Weight Loss Wednesday

I just realized I hadn't updated my weight loss since January. Jeez, I've become such a slacker when it comes to this blog - For those who read it - so sorry =(

About 6 weeks ago, I was reading my Weight Watcher's magazine and I came across an article about learning to jog. It provided an 8-week cycle that you follow in order to train you to jog 20 minutes straight. My neigbours, Gayle and Deb had recently started jogging together and had asked me to join - they do 5km, which scared the hell out of me, so I declined...instead I dusted off our treadmill and started on this program. You start off walking 2 minutes, jogging 1 minute and repeat 4 times....and week by week you slowly add more jogging time and decrease the walking time. I started at week 4 - 4 minutes jogging 2 minutes walking...I felt that the earlier weeks were too easy...this was a good place for me to start. And oh my god, I soon became obsessed with my treadmill - I was jogging every day, even skipping the "walking" days outlined on my program to jog instead. And this new exercise certainly paid off. My first week I lost 3lbs.

On March 26th, we took the kids to support DH's brother in The Around the Bay Race - a 30km race circling the Hamilton Bay. I can't even imagine running 30km. Holy smokes. Seeing Dennis run this race was so inspiring. He was amazing. He ran the race in 2hrs13minutes - He rocked it. After we got home that afternoon, I thought I would just see how long I could actually run...and I did 20 minutes. I was SO proud of myself. Seeing people of all shapes and sizes run and finish an amazing race was so inspiring for me - I am going to keep training and hopefully be able to run the 5km CIBC Run for The Cure...I've done it once before, but this time I hope to run it...not walk.

So, I'm thrilled to say that my hard work on the treadmill has been paying off the past few weeks. Last week I lost 2.6, today I lost 1.2 - with a grand total of 28.8lbs. 11lbs to go to my WW goal...and 17 to go to MY goal of 140!!!! I am so motivated and so determined.

But you know what's funny - I know I've lost almost 30lbs but still when I look at myself I don't really see that much difference - it's silly, I know - but I've always been hard on myself and critical of my body - so tonight, HoneyPie and I were looking at old photo albums on facebook and I came across a picture of my mom and I. And I cringed! I could finally see a difference.




So, yes it has taken me 1y8m to lose 28lbs - but I did it...and I'm going to lose more. I sure hope that by my 2yr anniversary at WW (August 2010) I will be a lifetime member. Having lost enough weight to get me to goal and to be able to maintain it for 6 weeks...I can do it!!!!!

WW: Orange -Crumbed Baked Chicken

So, I haven't been doing that great with my WW lately. The beginning of this year, I was doing pretty well. I had lost 7.2lbs from January 1st - February 1st...and sadly from February 1st - now, I think I've gained it all back. UGH! It's my own damn fault, though - I've been snacking more - falling into old habits...and then there was Buddaroo's birthday - I made too much cake and had almost a whole pan left over...well DH and I dove into that pretty quickly. I was so upset with myself. So - weigh in is tomorrow night...and starting Thursday I AM getting back on track.

One thing I am going to do to help out on my journey is to try some new recipes. DH bought me a couple WW cook books for Christmas. I've tried a couple...but tonight's turned out great. Here is the recipe for:
Orange-Crumbed Baked Chicken
*Be sure to use whole-wheat crackers for the coating - they add to the nutrition in this flavourful dish. If you prefer, substitute lemon juice and zest for the orange.
Makes 4 servings:
2 tbsp orange juice
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp salt
3/4c whole-wheat cracker crumbs
1 tbsp grated orange zest
1 shallot, finely chopped I did not have shallots on hand, so I looked online and a suitable substitute is green onion with garlic powder
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
4 (3oz) skinless boneless chicken thighs
1. Preheat the oven to 350F, spray a nonstick baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray
2. In small bowl, combine the orange juice, mustard and salt. On a sheet of wax paper, combine the cracker crumbs, orange zest, shallot and pepper. Brush the chicken on both sides with mustard mixture, then dredge in the crumbs, firmly pressing the crumbs to coat both sides. Place the chicken on the baking sheet. Bake 15 minutes; turn over and bake until cooked through, 15-20 minutes longer.
Per serving: (1 thigh) 179 Cal, 4g Fat, 1g Sat Fat, 1g Trans Fat, 59mg Chol, 518mg Sod, 20g Total Carb, 3g Fibre, 16g Protein, 18mg Calc.
POINTS value: 3

Filling extra: Enjoy the chicken even more by serving with a bowl of steamed mixed baby vegetables, such as carrots, pattypan squash, and zucchini.

Of course mine didn't look as wonderful as the one in the cookbook, but it was so good. DH, Buddaroo and I loved it - HoneyPie doesn't seem to like much these days - she ended up eating it all, but dinner time is always a fight with her. So here is one WW recipe that I would highly recommend. If I find more I like, I'll be sure to post them =D

Here Come the Terrible 2's!!!!

"Today our little Buddaroo is turning 2!"


Two years ago today, our little Buddarroo was born - it still feels like it was yesterday. I can't believe that two years have passed. You have accomplished so much this year.

Buddarroo - You started walking just after your 1st birthday and have learned so many new words. You are chatting up a storm and love to talk to on the phone. You love to play with your sister and think she is so funny. 2 weeks ago, you started sleeping in your big toddler bed...no more crib for you (although it is just the crib, turned into a toddler bed...you still love it) You are feisty and give us a run for our money, you have had your share of time outs - but, you are the most loveable little boy I have ever met. You give hugs to everyone and love to say goodbye to the daycare parents, jsut as they're own children do - hugs and kisses for everyone. You are cuddly and love playing with Mommy's hair, as much as that drives me crazy. You make me laugh every day - you are growing up to be quite the little ham. I can't wait to see all you accomplish in the next year - Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you!


You are Mommy and Daddy's best boy - you and your sister are the reason the sun shines.
We are so very blessed to have you in our lives.
Happy 2nd Birthday to our wonderful little boy.

2010 IS THE YEAR FOR ME!!!!

That is our new 2010 WW slogan. "2010 is the year for me!" This is the year that we will get healthy, this is the year that we will get to goal. And I am going to do it! It's been a long time since I've written about my weight loss. And to be honest, the last few months, I have been stuck at a plateau. I had lost that 25 in September or so, and since then have been up and down - and then with Christmas in there, too - there were definitely a couple PLUS weeks.
At the beginning of January, one of the other members had said "this coming year, I'm going to treat it like I'm a new member - start fresh, follow the program like I should" and I thought, "Me, too!"

So this year, I have been tracking everything - choosing healthier meals - still haven't gotten my exercising back on track, but its a start. I definitely think my extra-curricular activities have been helping. Bowling every other Monday, Intermediate volleyball every Tuesday. At least it's something!

And...3 weeks in a row, I have lost 1.4 pounds - putting me at 25.6lbs lost. I was so happy. I've lost more this past 3 weeks (4.2lbs), than I have in 3 months. I am determined to get to goal this time - to stop paying every week would be great, but to finally, after 3 tries to become a "lifetime member" would be amazing!!!!

I spoke to one of the leaders there and she said "you're doing great, you'll be at goal in no time" I really wasn't sure what I wanted my goal to be - they have my goal weight as per my height anywhere between 111 - 146lbs. So, she said shoot for the 146lbs - follow the 6wk maintenance program and become lifetime...and then if you decide you want to lose more, no problem. So, that means I only have 14.2lbs to go until my first goal! I'm so excited...and now extra motivated.

Of course, to be healthy is my main priority - but to feel comfortable in a bathing suit and to be able to rock a pair of shorts this summer would be awesome, too.
So, as I said before - 2010 is the year for me! And I promise I'll keep my weight loss posts more up to date.

Here Comes the Heater!

As I've mentioned in previous posts, I have the BEST neighbours. The "new-girl" =D , had been nominated to organize a few fun events over these icky winter months to keep us motivated until our spring/summer/fall festivities begin. She stepped up to the plate and organized a team to enter into a local volleyball league. We are the Court Jesters (special thanks to Brad, for coming up with an awesome team name), intermediate volleyball team. EEEK! Intermediate? What was I in for?

The first game was this past Tuesday night. Our team arrived early to get some practice time in...and to scope out the competition. And boy - were they fierce. Our game was at 7:45 against "Da Ballz" This team was hardcore - a little intimidating.

The first thing they said to us "We're going to be running Libero, hope that's OK?" Libero? What the flip is libero? Alright, I was officially scared LOL (for those who don't know - a libero is the backrow defense specialist, they are allowed to sub for any backrow player when the ball isn't in play without previous permission from the refs. they wear a different color jersey). Well those Libero-running-jerks kicked our butts 4 games in a row. We all agreed that they were a little too hard core - more on a competitive level. They were beating us huge, yet still spiked the crap out of us - with one of our team mates taking one HARD off the shoulder. We weren't too impressed.

But nonetheless, we had a great time - with some drinks after...having fun was most important! And we sure did! But, we're still hoping we don't get our asses handed to us so brutally next week. =D It was so much fun - I'm glad I changed my mind and joined.

And you know what the best part of playing was:
When DH said to me the next morning, knowing how nervous I was about playing - "I'm so proud of you for playing, you did great!" He really is my biggest fan - supportive and encouraging even when I suck =D

Look Out PWBA!!!!

I joined a fun bowling league in September of 2008 with DH, our parents joined too after hearing how much fun DH had the year before (I didn't join prior as I was pregnant with Buddaroo). It's so much fun. We bowl with a friend we went to middle/high school with and his wife...and there are a few other people we know from school, softball, etc. We have an absolute blast.

I am in no way a great bowler. The first year we bought our own shoes, this year we bought our own balls - and boy, have they made a difference for me. My average has only gone from 104 to 117 but sometimes I unexpectedly score in the 130s, or 140s.

This past Monday, my scores were 109, 139...and then in the 9th frame of the 3rd game I got a strike....and then in the 10th frame, I got another strike...and then with my 2nd ball...I got another STRIKE! OH MY GOD!!! I screamed so loudly - I think the entire building heard my accomplishment. My very first turkey! I was so excited. My 3rd ball was a 8 or 9, I think. I ended up with 170. WOW!

Was a great night of bowling =D

32 years ago today, my wonderful DH was born.

Happy Birthday to my amazing husband, my best friend and my biggest fan.

I am so lucky to have you!

For you see, each day I love you more
Today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow.

Best news I've heard all year =D

I was searching some of my parenting websites and while browsing on momlogic.com, I came across this interesting post:

"Could fat thighs make you live longer.

A new study by researchers at the University of Oxford and Churchill Hospital in the United Kingdom suggests this might be so.

People with fat in their thighs and backsides may live longer because the fat traps harmful fatty particles and actively secretes a helpful compound. The study even calls this fat "protective" against diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions associated with obesity.

"Fat around the hips and thighs is good for you but around the tummy is bad," said Dr. Konstantinos Manolopoulos, one of the researchers.

A big bottom is much better than carrying fat around the waist, which tends to release more harmful fatty acids into the body, the research shows.

Understanding all this could lead to better drugs for treating obesity and related diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, say researchers.

Hallelujah!"

Does Santa want to date me????

For Christmas, DH bought me a beautiful heart pendant with a diamond and a sapphire with a silver chain...it is just what I wanted. He put into my stocking with all of the rest of my goodies and boy, was I surprised to see a jewellery box among the rest of the typical stocking items.


When HoneyPie saw me open it, she said "Wow, Santa gave you a beautiful necklace!!!"


Last week, she came to me when I was wearing my new bling and said:
HoneyPie: "Mommy, I don't understand"
Mommy: "What don't you understand, honey?"
HoneyPie: "Why did Santa give you that beautiful necklace?"
Mommy: "I don't know, maybe Santa knew I like necklaces like this and wanted to surprise me"
HoneyPie: "No. I think Santa wants you to become the new Mrs. Claus"
Mommy: (laughing) "Wow, do you really think so...how awesome would that be? I could live at the North Pole with the elves - that would be so much fun"
HoneyPie: (with a very sad face) "No No, Mommy - if you live at the North Pole then you couldn't be my Mommy anymore"

Perhaps, the funniest and sweetest conversation I've had with her. Now I ask you -


LOL!!!!

A Week at the Movies

This past week, I was lucky enough to get to the movies 4 times! WOW - 4 times in one week may be a record - it is definitely way more times than I've been in a month since having HoneyPie 4.5 years ago. Here are the movies I saw:

The Princess and the Frog

MONDAY - HoneyPie and I went together to see Disney's "The Princess and the Frog". My mom was going to join us but sadly was unable to as my Dad was pretty sick with an inner ear infection, poor guy. We are looking forward to the next movie we can see with Nana.
HoneyPie and I had a great time together. We went to an 11:40 show, had popcorn and M&Ms (her choice) and cuddled up together to watch this magical movie. Set in 1920s New Orleans, the movie focuses on a beautiful girl named Tiana, a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again, and a fateful kiss that leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana. Seeing such a wonderful movie with my little sweetie was just so awesome. She loved it, although was a little scared of the "shadow man" and his shadows from "the other side"...was a wonderful afternoon with my lovie.

Sherlock Holmes

TUESDAY - Date night for DH and I. Sherlock Holmes and dinner at Walker's Fish Market - Yum-O! Another fantastic movie. Sherlock Holmes is one of the most recognizable characters in English culture. Robert Downey Jr. did a great job bringing this classic character to life...and I'm not a huge Jude Law fan, but I thought he was pretty good as Dr. Watson. Set in old London, I found the entire movie a little too grey...not much colour to the movie, but overall, it was a great flick, although DH and I were pretty disappointed that they cut out the scene of Rachel McAdams in her lingerie that they showed in the trailers. We both think she's pretty great ;) Was a super fun date night!!!! ♥


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WEDNESDAY - First of all....WOW! This movie was amazing. I really didn't think I'd like it - I didn't know too much about it going in, just figured it was very spacey from the previews I had seen. I was a bit skeptical about the 3D glasses - I wear glasses for distance and always need them at the theatre...so I wore the 3D glasses on top of my regular glasses - ha! Was a bit bulky and uncomfortable but well worth it - the movie was so visually stimulating, that I didn't care about my discomfort. The story was touching, the colours and effects absolutely mesmorizing. This is one movie I would definitely love to see in theater. Perhaps in Imax, DH?


The Blind Side

SATURDAY - This year, my BFF, Mary-Beth and I decided instead of buying each other gifts, we would just do something together. We tried to arrange a double-manicure appointment, but with Christmas and then New Year's everything was booked. So we decided on a movie instead. We headed into a very BUSY theatre to see The Blind Side. What a wonderful, heartwarming story. The remarkable story of the All-American football star Michael Oher. I HATE football, but typically LOVE football movies (i.e. Any Given Sunday, Remember the Titans, Friday Night Lights, The Replacements and who doesn't love Sean Astin as RUDY!!!!) This movie fits into my list of fave football movies. Everything about this movie was great - the story, the actors - looking at Tim McGraw for 2+ hours was nice! We joked about how horrible Sandra Bullock looks as a blonde, but as the movie went on, it seemed as though her huge blown out blonde hair toned down a bit, and actually looked nice. Right, Meggy? I always love her movies...and this one was no exception. This is a perfect date movie....sports for the guys and a wonderful story for the ladies. Definitely a must-see!

Well, I never said I was a "movie-critic" so hopefully these mini reviews weren't too painful to read LOL
4 great movies in 7 days...made for 1 fantastic week!