Hibernating and Regrouping

Workouts:  2 sessions with Trainer Matt

Well, Christmas is over and we're very close to New Years.  I've spent the week cocooning, especially since it's been -50C outside!!!  OK, not really, but it feels like it.  Darn cold.  Mittens-scarves-long-underwear cold!  It's been a great time to curl up and decompress from a busy holiday season.

Golden Retriever Barbie has come for a sleep over and we just came back from a romp off-leash in the park.  Disappointingly, there were no other doggies out today.  We had to play by ourselves.

This isn't GRB, but she looked just like this.  Forgot the camera.

As Ess mentioned, it's been a time for reflection about the accomplishments and disappointments of 2011.  I'm very pleased with my year.  I joined a new club - fabulous 50 year olds!  I took off the 10 pounds I gained over the summer and tried a few new health experiments along the way. Except for feeling a little chubby from the holiday indulgences, I feel healthy, have slept lots, and have enjoyed the company of my wonderful sisters, nieces and Mom. 

Now it's time to set some goals for 2012.  Have you set some goals/resolutions?  Which term has a more positive spin to you?  While I have some financial goals, a need for greater balance, and hopes for a cleaner house this year (ya, right), my major focus is once again on health and fitness.  

I've signed up for a session with Peak Performance for a body composition test and a resting metabolic rate assessment at the Ottawa Heart Institute on Saturday, January 14. It's inexpensive, and I think it's  good way to begin the next phase of the Mission!

We'll be picking a starting day very soon to begin the next stage....stay tuned! 

New Years Resolutions or Goals or 2012 Bucket List

It's December 28th and 2012 is just around the corner.  So tell me:   do you make New Year's resolutions?   or do you set goals?   how about a 2012 bucket list?

I have to wonder - is what we call "the resolve" what sets us up for failure?      Do "New Years Resolutions" encourage people to try and change the things they do not like about themselves?  (read:   somewhat of a negative starting point non?)    I have to think that setting goals and/or identifying a bucket list would focus more on moving towards achievement rather than changing a negative behavior.

Yes, as I think this through, and as I write this post, it's starting to resonate with me.    I will set goals for 2012.    Ahhh, perhaps, I will find a beautiful bowl or vase, write my goals on beautiful stationary and as I achieve each one, one by one they will find their way into my "bucket".      Hmmm......interesting concept.  I like it.    Just thought of it now.    Must be the avacado I put in my smoothie this morning :)

So what do you think:   Resolutions?    Goals?   or a Bucket List?   What resonates with you?

And now............GRB (Golden Retriever Barbie) (Jae blessed her with this name).

She does love the camera, and at the same time, entertains her mother to no end. :)    Love you Layla :)

Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Buone Feste Natalizie, Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan, Froehliche Weihnachten.......

On this clear cold Canadian Christmas Eve morning, the cookies are baked, the gifts are wrapped, the fridge is stocked, the stockings are hung....

There is nothing left to do but enjoy the company of our loved ones over good food and great wine.

We will start the holiday by gathering together to give praise and prayers of gratitude for the good fortune to have so many blessings of family, health, love and security.  I wish all of these things for you as well.

And then the festivities begin! 

To you and your loved ones, may your days be merry and bright......

Joyeux Noel a tous

Christmas Eve.   The sun is shine brilliantly today.   The sky is blue.      It's a blue bird day.    And, it's minus 15 degrees.   But hey!   It's Christmas - we can't expect July weather in December.

I'm on my way out to the mob's to pick up a few things.     Wish me luck!

May your holiday season be filled with all the blessings you can imagine, peaceful times with family and friends, and gratitude for all that is good.

Merry Christmas.

Weigh-in and Catch Up

Workouts:  none.  I'm a slacker!

At the end of Week 16:  +.5.  Total change so far:  -10.5 pounds

Eeek!  It seems the unwise choices are catching up with me.  And the lack of exercise too.  But, in spite of the enormous basket of Lindor truffles sitting on the reception desk at work, I'm still trying to make some healthier choices.

The weekend was full of shopping, errands and baking.  'Tis the season, I guess.  Do you think we women do it to ourselves?  Setting up these crazy expectations, I mean, and then driving ourselves quite mad trying to meet them?

I did manage to watch a movie - Crazy Stupid Love.  And I loved it!  I've never been a fan of Ryan Gosling ('tho he is a Canadian), but I think I fell head over heels in lurrrvvve.  What a lovely, charming movie.  I highly recommend it if you're looking for something fun to watch.

Sorry, couldn't help myself!

I also got hooked on a British mini-series called Downton Abbey.  The Prez's wife is British and she keeps me up on what's new on BBC and PBS.  If you're a sucker for period pieces (hello, Mr. Darcy!), this is a fascinating program.  And Mrs. Prez tells me that Will and Kate were watching it too!

On a whim, several coworkers and I picked up some chestnuts today at lunch time and decided to roast them in the oven at work.  I've never had them - have you?  We sang a little Nat King Cole while getting the little nuggets oven-ready and then gingerly tried them when they were done.  One of the guys, who thought they were chocolates sitting on the plate, popped one in his mouth, shell and all.  I'm sure you can picture the look on his face (priceless!) when he discovered a hot nut with the shell still on!!

And how are you spending this last week before Christmas?  Healthily?  Or stressfully?  I love being 50 - I seem to be able to let the Christmas stress go this year.

LCBO Night recap (little late)

As mentioned here, my three girl friends and I get together four times a year and cook from the Food and Drink magazine by LCBO.

One person brings the appetizer, another a side, the other the dessert and the person hosting takes care of the entree.

So, kicking off the night:

was Linda's "Dried Fig and Walnut Spread" served with toasted baguette and 2 year old cheddar.    YUM-BO!!!

While we munched on this piece of heaven, Judy and I began our preparations.   Judy was in charge of the side:

this is the beginnings of the Seared Shrimp, Scallop and Grape Tomato Couscous Salad.   Oh, yeah, and have a gander and this beaut:

Quite simply, perfection.

Next was the entree, which was my job.      I chose the Chicken Wellington with Mushrooms and Spinach.    And so it began:

 

Yes, yes. That, my dear friends is Puff Pastry.    Ohhhh.

et voila:

and with green beans, red peppers sauteed with almonds:

And now the piece de resistance:

Candy Cane Red Velvet Trifle!!!!!     Which is on the front of this season's mag.

And finally, the BFF's.    We have been friends for approximately 10 years - give or take.   Some of us have known each other longer than others.    While we dined on this amazing food, we discussed how grateful we are for our friendship, and how we all seem to be cut from the same cloth.    That said, we all went to the same hard School of Knocks :)

So thank you for another year of friendship ladies.  You are the best!

Busy Week Roundup

Workouts:  Tuesday - none, Wednesday - none, Thursday - lower body strength training (sore legs today!) & 2 miles walking/running intervals.

I've been a little off the radar for a few days.  It's been a busy, social, whirlwind week.  Monday night was gym night, Tuesday night was a work cocktail function, Wednesday was another work function (oh, my aching feet!) and Thursday night was a great workout followed by wine and dinner with good friend Bev.  Whew!!

I don't love work cocktail functions but it is an important opportunity to network and to touch base with industry colleagues I may not see too often.  The good part about being 50 is that I'm good at them.  I can make conversation with anyone!  The bad part is that my feet are killing me.  Why, oh why, do I wear heels to these things??  Yes, they are cute, but by Friday I'm hobbling about in flats like a 90 year old.  Why don't shoe people make shoes more comfortable? Platform shoes have lots of room for cushy stuff, don't you think?

So, now I'm curled up on the couch with some Asian noodles, a glass of wine and my laptop to find out what went on in the world this week that I've missed, like Golden Globe nominations, book bestseller lists (Stephen King - who knew?) and news of the world.  This weekend must include 2 more workouts, some baking, some Christmas shopping and some SLEEP.

Enjoy your Friday night - it's been a crazy-busy week and this girl is zonked.  More updates tomorrow.  And vacation time in one week.  Yahoo!!

LCBO Night

For those readers who do not live in Canada, or Ontario for that matter, LCBO is our Liquor Control Board of Ontario.    Essentially it's all of our liquor stores in Ontario.   Unlike BC, alcohol is not privatized (sadly). 

That said, the one great thing (among many) that LCBO does is their seasonal magazine called Food and Drink - and it's FREE.   I'm telling you, this magazine is AH-MAZING.     The recipes are to die for, and they pair each recipe with a white and red wine.    Can't go wrong there!    Suggest everyone refers to this site for something delish to make for your next party.

My three girlfriends and I decided to get together four times a year (there are four of us, and imagine, there are four seasons - perfection), and we each make a recipe out of the magazine.    It's altogether so much fun, because we get to try new recipes and wines, we get to cook together, we get to feast together, all while visiting and catching up.

Tonight, it's at my house.    I am working from home today (a-hem), I have one client meeting downtown, a proposal to work on, and then will use some free time to start preparing my entree.   Oh, I forgot to mention, the person hosting prepares the entree.    I have chosen Chicken Wellington (unfortunately LCBO waits a bit before it loads the current recipes on the site - likely they want you in the store picking up a mag and, oh, maybe a box of wine :))

So stay tuned for the postmortem tomorrow, as well as pictures.     Speaking of pictures.   I want a new camera.   Mine is as old as the hills.    Any photog's out there, and what do you recommend for a novice?

Ciao for now,

Monday Madness

Workout:  upper body weights and stretching, 20 minute walk at lunch

Ran into Matt the Trainer tonight at the gym - he doesn't think I'm working hard enough.  I think he might be right.  It's time to stop letting the stresses of life interfere with my goals.  I let work mental fatigue or the cold weather dictate whether I make time for a workout.  It felt good to be at the gym on a Monday night....lots of energy on Monday nights.

Today was a good day.  Nothing too stressing.  Lots accomplished.  Some time with lawyers and accountants but nothing hair-raising.  Don't you love when Mondays are smooth?  Sets the tone for the whole week.

I have work related cocktail parties for the next two nights.  However, I'm driving both nights so I won't be boozing or carousing! Let's hope the food is crummy.  

And I guess I'd better fit in some cardio and a little yoga or Matt the Trainer will be on my case.  I love being accountable to someone.  Makes me feel like someone cares. 

Flying Through the Day

Workout:  heated yin yoga. (Ooohhhhhmmmmmmm)

 

Super-productive day - laundry, groceries, yoga, clean bathroom, meal prep for the week.

And most importantly, I found not one, but two new (to me) winter coats at the new thrift shop in the neighborhood.  I still didn't have a dressy winter coat.  This is Canada and there's a long winter ahead.  A girl needs a dressy coat.  Both were designer (Canadians Alfred Sung and Simon Chang) for the low, low combined price of.....$50!!  Epic score.

I forgot to give a quick movie review this week.  I went to see The Descendants with Mr. Clooney.  Lovely movie.  Not quite what I expected at all.  Very touching.  The young woman who plays George's older daughter is absolutely stunning.  Her name is Shailene Woodley, and I would bet there is an Oscar nom in her future.

If you're choosing a holiday movie, I highly recommend this one.

In this second last week before Christmas, try to stay zen. 

Weighin not worth discussing, so let's move on

I spent the week in recouperation it would seem.  I just couldn't not get enough sleep.    There was more than one night this week that I slept 12 hours.      I am thinking that I was fighting BC time, while living on Ontario time.      That said, my food journaling and planning "shit the bed", so to speak.

And too, my hub and I had some "blow-off-some-steam" time last night which always includes wine and then a walk down to the village for, what always turns out to be, junky (but delicious) pub food.     GOD why do they make it soooooo delish???     As least we shared the chicken wings (a-hem).

Rather than swim around in my "poor me, I was born a foody, and now live in a foody neighbourhood, it's just not fair" state of mind, I thought I would highlight some cool things that caught my I this week.

Angelina Jolie and "In the Land of Blood and Honey" - wow, just so beautiful.

Words to live by as 2012 nears.

Love these.

Heard this perfume is lovely - may be heading to Holt Renfrew tomorrow for a browse.

In case you weren't sure - refer here.   Ha. Funny.   (says Party Sue)

Love this sweater - classic (and slimming!)

This is a good idea - yumbo!!

Ain't this the truth.

Tomorrow is Sunday - it's grocery day, laundry day (still haven't done laundry since I've been home from Whistler), I must find and buy some dressy trouser socks, vitamins, and plan the week vis-a-vis meal planning, workouts, and of course socializing.

Hope you are having a comfy Saturday night - you may be at a Christmas party - but hopefully you find some cozy time this weekend.

Peace,

Saturday Weighin and a Little Research

Workout:  Friday - none.  Saturday - none, unless shopping with Ess counts.  Got some good deals though.

I've got a lazy streak going....but it's going to come to an end very soon.

So, the weigh-in.  At the end of Week 15:  +.5 pounds.  Total change so far:  -11 pounds.

No, that's not breaking even.  Yes, I went to McDonald's for lunch yesterday after a stressful morning.  Yes, I had the fries.  

And I had a bad hair appointment last night.....which resulted in wine.  Why is it so hard to find a good stylist, I ask you???!  But that's a post for another day.

Since obesity research fascinates me, having battled an extra 20 pounds and a crappy body image for many decades, I thought I would share some interesting findings on this pre-holiday afternoon.

Interesting information tidbit #1:

Did you know that a person who weighs 150 pounds, and then loses 20 pounds to weigh 130 pounds, will have considerably greater hunger hormones than a person who has weighed 130 pounds all their life?  And this phenomenon will continue.....wait for it.....forever!  Therefore, the person who has lost the weight will always battle hunger to maintain their weight. Sadly, research shows that the weight will likely be regained unless a SERIOUS maintenance plan is in place.  If you feel you have a bigger appetite than your thinner friends who have never dieted, YOU DO!!

As we all know, hunger always wins.  If you are like me and have gained and lost 15 or more pounds all your life, just know that we will always have an extra battle.  We need to be prepared.

Stay with me now.  This is fascinating stuff (if you're a nerd like me).

Interesting information tidbit #2:

There are two kinds of binges:  homeostatic, which is based on physical hunger, and hedonic, which is more like "Oh my God, that cookie looks amazing and I had a bad morning and I need something delish to activate the reward centers in my brain to feel better" hunger.

Hedonic binging isn't always accompanied by physical hunger as we all know when dessert shows up after a big meal and we still can't resist.  

But hedonic binging almost always shows up with physical hunger which makes us reach for tastes-great-but-is-really-bad food. Strangely, we don't reach for broccoli or grilled chicken (yes, sarcasm).  No reward center activity there.

The moral of the story?  Don't get hungry.  Stay ahead of it.  You can read more interesting obesity/weight related information here.  Dr. Sharma's a pretty smart dude.

I haven't managed to stay ahead of the hunger this week because life is getting busier, and my eating habits reflected that.  So, the number one goal for the week is to do some planning and don't get hungry.

What are your hedonic holiday triggers?  Gingerbread cookies?  Eggnog?  Chocolates? 

Great Expectations

Workout: upper body work (Purely token.  Seriously.  A very sad effort.)

Too much fun on a Wednesday night = a very pathetic workout on Thursday night.  And when I say "too much fun", I"m not talking about crawling into bed at 2 a.m.  I'm talking about getting to bed at 10:30 on a school night followed by a very busy day at work.  That's how you know you're not 25 any more. 

Loved cocooning

I went to anti-gravity yoga last night with a good friend and we had a lot of fun.  I was a spaz, as expected, but enjoyed it immensely.  And afterwards, we had wine.  Yoga and wine - what a great combination.

Time spent with this great friend always reminds me to enjoy the fun things in my life.  Fun can be found anywhere.  I spend too much fun moving from chore to chore and I need to focus more on the fun.

For instance, let me focus on the chocolates I am currently eating!  Ess and Bro-in-law brought me chocolates from Vancouver to say thanks for doggie sitting Golden Retriever Barbie.  Deeeeeee-lish!  From ChocolaTas.  

And so I wonder:  is it realistic to expect to lose weight this time of year?  With a much more active social calendar ahead in the two weeks, should I aim for status quo?  Should I hope to break even and maintain my current weight?  

Today, there were butter cookies on the reception desk at work.  I am now eating chocolate.  I had wine last night.  And tomorrow is a staff lunch.  The coffee vendor at work has left all sorts of holiday flavored hot chocolate for the staff to enjoy (hello After Eight hot chocolate!!!).  What should my expectations be for the next two weeks?  Should I modify them to include some treats, while trying not to gain any weight?

Hmmmm.......thinking, thinking, thinking......

First, I will adjust my expectations.  Break-even is the new goal for weight loss.

Second, starting next week, I'm moving my workouts to early mornings.  I can't seem to do a strong workout at the end of the day when it's dark and cold.  All I want to do is go home, get cozy and get to bed early.  Therefore, I'm going to work with that pattern.

What are you doing this time of year to stay healthy, strong, fit and on track?

A New IKEA

Workout:  super-quick lower body + 15 minutes of cardio

Ottawa's new IKEA store is opening tomorrow.  It's the largest IKEA in Canada and people are lining up outside a full day before it opens.  Does this seem strangely bizarre?  I may have to head into work extra-early tomorrow to beat the traffic.  Very strange.

I took yesterday off work - a "sick" day.  Felt a little under the weather (cough, cough, yes, very sick, cough).  Mental health is very important, you know.  And it was my first sick day all year.  Sometimes it doesn't pay to be so healthy!

Today was actually a calm and productive day.  AHHHHMEN!  We like days like that.

Tomorrow, I'm joining a friend for an anti-gravity restorative yoga class.  Yes, anti-gravity!!  I'm so excited.  And a little worried I'm going to be a total spaz since I've never done anti-gravity yoga before.  We're going to The Athletic Club, which is Buckingham Palace of health clubs in Ottawa.  It's crazy-luxurious and spa-like. Looking forward to it.

Have a pleasant and restorative evening, all.

No place like home

Well we're back home after our tour around the West Coast.    Have I mentioned how much I love it there???    The combination of the ocean, the mountains, the marina's, the shopping, the food, and no matter where you look, the beauty is undeniably some of the most notable in the country.

But I must say, it's nice to be home too.    And to boot, our cleaning ladies were here while we were away, so the house is spotless.    LOVE.

Now it's on to some healthy living and exercise.   If one thing Whistler makes you realize is how unfit (if you are) you are.     My goodness, my legs are still in shock.    I figure now is a good time to do some lunges and squats while my legs are still expecting the next Dave Murray Downhill run (one of my favorite black diamonds on Whistler mountain and home of the Men's World Cup).

 ~no this isn't me - wouldn't catch me in one of those suits!

I think I may have finally made a decision on my fitness routine.    My company has a gym in the basement of our building.   It's not pretty but it's functional.     And get this:  they charge $60 A YEAR!!!!     Yup, you heard me, $60 a year!!      To add to that, my trainer from last year has gone out on her own, and has agreed to come there to train me.     You see, I am in agreement with Dr. Yoni Freedhoff - you have to like what you are doing, and to add to that, it has to be easy (not the workout) but the flow of exercise within your life, if you want it to become part of your life.     Just need to finalize this with Leslie (visit her blog here - it's very informative - lots of good info here).

And it's December.    This is the month where we need to work the plan and move more.   Most of us wait till January, but one can do much damage in a month.

Happy Monday to all - hope you have a great week, and thanks for dropping by.