Monday, March 30, 2009

Post-script to Monday the 30th 2009

OMG!! I did a "yt weigh in" and am down another 1.5 lbs, leaving me with only 3 lbs. left to reach my goal of losing 30 before the end of April. I have decided that I am SO gonna blow that goal!

Sheesh...how could I forget to report THAT good news!!
(a)yt xox

Monday, March 30th 2009

Heidi ho, dudes & babes! It's about 7-ish in the evening and I'm getting ready to settle in for the evening with the Harry Potter Book 6 (HP & The Half-Blood Prince)...looking forward to it!

Today was a good food day, starting with a salad (with chicken) for lunch and my homemade chicken/beef chili...yummy! I made up a huge batch yesterday, gave some to my hunny, and had enough left over to freeze. Gotta love that! Making big batches comes from the "olden days" of cooking for a small army. I do it in honour of my mom who ALWAYS had to cook for an army of siblings or kids!

I went into LPS today. I was supposed to have a workout, but ended up getting stretched by Werner. He does this facscial stretch therapy, which basically means he massages the muscle and stretches the body. It's supposed to be pain-free, but it wasn't for me. I found myself lifting off the table, breathing like I was having a baby and, sweating like crazy! I'm sure my blood pressure shot through the roof! True confession...there was a point when I almost cried, but stopped because I refused to "act like a girl". I feel alot better, though. The Evil One worked on my knees, then had me go onto a mat on the floor where I did this yoga move while he worked my back muscles. Picture this....

* I'm on all fours on the mat. Note that my fuscia pink t-shirt is now a tich big on me. Therefore, my cleavage (in a black bra, BTW - sexy, I know) is fully exposed to anyone who chooses to walk by.
* Then I flatten my back by extending my arms and moving my bum back, flat, towards my calves. It was challenging to go into the back position, slowly, not only because of my lack of coordination but also because my belly was in the way, keeping me from being flat.

So...now you've got the picture of me, hot pink tshirt, arms extended as flat as they can be with my belly and my bum moving slowly to a crouched position towards my calves. Got it?

OK, now add Werner to the picture....hands on my lower back, probably straddling my fat arse (where else is he gonna stand), moving back and forth with me as I'm going forward and backward to crouch. Are you laughing hysterically?!? Fortunately, there was only one other guy training and he was too busy lifting his weights to notice this comedic scene. Poor Werner, you can only imagine HIS view! I'm just grateful I didn't expel any natural gas, if ya know what I'm sayin'.

Anyway, such is the life of the aging! Time to get back to Harry Potter - I'm so excited!

Tomorrow will be a self-directed workout ...aka...hauling that (bleepin') sled across the gym floor, followed by another networking event downtown. At least it will be sunny!

Later, poppits!
(a)yt xox

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Sunday, March 29th 2009

Happy Sunday everyone! It seems as if the rain has subsided for a bit and the sun is back out. Way to fight those clouds, sunshine!

I am sitting having an AWESOME snack of 1/2 cup goat's milk yogurt, 1/2 cup of black berries, 10 almonds and some Xylo...mmm, mmm, MMM!!!! You can't imagine the pleasure this snack is giving me - to have yogurt back in my life just makes me really happy. Again, it's life's little things we've got appreciate....

Yesterday was spent grocery shopping, napping then off to dinner & the symphony with Vincent. A great performance, compliments of Vincenzo - sure beats a movie anyday! It was a more "casual" concert, which meant that instead of their usual tuxedos, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) wore black pants & a black top. The conductor (Yannick Nezet-Seguin) came out with black pants & a black sweater with his white shirt tails peaking out from under the bottom of the sweater. I thought he was adorable, but I'm sure he caused a few gasps of shock from some of the older audience member - not to mention Vincent who wore a tie in protest of the casual concert! It was a great concert, with three pieces. One of them was titled "Piano Concerto for the Left Hand in D Major" and was composed specifically for a pianist who lost his arm in WW1. It was amazing to watch it being performed. I really enjoyed it.

Now, I don't know about you guys, but when I listen to classical music, I have a tendancy to drift. Last night was no exception and I found myself thinking thoughts like...
..."Would my St. Joseph's Church choir experience qualify me for the TSO?"
..."Could one play the cello if one had really, big boobs?"
..."Where exactly does the fluid go when the brass section empties their spit valves?"

More glimpses into the mind of yvonne. Judge me not, poppits, just never ask me the question, "So, what 'cha thinkin'?"

Today I met cousin Sandra for brunch at Milestones then for a movie. It was a good time, with good conversation & good food. Now I'm off to do laundry and cook in prep for the arrival of BBF, Bill.

TTFN, dudes & babes!
(a)yt xox

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Saturday, March 29th 2009

Well, today is the last Saturday of March...can you believe it? If time passes more quickly as you get older, I'm beginning to feel like I should be 100 years old...yeesh! Is it me or does it feel like the days are just one big blur after another?!? As BBF, Bill would say "time is an illusion". He's so deep!

Yesterday was a good day. I hung out around the house in the morning then headed into LPS for another workout, where I did the "farmer's walk". Basically, I carried metal bars bearing 34 lbs. each, back and forth across the gym for 10 reps. This after riding that friggin' bike for 11 minutes. You see, I must increase weight and/or time with each workout. I must confess that I paid for the week of 4 workouts. After my shower, I hobbled out of the change room, barely able to walk. No kidding - I did in the back.

After leaving LPS, I hobbled to the GO station, hobbled on & off the train, into the car and drove to Lorry's. Thankfully Lorry has had her own share of back pain, so she took good care of me - rustlin' up her back massager and a cold compress. Not to mention a yummy steak dinner. Call me "princess", but it was certainly nice to be taken care of & Lorry did that well!

After dinner, Lorry & I ventured to two Canadian Tires in search of an Obusforme mattress topper, which I purchased. Lemme tell you something, this is a queen size foam mattress rolled & shrunk to a package 1/3 of it's full size. Needless to say, there was ALOT of rassling & cursing before I managed to get the damn thing on my bed...and with a sore back...oie! But I managed and had a really good sleep last night. A very good investment - on sale where I saved $200. Does it get any better than that?!?

Today will be spent replenishing my fridge with veggies and meat, then I'm off to the symphony with Vincent. Lucky me!

It's a beautiful day, poppits! I hope you can get out and enjoy the sunshine!
(a)yt xox

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Thursday, March 26th 2009

I think I've experienced hell on earth...Or maybe just yvonne's hell on earth. Indulge me for a moment while I explain.

I knew I was in trouble when I went to a health food store called "Ambrosia" with BBF, Bill. As I wandered mindlessly through the aisles, grabbing the things on my list, I would often find myself standing in front of the bulk candy section. I don't know how I got there..I just kept finding myself in that section. We're talking at least 3 times this happened to me! Fortunately, we left the store before I could do any real damage. Then I headed downtown via subway to LPS for my 2nd workout this week. Here's when I experienced my personal hell...

I took the underground path from the Queen Street station to the gym. In order to reach my final destination, I had to walk through The Bay. The route took my right through the deli/bakery and gourmet candy section. It was BRUTAL! I kept seeing Laura Secord eggs...and those candy-coated chocolate "Eggies"...and Cadbury Creme Eggs...oie! This time of year is so hard for me as I LOVE all of the candy that's available. Honestly, give me 2 giant Laura Secord eggs, 1 KG bag of Eggies and a large bottle of water and I'm in heaven. Anyway, by the time I actually reached LPS, I was ready to kiss the ground. It wasn't until the door closed and I heard the sweet sound of JACK FM playing that the taunting voices of the chocolate bunnies stopped. It was the first time in weeks that I'd been really tempted and, quite frankly, I didn't like it. I can see it's going to be hellacious until all of the Easter candy is gone from the stores. When is that? July?!? God give me strength to withstand my own self!!

On a more positive (and less dramatic!) note, I pulled 162.5 lbs, my personal best on that (expletive) sled. I worked out while Clance & Werner worked out. Here these guys were lifting God knows how much weight and doing chin ups and using chains & other nasty stuff, and I was the one making the most noise! Seriously, can one do physical damage to oneself just by breathing loudly?!?

Well dudes & babes, it's time to sign off and meet my friend, Karen for dinner. Happy & healthy eating, everyone!!
(a)yt xox

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Tuesday, March 24th 2009

Werner is my new best friend.

I know some of you are thinking "Am I on the right blog?" or "Who are you and what have you done with Yvonne"....let me explain.

I had an "ah-ha" moment today when I went for my weekly weigh-in at LPS. I was battling the scale, voicing my concern in my so-whiny-it-makes-your-fillings-hurt voice about how the scale was "a filthy liar" because it didn't reflect the 2.5 lbs. I lost. Werner said my weight out loud as Clance happened into the room (the scale is in his office). I yelled "Shhhh! Don't say it out loud!!" Poor Werner had a look of angst on his face, that said "what'd I do wrong now?!?" Then, I'm sure out of desparation to stop my friggin' whining, Werner jiggled all the nobs on the scale and then re-weighed me. Fortunately for everyone in the gym, the scale did show the loss of 2.5 lbs. Crisis averted for the moment. It was then that Werner started his mission to "pump me up", congratulating me on this week's loss as well as my total loss to date. He carried on this positive reinforcement (and even attempted humour a few times) during my workout, as he pushed me even more then he has before. Did I play out various torture scenes in my head as I did my leg presses? Absolutely, but my ah-ha moment came when I realized the tenacity this poor guy has exhibited in keeping me motivated. OK, so he's not really my new best friend, but I raise a virgin Ceasar to Werner for showing the patience and commitment to my health & well-being, and for putting up with constant blog-bashing and whining about my aches & pains. Cheers and thanx to you, daddy-o!

OK, back to me....:)

I am waiting for my epsom salt bath to fill the tub and take me away from my body aches. I get full body shakes when I think that I have 2 more workouts to complete this week...oie! But I will do it. Why? Because I have a damn contract with The Evil One committing myself to 2 extra workouts per week. What the HECK was I thinking?!?

Today was a good eating and socializing day. I met Aubrey & Duane for lunch today where we chatted about all the amazing things on the go for them. Whether you believe in God or not (I do, BTW), it's hard not to believe in a higher force with a greater purpose when you hear of all the wonderful things in store for those two!

Dinner was spent with Henry, a man extraordinaire and a great friend! Good conversation & healthy food surely help to make the day pass faster, don't they?!?

Well peeps, my bath is calling me. Tomorrow will be spent downtown for two seminars at Felix Global then off to hang with my BBF, Bill. Until the next post, stay warm & dry. There's rain in the forecast!
(a) yt xox

Monday, March 23, 2009

Monday, March 23rd 2009

Greetings & salutations from a sunny-but-chilly Mississauga! Do I care that it's still freezing cold outside? Noooooooo! Why?!? Because it's SUNNY!!!!

Today was the official "yt scale" weigh-in and I'm typin' at 'cha 2.5 lbs lighter than last week. That's a much better weight loss as it seems more reasonable to me - ya know, safer, more effective. Now don't get me wrong, I'll take another 5 lb weight loss week any time, but this just feels better. Anyhoo, this leaves me with only 4.5 lbs. to go to achieve my 15 lb. goal AND I'm now into a lower decade on the scale. Don't 'cha just love it when you go into that lower range of weight? For me, it's only by a 1/2 lb, but it's a 1/2 pound in a lower number. Feeling good, poppits!!

As mentioned in Friday's blog, I headed to The Briars Spa & Resort with my sisters Lorry & Dianne. I was REALLY looking forward to getting away with them as they always make me laugh and I just feel very relaxed with them. They're good peeps and I'm proud to be their sister.

Friday was the road trip to the spa, stopping for lunch and a little window shopping in a little town near Keswick & Jackson's Point. We always go there...it's tradition! Then we checked into our little cottage, chatted, napped then headed to dinner. Saturday was spent sleeping in for me (my eating window did not allow for breakfast), then we headed to lunch and parted for the afternoon. I went to the spa for a pedicure & facial where I napped on the table while my facial mask dried....we're talkin' snoring & drooling on the table....such grace! Saturday evening dinner, chatting then in bed by 11:00 pm. We couldn't believe all the sleeping we did. Clearly, our bodies were telling us to slow down! Sunday was lunch, the drive home and "chores" for me.
All in all, a great weekend.

Now, I should tell you that The Briars offers very tempting desserts including a chocolate pecan pie. I must admit that my cravings have subsided somewhat - meaning that I haven't wanted to commit violence over a chocolate cream puff in a while. However, when my sister Dianne was eating her chocolate pecan pie and enjoying it SO LOUDLY, I was ready to TAKE HER DOWN. Honestly, if it wasn't for the fact that she was my sister and there were actual witnesses, that woman would've been a goner. I'm not sure which was worse - seeing the pie or her enjoyment of said pie. At least Lorry would tell me that the chocolate brownie or apple crisp she was eating didn't taste "that great"....but noooooo!!! Dianne had to actually ENJOY her pie. AND, to throw salt into my gaping wound, she ordered it on a second night..."because it's so good". Where's the love, people?

Today I'm heading into the city for a meeting at Christie Gardens, with the most amazing advocate of seniors I know - Grace Sweatman. She started Christie Gardens, a full-time care & living facility for seniors, 25 years ago and is all about ensuring dignity and respect for seniors. I love this woman!

I received a reminder from The Evil One Friday about the contract I'd signed for my commitment to work out 2x/week in addition to the torture session with him. Now he's a lawyer...hmpf. So, that means workout #2 from last week will happen today, guided workout with Werner tomorrow, and my own workouts Wednesday & Thursday. Needless to say, I'll be umm...how do I say ... dead....Thursday evening. If anyone wants to check in on me Thursday night, that would be great. I may need you to dial 911 for me. Oie!

Time to have my second cup of black coffee (yum!) and get ready for my day. Until tomorrow, good day and good eating!
(a)yt xox

Friday, March 20, 2009

Friday, March 20 2009

Well heidi ho, poppits!

It's 8:00 on another gorgeous, sunny morning and the only thing on my agenda is to drive with Dianne & Lorry to The Briars for a weekend of decadent "girl stuff". We've been doing this for quite a few years, so I'm definitely looking forward to it. BTW, I'm sitting at my dining room table looking out my balcony at the dog park across the street. There are two REALLY ADORABLE dogs hanging out there. One of them is black and white and really fluffy and is chasing a ball that his owner keeps having to throw. This dog is wagging his tail and bouncing up against his master's leg like he's about to jump out of his fur. I have this overwhelming urge to run down there and cuddle it like crazy! It's sooooo cute and happy and furry!! oochy-cootchy!!

OK, I'm back...

Yesterday (Thursday) was an oh-so-casual day with only one appointment on the agenda. Then, heavenly bliss with Bill. It's time to come clean about my new BBF - Best Boy Friend. I've been keeping him a secret from the general public but it's no longer possible to keep quiet. It's the silly grin on my face ALL THE TIME that's a giveaway. Bill is funny, sweet, romantic, thoughtful, kind, compassionate, and wickedly intelligent...all wrapped up in sexiness. Oh, and did I mention he's a registered massage therapist? All I have to do is casually put my feet on his lap and it's instant foot massage....does it get any better than that?!? There's something very comforting in knowing that someone finds you really sexy - jiggly bits and all. All I can say is..."sigh"...

Speaking of "jiggly bits"....back to the program. I found making it to 11:30 REALLY HARD yesterday morning. I clearly did not have enough protein the night before and I was really hungry by the time 11:30 rolled around. Now, I should mention here, that I'm not really starving myself. I've received feedback from some people who think that the 9 hour eating window is going to have the opposite impact (i.e. I'm going to slow down my metabolism because I'm starving my body). I spoke to Werner and he mentioned that it takes 36 or 48 hours (couldn't remember the exact time) of non-eating before the body goes into starvation mode. Instead, what's happening with me is that by not putting any food into my mouth, my body will go to it's reserves for nourishment. Goodness knows I have enough "reserves" for the body, so it's eating my fat instead of food. There you have it. I'm sure there is a more technical, better explanation than that, but that's what I understood.

BTW, Werner wanted me to mention that the program I am on may not be the right program for everyone. He doesn't recommend that my diet or the three options presented before (i.e. shakes for 2 weeks, one big-ass meal a day, or only eating in a 9-hour window) are for everyone. He suggested them for me only, having worked with me for 7 months. The guy knows alot and & I trust him, even though I think about torturing him every once in a while.

Well poppits, it's time to sign off and get ready. Dianne will be here very soon, I'm sure. I won't be taking my laptop on the weekend, so I'll sign off until Monday. Wish me luck this weekend. The Briars has great meals..oie!! God give me strength to resist those FABULOUS desserts!!

Have a great weekend, everyone!
(a)yt xox

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Thursday, March 19 2009

Another sunny day in the neighbourhood! I'm going to OD on the Vitamin D - LOVE IT!!!

It's 8:32 in the am and I'm getting ready to fight the day. Other than a doctor's appointment in the morning and a walk in the afternoon, my day is totally open. Can ya stand it?!?

Yesterday was spent in the big city. I saw Barb, transition coach fabulosa, and as usual she helped me hone my direction even further. I only have two more sessions with her, with makes me sad. She's so awesome and makes me think in ways I wouldn't normally think. For my next session I must have the significant pieces of my business plan completed for her - yikes! Introspection?!? Focus?!? What?!? Wish me luck!

I spent the afternoon at LPS, hanging with the grunters & sweaters - oh wait! That was just me! I did a workout on my own - directed by The Evil One, of course. It started with 10 minutes on the bike. When I yelled "My bum hurts", 'cuz it did, I heard "I don't care"...nice. Really, where's the sympathy? Then I pulled the (insert your favourite expletive here) sled back and forth 10 times. OMG! I thought my heart was going to pound right through my chest onto the floor. There was a point (I think after finishing the 4th pull), where I wanted to throw up. I honestly didn't think I was going to make the full 10 rounds, especially when Werner came over to add another weight (10 lbs. I think) to the sled. I wanted to cry ... then I wanted to grab Werner in a headlock, rassle him to the ground and fart on his head. Disgusting, I know. But do you see the violent thoughts I'm being driven to have? Judge me not, my brothers & sisters. Instead pray for the retention of my sanity and self control.

Needless to say, I survived the workout and yes, I do recognize that I would never sweat, pant and ache the way I do if I did an unsupervised workout at home. Why would I do THAT to myself?!? My legs and ass hurt, but I'm back to LPS Monday for another "unsupervised" workout. Oie - that's all I can say.

Met my friend Janet for dinner & the play Spring Awakening - way cool production! I recommend it highly! Great music, good acting, and a "conductor" who looks 25, sits on stage with the rest of the band, and rocks out to the music with fun hand gestures as he leads the band. Very hip and WAY cool! Go see it if you get the chance.

I will leave you now, with some GREAT weight loss news...
- Sandra (cousin) down 6 lbs.
- Lorry down another 3 lbs.
- Joanne down...are you ready for this ... 27 lbs!!!!

Rock on, people, rock on!!
(a)yt xox

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Tuesday, March 17th 2009

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY to one & all! I hope some of you are enjoying a nice, green beer this evening!

"ouch"..."yikes"..."ooch"..."mother (bleeper)"....Those were words coming out of my mouth this evening as I walked from the restaurant, where I met my friend Leslie, to Union Station. A simple, short walk that produced nothing but pain for me. That's because we have "stepped it up" even more in my workouts - starting today. So now I have sore knees, sore arms, sore abs and yes, a sore ass (flashback to last week's blog entry).

It's all for my own good...I'm seeing results...it's the best thing for me...yeah, yeah, yeah. I get it! But that doesn't mean I have to actually like it does it? I mean, is there something psychological in my going back every week for this torture? Is it my love/hate relationship with Werner (he loves to torture me & I hate him for it)? Is it the addiction to pain that keeps me coming back? Or maybe it's the yummy post-workout shake...no, definitely not that. I guess it's the personal satisfaction I receive when I hear "Good work, Yvonne" from The Evil One after I've completed the last set of leg presses. Or maybe it's the wonderful feeling of stepping on my scale and seeing a smaller number. Or perhaps I'm just a sick, masochistic woman who likes pain? I dunno. All I know is that I am truly addicted and, despite my moaning and complaining, I am motivated to get my fat arse back into that gym and get busy!

I had a good eating day, eating within my 9 hour window. I had a good lunch of chicken, shrimp & vegetables and a great dinner of beef, asparagus & one-half of a fingerling potato). The best part of the meals was the company I kept. I met up with Nelson for lunch, an old CIBC friend from the Chip project. Dinner was spent with Leslie, an old friend who I hadn't seen since high school. Admittedly, catching up with Leslie ROCKED as she's packed so much cool stuff into her short life. She's always been a dynamo and it was great to see that she hadn't changed!

I stepped on the scale at LPS today for my "official" weigh in with Werner. I'm happy to say there was no need for violence, which is a good thing. That scale (my new best friend) also reported a loss of 5 lbs. so all is FAB-U-LUSS!

So, tomorrow I'm back downtown to meet with transition coach, Barb and to do another workout. No, that is not a typo you're seeing. I signed a "contract" with The Evil One stating that I will a) stick to my 9 hour window of eating each day and b) come to LPS to work out an additional 2 times (total 3/week) through April 15th. Although he won't stand over me, shouting instructions and counting, Werner will "supervise from a distance" so I can still get a good workout. What is WRONG with me, people?!?

Signing off now to soak in my epsom salts. Until next blog...stay cool!
(a)yt xox

Monday, March 16, 2009

Monday, March 16th 2009

Greetings and salutations at 11:00 pm Monday evening. Today was "step on the yt scale" day (vs. step on the evil LPS scale) and I have GOOD NEWS to report....drumroll please....

!!! DOWN 5, THAT'S FIVE POUNDS THIS WEEK!!!

Three cheers to me! BTW, that leaves me 7 lbs. to lose before the end of April. Hot diggety dog! Ooh, maybe I'll have a hot dog to celebrate...I-maka-da-joke...but not really...sigh..

As I mentioned yesterday, I went to Chatham for Mr. Bondy's visitation. It was a hellacious drive, but certainly worth seeing the family again. I packed lots of healthy snacks for the road trip, knowing I wouldn't be eating and not going to stop for greasy service centre food. All was good. Today (Monday) was spent in a fairly vegetative state with good eating and a little bit of exercise (shout out to Bill for his contribution to that exercise!). I needed a break after the long drive, so I ended up rearranging my two appointments. This means "official" weigh in will be after my workout tomorrow. Wish me luck! There'd better be a reduction because hell hath no fury like this woman scorned...by a scale...

Tomorrow I'm heading into LPS to do some marketing for Clance as well as a work out with Werner. Then I meet, Leslie, a high school friend who I haven't seen in a gzillion years, for dinner. Forecast says it's going to be sunny & 10 degrees tomorrow - how good is that?!?

Until next entry....good health!
(a)yt xox



Sunday, March 15, 2009

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Good morning,everyone! And such a lovely Sunday morning it is! Some of you are in church, others may still be sleeping or perhaps on a nice walk..whatever! I hope you're having a FAB day!

While I truly want you to have a nice day, I'm lulling you into feeling good so that I won't receive too much wrath when I fess up to a few digressions this weekend. Forgive me, poppits, for I have sinned! No, I have not succumbed to the sweet temptation of sugar. Nor have I tasted the evils of grains. As a matter of fact, despite the overwhelming urges for a non-fat, sugar-free vanilla latte, I have even managed to beat down the dairy oppressor. My fall from grace, my brothers & sisters, is in the timing of my eating. Last night, I ate after 8:30. I'm sorry, but it could not be avoided. Here's what happened....

As I mentioned Friday, I was meeting wonder women Tammy & Kathy at The Fox & The Fiddle in Waterloo. We were to dine then watch Jeremy Tozer's show. We met at 8:00-ish and by the the time we gabbed then ordered, our food didn't arrive until 8:45. I was finished about 9:30. And now that I know The Evil One actually reads the blog (see entry below), I feel even worse. Not that I wouldn't have blurted it out when I see him tomorrow anyway...sheesh! I really must learn to keep my mouth shut on these things.

I tell you, I am my own worst enemy. In moments of weakness, I've actually told myself not to worry about eating a whole bag of sugar free chocolate caramel chunks because the malitol will give me the runs and all the calories and fat will be magically flushed away. Do you see the psychological challenges I am facing? Lemme ask you this, do I have Schizophrenia if I hear a voice in my head telling me to take down the teenage girl at Union Station because I deserve the Cinnabon she's eating more than her? And that I'd actually be doing her a favour, avoiding the criticism she'd receive from her bitchy friends when she gets fat from said Cinnabon? Really, I think I would actually be doing an act of kindness, wouldn't you agree?!?

Reigning in my overactive imagination....

Today I will be heading to Chatham to say "good-bye" to Mr. Maurice Bondy. Mr. Bondy was the father of one of my best friends growing up. He dubbed, Peter (his son), Jackie & I "the three musketeers" and was a kind, sweet, quiet, funny, amazing man. He supported us and enjoyed our successes in his own gentle way. I was sorry to hear that he died, but knew he'd been suffering so he's onto a much better place. Shout out and positive vibes to the remaining Bondy's who are dealing with his loss.

On that note, I will bid you adieu. I hope you will be able to enjoy the day - looks like a FAB day for a walk!

Until tomorrow, thanx for reading!
(a)yt xox

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Info...

Now it is 'evil bastard' ... well if I can help you reach your goals and achieve optimum health I'll take what ever names you got! Most of you know Yvonne trains at LPS where we use Fat Gripz, but for those of you who may not live in the area I wanted to provide a list of other trainers I recommend.

If you are around the union station area there is Mina Yun (Purfitness), Dr. Todd Starr in Little Italy (Chiropractor/trainer, Starrhealth), Dr. Kim Baker (Chiroprator/trainer, drkimbaker.com) in the Young/Eglington Area and Trionne Moore (Registerd Nutritionist/trainer, trionne.ca) in the Harbourfront area. They are all excellent trainers who can help you reach your goals.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Friday March 13, 2009

It's Friday the 13th...oooh.....AND it's a full moon...anyone feeling out of sorts... hearing voices in your head...suffering from chapped lips because they were up most of the night with a sexy guy having a mad make-out session like two, crazed teenagers...I mean, um, oh never mind...

So, besides having a FABULOUS day weather-wise, I managed to eat very well and squeeze in a little nap AND some exercise. What a great day! I did ok holding off eating until 11:30 and just finished up dinner at 7:30, so I'm good to go until morning. Perhaps my system is adjusting?
Food intake (the boring stuff) ... coupla burgers & asparagus for brunch and hummus & carrots & a grapefruit for dinner at 7:30. Pretty decent and quite filling. Hopefully I'm getting the hang of this.

My day started with conversations with my DEAR friends, Aubrey & Duane who constantly remind me how blessed I am to have their friendship. They've got my back and it's so great! Aubrey told me he's down 10 lbs since we've started this journey...awesome!

Now, I should tell you about Aubrey. When I organized a Weight Watchers at Work program a few years ago, Aubrey, being the supportive friend, joined the group because I needed people. For those of you who don't know, the first 15-20 minutes of a WW@Work meeting is spent weighing in. Here you will find several of the members (mostly women) standing in line removing shoes, jewelry, underwire bras, etc., all with the hope of removing excess weight before stepping onto the scale. Aubrey, on the other hand, much to the frustration of his fellow WW attendees, would step onto the scale, wearing his shoes, belt, blackberry, cell phone, glasses and a cheezy grin...and he ALWAYS lost weight! Needless to say, he did not win many friends in the group. As a matter of fact, I'm sure he was pelted with a few baby carrots in protest. One should not be showing off to a bunch of women scorned by the scale...

Tomorrow will be filled with a walk in the morning then a day of leisure and off to Waterloo to see my peeps Kathy & Tammy (Cuba chicks) and hear Jeremy Tozer (Aubrey's son) perform at The Fox & The Fiddle. If anyone's in Waterloo tomorrow, stop by and see Jeremy. He's really good! Show starts at 10:00 pm!

Good eats..good health!
(a)yt xox

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Hi everyone!

It's 10:30 in the am and I just realized I did not contribute to my blog yesterday. Did anyone notice? Does anyone actually read this...is anybody out there?!? For those following, you'll be happy to know that my ass is doing just fine now, thank you very much.

Yesterday, I threw my back out just by reaching down to pick something up. I don't even know what I was reaching for! What's that all about? Between my ass and my back, I'm beginning to feel my age of 26 Euros.

I've been managing the next challenge thrown at me. I didn't mention it Tuesday because, clearly, I was too traumatized by stepping on the scale in front of Werner. However, I was asked to pick one of three "meal plans" presented to me:
1) drink nothing but shakes for 2 weeks
2) eat only within a 9 hour period each day or
3) eat all you want, but only 1 meal/day

Can you guess the one I chose? Since option 2 seemed the lesser of all evils, that's what I picked. Now, the next question became "which are the appropriate hours?" I mean, what if I pick 10:00-6:00 and meet someone for dinner? I'd have to snarf my meal before 6:00 or else only order tea or coffee (with no milk or sweetener). Honestly, it was a bit of a challenge. So, I've opted for 11:30-8:30 as I think that covers a good spread.

I am on day 2 of this plan and it's been challenging. I get REALLY hungry in the morning, especially because I was used to eating protein (i.e. hamburgers, pork chops, etc.) within an hour of when I awoke. I'm discovering the phases of how my hunger manifests itself:
- hunger pain
- extreme crankiness
- headache
- shaking hands
- stomach ache

Yes, I have experienced the gammit. For example, right now, my stomach is in pain. I realized I was in the cranky stage when I said, in my car, "What the (expletive) (expletive) are you doing, you (expletive) old fart?" to the man who took an extra second before accelerating after the light turned green. Oh my....fortunately, the windows were up and the not-so-old person wasn't looking in his rear view mirror when I said it. However, I did get a glimpse of myself after I said it and had a good laugh. I'm also thinkin' I may need botox...but I digress...
Yeesh...need to get used to this change pretty soon or else I'll have to force myself to stay inside, away from the knives. What is it "they" say? What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger....

Well, here's to another good day with good eating and good focus. Three cheers to the sunshine!!

Enjoy the day!
(a) yt xox

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Tuesday, March 10th 2009

My ass hurts.

I'm sorry, but there's just no other way to say it. And it's not like it's from any great sexual adventure. Noooooooo! It's from my workout today.

Honestly, I didn't think I actually had any muscles in my bum. Or at the very least, I thought I was immune from pain because of all the flesh surrounding these muscles. Ya know, kind of a fat blanket of sorts. But OMG!! My ass actually hurts!

AND, as if a sore ass isn't enough humiliation, today Werner-the-evil-bastard-trainer decided to increase the accountability even more. Today, I actually had to step on a scale and let him see my weight...which I will have to do every week from now on. Oh, the humiliation...seriously. It's one thing for ME to know and record what I weigh each week, but to have the evil one know is just too much for me. When he said the weight out loud I wanted to staple his lips shut. He mentioned he has a "plan" for me. I don't know what it is, but I imagine it involves feeling pain in muscles I don't know exist right now. Quite frankly, I'm frightened.

God give me strength to not act out my violent thoughts against Werner.

Oh right..."Ambassador of Positivity"...today was a good meal day with a yummy salad and a good beef & veggie dish for dinner at The Pickle Barrel. Shout out to Bill who supported me by having a healthy salad and Perrier and no dessert.

I met with Barb, transition coach extraordinaire, and had a wonderful session to get me thinking even further about YMT Strategies - how I want to grow, who I want to target, etc. Surprisingly, I've done alot of thinking around this already, which I'm more than happy to share with anyone who wants to buy me a beverage or a meal! I'm feeling pretty good about what's happening on this front. I'm pretty sure I'm going to school for my Coaching Certification, which means I can attend John's 50th bday bash in Phoenix in the summer. AND, if I choose Adler's program, they also offer the courses in Phoenix....could combine a visit with my peeps in Phoenix AND get some education. Not bad, eh?!?

And now a shameless plug...

Laylor Performance Systems will be offering time-limited HUGE savings for all new members as a St. Patrick's Day special. You can get a 10-pack of 1 hour training sessions for only $75/hour - a $250 savings. You get more than just one-on-one personal training for this price (like a Biosignature Assessment, customized nutrition plan, post-workout shake, etc.) and there are no membership fees (like at a Good Life or other club). If anyone's interested, call me and I'll hook you up with Clance. Note that the special ends on St. Patrick's Day (17th for all you non-Irish folk!). I may moan about Werner and what he's doing, but it's the best thing that has happened to me on the health & fitness front. Climbing off the soap box now...

Until next blog...stay fabulous everyone!
(a)yt xox

Monday, March 9, 2009

Monday, Feb 9, 2009

Greetings everyone! I'm back after my short hiatus...you'd think I was a movie star! "Oh darlings I simply MUST take a break..."!!

OK, so I weighed in this morning and gained a pound. My first reaction, well AFTER my use of profanity, was to say "What the heck?!?" Contrary to what you're thinking, I did NOT cheat - no dairy, no sugar, no grains. Seriously. Oh, and I exercised more this week than last week. So, I'm perplexed...and a bit discouraged. BUT, I refuse to give up, so I'll be recording everything I eat (and maybe when I eat it) just to see what I'm dong wrong. Perhaps it's the timing or quantities, or whatever. Sheesh! What a pain in the arse.

Just remember....15 lbs. by the end of April....

As you see from Lorry's blog below, I spent Friday evening hangin' with my homey. Good food, good company. Saturday was a nice, long walk in the morning and a party in the evening. Shout out to new blogg readers Ruba & Scill! Sunday was a combo vegetation and chores. Today I'm heading into the city to see Aubrey, Kendall and Lynne for lunch and gossip!

Unfortunately, this is a REALLY BORING entry. I can't seem to get up - perhaps it's the additional pound or the crappy weather. Sorry for the boring. I promise to be more upbeat tomorrow!

Cheers!
(a)yt xox

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Oops! - should have edited

Please note that "wait" should be weight.

From Another Source

Hi,
Last night Yvonne added this blog to my favourites so I am now able to access it. Thanks Yvonne.
What an excellent idea. I have to let you know that I am more desperate not to gain wait because the information is put on the blog. I think accountability is a motivating force, especially when accountability goes beyond the self. I am so forgiving of my shortcomings.
Yvonne and I had dinner last night and I was very conscious of choosing the right foods. That goes over well because the food choices that I made are ones that I enjoy myself. Sometimes for me it is just easy to buy a Blue Menu item from President's Choice. However I found that it was very easy to prepare the meal last night and I am now motivated to keep up making those good choices.
So to finish off the night and to start Saturday off well I finished the chocolate syrup with some ice-cream. My daughter of course wanted to know why I was eating ice-cream when I am lactose intolerant. Very good question and now that I have confessed my sins I have sworn myself off ice-cream for a very long while and will not be buying that chocolate syrup (which I so enjoy).
A new day and a new start ...
I was going to post my picture without my shirt but I don't know how. Maybe Werner can give me some tips.
Lorry

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Wednesday, March 4th 2009

Hello to all y'all!

It's about 4:45 and I'm getting ready to head out to my networking event. Sounds schwanky, doesn't it?!? It's a bunch of people who do coaching for a living so you know everyone's gonna be really nice. Here's hopin' no one tries to hug me ....

Well, we've added Werner, physically, to the blog now. Like any of you will be paying attention to what I'm say NOW. Really, who takes their shirt off for pictures anyway? Oh sure, maybe if you're role playing a game of naughty film producer and innocent startlet, but in real life?

I went into Toronto to meet hunks-in-their-own-way, Duane & Aubrey for lunch. They are incredibly supportive, ordering healthy lunches when I know they really wanted the most decadent meal on the menu. Three cheers to them for their self-restraint! Lunch was food and gossip at The Over Easy, this great egg place, where I had an egg scramble with sausage, bacon and feta cheese. Yummy! Breakfast was a burger and almonds. All good.

Tonight, not sure what's on the menu, but I'm sure I can find some veggies and protein. No worries.

Well, I'll keep it short & sweet tonight - you're welcome! Have a good night! Don't forget that you can post anonymous comments on the site. Keep it clean, eh?!?
(a)yt xox

fair enough...

I'm a little leaner now.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Wednesday, March 4th 2009

Hi everyone! I had yet ANOTHER fabulous day today. I am so lucky!

Leisurely morning then off to meet Jay for a lunch of salad with salmon. We had a surprise visit by our friend, Kathy, so a good time was had by all! Then I headed to LPS for an afternoon of marketing and sweaty men lifting weights - does it get any better than that?

Oh, head's up, ladies. There's a rumour that Werner may add his picture to my blog. Tracey and I were having a conversation, on which Werner was eavesdropping. He made a comment, then Tracey piped up with "Tell Werner to show me what he looks like so I can determine if he knows what he's doing." Well, next thing I know, I'm lookin' at a picture of Werner's naked chest trying to decide if that should go onto the blog. Let me just say that I had NO IDEA what was hidden underneath his shirt! Oh my. Needless to say, ladies, you're going to enjoy what you see! However, just remember as you stare at his finely tuned body, that he is Werner-the-evil-trainer, a man who tortures me weekly. Feel pity for me, not envy!

Ummmm..where was I before I took a trip down Werner Lane? Oh yeah...dinner was another salad and some soup, enjoying time with Marg. Now Marg is a hottie with a fab body that matches her fab personality. She is a very supportive friend and when the hot, sour dough bread came onto the table, she tried desparately to get the waitress to take it away. I thought it must've been the look of longing in my eyes that made her become so impassioned about removing the temptation. However, it turns out Marg was trying to control herself - bless her wee, skinny, little heart! I ended up moving the bread to my side of the table and covering it with a menu so Marg wouldn't eat it. Too funny!

I had a sweet craving and satisfied it with a peppermint tea and sweetener. I know, I know...chemicals! But it was a better choice then grabbing the carrot cake out of the mouths of the couple at the next table, don't 'cha think?!?

Tomorrow's agenda is packed with a lunch with Aubrey & Duane and a networking event at night. I hope I can handle all of the stress. Good thing Duane's driving me into and out of the city for lunch. Just call me "Princess"!!

Pleasant dreams, poppits!
yt xox

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Greetings and salutations!
Another beautiful-sunny-but-freeze-your-toucas-off day in Mississauga! I did pretty much nothing productive today. Well, except for update my LinkedIn profile...all in the name of shameless self-promotion. Oh yeah, I reconnected with some long, lost friends as well. I am SO diggin' Facebook!

Nothing really funny or exciting to report, much to mine and everyone else's dismay. A good food day though, with hamburgers & almonds for breakfast, a hearty salad for lunch and salmon, steamed veggies and a salad for dinner. Boring, but fulfilling I suppose.

Tomorrow is a morning at home, followed by a venture into LPS to set up a few marketing campaigns. Call me a "heterosexual female", but I kinda miss the 95% male, iron-pumping, vitamin-popping bodies that hang out there. As one evil trainer says, it's "all in the vain pursuit of looking good naked." Amen, my brothers & sisters.

Have a lovely night!
(a)yt xox

Monday, March 2, 2009

Monday, March 2, 2009

Down 3 more pounds...11 more to go until goal.

!!!!!!!!!! WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!!!!!!!!

And let's talk about some other successes...Lorry & Duane down 3 lbs. each, Aubrey down 6. Everybody say, "AMEN!!"

It's been a while since our last chat, so I'll try to catch up with you, keeping it brief in the process!

The weekend was spent with two high school friends, Mary & Kelly in Craigleith, close to Collingwood. Mary & Kelly have been going through their own weight loss journeys as well. Mary has lost 30 lbs (I believe) and has, as she puts it, her "grade 8 ass"...right on! And Kelly? Well, she's down...are you ready for this....70 lbs!! HOLY SUCCESS, BATMAN!!

The weekend totally rocked, and it was great to catch up with them. They were incredibly supportive and helped me avoid any temptations. However, true confessions...I had sweet potato frites. Now, when I was eating them, I thought they were ok. However, when I asked Werner if they were ok, he replied..."Are you kidding?!?" Soooooo, no more sweet potato frites..dang!

Mary and I made a challenge this weekend. We are committed to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in June 2014. We're going to see if many of our other high school friends are game. If not, it will be just the two of us. It's time to get busy!!

Today was deceivingly cold. You know the kind of day I'm talking about. The kind where you're lulled into a warm, fuzzy calm as you go from the parking garage to the car to the GO Train platform, thinking it's lovely and warm then BAM!!! Brain freeze as you're standing there when the icy wind suddenly blows through you like bad chicken. I swear I almost had frost bite on my feet and fingers just by walking from Union Station to Richmond & Bay...sheesh!

I guess I'll sign off now. Any other success stories you guys wanna share?!?

Until tomorrow..good eating!
yt xox