In My Head....

I am uneasy and feeling blah for a couple of weeks.   Hormones are likely to blame. I also had a lovely tension headache for about 3 days off and on last week.  Nothing makes you more full of life and happy than a tension headache.

I chose to look on the bright side posting this to FB:

Looking on the bright side is hard when you are on day 3 of a tension headache. But I am. Three things I am thankful for: the wonderful friend who made a massage work for me in her busy schedule (love visiting with you as much as the massage), the GNO with another friend that was FUN and took away the headache temporarily (also the wine, good food and laughs) and the amazing friends my boys have. We are blessed in so many ways. Go ahead and hurt head, you cannot break me.

After some pondering, because that's what I do, I have come to conclude that I need to do some re-evaluating of my goals and aspirations related to fitness but more importantly body image.

I have been inundated with pictures of perfect bodies in barely there bikinis of late and regardless of my own self body image, good or bad, this has been affecting me more than I thought.

I know people who post those pictures do so because they are really proud of what they have achieved, and rightly so, and also because they might inspire others.

BUT.

When that is what I see, day in and day out and then I look at myself in the mirror, there are two possible outcomes (okay maybe more but I go back and forth between these particular two), I get inspired and work hard to be like them (guess what, I never get there, unattainable much?!).  Or I think for the love of Pete, I look like crap compared to them. I am worthless and hopeless and  I will now eat a tub of ice cream (and you know how bad it is when I will knowingly eat dairy!).

Let me explain.

You all know me and what I look like.

I am a healthy weight and body fat percentage. I am overall a healthy person. I rarely get sick, I get enough sleep and I eat pretty reasonably.


I do not wear bikinis.  I have cellulite. My belly button has been influenced largely (HA!) by the miracle of birthing my two of my three favourite boys in the entire universe.

I have body fat. And here is where I am going to lay it out there.  I am actually supposed to have body fat. And way more than these people in barely there bikinis.

So for my own sanity and healthy body image, I do not need to look like those girls.  And consequently I don't want to see those pictures because it's a vicious cycle of self-loathing.

(Facebook settings are very helpful here.  I like the people, they are awesome. This is about me. And my needs.)

What it comes down to is that I don't need to look amazing in a bikini. Because oh my word are there more important things for me to focus on and my worth is not based (in any amount whatsoever) on how I look in or out of a bikini.

Now if my heart and mind could get together on this, that would be all kinds of perfect.

Gratitude Squared

Remember when I was waiting a biopsy on my thyroid.  Yeah that was a long time ago, wasn't it?

As I waited for the biopsy, I went through some stuff.  The grouchies would be a mild adjective to describe it.  I offended a few people with a FB post in the process.  Not my best moment but hey, those who have taken the time to get to know me realize that wasn't me and it was a mistake.  Last I checked, we all make mistakes.

The biopsy involved six or seven needles to the throat.  Jay came with me and as usual, was my rock.

It was uncomfortable and sore and all the things you would think but by the next morning, it was all gone.

 

Then we waited and I kind of forgot that I was waiting to find out if I had the C-word.  For some weird reason, I had more trouble with the time before the biopsy.  I can't explain it other than work has been very busy and it occupied me.  I had no time to think and dwell  and that was a good thing I guess.

 

Until the day before I was to find out the results. Then I started getting a bit stressed.

 

 

 

Jay again came with me to get the results.  You know for everyone's safety.  As we sat there waiting I could barely breathe.  I had tried to tell myself it wouldn't be a big deal either way.  We'll deal with it. In a strange method to calm myself, I was actually looking forward to a day or two off work to accommodate the surgery.

 

I know.

 

You do weird things in these situations. 

 

The doctor walked in and checked his computer and said those two wonderful words that I wasn't sure I could hear, "It's negative."

 

And then I stopped holding my breath.

 

I made it all the way out of the building before I collapsed into Jay's arms in a puddle of tears.

 

Then I called my mom and we started all over again.

 



I do not know why I was one of the lucky ones who dodges the C-bullet.  I shake my head still. 

 

What I do know is that I have so much to be grateful for far beyond this one blip on the radar.  I won't always be this lucky but I will always be grateful for what I have.

 

Jay.  He brings out the best in me and loves me despite my million and one faults.  I thank my lucky stars every day for that day in June twenty years ago when we met.  

 

My boys.  They do not know much about any of this other than there was something in my throat being checked.   We didn't want them to worry until there was something to worry about.  I am so glad to be their mom.

 

My parents.  They are always there when I need them. I couldn't ask for more.

 

My friends.  You cannot pick your family but you sure can pick your friends and I have some of the best around.

 

Life is busy and good and I am beyond grateful for every single moment.

 

xoxox

Change Takes Commitment

2013 had a bit of a rough start for me in my second gig as a personal trainer. I don't want to talk about the situation in detail because that's not cool. And those of you whom are my confidantes are likely sick to death of hearing about it already. I have to give a shout out to you all though, you all know how to do the support and advice part of friendship right.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

My first client broke up with me.  Before I started this new adventure, I thought I would feel like a total failure if that ever happened.  It turns out I was wrong.  The break up was mutual.  I let the client make the first move though because I am, after all, the "professional".  The jury is still out on that, hence the quotes.

I don't feel like a failure because this actually isn't really about me at all.  Okay a little bit, but I will get to that later.

My experience is fairly limited in that from the perspective of someone starting on a journey to getting fitter and healthier, I have only my own to draw from.

By the time I started working with a trainer, I had made the commitment to make it happen.  It being the journey to fit.  It's not a destination, it's a journey that I began five years ago and continues to this day. 

So when I came to my workouts, I was ready, willing and going to do whatever was asked of me. Except when the nausea set in because, of course,  that was my body saying "that's my limit" thankyouverymuch.

I wanted to be pushed past what I thought was possible for me. And I was almost every time.  I kept getting stronger and it would take more to challenge me and I loved every minute of it.

Okay, maybe I am weird but I also happen to know a lot of other people who feel the same way. 

To this day I love the strength and endurance my body can handle.  I would say with ease but that would be a bold faced lie.  But the key is that what it can handle now with a bit of duress is about 100 times more than it could way back then.  I think I did a total of three push-ups during my first fitness assessment, and I am probably inventing two of the three.  The other day, I did 30 consecutively.

In the meantime, I have become a runner, completing two half marathons, about five 10 km races and at least as many relay races.  Five and half years ago, I would have laughed like a hyena if you told me that I would do that.  Hysterically.

My point, right, I should get back to that.  My point is that if you want to make a change, whatever it might be, lose weight, get fitter, make a pinata, or remove the possibility of being on an episode of Hoarders,  you have do the work. With a smile.  And the smile comes with the fact that you know, despite how hard it is, that this pain will get you closer to that goal. 

And tasting that goal is a reward so sweet you will have a bounce in your step and grin on your face for a month.

I know from experience.  So trust me a little, okay?  Just a little.  But more importantly believe. Believe in yourself. Believe that the work will get you there.  Not today, not tomorrow but slowly and surely and safely.

And when you are working out, building a pinata, or cleaning out the pile of stuff that is beginning to resemble an application to be on Hoarders, give it your best effort.  No excuses.  Excuses are just you standing in your own way.

And if someone is helping you out, your trainer, your glue maker, or your daughter who can no longer come visit because the couch has disappeared, make sure that your personalities gel.  If they annoy the snot out of you from day one, they are probably not going to be able to motivate you.  Oh and this can be measured in direct proportion to the number of eye rolls and critical comments you direct at them, just in case you were wondering.

That's where this whole break up was about me.  Personalities are personalities and if they do not work together, they just do not work.  It's not you, it's me....or actually it's both of us.  So there is no feeling of failure because that is out of my hands just like the level of commitment and self-belief of the client.

It's part of the gig.  I was a bit naive going in but this was a great learning experience.  And I will appreciate my other clients (Hi C & RL, you rock!) and my trainer even more (she kicked my butt today and I loved it from the bottom of my  heart).

Amended to add this very fitting quote:

"What if I told you that ten years from now, you life would be EXACTLY the same? I doubt you would be happy. So why are you so afraid of change?" - Karen Salmansohn

June, the Rest of the Story and Well July too

Another month gone, another birthday celebrated.  Kamden turned 8 and we celebrated in between his end of the season flag football and soccer tournaments.  He slept really good that weekend as you can imagine.

We almost had a tornado too.  Nothing touched down but we had these really neat clouds (Mammatus clouds) which only appear after a tornado type storm.

Pretty neat and much less frightening than the cloud I was driving towards that looked like it was forming a very large funnel.  It didn't, thank goodnesss.

I also prepared for and passed the practical portion of my personal training certification.  It's all done, I am certified and on ward ho.  It was stressful but so worth it.  I am looking forward to this new addition to my life.

I also bit the bullet and traded in my Blackberry for an iPhone.  I was skeptical but I am a full convert.  I just couldn't believe how much better it could be but it really is.  Email and internet are 100 times better and makes my work use of the phone so much easier.

And the camera kicks my Blackberry camera's butt to Portugal.

I got all dudded up to go out and celebrate my birthday with a good friend.  Also a busy friend.  It took us two months to find a day that worked for both of us.  Life is full and busy and good.

And we laughed till we cried.  Twice.

There ain't nothing better.



And that brings us to July.  The weather has been unbelievable and on the weekend we hit the beach to enjoy it.  We ran into Jack's good buddy from school and the boys got a tube ride out of the deal.  Living less than an  hour from about a dozen beaches is something for sure.

It's been a great summer so far, here's to the rest of summer.

Fair is Fair

While I was trying on clothes while shopping in Bismark, ND with a friend this past weekend (such a fun weekend with an amazing friend) a comment was made by one of the store clerks. I was showing my friend a top and the lady commented that it looked nice. Then she went on to clarify that it looked really good on me and something to the effect that it wasn't fair. Let's just say the lady was no size 10 and leave it at that, shall we?

I actually didn't think to much about it at the time but at 5 am this morning when I awoke for no good reason (other than....you know) I remembered the comment and lo and behold the elusive blog post was born.

*insert trumpets here*

Incidentally enough, when I logged in today, I noticed two things. Blogger looks completely different and my last post was almost a month ago...but I digress.
It got me thinking about how much luck was involved in this whole scenario.

(And then I went looking for a photo of me from a few years ago and got sidetracked looking at the photos from my half marathon in Sept. Mental note: those shorts are not the most flattering and two words: "sports bra".)

Here's me in 2004.  Yes, Kamden was about 3 months old, but truthfully, I did not shed the double chin I am sporting here until he was 3 years old.

How much of that process was luck, really?

Was it luck that made me make a change because I was unhappy?

Was it luck that made me change what and how much I ate?

Was it luck that started pushing me physically harder than I have ever pushed myself in my life?

News flash:  Changing habits is hard and it was no easier for me than anyone else.  I chose to make the changes and because I worked hard, I reaped the rewards.

I used to look at fit people and be green with envy.  Then I got serious about my own habits and health and now I look at people both fit and on their journey to fit and am incredibly inspired.

It's a choice.  The only luck involved is that I was and continue to be able and healthy enough to do so.

The Second Half

Hi Y'all!

Or Mom anyway.

*blows dust off blog*

Ahem.

This is hard. I don't even know how to start so here goes...

Here is me and my good friend, Cheryl. She came to my fair city for the first time. I have had the opportunity to visit her a few times now so it was fun to have her come here this time.

We did our usual spa and shopping on Saturday which was, and always is, so much fun. I swear my fashion sense goes up a notch every time we shop.

But this time we also added a new activity, one that we have been talking about doing for a very long time.

We ran together.

A half marathon to be exact.

Cheryl is a veteran half marathoner so we agreed we would run at my pace, you know so I could remain conscious. My goal was to beat my first half time from 2.5 years ago of 2:22:29.

Here we are at 3km (all photos courtesy of Cheryl's husband, Tim) and I was on pace and feeling great. Cheryl was discussing our full marathon training while I ran beside her. I think she may have been having some reaction to the Regina water, poor girl.

She told me not to talk, just listen right about this point too. Something about my protesting violently taking up too much energy for the remaining 18k.

What was I to do? She is the veteran.

Things were going great. At 7k we passed Jay waiting to pick up his leg of the relay. I was feeling great!

At 14k, I was starting to slow. The day dawned sunny and they were calling for 30 degree heat. At this point the temp started to climb and I started to slow considerably.

I knew it would happen, and was prepared. I had hoped I could push myself harder during a race than I had during my training runs. I could not.

Jay passed us at about 16.5k then waited for us to go by at his finish point (17.5k into the race). I made a sad face as I went by. I was hurting and I was very happy to see him.

Our plan was for him to leave from there to go pick meet my mom to pick up the boys - a 1.5 hour drive. He didn't. He called mom and said he would be a bit.

He met us at the finish.

When I saw him I yelled, "I love that man more than words can say!"

He came to run into the finish with us. He knew I was hurting and it means so much.

And Cheryl was fabulous. She didn't judge or push, she just ran beside me. Good friends. I got 'em and I know it.

I came in at 2:22:09. Yes, that's right. A whopping 20 seconds faster than my first half. Part of me is happy. I did it in the heat. It was hard but I did it anyway. The other part of me is saying why didn't you just push a little bit harder?

I was reminded by another good friend that given that I felt sick for the rest of the day and the day after that I should stop being ridiculous. I told you I have good friends.

(As an aside, the very next day Fall arrived. Murphy is a complete asshole.)

That friend is on the left - Terry-Lyn. She ran the half too. She was originally going to run with Cheryl and me but the girl is a hare and we decided she should run her own race, not held back by me.

She finished in 2:00:04. This was her first half marathon EVER. That time is killer and I am very proud of her (also green with envy but she knows that and we joke about it).

It was a great weekend and as always, I was sad when Cheryl had to leave. Until the next time, my friend. I look forward to it.

As for the race, I am very happy I did it. I wasn't sure I would attempt another one. I don't regret it. Even though I didn't quite meet my goal. What I did do though is run two more half marathons than I ever thought I would and that is something. Something rather huge.

I do have another goal though.

This time, I am not going to quit distance running altogether. I worked hard and sweated buckets of salt (I have the white stains on my hat to prove it) to get to the point of finishing a 21.1k race.

So this time, with no talk about whether or not I will do another half, I vow I will keep up my distances.

Because that sweat has to be worth at least that.

Photo Food Journal

Back in early 2009, I documented my journey to fit. This journey has not ended and I have not stopped seeing the positive results. I began my journey by doing cardio 4-5 times a week. In 2008, after a year of cardio alone, I was determined that I needed to kick it up a notch. Or three.

Cue working with a personal trainer. Worth every single penny. Then I took up running and ran a half marathon and then kept running regularly (much shorter distances though, whew) along with regular weight training.

This brings us to today. I am down to the weight I was when Jay and I first got married, I have much more energy (most days) and I just feel all around better. We won't discuss my shopping addiction. It's the only downside so far to getting fitter and healthier. I want to buy fun, trendy clothes now because when I try them on, my reaction is not what the %&$&$^ is that?

However, this last week and half, I have been lethargic and down right grumpy. It's not my hormones this time. Those are under control thanks to a lovely prescription to Seasonale .

What it is, and I know it, is my eating habits have been sliding backwards. Over this journey to fit, I have made several changes to my eating habits, slowly and surely. Lately, what with Thanksgiving pumpkin pie and turkey, I have been falling back into the trough. Literally.

So today, I am getting out of the trough and back into clean eating (Kami's edition) and because I am desperate for blog material, you are the lucky winners of a photo food journal. Hold your applause until the end, please.

For breakfast, calcium added orange juice, 9 grain oatmeal with a few raisins topped with almond milk. Did I mention that I am lactose intolerant? I have, for the most part, given up all dairy. And I don't actually miss it that much because when there is a dessert or dish that has dairy, all I need is a little help from my friend, Lactaid.

Breakfast is followed by my morning coffee, Organo Gold Coffee to be specific. Whatever that ganoderma extract does, it works. I living proof. Regular coffee makes my menopause symptoms go bananas (and not in a good way) but this stuff doesn't. Colour me happy, coffee coloured to be specific. I split the pack into two and have two cups a day.

Another important change I made to my eating habits is eating less but eating more often. It works, people, it really works. Energy levels stay much more constant and you stay happier. It is win win. My snack range from fruit and nut mix, to Sweet and Salty Peanut granola bars (YUM) to this one, soy yogurt, half a banana and 1/3 cup of Choo-it oatmeal mix.

Lunch is often leftovers.

Today it was turkey meatloaf with sun dried tomatoes, steamed broccoli and cauliflower and snap peas.

There will be another snack before supper, since today, the boys have swimming right after school and then Kamden has a soccer game. I am also sipping my second cup of coffee as I type this.

Supper will be a packed picnic to eat in between. Somehow.

Today, for Jay and I, supper will be salads accompanied by last night's BBQ'd steak. Top it off with the oil and vinegar dressing my mom has been making since I can remember (I can make it now. All by myself. I am so growed up), it will be good. I hope.

And later, because every day still requires some form of sweetness, I will have a square of dark chocolate (70% cocoa butter). Mmm. And probably another snack once the kids go to bed.

So there you have it. I am pledging to get back on track with this here gem (Ha!) of a post.

Because it is all worth it.

Any ideas on how I can eat even better? Or did I inspire you to make a few changes? Or did I bore you to tears? I am going for a record!

Why It Is Good to Be Me

A friend commented yesterday that I am in such a good place right now. Between that and a high school acquaintance's FB comment (that I am positive would be a friend if we lived closer - hi Tirzah!):

"I am truly grateful for: 1) no wind this morning, 2) that I am strong enough to stand up for what I believe in and what I want in my life, and 3) a supportive man who allows me to be me!"

It made me sit back and reflect. Damn straight I am in a good place! I have always been strong to stand up for what I have wanted in my life, and I have been sharing life with the perfect man for me for the last 17 years.

I take none of this for granted.

I remember where I was and how far I have come.

I no longer pine for something more; for something a little different than my reality.

I am living my life instead of hoping for a different life.

There are so many 'what if's' in the world and we can spend a lifetime wishing and hoping for something different.

I did that for a time. I, personally, would not recommend it.

I am so grateful that I have somehow, no doubt by the grace of God, found contentment. I look forward to every new day not because I hope it will bring something better, but that it will be more of the same.

Daily, there is something to remind me that this is how it was supposed to be:

- A dinner out to a nice restaurant with the four of us

- a trip to Las Vegas for the two of us with no worries that our boys would not be perfectly fine with their Grammy and Granddaddy (more on that trip later, I promise)

- a concert night for the two of us while the boys stayed home with a teenage babysitter (they are 9 and 6 and last month was the first time - yes, really)

- my health and fitness because really, if things had turned out the way I had once wanted, I would not be where I am today in that regard

- making my boys laugh because they are old enough to 'get it'

I can't really describe adequately in words what I feel. The best way to describe it is peace, joy, love and contentment all rolled together into a ball of excitement for what the future will bring for our family and for my career, which I can now focus on a little bit more.

That is why it is good to be me. If I could share a little piece of this with everyone I know and love, I truly would.

Awesome Abs

Ever since I got my DSLR (Cannon Rebel), my point and shoot has been sitting idle. That is until Kamden picked it up a few months back and started shooting random photos of things around the house.

Like his Christmas blanket lounging about eating bon bons (also what I do all day, in case you were wondering).

He even does self portraits.

Not bad, though clearly he's been hanging about with me too much. And don't worry, he only saw stars from that ridiculous flash for a few minutes. Nothing to worry about here.

Every now and then he focuses his camera on me. Yes, in the most attractive poses you will ever see. Exhibit A, while I am fixing his afternoon snack.

I haven't taught him about not placing your subject right in front of a windw so there's that. But what I love about this photo is that I look three months (or more) pregnant. And while it's wonderful and fantastic and beautiful to look three months pregnant, that only applies when you actually ARE three months pregnant. Of which, in case you missed it, I am NOT.

Um, lower abs, any chance you could, you know, do some work and hold that there ponch in?

Which lead me to the point of this post, (ha, fooled you, there is actually a point other than showing off my son's exempliary photography skills) self body image.

I don't know a woman who hasn't struggled with it. I am no exeption. Looking good is important to me because it makes me feel good. I know that sounds vain and shallow and it likely is but if I feel good about how I look, I have more confidence in myself, am more outgoing (which is all relative given that I am not a social butterfly by any stretch of the imagination) and gosh darn it all, happier.

And for the most part, I do okay. Mostly I feel like I have never looked better.

Then.

Then I see a photo like that and it's almost enough to make me give up and eat poutine. Three meals a day. And I don't like poutine. At all.

The point is that all the crunches and running and boot camps and healthy eating (within moderation since life is for living and living means eating tasty treats whether they are good for me or not) will not fix the one thing that makes everyone look their best.

Good posture.

And using the muscles that were given to us.

Hello, lower abs. Guess what? Time to train you bad boys into working 24 - 7. And quit your griping, you've have had 35.5 years of vacation (before I had kids they likely didn't need to work too hard, there was nothing to hold in and since I have had kids they haven't worked too hard at all,trust me). Lower abs, we'll call you Labs for short, it's time you pulled your own weight.

Because in my head, this is what I see.

And these pesky bad photos are not good for my self image.

And also, because I know you are thinking but are too polite to say, if this is my biggest concern, life is good. And you are absolutely 100% right but it's better than no post at all, isn't it?

Wait. Don't answer that!

The On Going Effect of THAT Diet

Way back in October, I had the crazy idea that I should pursue alternative methods to maintain my health. You will recall that I was advised, by a naturopathic doctor, to do an elimination diet, or as I like to refer to it, THAT diet. Wherein THAT is a four letter word uttered with much disgust and spit. I quit after only two weeks on account of feeling like crapola on a stick.

I thought that was the end of it. I already knew I was mildly lactose intolerant long before embarking on my very short journey into alternative medicine.

You might be thinking that I didn't give it enough of a chance. And you might be right but, humour me, okay?

So in the weeks after I re-introduced dairy accompanied by the most useful product known to man, Lactaid tablets, I realized that I am no longer mildly lactose intolerant. Now I am full on, hardcore, show no mercy lactose intolerant.

(insert profanity here)

Prior to THAT diet, I could eat a square of chocolate without Lactaid and have no ill effects. After, well, one square is enough to set my stomach into overdrive. Those who know me, know that Kami without chocolate is a fish without water. This fish is now land bound. And not happy about it neither.

It's as if the complete abstinence from diary for two weeks resulted in any natural enzymes to digest dairy that my body once possessed to disappear.

I know, I know, one does not need dairy to survive. However, life is for living and food is an integral part of living for me. Life without dairy is not a path I wish to embark on. Pizza, nachos, tacos, my favourite Greek chicken with feta, the list is endless. I am all for eating healthy but a girl's gotta treat herself every now and then.

Now that treat requires copious amounts of Lactaid.

I highly recommend you buy stock in the company.

(insert further profanity here)

It's a New Year

The holidays (aka eat fest 2009) are over and they were great. Christmas is so much fun when you have kids to kick up the excitement factor 400%. Jay and I had a lot of fun shopping (that was sarcasm) for the boys. It seems that as the boys get older and have very specific wants, we have more fun (sarcasm again)with the shopping. I guess leaving it until mid December wasn't so smart. It appears that all the good stuff sells out and all that is left is random Transformers no one has ever heard of. Maybe it's just me who has never heard of them, since I have never seen the movies but then again neither have the boys. So why do they love them so much then? That leads me to why in the name of all that is good and holy, they market toys to kids for movies that are not appropriate for said kids. That's another post. If I ever get around to it. Don't hold your breath.

We started off the festivities at Grammy and Granddaddy's (Jay's parents) with the boys helping to make the stuffing for Christmas Eve dinner. Jack has been helping with this task since he was old enough to tear bread and Kamden joined in as soon as he was old enough.

We also celebrated my Dad's (aka Pop) birthday on December 23rd. Also an annual tradition (shocking, I know).

Apparently my kids are coming out of their shells. Look at them stealing the thunder from their cousins. Which is funny because you should have heard the groans when I asked them to pose for a picture.

Kamden decided that snacking on an apple should be more than just eating. He is nothing, if not goofy. We kind of love him exactly like he is.

And right after I finished my Mommarazzi gig on Christmas Eve, my camera battery died. Guess what I forgot to pack? That's the battery charger for $1,000, Alex. I hijacked my Dad's camera on Christmas Day but then promptly forgot to transfer the photos to my laptop before we came home. But if this is my biggest goof, I am going to pretend that I am doing okay. Shh. I like the bubble I live in.

We also did some tobagging at Grams and Pop's (my parents) but it was bitterly cold so we just did a few runs and then headed back to our positions by the toasty warm fire. It's another Christmas tradition that we had to partake in. In your face Quasi Arctic weather.

New Year's was spent at a family party hosted by some friends. We ate, and then ate some more, and then more. Isn't that what the holidays are for? Once the men had finished watching the Canada vs US World Junior Hockey game (Canucks won in overtime - three rounds of shoot outs - or something like that, what do I know, I think Lanny McDonald was a kicker for the Roughriders) we broke out the Wii for some Rock Band.

I sang "Can't Buy Me Love" by the Beatles (I only had one "leaded" drink, I swear) and got 100%. I think they better have their Wii serviced, it's got to be broken. And Kamden and I sang Taylor Swift's "Picture to Burn". I wouldn't say I love it, but once I hear it, I sing it at the top of my lungs in my best country twang. Have I mentioned that I can't carry a tune if my life depended on it?

This practice is also called Torturing your Children Needlessly.

In other news, our Elliptical, my old friend, the one that got me back into shape over the last 3 years, broke. The tension quit so while you could still use it, it wasn't much of a workout. Jay is hoping he can fix it but parts are not available until sometime next week. We have been tossing the idea around of purchasing either a treadmill or a home gym (not sure where we would put that in our small house but details, details...). While at Costco purchasing the goods for our New Year's potluck dishes, we bought a this bad boy.

(Note the Christmas PJ clad dude doing bench presses? He loves to "workout".)

I guess if you are going to impulse buy, a treadmill isn't the worst thing you could buy. It's a 3.0 hp motor and solid as a rock. I can jump on it and it doesn't move. Related: it's very heavy. Assembling it was a strength training workout for Jay all on it's own. I can "help" but let's be real, I ain't much of a "help". I am awesome at supervising though. At least I think so.

We haven't decided if we will keep the elliptical or sell it. I am not sure I can part with it, it's got a special place in my heart since it's what got me motivated to get fit.

So that there was our Christmas season in a nutshell. May 2010 be filled with joy and blessings for you and your family!

Naturopathic Dropout

Remember my elimination diet? Remember how I was all about better eating for better health?

Yeah. So.

That went well. Did you detect the sarcasm?

Turns out, as a wise elementary schoolmate pointed out, a Saskatchewan girl giving up wheat is like an Albertan giving up driving an SUV and a British Colombian giving up pot. And yes, this very comment on FB made me laugh. Out loud. The acrid aroma will get you every time you stroll the streets of downtown Vancouver. It's so punny 'cause it's true.

Anyway, back to me. Everyone together now, 1, 2, 3 all about me. Me and wheat. Together we are better. Wheat completes me. You had me at flour.

Okay, okay enough with the bad movie lines. The point is, when I last wrote about this I was craving some bread fierce. That craving got stronger and I got weaker, more tired and even more grumpy.

I contacted the naturopath. The one I like to call Shirley. Her name is as opposite to Shirley as you can get but you know, calling her Shirley makes me giggle (see above 1,2, 3 it's all about me). She told me that restricting my diet to that extent could cause my adrenals or my thyroid, I forget which, to under perform.

WHAT?

Genius. I went to prevent such an occurrence and here we are doing things to ENCOURAGE it?

Also, funny how the issues I told her about are the ones that came out of the "assessment and diagnosis"?

Hmmm. A bit like going to the psychic sporting your wedding rings and she tells you that you are married.

So here's the thing. I went in with an open mind and the velcro hooked up to the blinking lights pretty much shot that out of the water.

What did I learn?

I am lactose intolerant and minimizing my sugar intake is a good thing.
I spent $250 to gain information I already knew.

(insert profanity here)

The good news? Because there is always silver lining. I think. Most of the time. Is that now that I am not restricting my diet, I feel great. Flip flapping fantastic.

It's all relative. And, apparently, expensive for idiots. Live and learn.

I've gone off nuts, it's official

If you are a regular reader (hi, y'all, you know how much I love you, right? M'wah) you know about my health issues. I have pretty much maxed on any help from the medical side of things. I am on hormones, which have helped immensely, however, the migraines that began the day before we left for Hawaii this past January have not budged. In fact, they love to pop up at the most inopportune moments, like smack dab in the middle of my Pilate's class a couple of days ago. Not to mention that my thyroid and adrenal glands could just up and go the way of my ovaries whenever they feel like it.

A friend mentioned (Hi Jackie!) a naturopath. What the hell I said, what have I got to lose?

So I went a week and half ago and I won't lie, parts of it had me going, are you serious?

For example, the Velcro straps that she put around my ankles, wrists and forehead that were connected to a small box with blinking lights that proceeded to tell her computer all kinds of things that normally would require extensive blood work. And then, and this had my mom laughing so hard she couldn't talk, to see what supplements would work well for me, she proceeded to place bottles of liquid on top of the box with blinking lights.

I know, I know, I should have an open mind but how, on God's green earth, does a bottle of liquid on top of a box tell her how my body will react to whatever is in the bottle?

And if this works so well, why haven't we abolished invasive blood tests?

Anyway, I didn't really go for that part of it, though I am taking the supplements the blinking box said would work and I feel good. What I went for the diet and nutrition part. I believe strongly that what I put in to my body has a huge impact on its productivity and well being. I have already learned that fitness goes a long way, surely improving on what I am eating will also help. And in fact, maybe I can even prevent further health problems such as a slacker thyroid. If I can, why wouldn't I?

She (the naturopath, we'll call her Shirley), put me on an elimination diet. That means that for three weeks I can't eat dairy (no surprise here, I have been lactose intolerant for years), sugar (I may have audibly gasped when she said that), wheat, eggs and peanuts. WHAT? No peanut butter and honey toast for breakfast? You are KILLING me slowly.

I love sugar. I love baking. I love my toast for breakfast. In no particular order.

That was a week and half ago. I honestly thought giving up sugar was going to put me in the loony bin. It hasn't. I am okay. I have some honey every now and then to keep me sane and I am good to go. What might surprise you (Hi Mom and Dad) is that I have not eaten chocolate since I can remember - likely the day before I started this diet, I have a short memory, what can I say. For me, this is an eternity. And I am still breathing. Wonders never cease.

What I would do though is cut off my left arm for a piece of bread. Slathered generously with peanut butter and jam, full sugar jam (if only I could be that much of a bad ass). Almond butter is good, but it's not peanut butter.

Today, armed with advice from several wheat avoiders, I hit up the health food store. Lo and behold! A whole array of flours that nary did see the stalk of a wheat plant. It was like I hit the mother load.

I bought a bread mix that while it contains some sugar meets the rest of the requirements. I baked it up the minute I got home.



The second it came out of the machine, I sliced a piece and slathered it with jam (sugar free).



It was good. And I finally feel full. Taking wheat out of my diet left very few carbs and I need me some carbs to feel full. It's a process. I am learning. And I feel great.

I'll let you know how this adventure turns out. Or Jay will in between visits with me in the loony bin.

Yet another running post

(from my Mom's garden, I can't resist sunflowers these days, they just make me happy - thanks Mom!)

This weekend, as I mentioned in my last post (would someone tell me to get a grip already, enough with the wallowing in self pity) that we, as in Jay and I, were running a relay this past weekend. Some people go to church on Sunday mornings, we run (don't judge until you've run a mile in our shoes).

The relay distance was a full marthon distance of 26 miles or 42.2 km split five ways. Terry-Lyn, Jay's boss's wife (say that 5 times fast) ran the first 7 km leg in a lightening fast 37 min. Jay and I were waiting at the first exchange zone so she could pass the timing chip off to me. We almost missed her! Thank goodness Jay saw her and I yelled. Here we are passing the baton (figuratively of course, it was actually a velcro timing chip).



I feel bad for any one behind me when this picture was taken but on the other hand, it is my best side. And I was off. And everyone passed me again. (Warning, I am my own very worst critic) But this time I was only running 10.5 km not 21.1 km. The people passing me where either doing 21.1km or 42.2 km. Me and a turtle have a lot in common. I finished my leg in 1 hour 5 min and 27 sec. EXACTLY the same pace that I ran the first 10km of my half marathon. EXCUSE me, but can someone tell me how in the world I did 11 more km after that?

Anyway, I passed the baton to Jay, who the previous day had come down with the cold from HELL. He went to bed at 8pm with a raging fever the night before his first race. I was shaking in my boots thinking I might have to run his leg too. That would mean I was running the equivalent to a half marathon. WITHOUT training for a half marathon.

Needless to say I was overjoyed when he woke up felling 75% better.

He ran his 11.5 km in 1 hour and 1 min and some seconds for change. Yes, that's right, he ran 1 km farther than me in 3 min less. But I am not dwelling on that (okay, okay, so maybe I have told everyone who will listen about it, whatever) because I am so damn proud of him. He is amazing and this just further proves it. A bad cold and he has a personal best!



Next up it was Jen's turn. She did a great recap of the race over at her site too, go check it out and you will see my very hot legs (yes that was sarcasm). She ran her leg in 1 hour and 6 min and change. A good 6 min faster than she and I did it together a mere 6 days before. I am so proud of her! She has gone from not running a stitch this spring to finishing a 9.5km race. GO JEN! Next up is our 5km race (see button on top right to donate!).



Here is Jen coming in to pass off to the last runner, Kent, Jay's boss. Poor girl was hot and tired and almost ran right by me as I was snapping away on my camera. I believe I reached out and grabbed her hand and pulled her in!

And off went Kent on the last leg.





We all met up at the end to run across the finish together. Unfortunately we have no photos because they require your first born as a small payment to purchase the ones taken by the professional photographer. No thanks, I have become quite attached to Jack.

A big thank you to my Mom who came and took care of the boys while we ran, it is much appreciated Mom and so good to have you around!

This racing thing is quite fun, I might keep it up.

3k, Our way

This morning we got all suited up with our numbers. We were ready. We had trained.

Cutest racers. EVER.

Ready and raring to go. 10 minutes till race time.

Half way and still smiling.


The homestretch. I made them run across the finish line. I am mean like that.

We're done!

The boys did fantastic. They had fun training for our 3 km walk and we really enjoyed the "race". And then for some classic irony we enjoyed hot dogs and hamburgers after. At 9:45 am.

Next year, 5 km!