dairy
- look for the positive!

Cheers everyone!
yt xox

By the end of April.

I may have edited 1 or two words...can you tell which ones?