okay okay will start blogging again as well. Had a good week for the most part - managed the challenges of attending a sales meeting with a limited menu. Then did probably eat a little more than I should. I have been much more active but am not expecting miracles on Tuesday. Oh well I just need to get myself focused and get it done!

Had a little blip last week and I gained, although it was somewhat deserved I didn't think it would be so much but oh well, the body does what the body does. The important thing is that I am definitely back on track. Have been walking daily the last few days. I did have a big breakfast out but wandered around WOTS for 2 hrs. I also had a light dinner to help balance my day. So we see how this week's weigh in goes. I hope to be rid of most of my gain, but am not expecting it all to be gone, that will be the following week. :)

Keep at it...it will come off. Your body is just adjusting. Follow the program and it will work eventually.

And I have to say thanks for getting me to join again. While I am mad at myself for letting my weight creep back up to within inches of my highest I am really happy I am taking steps to turn it around.

I am really focussing on the 8 healthy guidelines and slowly getting back into exercise. I am looking forward to enjoying being active again.

This aft I decided to take an errand and turn it into an exercise session. Had books to return to the library so instead of driving I walked and added a bit each way. It felt great and now I have my exercise for the day done.

Tomorrow I am going to try really hard to make myself go for a bike ride. It used to be one of my most favourite things to do and fall is a perfect time for cycling. I will report back tomorrow.

so finally figured out how to get back on this blogging site - well doing the ww thing with sister there - i am doing great in two weeks I have managed to gain 1 lb! who goes on a diet and gains weight???? i have been encouraged to keep following the plan and see what happens the next two weeks -- not as motivated as i was.

cheers - if only i felt like drinking a beer! okay will cheers my water glass.

C.

2 Weeks in..

..and so far so good. I am slowly getting back into the exercise habit and it is starting to feel better already. Had a weekend with 2 food related events with stuff I really like and don't normally have but I think I did OK. A bit more than I had planned but less than if I hadn't been trying and still within my ww points. I also made myself go out for a walk tonight to help offset some of the food (i.e. the cheescake ). I did want to go but then was getting comfy on the couch and almost talked myself out of it but I made myself get up and out the door by giving myself the option of just doing a short walk. Well once I got going with my ipod on I did end up doing my longer route. It felt great and I am glad I went. Weigh in tomorrow so I will see how this week went....either way it is Ok. It is what happens over the long term that matters and I know I am doing the things I need to do to be successful in the long run.

Back at it.......

Well we re-re-re-re-re-joined Weight Watchers this past Tuesday, and so far so good. It is definitely helping me get more activity in, in fact I finally went for a swim today. I really enjoyed it and may even go again tomorrow. Also, as the temperatures start cooling off the timing is perfect for some walks or hikes through the trails. There are lots of nearby options, I don't have to keep walking the same old street routes. I think it is time to start discovering some new walking routes that are a bit more scenic.

Got another walk in again today. they have been shorter walks but hey at least I am getting out there right???

Went for a walk tonight. Yay!!

so have walked and walked and when I was done walking -walked some more -- I could not even avoid the rain because yes we were puppy sitting. It was a lot of fun and really good for my exercise plan. I am a little worried that the puppy has gone home and I am going away for a few days. Oh well it is almost habit now. I am also trying to park further from stores etc so that I get at least a few extra steps in. Wish me luck off to write an exam.

C.

Keeping it up

Got my walk in yesterday too. At least three days in a row now yay!!

Walking does wonders to clear the mind.

When I lived in Vancouver I used to start every day with a 45min-1 hr walk by the beach. I would pick up a Starbucks along the way and sit on a park bench for a bit and just look out over the water. That was very calming and a good time to think. Sometimes when I am struggling with a decision or other things, going for a walk helps clear my head and somehow the answer comes to me. I forgot about that and now am realizing how important that was/is to me. And as much as I like swimming, it isn't the same as my thoughts are consumed by counting lengths, mthinking about my stroke etc. although it is a great way to just get away from everything but walking is different. So in addition to all the fitness/weightloss benefits, it is also very helpful mentally as well. Yet one more reason to keep on going.

On a roll

So I went for a walk yesterday too, my longer route again and it was great. I could feel myself starting to pick up the pace a bit as well- yay! I am also doing weight watchers again (on my own for now) and am down 2 pounds. Now if only this stupid strike would be over I could start swimming.

Todays planned walk is a trip to the library, prbable a medium walk.

About to head out...

... even though it looks like it is about to rain. I actually like walking on stormy days.

Was out earlier walking around and am about to go out for a second.

Here I go.

I had forgotten how physical my job is. Being off for a few months i had forgotten how much walking, lifting etc there is. A good thing I have been walking lately. So on top of the job - I am puppy sitting for a friend. So walking and walking and walking is part of my everyday now. It feels good - don't know how I will notice a difference other than I do not dread a long walk. Better go take the puppy out.

just home from yet another day at the horse show and yes in the rain - I figured if the horses could show in the rain I could walk to and from the ring in the mud - oh boy it was muddy. I did enough walking getting rain sheets (rain blankets for horses) rain coats for kidling and coffee to try and stay warm. I will sleep well and guess what - had a late lunch around 3 of a stir fry so am not planning on having anything heavier than a salad or fruit for supper. Back at the show tomorrow to bring everything and I mean everything home! I will get a lot of exercise there

Walking in the Rain

Well it looks like I am on the every other day plan- oh well that is better than nothing and I can keep working on increasing frequency as well as duration/distance.

It is quite rainy today but I decided to go for a walk anyways when it wasn't too bad. Of course it figures that just as I got going it started raining harder. I kept going and got totally soaked. Oh well I'll dry!

For today's walk I decided to pass by the local outdoor pool. It was closed last year due to repairs and practically unswimmable the year before because it was so cold (which is why it was closed for repairs last year). Anyways I wanted to see how things looked and even though they said it would be open this summer my cynical side was not expecting that it would be and even if it did, I figured it would be later on in the summer. Well what a pleasant surpirse it was already open.

In the pouring rain.

I was half way tempted to go home and get my bathing suit and go for a swim, and be the only one in the pool, just like old times - lol. But it is probably still cold since it is so early. So I settled on stopping in to find out the hours. 12-8 everyday. Perfect I will have to get there one day (at least) next week. It is actually a nice walk there and back, combined with a swim would be really good.

Short but Sweet

So today it was raining, and I had to go to the post office but instead of driving I walked. It wasn't really a long walk but at least it was a walk and I didn't give into to driving despite the rain.

21K is a long way, gotta keep doing this!

Today's walk

Well this morning I decided I was going to go to the market. I drove because I was intending to buy plants and didn't want to have to walk home with them in plastic bags. Anyways I ended up circling for a few blocks to find a spot. Ended up parking a bit far a way but not a problem, gives me an opportunity for a walk. So I wandered around the market, looked at the plants but there wasnt really anything I wanted. Wasnt much in the way of produce either but oh well got out for a bit of a walk. So I headed back to the car then remembered passing the newly renovated library while looking for parking. Took a detour and went to the library which is very nice and also added to my walk. So it ended up being a good trip and now I have a new destination for a walk.

That is great -it looks like we were both out yesterday being more active. That is the lifestyle I am aiming for. I spent it at the horse show and walked to and from the different show rings and stable. I was really really tired at times - but reminded me that I can walk and it is good for me. I noticed at the horse shows there are not too many overweight or out of shape people. I think I have figured out why. I am off to work shortly and am going to through some sensible walking shoes into my car to walk over lunch. I get the sore ankle in flip flops - I can not wear them for more than around the house - I just do not get enough support. Lets both keep working towards this new lifestyle - seems to be working!

Beautiful Day

It was gorgeous here today, no excuses for not getting out for a walk. I met up with some friends for a picnic. We went for a big huge walk to get where we were going and then the same again to get back. It was lovely. Then I went for a wander in the market. It was just too nice to stay inside. Tonight I am tired - but a good tired. My ankle was a bit sore, my fault for wearing flip flops, but I should be fine by my next walk... first thing tomorrow morning!

So yesterday I tried every trick in the book, laundry, dishes, too tired, when this movie is over... I finally went out for a walk my kidling has more tricks than I (had to study for exams) so went out by myself. I was going to walk around the block then expanded it a little. I ran into some friends and was going to go over and have a glass of wine (undo all the good of the walk!) then her kidlings wanted to go to the convenience store. So I walked with her -because of course they did not want to be within 10 feet of us. So what started as a small walk around the block turned into a great chance to catch up with a friend and at least an hour long walk. Kidling was wondering where I had gotten to when I got home. His loss

Today off to a horse show - something is amiss when I start thinking about what to wear based around shoes that I can do a lot of walking in.... maybe this really is getting into my head...

hey I get the anchor/less thing - I love structure albeit loose structure. So here is what nudgy is proposing... you could come an clean my house, do my groceries, and you could walk to and from the grocery store. Since you would not want to get bored - you would have 3 to choose from and a fourth if you are really really interested in a challenge! All kidding aside - I think we both need to put some structure into our walking our half marathon is 5 months away! I am walking well on the 20-30 minute side I need to increase intensity and distance

The nudging is good

In fact I am going out for my walk in about 3 minutes.

Not sure why I am not going. I think that it is partly because I am a bit anchor-less right now. Not sure where to focus my energies so am just a bit scattered. As much as I don't like structure, I do need some.

Well now that I write that I realize a regular walking pattern will only help.

Def want to do the marathon (1/2) and you are right it is not that far away.

Ok butt get yourself out the door. :)


LATER

OK I went for a walk, a short one mind you but I did go. Will try to get out again tomorrow.

okay nudgy here - want to know if you feel better blogging again and facing the fact that you are avoiding the walking for whatever reason or would you rather I leave you alone. Because I have told way way to many people we are doing that half marathon and the date is fast approaching.....you cannot cannot back out on me-- too scared to do it on my own

Haven't been blogging....

...because I haven't been walking. No real excuses other than letting myself get busy with other stuff.

Well thanks for the nudges sister I am going to get myself out for a walk today.

At least I have been doing lots of gardening, pulling weeds is murder on the hamstrings :)

I've planeted tomatoes, cucumbers, beans and peppers. I am going to arrange my walk todat to pass by the little shop I get my plants from and pick up some lettuce. OK there I have committed to doing my walk. Will report back later.

sooo my kidling did not want to walk with me last night. What is with today's youth! His excuse was he had to study for an exam - can you imagine his education vs. my health -haha. So I did go out with a friend for a walk only about 30 minutes. The mosquitos got in the way. It is feeling good to get out walking even when I am really really tired. I worked a conference yesterday and was so pleased to see customers reaction to the products I will be selling -- happy happy happy. Maybe instead of walking I should be doing a happy dance.

so finally started my new job and have still managed to get out for a walk. Grabbed a kidling last night and went for a walk. He resisted at first then he suggested we go for a longer walk! Maybe I have a walking partner in the making. It is harder fitting everything in while trying to work and have a life. I did meet up with friends last night for a birthday celebration. I could have worked but we were all getting dressed up in "little black dresses" so I ended up driving. I need to find better solutions. So I am off to work today and going to work a conference so will make sure I walk around the conference as well.

So managed a charity walk then picked up a friends puppy for the night. Big mistake - forgot how much Ihad to walk an active puppy! I think I must have walked at least 10-12k that day. Yesterday officially started my new job. Really nice people and like the job. I must be making walking part of my daily way of life since I dropped off the motor home for my daughter then decided to walk to the site instead of getting a lift. I said without even hesitating - I needed to stretch my legs. Only got about a 5-10 minute walk but better than riding on the golf cart.

just finished my first charity walk! it was suppose to be 8k but race organizers had to make it 5.5k because course was too wet or something. It was a bit of a challenge but felt great to get moving in a group and for a good cause. I walked with friends and was able to walk at the lake - does not get much better. So Donna and I decided to do one of these charity walks a month - One of my kidlings has gone away for 2 weeks and I start my new job tomorrow - so no time like the presence to really make a change in my life. I am puppy sitting for one night and the cutest puppy is full of energy so going to have to take him out for a bit of walk - oh well good for me!

So yesterday - did not go "walking" but went downtown to a baseball game and walked to friends house after parking, walked to and fro ball game after parking - so I know I am stretching it but... I had a really great night with a good friend. He has some pretty serious cancer to deal with and some stuff behind it. None the less we managed to laugh a lot and talk a lot. When someone gets sick you think about yourself sometimes and why I am not doing everything I can to keep myself healthy. So I am even more determined to keep moving and eating better. The problem is I love parties and food! I guess it is all choices I did it before and had a great time so I can do it again. Tomorrow joining a friend and her family on a walk to benefit type 1 diabetes - I don't know why but I am a little overwhelmed by it being 8 k vs 5k that I originally thought. I know I will get through it but worried that I am not in good enough shape. One step at a time. I know it is for a really goood cause. Wish me luck and I will keep you posted

So just back from the first 2 days of meetings did I mention that I really like my new job. However the only walking I did was down the street (10 minutes) to the pub! So last night grabbed a kidling and headed out for a walk. He did not want to come, but came around and we actually extended what we had planned to do. What a great way to find out what is happening with the kidlings. So have 1 more day until I officially get started and am off to the ball game tonight - hopefully I can refuse the hotdogs!
Will try to get moving more and am planning on keeping my shoes in the car incase I am inspired to take a quick walk

Cyndi

Tuesday

Well I actually did get out for a walk. It helped that I was out of coffee and planned my route to pass by the local coffee shop. LOL.

Anyways it was a great walk, and now that we are going to have a few nice days it should be easier to get out. Not that weather should really be an excuse but it is.

I am also going to head out to the market later to do some walking/ shopping so I'll get a second one in today too.

I'm still trying to find the strategy that is going to work for me food wise. I have a couple of good days and then I get busy or am out a lot and it falls apart. Ahhhh.

Anyways as long as I keep trying. Two things I know: I can't let myself get too hungry so I need to make sure I eat breakfast and plan for some healthy snacks. Also planning ahead and having foods on hand that I like really help. Last nigth I had some leftover veggie sushi that was really good, really healthy and super filling. I need to have a repertoire of meals like this and then make sure I have those ingredients on hand.

So have not been out on a walk in 2 days - I have been working in the yard and dealing with the #$@% hedges. So hopefully will finish the worst off today and take them to the dump! Then planning on going for a walk this evening and packing to go off to my first meeting for my new job!

I am sooooo excited.

so did not get out for a structured walk - however i did buy a chainsaw - i know a little weird - but needed it for my hedges. Figured I keep hiring someone to do them every year - I might as well do them myself. So started on that project - more hedge than i imagined - but all the walking to and from the front has got to add up to something! I think as long as I am active it is a good thing. Off today for a picnic - should be fun and maybe will walk down by the lakeshore.

so was a little bit of a fair weather walker - I need to get over my fear of rain! Did get out for a walk last night about 30-40 minutes. I made plans to get out today - so will keep on walking but it is easier to let myself get distracted with the everyday stuff. So will keep it up. Will be interesting how well I do this weekend on the food - got a party for my sis on sunday - I have no excuses since I am doing the cooking

what a week - I finally landed in a new role - I am soooooo excited. The trick for me will be to keep on walking. What I used to do was keep my shoes in my car and walk on my lunches. So I will try to keep it up. Then I had promised to do a charity walk with a friend in support of juvenille diabetes. I thought it was 5 k - oops 8 k - oh well i have a week to pick up the distance. The challenge for me in my new role will be the food. I am off to a meeting next week and i have no control over the food - I have control over how much I eat - but the lunches and breakfasts are pre ordered - I will have to think my way around that. eeeeee I am excited - a whole new start.
tally ho!

Doors Open

Off to Doors open Toronto where I am sure I will be doing lots of walking following by dinner at friends so probably a mixed bag today, good on the exercise side and challenges on the food side- we will see I will try my best and report back later.

so was out last night with a friend walking again - it is becoming a routine - but today went to the market with one of the kidlings - go for a walk with a friend - then kidling and I are walking to a friends house for dinner. So figure I am getting my walking in today - I am planning for another pivotal interview on Monday - so I hope it goes really well. The walking is a good way to clear my mind and think things over - so will make the most of it - wonder how all the walking is going to balance out with the bread I am making as I blog. Remembering a half marathon in 5.5 months!

Cyndi

had a good day - 2 interviews but am nervous to hear the results - so after a long day of talking about meeeee I went to a board meeting to plan future of aquatic sports in Guelph. Very cool. I did walk on the university campus and am thinking about going out for a longer walk now. I am going to see kidling tomorrow for a few hours and take my mind of this job hunting. cross your fingers

Weeded AND Walked

What a beautiful day! I decided to get out and do a bunch of weeding again today, that is definitely a workout! I had decided that would be my activity for the day and was OK with that but then it is just so beautiful out I decided to go for a walk too so I threw on my shoes, grabbed my ipod and out I went. It was great! Did my "long" route which is about 3.4 k, I even found myself pushing my pace subconsciously which is a good sign (and I think the music helps me do that).

Thanks for posting the link for the half marathon, I will check it out and having a target helps. I think regular walks with a long one on the weekend is a good pattern for training.

I am happy that I am fitting more activity into my day, and making an effort to do so. I will continue to work on doing this. Two other things I want to do fitness-wise is to start bringing swimming back into the mix as well as my bike. Not immediately because I am building back slowly and dont want to overdo it or be unrealistic but over the next few weeks to get out for a swim and bike or two.

Food wise continuing to do OK, still room for improvemnt but also making progress there too YAY!

Okay training for the marathon oh yah half marathon. I found a post for it and I am pretty much on track. So I will put the link up = the key is to keep on moving and move almost everyday. I think we intuitively know what we need to do.

http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/walk.htm

I will keep you posted on how my training is going - but I seem to be doing a pretty good job. I do need to have a longer walk on the weekends but will get there. I do know that I have to walk everyday no break for the weather unless it is the planned day off!

hey sis - glad you are moving to. I must admit my commitment to you to walk a half marathon is keeping me on the straight and narrow. I know that if I can do it you can to and vice versa. So lets both keep moving. We were sports kids and sporty adults once! I had a great walk with Karen last night and discovered even more trail at my front door. I have no reason not to walk more than around the block. In fact I can walk for hours and never see a car! I had a really good interview yesterday and woke up earlier this morning excited for the day to begin. I hope this is a sign of things to come. In fact I was going to go out and get a walk in before the kidling got out of bed. I can not even believe this is me talking! I am making more healthy food and not having the snackeroos in the house and if I don't have them and have to cook a snack - guess what -- I am not eating them. I will keep you posted on 2 or 3 walks today

Just home from Curves

Thanks sis! Reading your post helped me get of my butt this aft and off to Curves. Walked there and back and had a great walk, it is beautiful out and a good workout, feel nicely tired right now. Slowly but surely I am going to drag myself kicking and screaming back to an active lifestyle. Once I'm there I'm good but getting there is def a struggle. I ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS feel better after working out so why is it so hard to get there sometimes??

Anyways tomorrow I am planning on a walk and am going to go charge my ipod so it is ready for me to go tomorrow.

Doing Ok on the eating side, definitely eating healthier foods but could probably start working on reducing portions over time...baby steps!

so I am going to go to the horse show every day - I walked and walked and walked. I mean even if you have to go to the bathroom.... you have to walk. I guess that explains why all the riders are in such good shape - so yesterday, Sunday, I did not walk as much- kind of taking a bit of a day off. I simply walked around the block/park for 20 minutes. I have a few interviews this week so am preparing for them and used the walking time to clear my head and focus my ideas. Cross your fingers. I am hoping to get out for a walk before my interview this morning - but will have to see if the kidling is looking for a ride or not to school. Off to get walking and moving - there is no excuse there does not appear to be rain in the forcast for a week or so

So today - I walked the hill with friends. Found out is is a 4 km hike. All my walking has certainly started to pay off since I was not the one getting winded! Then had a great time over a tea with my hiking pals. Then was surprised by a friend with a pedi and mani - man I forgot how much I like this. To top it off - I walked to and from her house for dinner. Am I ever spoiled. the question I have is. Is the walk to and from considered one walk or 2? Since I did spend 2 hours at her house. This way I would have been on 3 walks today. I have shared my sisters and my goal of walking a half marathon. Now it is real and we have to make it happen. Just keep moving, just keep moving, just keep moving. Tomorrow I am up at the horse show - so I am going to avoid using the golf cart and walk more. Keep you posted

Back to the gym

Congrats on all the walking!!!

My ankle is almost back to normal and I think it is good enough to go back to Curves later this aft. So I WILL go and report back later.

Later:

I went, just got back yay! It was pretty good, walked there and back. Only a few twinges and problems getting my shoe back on but other than that it was good, and I went!!

3 walks in one day - not bad and finding it is not so far to walk home from a friends place - lots of time to think. come to think of it it was when the realization that all I had to do was start walking more came to me when I was walking from Karen's house. So thank you Karen for living just far enough to allow the creative juices to flow in my mind as I walk. So will keep on walking and I actually enjoyed the drizzle today o almost turned around and went back into the house. The best part of it was there was no one else out.

Post to you all later

another day - 2 walks! - and I got a few errands done along the way. I had an interview that went pretty well so feeling pretty good. I tried out the kids ipod attachment that counts your steps/speed when walking. I am going to try and keep it up and see if I am going further and faster. When I was walking yesterday came across 3 deer - they watched me intently but did not run away. It makes walking so nice to have a place to go that is different and the only way to describe it is fresh. Today I will get out walking again - the more you do it the more you want to go.

Yay for you for walking!!!

I considered going back to curves today but opted for running errands and yardwork instead. Perhaps tomorrow. I did get a fair bit of walking in around the mall and which included buying new batteries for my exercise bike :)

I have just finished doing a bit of yard work as well, cut the grass and started working again on pulling out the weeds that seem to do so well in my yard. Who decided weeds were ugly anyways? Wouldn't it be much simpler to let the thigs that want to grow, grow?

Anyways am now sitting outside with a coffee enjoing the warmth and the feeling of being nicely tired after some activity.

Lovely

went for 2 walks yesterday - even with a bad back! went to pay a bill for a friend and then walked with another through a park. The chiro said the best thing to help my back right now is ......walking! I think I already knew that but the idea of moving at first when things hurt - ouch -- so the key is just keep moving just keep moving just keep moving. This should work.

I am moving better this morning and hoping that after I get moving more - every thing is going to be okay. So the food thing is sorting itself out since I am avoiding the grocery store and I have discovered bbq chicken with bbq sauce! who needs anything else. Well of course fresh apples and I am good to go.

so did not go on an official walk yesterday - but help set up the "remote stable" for the horse show. I did a fair bit of walking here there and everywhere. Even walking to the bathroom was a distance. No wonder those riders are in such good shape - everything is a walk. The bad thing is my back is out now-- so sister - i feel your pain and frustration. I booked an appt with the chiro for this afternoon. I am still thinking I might be able to walk over to the bank to pay a bill for a friend. So I know the key is to keep moving - the one good thing is I not getting of my couch to get food!

Plan C.5

OK so I had decided I would try to go for a walk today, then it started raining with major thunderstorms. Ok so plan B, I'll ride my exercise bike so I head downstairs and get on the bike but....no resistance- the batteries are dead. Thats not a problem I have lots of batteries so I go get the new ones and chnage them. Hmmm that doesn't help so I guess I need to buy some fresh ones. Well then the weather clears..perfect I will go back to my original plan and go for a walk. But I couldn't get my shoe on my sprained ankle, both due to swelling and pain.

Sidenote I am definitely calling the Dr on Monday.

Anyways fiddled around with the shoe and laces and diff ankles and was able to get my shoe on and managed to make it out for a short walk. Yay!

Better today

Definitely feeling better today. Still a bit sore with certain movements but overall improved. Am going to try going out for a walk...a short one but at least I will get out there. Did groceries the other night so I have a fridge full of healthy foods. Back on track!

Maybe tomorrow

Still stuck on the couch for a good part of the day. Doing better but not well enough to get out exercising. I had wanted to get back to curves, maybe tomorrow.

went for a great walk yesterday - guess I should call it a hike - the trilliums were in full bloom. Run into a 2 foot snake and a very large snapping turtle. Also two very cool tiny little butterflies a black orange and white, and an brilliant indigo. Not to mention all the birds. It is nice that I can get exercise and enjoy all this. The think I realized about hiking was it is not flat - it takes effort to go up and down those hills. I did break a sweat. so today I have an interview - will have to fit a walk in sometime. I guess it all comes down to making thinks priorities again.

UGGHHHH

Well my ankle is improving everyday but now today I have a headache. I am really #$@#$% sick of feeling like @#$%$$#. If this isn't motivation to get back to regualr exercise and healthy eating I don't know what is. remind me of that whne I start feeling better.

so we are all sick here - cough, cough cough, and when we are done coughing we cough some more. However I have planned a hike with a friend for this afternoon. Hopefully I will get all my callig out of the way this morning. Not much happening on the job front - kind of sad - makes me wonder when i will finally land a job again and if i am being too selective. However, I do not want to work for free and do want to like what i am doing so that i am happy when I get home. I think that that happiness would transfer into all aspects of my life - including my willingness to follow my lifestyle changes. Maybe this is in part why I went so far off track - change is good but want to make the right changes not change for the sake of change.
cough cough wish me luck on my walk

just got back from my walk at the university. I got out my nordic walking sticks - and yes I felt it in my upper body - but what a great day for a walk - the trilliums are out and so are the #*@& mosquitos! I really felt the difference with the poles - I will have to look into why your upper body is sooo much more engaged with the poles.
It was a great way to start my day. So now I will focus on getting some resumes and cover letters out and making a few phone calls. I have not felt the urge to eat anything but my breakfast. might have one of the yummy market apples in a bit.
Hoping my walking buddy is back in the mode soon - I can't wait to take her to some of my new walking destinations. As I was walking today and finding it a little challenging I was wondering when did just walking become so hard - i still can't believe i have slipped soooo far. Oh well at least I am doing something about it

Slowly Improving

Well bit by bit my ankle is healing, still limping a bit and stairs are a pain but definitely better than the last few days. Unfortunately I haven't been eating any better. I do know that my eating habits tend to improve quite a bit when I am exercising and obviously the reverse is true...so what does that tell me? Nothing I don't already know but it just reinforces what I know I need to be doing. I might try Curves tomorrow and just do the parts I can such as the arm and ab weights, to get me back on track before I lose the motivation that was giving me.

Ha Ha - yes my walking bubby is out of comission. I had not realized that I had made such a typo - but i guess if I had then i would have fixed it-- and no longer be able to laugh at it! I guess my sister is now stuck with a new name.

I did manage to get out for a walk this weekend - but also had a few social situations that made eating celery and lettuce leaf a little more challenging. I have found that I am staying away from alcohol too - not that I drank much - but one or two drinks a week can add up. So what am I really saying instead of two drinks I had one - oops I had a beer when I came home last night -- so there goes that theory!

I will get out walking today and am meeting with my coffee club to see if I can get back on track or if they have any brilliant ideas on what it will take to GET A JOB! So see yah later and will try to keep the typos to a minimum.

Maybe it was devine intervention that my sister is no longer my buddy but rather my bubby-- hey it is better than being called bubba.

Set Backs

Well I think I am in a better frame of mind today. I was pretty bummed out over spraining my ankle on Frday just when I was startng to get back into the exercise and eating properly thing and feeling super motivated. Needless to say the last few days have been spent on the couch and meals have been whatever was closest and did not require preparation. My ankle is feeling a little bit better today. I am going to guess I'll be mostly healed in a week and what is a week in the grand scheme of things? So for today I am going to try to eat more healthily and maybe tomorrow I can try a few mins on my exercise bike.

LOL

OK I am still feeling cranky but have to lol at walking bubby :)

Typos always crack me up for some reason.

Stupid sidewalk

For the most part got the house cleaned up today, applied for a few jobs, did a few loads of laundry but guess what did not get done....hmmmm..... did not get out for a walk. In fact, I almost avoided it. I am feeling a little better about things but not happy that I still do not have a job - but was really busy today so did not snack nearly as much. I am meeting friends for a drink tonight - think it will be fun - maybe I will walk to the pub! Off to do the first round of kid drop off.
Hope my walking bubby recovers quickly - she might have sprained her ankle...

kid is still sick.... just waiting till I fall ill. I know it is a matter of time the odds are against me. He actually suggested we go out for a walk over lunch - will take him up on it. I have been doing okay with the walking thing but snacking here and there not sure how good I have been - at least they have been healthy snacks - it is the volume over all that counts. I am heading to a funeral later today kind of sad - just a reminder to that we only have a defined period of time and we need to be as healthy as possible to enjoy what we have here. So I will get moving again. I want to get a job and have a sense of purpose along with being a mom, taxi etc.... keep you posted

Getting Fit

Yesterday was a good day. I was a bit busy and hard pressed to fit in a walk but I arrived early for my class last night and went for a bit of a walk first instead of killing time having a coffee or something. I think this Curves thing has really helped me commit. At least so far, it has only been 3 days lol. But I think that is what is needed. Motivation will come and go, but if I am truly committed I will find a way to make things happen regardless of how I feel. Like last night. I am really hoping I can keep this up. I miss the old me that use to love being active and fit. I know it will take work to get back there but I think it will be worth it. Going for my second workout at Curves later this am. Yay!

so another day - another sick kid... oh well .. I am really getting frustrated with this looking for a job business. I have made phone calls, e-mails, personal contact - no one is hiring right now. I feel the frustration starting to get to me. What I do not want to let get to me is breaking the walking routine I have finally started. So to reach a goal, one has to have a plan. I will work on getting a job for this morning. Then I am going to meet a friend who is also looking for a job, and go for a long hike. This way we can talk strategy and get our exercise in as well. All this while I take care of my sick son. I need to get in the right frame of mind to make sure when the interview comes along - I can get that job!

Day 3 and feeling good

Yay for walking to errands! And looking for a job is frustrating. I know you are sick of hearing me say this, but keep at it and the right one will come along. Walking when you are feeling stressed is one of the best things you can do (I should take my own advice). And a hike on a beautiful day like today will be wonderful. I'll bet you $1 million you feel better afterwards :)

Hope sick boy feels better soon and he doesn't pass it back to his sister, but rather out of the house for good!

Curves yesterday was great. I had a good workout in and today although I am not really sore I can definitely tell I worked out. Back again tomorrow. I am planning on going Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. In between I will try to get some extra walks in.

Food wise seem to be doing OK. I am going to spend a bit of time cooking so that I have stuff ready to go, I don't always feel like making a full meal everynight so if I can have some stuff on hand it should make life easier. I made a big pot of tomato sauce yesterday. Today I am going to turn it into chili, lentil/dahl thing and spaghetti sauce. I am also soaking kidney beans, some will go into the chili, the rest will be used for caribbean rice and beans yum.

So I finally walked to my errands today after it stopped raining. I have enlisted my kids to encourage me to walk where ever I want to go. I am lucky for the most part, I can do that. I am okay on the food part and have not been snacking. Have only had 2 diet cokes today - believe me I am making progress! My biggest challenge is going to be having to cook for my family when all I really want is a bowl of soup.

After walking I feel a lot better and already noticing that it is not as much work to walk. The mailbox is just a hop, skip and a jump away - no longer a walk...

Day 2

Ready to go for day two. Yesterday when I checked my mailbox there was a flyer from Curves. You can join for 30 days, no other commitment and be part of a study. I called and am going to go there this afternoon. To participate in the study you have to commit to 3 workouts a week. I have never been a big gym person so I like the idea of limiting it to a 30 day commitment. Also this will be something new and different so I hope it will help me get back in the exercise habit. It is close by so I can walk there getting in a bit of a walk as well.

Food wise I don't see any particular challenges today so we shall see. One of my other goals this month is to try to limit what I buy at the grocery store. I have a pretty full pantry and freezer so I need to use some of that stuff up. Going to try to limit my food purchase for the next month to fruits/veggies and dairy.

Day 1 was not too bad

Well I had a pretty good day too. Good luck passing up the birthday cake. I am lucky I am not as good a baker as you :)

Food wise things went well, tomorrow I am going to make a fruit salad to have on hand for the munchies.

I did manage to get out for a walk. It was a beautiful day and I had a really nice walk. I always enjoy it when I go so why is it sooooo hard to just put my shoes on and head out the door??

So made it through most of the day - tonight I am making roast beef and birthday cake - going to try and do it without the cake. I feel like i have not stopped running around today. Instead of grabbing a granola bars went for the cherry tomatoes-- and am going to try to cut back on the diet coke (is there rehab for diet coke drinkers??) - hopefully I will keep up the positive outlook. lucky to have a supporting sister who is doing it too!

So, finding a way to work more walking into your day. I know we are suppose to walk 10,000 steps a day -- somehow I do not do this anymore. It hit me yesterday when I had to park 5 minutes away from the pool - I thought this was a huge hike! So just need to get moving more. I am planning on trying to walk more for errands. Today - I have to ship something back to a rewards program - so my commitment is to walk to the courier. I will start wearing a pedometer and keep you posted on how far I get. Wish me luck.

1/2 of the walking sisters

OK so today is officially day one. Going to start with some leftover raw (and healthy) cookies (mmmm) and have a bit of fruit later on. Exercise goal for the day is to go for a walk. Today should be a straightforward day but I need to make sure I plan properly around my French class and split dinner in to two. If I eat before my class I am hungry when I get home, and if I eat after I am starving through class and will make choices that are fast not necessarily good. So that is the plan for today.

Getting started

Well we need to do something! So we are trying out blogging to see if it is something we can both use to aid us in our weightloss and fitness goals. My goal is to lose weight and get back to the fit person I used to be.