The rise from the thaw

So, yup, it's been awhile.   No doubt about it!     I can't even really say for sure what happened to me/us, but like true sisters, it happened pretty much at the exact same time.    It must have been the winter blues.   Ya that's what it was.   Oh to live in California like the rest of you bloggers! :)  JK.

So much to fill you in on.    I'll let "J" fill you in on her exciting life - oh how life can change in the tree months - that's all I have to say about that.

For me, I've (semi) started to run again - training for a 10K.   Not a particular race per se - but I'd be happy to get up to 10K 3x a week.   I bought an "I" something or other from my girlfriend, downloaded the Couch 2 10K app on to it, and bam, I'm on "the program".

Oh, and I've also discovered "The Carb Lovers Diet".

The Carb Lover's Diet

The Carb Lover's Diet is interesting because it puts all the fads aside, and get's back to just plain hold healthy eating - in moderation.   Imagine!     But you know, no matter what diet, program, way of life, call-it-what-you-will plan, you still have to be organized and plan ahead.    And THIS!! dear friends, is my nemesis.    More about that later, but I"m open to any input you may have. 

I have even read The Power of Habit in hopes that I could force myself to get into the habit of planning my menu and my runs.   Really enjoyed this book!  Very interesting on how our brains work.

The Power of Habit - read it!

Let's see, I think that's it for now.   Have to run and watch the finale of American Idol.    I'm a Idol wanna be - fact.  

Glad to be back - hope you're still out there.    Drop us a line, and let us know you're there.

Weigh-in and Surfacing from the Winter Fog

Workouts:  some.  Can't remember, really, because I've been in a February winter brain fog.

I think I've been in a winter-induced slump.  While it's been a great winter here (relatively, for Canada), it's still winter.  There's been little sun, some cold, lotsa freezing rain and crappy commutes, and just the general grossness of winter.  Even though I've been taking ginormous amounts of Vitamin D, and C, and every other vitamin, my energy has been lagging.  Therefore, no blog posts.

But I've now had 3 great sleeps (long weekend - Family Day - yay!), and the sun has been shining for 3 days.  I feel energized from some quiet time and some exercise.  I HAVE been working out because I know it does contribute to increased energy and brighter mood.

So, now it's time for the Monday morning weigh-in:

At the end of Week 7:  -2 pounds (?  I think).  Total change 2012:  -5 pounds.  Total change since the beginning of the blog project:  -12.7 pounds

Slow progress.  Very slow progress.  But progress, nevertheless.  

Here's what's lacking:  diet consistency.  I get sidetracked by work, stress, weather, PMS, socializing......you name it, it derails me.  I envy those people who can just focus.  No discussion.  No negotiation.  No over-thinking.  No options.  Just do it.

But that's not me, and I'm working with what I've got.  However, I'm very optimistic because the sun is getting warmer every day, the snow is melting (for now, at least) and we only have another 4 weeks of winter.  Spring changes everything!

On other notes, I'm obsessed with Downton Abbey.  Have you been watching? Some of the cast were on Letterman last week.

And I saw Ryan Reynolds and Denzil Washington in Safehouse.  Aweosme suspense movie.  Go see it if you need some beefcake to brighten up your holiday weekend.

Weekly weigh in

Jae and I have been slackin' here a bit.   I think because it's February and winter seems to go sooooo slow.    Ya, I'm sticking to that :)

Results:   -.4
Total:  -7.4 lbs.

I'm also off track.   Way to much socializing last week and weekend.    How does everyone else cope with all the socializing?     And then with that much socializing, comes the fatigue, and well we all know what happens when fatigue sets in.

Here's a little inspiration that caught my eye on favorite site these days (Pinterest):

 

via 

Happy Tuesday my friends,

Pushups!

Workout:  Wednesday - nada,  Thursday - lower body + treadmill

I love pushups.  They make me feel powerful.  Strong.  Queen of the Universe.

Here's two of my favorite ladies doing pushups.  Enjoy!

I'm Stylin'

I made a decision this week that it is important to ""design a life I love".    What does this mean exactly?   It means I'm tired of whining about my corporate job that doesn't feed any of my creativity..   You see, I am a Leo, and Leo's tend to be artistic (well according to Astrology Zone).

"Leo is considered to be one of the most creative signs (along with Pisces)"

So, I signed up to be a Stylist with Stella and Dot.    I love all things beautiful, I love beautiful and unique jewellery, I am very social (which is why my day job is so boring), I love women and female energy, I am in a sales career so figure I have some transferable skills, and dammit, I AM CREATIVE.

So, won't you come and visit me over at Stella and Dot?   The spring line is out, and it's so so so pretty.  I can't wait to be sporting some of this lovliness myself soon.

 My Personal Web Site

Monday Weigh-in on Wednesday

Workouts:  Monday - treadmill & abs, Tuesday - shoveling snow! (just a little)

Weigh in at the end of Week 4:  no change.

I seem to have lost my blogging focus....or maybe I'm just brain dead all together.  It could be that I'm suffering from January blah's, or I'm overworked, or I've got the PMS that never ends.

In any case, I'm offering this little smile.

Ya, that's me.

What goes up, must come down

Weigh-in:  +2.3 lbs :(
Work-out:   Boot camp (instructor was 8 months pregnant!)

Well, I had to say I knew it.    It started last Thursday when I had lunch with a friend.   The conversation got serious with her confiding in me, and the next thing you know we had 2 glasses of wine each - and this was the beginning of a somewhat downward spiral.     And that lasted till last night (Sunday night).

However, today was a new day, my food planning was bang on, and I got to the gym for a Boot Camp class.   Did I mention I joined a new gym - so exciting.

And so I seem to be on auto-correct.   One good food day, one good exercise day, and I'm back on track.

What did you do today that you will be thankful for tomorrow?