Greetings on Sunday evening, around 10:30. Of course, my body is saying it's only 7:30, so here I sit at my laptop typin' a note!
Can I just say how wonderful it is to be home and with my stuff?!? Don't get me wrong, I had an AMAZING time in Phoenix and my brother John is a great host. AND, I really enjoyed the party and seeing all the sibs....however, nothin' says "home" like my body pillow...which is waiting for me in my own bed, with my own pillows and my own sheets...ahhh....
Well, I should catch you up on the last few days. Thursday brought the rest of the family to Phoenix and chaos abounded! We all went out to eat at Souper Salad where we decided to head to Stone Cold Creamery for dessert. I ate sparingly 'cuz I knew the heaven that was waiting for me. Lemme tell you, I was not disappointed! I was, however, high on a sugar rush like you wouldn't believe! I ate this straight-from-the-ice-cream-gods concoction of chocolate ice cream, caramel, brownies, almonds & chocolate sauce...all stuffed into a chocolate & peanut covered waffle bowl! Oie! My teeth are hurtin' at the memory of all that sugar. Fortunately, that's a once every 12-18 months treat. Ya know, like cheesecake or that triple chocolate cake I ate for my cheat meal. Anyway, it was worth it!
Friday, John, Lorry & I did our 8KM walk. The pace was much faster with the addition of sister "long legs" Lorry! That girl can move, lemme tell ya! But, I'm happy to say I kept up with the pace and even led the group a few times...yeah for me! Friday night we all went to a Turkish restaurant for Jimmy's birthday celebration where we all shook our bootays with the belly dancer. Poor thing! She was a good sport, even when my Uncle Paul shoved a $20 bill into her top...oie! You can pick your friends, but you can't pick your family...sigh...
Saturday was the big party day, where I spent the morning hangin' with homey, John at Baiz Market, a Lebanese food store. I was in charge of making kibbee (family tradition handed down to me from my father). In a 30 minute period, John & I consumed more carbs than we did for the entire week. But man! They were worth it! Fortunately, that was all I ate until I got to the party. Then, at the party, I went to hell in a handbasket....seriously! I could not control myself. Thank goodness for my niece, Sandra. I always felt the need to keep myself in check when I was around her. Of course, that didn't stop me from snarfing down everything in sight when she wasn't around, but hey! There were points of control!!
Anyway, did I mention it's good to be home?!?
So now my challenge is to keep up the level of activity while reigning in the bad eating habits! The eating part should be ok, but I should warn you not to eat anything sweet in front of me while I'm going through my carb withdrawals. I'm just sayin'....
My brother-in-law, Barry, gave me a good tip on how to better prep for the hikes. He's an experienced hiker, marathoner, triathaloner, he-man-pick-up-trees-and-throw-them-at-each-other-jock, so he's done alot of training. He suggested I start going up the stairs whenever I can. So, that's what I'm planning to do. I'm on the 5th floor, so I will do as many flights as I can, working my way up to 5...or higher!
Well, it's time to hit the hay. I start Week 2 of my course. I can't wait!
BTW, all the carbs and crap I ate yesterday has made me feel nauseous all day. Totally not worth it....when will I ever learn?!?
Cheers everyone!
(a) yt xox
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
The Hills are alive...
...with the sound of my grunting, moaning & puffing....
Today was hike day. Up at 4:15 and at the bottom of Squaw Peak by 5:00 where Frederica greeted us. I was kinda excited (well, interested) in seeing how I performed the hike this time vs. last week. On the positive side, I finished it again! I also took parts of it at a much faster pace than I did last week, as Fred informed me (bless her heart!). I had to stop a few more times, though, as my heart was pumpin'. I had the same feeling I had last week where, at points, I just wanted to lie on the rocks and say "go on, just leave me to die!!" Fortunately, I controlled that urge...just like I controlled my urge to eat the peanut-butter-and-banana sandwich. Well done to me!
I've been really good about watching what I eat. Remember my commitment to "letting go" and just chillaxin' about my approach to food? Well, it's been very helpful. I only eat what I want to eat - like the whole bag of honey-sesame almonds from Trader Joe's and not the chocolate dipped ice cream cone from the Dairy Queen. I'm lovin' this approach! I know I will indulge in two things before the trip is over...Stone Cold Creamery ice cream and my brother's German Chocolate birthday cake. It's all good....
Today the rest of the gang arrives from Ontario. Everyone is so excited! It's going to be chaos, so I'm enjoying the solitude of the moment and the pawing from Pearl. I don't even mind that she wants to play "fetch". Where does she get the energy...and how do I get me some of that?!?
Until the next blog...later, gators!!
(a) yt xox
Today was hike day. Up at 4:15 and at the bottom of Squaw Peak by 5:00 where Frederica greeted us. I was kinda excited (well, interested) in seeing how I performed the hike this time vs. last week. On the positive side, I finished it again! I also took parts of it at a much faster pace than I did last week, as Fred informed me (bless her heart!). I had to stop a few more times, though, as my heart was pumpin'. I had the same feeling I had last week where, at points, I just wanted to lie on the rocks and say "go on, just leave me to die!!" Fortunately, I controlled that urge...just like I controlled my urge to eat the peanut-butter-and-banana sandwich. Well done to me!
I've been really good about watching what I eat. Remember my commitment to "letting go" and just chillaxin' about my approach to food? Well, it's been very helpful. I only eat what I want to eat - like the whole bag of honey-sesame almonds from Trader Joe's and not the chocolate dipped ice cream cone from the Dairy Queen. I'm lovin' this approach! I know I will indulge in two things before the trip is over...Stone Cold Creamery ice cream and my brother's German Chocolate birthday cake. It's all good....
Today the rest of the gang arrives from Ontario. Everyone is so excited! It's going to be chaos, so I'm enjoying the solitude of the moment and the pawing from Pearl. I don't even mind that she wants to play "fetch". Where does she get the energy...and how do I get me some of that?!?
Until the next blog...later, gators!!
(a) yt xox
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Swimming & sunning & napping...
... oh my!
That was my day today. I think the toughest thing I did was to get out of bed at 5:15 and do the 8KM walk with my brother. Everything after that was smooth sailing!
I napped when I got home, after stretching and playing "fetch" with Pearl. Had lunch (chicken and lots of veggies...mmmm...) then headed to the pool. I am now, officially, a lobster. Well, at least on my upper body. The legs could use some more colour, but waddaya gonna do? I simply could NOT stand being in the sun any longer. In the 2-ish hours I was out there, I was in the pool 4 times and still I perspired. Honestly! I can't believe the heat here. It's overwhelming. Quite frankly, I don't know how the sibs are gonna handle it. Some of them do NOT do well with heat!
Today was a bad craving day. For some reason, I could NOT get the thought of a peanut-butter-and-banana-on-toasted-12-grain-bread out of my head. I'm telling you, it was all I could think about! Fortunately, I resisted, but YIKES! Enough already! Instead, I indulged in a few wedges of pita bread to soak up the dressing in my Greek salad at dinner. Not quite the same, but good enough. I also bought some yummy honey sesame coated almonds from Trader Joe's. Hey! Trader Joe's is a "healthy" store, so they can't be all that bad, right? Everything's fine in moderation, right? Oh, is eating 4 handfuls in one sitting "moderation"?!?
Sigh....
Up at 4:30 (yes, in the morning) and heading to the gym. CURSE YOU, TRADER JOE'S!!!
G'night my super-restrained inspirational friends and family!!!
(a) yt xox
That was my day today. I think the toughest thing I did was to get out of bed at 5:15 and do the 8KM walk with my brother. Everything after that was smooth sailing!
I napped when I got home, after stretching and playing "fetch" with Pearl. Had lunch (chicken and lots of veggies...mmmm...) then headed to the pool. I am now, officially, a lobster. Well, at least on my upper body. The legs could use some more colour, but waddaya gonna do? I simply could NOT stand being in the sun any longer. In the 2-ish hours I was out there, I was in the pool 4 times and still I perspired. Honestly! I can't believe the heat here. It's overwhelming. Quite frankly, I don't know how the sibs are gonna handle it. Some of them do NOT do well with heat!
Today was a bad craving day. For some reason, I could NOT get the thought of a peanut-butter-and-banana-on-toasted-12-grain-bread out of my head. I'm telling you, it was all I could think about! Fortunately, I resisted, but YIKES! Enough already! Instead, I indulged in a few wedges of pita bread to soak up the dressing in my Greek salad at dinner. Not quite the same, but good enough. I also bought some yummy honey sesame coated almonds from Trader Joe's. Hey! Trader Joe's is a "healthy" store, so they can't be all that bad, right? Everything's fine in moderation, right? Oh, is eating 4 handfuls in one sitting "moderation"?!?
Sigh....
Up at 4:30 (yes, in the morning) and heading to the gym. CURSE YOU, TRADER JOE'S!!!
G'night my super-restrained inspirational friends and family!!!
(a) yt xox
Monday, July 6, 2009
Not your typical Monday...
Well, I guess it would be if you're used to hangin' out in 110 degrees Farenheit! Honestly, I don't know how these Phoenicians survive this heat! I actually see construction workers doing their thang in the middle of the day...what's up with that?!? I feel so badly for them that I wanna just take a big 'ole water hose and spray them down. Of course, some of them have nice bodies, so my intentions are not 100% honourable... tee, hee... Movin' on...
Well, it's been an exciting and full two days since last I've typed! Let's start with Saturday. We did our walk, at 6:00 as promised. It was pretty good. It ended up being about 8KM and took us 40 minutes, so we made good time. Although it was hot, it wasn't the full-on"feel-like-you're-sitting-in-a-sauna-all-day" stifling hot temperature. I should tell you how we looked, as those of you who know both myself and my brother, John, will have an appreciation of our situation. Picture this..
Yvonne...hair pulled up into a teeny pony tail (small, but a pony tail nonetheless!); black head band pulling the rest of my hair off my face. Oh yes! My entire forehead and face exposed to the elements and anyone with the courage to look at me...add to this beautous look is my oversized tshirt (cherry red) and my capri-style black workout pants. Topping off this runway athletic fashion demonstration are my neon-striped-so-I-can-be-a-jock-in-the-dark blue & white runners. Can you believe someone hasn't scooped me up and married me yet?!? So....that's just me...now for my brother...remember the song "Let's Get Physical" by Olivia Newton John, where she's decked out in workout attire, headband and all, shaking her bootay on the video? Well, picture the male verison of that and you've got John! His outfit is truly practical, but um...well...not so stylish (not that I'm one to talk!). He's got on two "wife beater" tank tops, with shorts that are big for him...white socks that come just below his calf and running shoes. "That's not so bad", you're thinking...we'll add to that look, a lovely Dollar Store purchased black sweat band that stretches across the middle of his forehead..see what I mean? Are we a couple of fashionistas, or what?!? I guess it's a good thing we're out and about before the sun rises, isn't it?!? OK, 'nuf said about our fashion. It really is practical, but we could both use a little style! The sad thing is, we just don't care!!
After our walk and shower, John & I went to my favourite breakfast place - The International House of Pancakes (IHOP). I love that place! Not only do they make GINORMOUS omelettes, they give you a side of pancakes with warm-ish maple-like syrup. It's all very decadent and yummy! I ate 98% of my omelette (leaving 2 bites for my very envious brother), and 50% of my syrup-smothered Nut & Grain pancakes. Did I feel guilty or shamed at eating these treats? NO WAY, BAY-BEE!! This breakfast was well worth it. Besides, I knew it was gonna last me until dinner time, so I had no concerns!
After gourging ourselves at breakfast, we headed to The Anthem Outlet Malls - my favourite shopping place in this area. I'm telling you people, no one does "sale" like US Retailers on a holiday weekend. You can not believe the bargains I got! When we got there, John outlined his strategy - yes, my brother has a strategy for shopping these malls. I'm so grateful that he's a shopper! I welcomed his shopping wisdom and found myself following his mystic ways. Our strategy? Check out the stores, see what's there, then buy...loading purchased parcels in the back of the strategically located car throughout the process. It was a VERY good strategy. I felt no resentment towards people banging into my shopping bags, because I wasn't carrying any. AND, I didn't care about the bodies in the stores, 'cuz I knew what I wanted to buy (having looked earlier in the day before the crowd gathered) and went right to it. It was very good to let the Yoda of shopping guide my purchasing ways...
After a day of power shopping, we came home and had a healthy meal of chicken and salad. It was a really good day and we were both tired and in bed by 10:30. Such is my vacation...up at 5:15 and in bed by 10:30. I'm a crazy woman!!
Sunday was a glorious day! We picked up John's friend, Cornelia, and drove to Sedona. For those who have never been, you would love it! It has all of these gorgeous rock formations that have red rock and "healing powers". It's a very spiritual place, so there are lots of crystal holding, granola eating, cactus hugging nature lovers. And one can get any kind of "reading" that one desires done there, so it attracts quite an interesting group of people. Anyhoo, we climbed about 2/3 of the way up Belle Rock, which is my favourite of the rock formations. I have some great shots, which I'm hoping I can post.
I was quite proud of the hike and my ability to do it. It was considered to be "moderate". We walked 3.25 miles (about 5KM). It was a steady incline for most of the way with pockets of heavy duty, climbing-on-rocks action. Once again, I was grateful for having the ability to actually do the climb, but recognized I still have a long way to go to train...all good learning! I'm quite proud of my brother, John, who managed this hike quite well.
We met up with Greg & Joel. Greg will be joining us (Cornelia, John & I) on the Inca Trail, so it was nice to meet him. Then we all headed to Greg's CHARMING cabin in the smack of the woods. It was such a nice location and a great place to have our packed, very healthy lunch! Then back to Phoenix after a yummy dinner in Sedona.
Once again my left knee is really bugging me. It feels like there is a fist behind my left knee, so I know the muscles are really tight. I know I harp on about The Evil One , but I sure could use one of his torturous stretching sessions right now! I'm going to keep up the walking (treadmill at the gym, 8KM walk at home) and possibly do another hike with Frederica. I need to keep focused and, quite frankly, it's not so painful during the exercising, just afterward...like today when I have to get up in order to keep it from stiffening. Whine, whine, whine....enough!!!
Overall? This has been a GREAT vacation. I love that my brother is so focused because he's keeping me focused. His commitment is inspiring and dammit I'm gonna keep on it! I've decided I want to spend Christmas in Phoenix, so I want to be ... nay, WILL BE...at my optimal weight before I come here. There are all kinds of awesome hiking trails here, so John's promised we can do one when I come in December.
OK, 'nuf talking. Hopefully, I haven't lost anyone!
Take care and stay tuned to more Phoenix adventures!!!
(a)yt xox
Well, it's been an exciting and full two days since last I've typed! Let's start with Saturday. We did our walk, at 6:00 as promised. It was pretty good. It ended up being about 8KM and took us 40 minutes, so we made good time. Although it was hot, it wasn't the full-on"feel-like-you're-sitting-in-a-sauna-all-day" stifling hot temperature. I should tell you how we looked, as those of you who know both myself and my brother, John, will have an appreciation of our situation. Picture this..
Yvonne...hair pulled up into a teeny pony tail (small, but a pony tail nonetheless!); black head band pulling the rest of my hair off my face. Oh yes! My entire forehead and face exposed to the elements and anyone with the courage to look at me...add to this beautous look is my oversized tshirt (cherry red) and my capri-style black workout pants. Topping off this runway athletic fashion demonstration are my neon-striped-so-I-can-be-a-jock-in-the-dark blue & white runners. Can you believe someone hasn't scooped me up and married me yet?!? So....that's just me...now for my brother...remember the song "Let's Get Physical" by Olivia Newton John, where she's decked out in workout attire, headband and all, shaking her bootay on the video? Well, picture the male verison of that and you've got John! His outfit is truly practical, but um...well...not so stylish (not that I'm one to talk!). He's got on two "wife beater" tank tops, with shorts that are big for him...white socks that come just below his calf and running shoes. "That's not so bad", you're thinking...we'll add to that look, a lovely Dollar Store purchased black sweat band that stretches across the middle of his forehead..see what I mean? Are we a couple of fashionistas, or what?!? I guess it's a good thing we're out and about before the sun rises, isn't it?!? OK, 'nuf said about our fashion. It really is practical, but we could both use a little style! The sad thing is, we just don't care!!
After our walk and shower, John & I went to my favourite breakfast place - The International House of Pancakes (IHOP). I love that place! Not only do they make GINORMOUS omelettes, they give you a side of pancakes with warm-ish maple-like syrup. It's all very decadent and yummy! I ate 98% of my omelette (leaving 2 bites for my very envious brother), and 50% of my syrup-smothered Nut & Grain pancakes. Did I feel guilty or shamed at eating these treats? NO WAY, BAY-BEE!! This breakfast was well worth it. Besides, I knew it was gonna last me until dinner time, so I had no concerns!
After gourging ourselves at breakfast, we headed to The Anthem Outlet Malls - my favourite shopping place in this area. I'm telling you people, no one does "sale" like US Retailers on a holiday weekend. You can not believe the bargains I got! When we got there, John outlined his strategy - yes, my brother has a strategy for shopping these malls. I'm so grateful that he's a shopper! I welcomed his shopping wisdom and found myself following his mystic ways. Our strategy? Check out the stores, see what's there, then buy...loading purchased parcels in the back of the strategically located car throughout the process. It was a VERY good strategy. I felt no resentment towards people banging into my shopping bags, because I wasn't carrying any. AND, I didn't care about the bodies in the stores, 'cuz I knew what I wanted to buy (having looked earlier in the day before the crowd gathered) and went right to it. It was very good to let the Yoda of shopping guide my purchasing ways...
After a day of power shopping, we came home and had a healthy meal of chicken and salad. It was a really good day and we were both tired and in bed by 10:30. Such is my vacation...up at 5:15 and in bed by 10:30. I'm a crazy woman!!
Sunday was a glorious day! We picked up John's friend, Cornelia, and drove to Sedona. For those who have never been, you would love it! It has all of these gorgeous rock formations that have red rock and "healing powers". It's a very spiritual place, so there are lots of crystal holding, granola eating, cactus hugging nature lovers. And one can get any kind of "reading" that one desires done there, so it attracts quite an interesting group of people. Anyhoo, we climbed about 2/3 of the way up Belle Rock, which is my favourite of the rock formations. I have some great shots, which I'm hoping I can post.
I was quite proud of the hike and my ability to do it. It was considered to be "moderate". We walked 3.25 miles (about 5KM). It was a steady incline for most of the way with pockets of heavy duty, climbing-on-rocks action. Once again, I was grateful for having the ability to actually do the climb, but recognized I still have a long way to go to train...all good learning! I'm quite proud of my brother, John, who managed this hike quite well.
We met up with Greg & Joel. Greg will be joining us (Cornelia, John & I) on the Inca Trail, so it was nice to meet him. Then we all headed to Greg's CHARMING cabin in the smack of the woods. It was such a nice location and a great place to have our packed, very healthy lunch! Then back to Phoenix after a yummy dinner in Sedona.
Once again my left knee is really bugging me. It feels like there is a fist behind my left knee, so I know the muscles are really tight. I know I harp on about The Evil One , but I sure could use one of his torturous stretching sessions right now! I'm going to keep up the walking (treadmill at the gym, 8KM walk at home) and possibly do another hike with Frederica. I need to keep focused and, quite frankly, it's not so painful during the exercising, just afterward...like today when I have to get up in order to keep it from stiffening. Whine, whine, whine....enough!!!
Overall? This has been a GREAT vacation. I love that my brother is so focused because he's keeping me focused. His commitment is inspiring and dammit I'm gonna keep on it! I've decided I want to spend Christmas in Phoenix, so I want to be ... nay, WILL BE...at my optimal weight before I come here. There are all kinds of awesome hiking trails here, so John's promised we can do one when I come in December.
OK, 'nuf talking. Hopefully, I haven't lost anyone!
Take care and stay tuned to more Phoenix adventures!!!
(a)yt xox
Friday, July 3, 2009
I could get used to this...
G'morning all! It's 8:05 am Phoenix time and I'm sitting in a schwanky office in my brother's building. Nice place, really. I could get used to hanging out here! Hmmmm....perhaps I should hang a shingle in Phoenix, too?!?
Well, I didn't go in to the gym today. Instead, I listened to Pearl, the dog, sit outside my door and bark for a good hour. Apparently, her razor sharp hearing could hear me, I dunno, breathing! Although she is a real cutie, I must confess to being annoyed with her. I mean, really, I blew off going to the gym, so what makes her think I'm gonna play "fetch" with her at that hour?!? Fortunately, like with all my borderline insanity thoughts, I managed to NOT act out the many things I thought about doing to her. Good thing I have self-constraint!
Last night, John, Jim & I went for dinner at another all you can eat soup & salad place. This one, I was told, was a little more upscale than the one my sister, Rita, and I went to yesterday. Given that the all of my siblings will be in town next week, I felt the need to investigate so I could make an educated recommendation on which place is best. You can't imagine the pressure I feel! Anyway, the place we went to last night, Sweet Tomato, had a very nice pasta bar and a yummy bakery section. Needless to say, I was in hell. Oh sure, I managed to fill up on the mega topping salad, but there was very little protein and even MY imagination couldn't stretch far enough to believe that the sliced carrots on spinach I was eating tasted like that gooey carrot lava cake smothered in buttercream icing. Oh great, now I have a craving for carrot cake...sigh...Anyway, for an additional $3, I'm guessing Sweet Tomato will be the restaurant of choice. Most people will be able to eat the goodies, anyway, so I think for them it will be worth it.
My brother informed me that we get to sleep in tomorrow (Saturday) until 6:00 am. Oh goodie! That is because we're not going to the gym. Instead we're going for a power walk of 5 miles. We can't go any later than 6:00 or else it will be too hot. Hmmm...I'm wondering why we couldn't wait until, say 8:00,then go to the air conditioned gym?!? I'd suggest it, but I think he's got his heart set on the power walk. Sheesh, the things one has to do for family...tee, hee!
Well, back to work now! So much on my "Phoenix to do" list. No rest for the weary....
Have a great day, poppits!
(a) yt xox
Well, I didn't go in to the gym today. Instead, I listened to Pearl, the dog, sit outside my door and bark for a good hour. Apparently, her razor sharp hearing could hear me, I dunno, breathing! Although she is a real cutie, I must confess to being annoyed with her. I mean, really, I blew off going to the gym, so what makes her think I'm gonna play "fetch" with her at that hour?!? Fortunately, like with all my borderline insanity thoughts, I managed to NOT act out the many things I thought about doing to her. Good thing I have self-constraint!
Last night, John, Jim & I went for dinner at another all you can eat soup & salad place. This one, I was told, was a little more upscale than the one my sister, Rita, and I went to yesterday. Given that the all of my siblings will be in town next week, I felt the need to investigate so I could make an educated recommendation on which place is best. You can't imagine the pressure I feel! Anyway, the place we went to last night, Sweet Tomato, had a very nice pasta bar and a yummy bakery section. Needless to say, I was in hell. Oh sure, I managed to fill up on the mega topping salad, but there was very little protein and even MY imagination couldn't stretch far enough to believe that the sliced carrots on spinach I was eating tasted like that gooey carrot lava cake smothered in buttercream icing. Oh great, now I have a craving for carrot cake...sigh...Anyway, for an additional $3, I'm guessing Sweet Tomato will be the restaurant of choice. Most people will be able to eat the goodies, anyway, so I think for them it will be worth it.
My brother informed me that we get to sleep in tomorrow (Saturday) until 6:00 am. Oh goodie! That is because we're not going to the gym. Instead we're going for a power walk of 5 miles. We can't go any later than 6:00 or else it will be too hot. Hmmm...I'm wondering why we couldn't wait until, say 8:00,then go to the air conditioned gym?!? I'd suggest it, but I think he's got his heart set on the power walk. Sheesh, the things one has to do for family...tee, hee!
Well, back to work now! So much on my "Phoenix to do" list. No rest for the weary....
Have a great day, poppits!
(a) yt xox
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Ya just never know...
Hi everyone!
Well, it's Thursday morning, about 10:45, Phoenix time, and once again I opted to nap vs. go into work with John this morning. I guess it's the whole getting-up-at-4:15-on-my-vacation thing that's making me beligerent!
Today we hiked part of Squaw Peak in Phoenix. I say part, because I never would've survived doing the whole thing! As it stands now, there were moments on this trail where I wanted to stop and throw up a lung. Well, it's all good learning. Learning that I still have a ways to go in prep for The Inca Trail...Learning that I need to continue my focus to lose weight and train like hell...Learning that I am grateful to have received NOW and not later!! I've not given up hope. On the contrary, it's just made me more resolved to shrink my fat arse and get busy on the prep. I'll have to tell The Evil One so he can work my legs even more. I know, clearly I'm suffering dimentia or deep de-hydration for having said that!
I was quite proud of my brother, John, though. He was barely out of breath and only twisted his ankle once! Poor guy. I can understand why he'd lose it, though, as the trail was quite rocky in places. I found the way down to be just as painful as the way up. Not so much on the cardio side, but my knees are killing me! Story of my life, isn't it?!? Oh well...more exercise...less eating of crap...GOING FOR IT!!!!
Tomorrow it's back to the gym with a greater appreciation for the hill program. I think a high, steady incline is a good way to train. It's an exhausting program, but I know it will be good for me. God help me to not fall off the treadmill...and God help the person behind me if I do!!
Well, it's off to the pool for a few hours. I must get some colour on these legs...seriously!!
Have a FAB day everyone!
(a) yt xox
Well, it's Thursday morning, about 10:45, Phoenix time, and once again I opted to nap vs. go into work with John this morning. I guess it's the whole getting-up-at-4:15-on-my-vacation thing that's making me beligerent!
Today we hiked part of Squaw Peak in Phoenix. I say part, because I never would've survived doing the whole thing! As it stands now, there were moments on this trail where I wanted to stop and throw up a lung. Well, it's all good learning. Learning that I still have a ways to go in prep for The Inca Trail...Learning that I need to continue my focus to lose weight and train like hell...Learning that I am grateful to have received NOW and not later!! I've not given up hope. On the contrary, it's just made me more resolved to shrink my fat arse and get busy on the prep. I'll have to tell The Evil One so he can work my legs even more. I know, clearly I'm suffering dimentia or deep de-hydration for having said that!
I was quite proud of my brother, John, though. He was barely out of breath and only twisted his ankle once! Poor guy. I can understand why he'd lose it, though, as the trail was quite rocky in places. I found the way down to be just as painful as the way up. Not so much on the cardio side, but my knees are killing me! Story of my life, isn't it?!? Oh well...more exercise...less eating of crap...GOING FOR IT!!!!
Tomorrow it's back to the gym with a greater appreciation for the hill program. I think a high, steady incline is a good way to train. It's an exhausting program, but I know it will be good for me. God help me to not fall off the treadmill...and God help the person behind me if I do!!
Well, it's off to the pool for a few hours. I must get some colour on these legs...seriously!!
Have a FAB day everyone!
(a) yt xox
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Greetings from Phoenix, Arizona!
And it's a blazin' hot time in Phoenix, lemme tell ya! Why it's hotter than Brad Pitt in Legends of the Fall...uh...anybody?!? Is this thing on?!?
Hi all! Well, I made it to Phoenix on an uneventful flight - that's a good thing! There was no turbulence and I was able to catch The Reader on my very own TV screen! Add to it, I had no one in my aisle...sweet!! I arrived about 40 minutes early, and was picked up by my bro, John. Now John has lost a good deal of the belly he had when I last saw him in November, so I'm quite proud of him!
I came back to his place and hung out by the pool for a couple of hours. Now people, it's BLOOMIN' hot by the pool. Even the deck, which is supposed to be a special heat-resistant material, was smokin'! I'm pretty sure that, if I hadn't moved my chaise to within rolling into the pool distance, I would've had blisters on the bottom of my feet. Seriously! Needless to say, we popped round Wal-Mart last night where I bought a cheap pair of flip-flops...and some yogurt...and some almonds! All good!!!
It's been an eventful week of networking and hanging out. I went to Ernie's "Good-bye CIBC " bash and had a BLAST ! I saw alot of people I hadn't seen in a long while. It was a good time, that's for sure. I did fall a bit off the path, though. Ernie and her friends did ALOT of baking and I simply could not resist a Turtle Bar...yummy! But it was a good decision since I only ate one and resisted the other delights that were calling my name. It was all good!
I should mention that I finally broke the plateau and am down another 1 lb. so that's 45 in total!! Yeah!!
So...back to Phoenix....
As I'd mentioned before, John has lined up at least 2 hikes for us while I'm here. The first, with Frederica, is tomorrow (Thursday) morning. In preparation for it, I got up with John this morning (at 4:15 am, thank you very much) and went into the gym with him. I did a pretty good workout on the treadmill (hill program) then started to flounder my way through some other workout! I did free weights for the arms. I only did 10 lbs. and could hear The Evil One calling me "Woosy". Well, perhaps it wasn't Werner as his expression would've been much worse. Anyway, next time I go, which will probably be Friday, I plan to kick it up some more. I was feeling a bit out of sorts and unsure of where everything was. That made me feel a bit awkward. Now? Who cares?!? I'm going for it! It will be a much better workout! In the meantime, I'm really looking forward to tomorrow's hike. It will be good to see where my endurance is at this point!
OK poppits! I hope you're all well. Once again, I apologize for not sending something sooner. Hopefully I'll be able to send more greetings from Phoenix!
Cheers!
(a) yt xox
Hi all! Well, I made it to Phoenix on an uneventful flight - that's a good thing! There was no turbulence and I was able to catch The Reader on my very own TV screen! Add to it, I had no one in my aisle...sweet!! I arrived about 40 minutes early, and was picked up by my bro, John. Now John has lost a good deal of the belly he had when I last saw him in November, so I'm quite proud of him!
I came back to his place and hung out by the pool for a couple of hours. Now people, it's BLOOMIN' hot by the pool. Even the deck, which is supposed to be a special heat-resistant material, was smokin'! I'm pretty sure that, if I hadn't moved my chaise to within rolling into the pool distance, I would've had blisters on the bottom of my feet. Seriously! Needless to say, we popped round Wal-Mart last night where I bought a cheap pair of flip-flops...and some yogurt...and some almonds! All good!!!
It's been an eventful week of networking and hanging out. I went to Ernie's "Good-bye CIBC " bash and had a BLAST ! I saw alot of people I hadn't seen in a long while. It was a good time, that's for sure. I did fall a bit off the path, though. Ernie and her friends did ALOT of baking and I simply could not resist a Turtle Bar...yummy! But it was a good decision since I only ate one and resisted the other delights that were calling my name. It was all good!
I should mention that I finally broke the plateau and am down another 1 lb. so that's 45 in total!! Yeah!!
So...back to Phoenix....
As I'd mentioned before, John has lined up at least 2 hikes for us while I'm here. The first, with Frederica, is tomorrow (Thursday) morning. In preparation for it, I got up with John this morning (at 4:15 am, thank you very much) and went into the gym with him. I did a pretty good workout on the treadmill (hill program) then started to flounder my way through some other workout! I did free weights for the arms. I only did 10 lbs. and could hear The Evil One calling me "Woosy". Well, perhaps it wasn't Werner as his expression would've been much worse. Anyway, next time I go, which will probably be Friday, I plan to kick it up some more. I was feeling a bit out of sorts and unsure of where everything was. That made me feel a bit awkward. Now? Who cares?!? I'm going for it! It will be a much better workout! In the meantime, I'm really looking forward to tomorrow's hike. It will be good to see where my endurance is at this point!
OK poppits! I hope you're all well. Once again, I apologize for not sending something sooner. Hopefully I'll be able to send more greetings from Phoenix!
Cheers!
(a) yt xox
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