Had a Great Week

Hi all,

Just a quick post tonight...had a great week food wise, I ate very well (healthy). Tomorrow is weigh-in...looking forward to the results...keeping my fingers tightly crossed for some serious scale love tomorrow!

On another note, I had a tough day today...had to deal with some things that were causing me concern....anyhow, in the past, I would just go on letting it bug me, just internalize it and not really bother to ever deal with it... but more and more, I find myself dealing with things head on. I want to live as stress-free as possible. I am a very simple person...I really don't like having to deal with a lot of drama and nonsense.

I realize in life that we all have unpleasant situations that we have to deal with, however one of my major goals in life is to keep those situations as minimal as possible...life is too short, and most of those things/situations are really not worth the time and energy. Plus, I don't want anything to jeopardize my progress on this journey...I have the power to control that and slowly and surely, on a daily level, I AM learning more and more how to better deal with these things. I am a work in progress but in the meantime I will continue to Live, Love and Laugh (laugh lots!!!)
Anyway, until tomorrow....
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Progress Report.

Hi guys,

I had a great day today!!! I ate very well!! Eggs for breakfast....lunch was steamed mushrooms and brussel sprouts with roasted chicken breast and for dinner, I had blackened salmon fillet(cajun style) with steamed veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, red peppers and onions). I drank about 2.5 liters of water and I am currently drinking about 500 mls..so that should be about 3 litres for the day.

I didn't workout this morning, but I am about to right after entering this post!! I'm feeling great....I think part of this new motivation has to do with the great news I received yesterday..it's awesome! :) Thank you to all for your wonderful comments. Kimmy, you're so right..it's funny how this news came right when I needed the boost!! Way to go universe!! :)

Anyway, just a quick post to let you know that it likes like I'm back on track...off to pump some iron :DDD

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

WOW!!WOW!!WOW!!! HUGE NEWS!!!!

I AM STILL IN DELIRIOUSLY HAPPY DISBELIEF ABOUT THIS ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BUT IT'S TRUE!!!! IT IS FOR REAL!!! I AM SO EXCITED!!

Today, I had the most fascinating telephone conversation with a woman who just made this one of the best Monday's I've ever had!!! She works with a magazine, unfortunately, with all the excitement, I didn't even get her title, whether she's an editor, writer, owner!! I don't know!! She was really friendly and gave me really, really great news!!! Anyway, she works with OttawaLifeMagazine. This magazine features an annual list of its TOP 50 PEOPLE IN OTTAWA (my hometown, the nation's capital)!! In the past this list has included politicians (Prime Ministers, Governor Generals, Premiers etc.), business and media moguls, police chiefs, entertainers and educators to name a few. Max Keeping made the list one year (for those not from Ottawa or Canada...Max Keeping is a very well known and well loved and respected television news anchor)!! It's just a list of awesome people who make our capital city of Ottawa wonderful!!! :) Alanis Morisette (Ottawa born singer/songwriter who sold more than 40 million albums worldwide) was also featured in this magazine as one of Ottawa's TOP 50!!!!

Anyway, what does this have to do with me??

Well, yours truly will be featured in the next TOP 50 IN THE CAPITAL ISSUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! LOL!!! :) :)

I was so stunned when she told me...at first, I thought it was my girlfriend Janet punking me...but it wasn't!! This is for real. I provided my address and a package will be sent to me with details this week...I was even invited to a reception for the event this September!! I can't wait!! This is awesome motivation...you can bet my next 10 pounds, I'll be working my butt off in that gym!!! Yeaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!:)))))

I'll keep you guys posted as I get more information!!!! In the meantime, feel free to check out their website http://www.ottawalife.com/index.php for more details on the annual list. On the left sidebar (about 3/4 of the way down....under "OLM FEATURES", select "OLM Cover Gallery" and there you will see a few past covers of the TOP 50 PEOPLE IN THE CAPITAL issues..see if you recognize any of them)..

That's my huge news...more to come!

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

On the Road Again...

I knew going into this that this journey would be long and as I'm learning each day, it will be filled with ups and downs. How I deal with those ups and downs is one of the things that will impact whether or not I succeed on this journey. I just need to stay on the road and I WILL succeed on this journey. I am so appreciative of the amount of support that I have from my family, friends, trainer and blogging friends/family!! Thank you so much for the kind words and always rooting me on!!

Now, I'm coming off a 2 pound gain last week which put me back in the land of Twoterville. A place where I am unfortunately quite familiar. As I sit in this "land", I am comfortable and I'm nervous at the same time. I am nervous that the feeling of comfort comes so naturally. I can see how easy it would be to fall back into my old ways. I think the nerves are here because I know for a fact that this is no longer for me. My time has come!! I am also CERTAIN!! I am certain that I no longer want to live here and although I left this place before (during this journey and on a few other "unhealthy" occassions), this is the first time that I'm giving it this much thought. I now have a better understanding of why I've lived here for such a long time even knowing that I needed to move out and everyday, I'm finding out a little bit more.

It is very easy to live here in Twoterville...it requires very little to no effort on my part, but it also means that I don't make myself a priority and that I take myself and my health for granted. Making that conscious move to Onderland will be difficult at first, but I will get use to it and will start reaping the benefits. I'm ready. I may be somewhat dramatic here, but I really feel like this is turning the page to start writing a new chapter of my story, always remembering (but not dwelling on) the events of my past. I've got to remember where I came from in order to get to where I'm going but I need to make the necessary adjustments to make it successful. In this case, I must always make the effort to remember how long I stayed in Twoterville, including how close I came to moving to a place where the name starts with "Three...."!! Most importantly I need to understand the reasons why I stayed there and FOCUS or should I say, RE-FOCUS on the reasons I have for getting out!!

So all this is part of working out those "mental muscles" as well as the physical ones!! I'm back on the road and the journey continues. I will give it my best and I know the results will follow.

Cheat meal over and back on track. I had a bowl of creamy fettuccini pasta with a nice piece of chocolate mousse cake for dessert and 2 glasses of white zinfandel. It was yummy. This morning, I had a 3-egg white and spinach omlette for breakfast, a grilled chicken breast with salad for lunch, a boiled egg for snack...lots and lots of water (about 3 litres so far) and I haven't yet decided on dinner...probably fish..salmon on the grill with grilled veggies!! I'm back on track and feeling great.

Anyway, that's all my ramblings for now.

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Saturday Weigh-in ~ Week 32...Time to Re-FOCUS

Starting Weight: 258 lbs (Dec 10/08)
Last Weigh In: 199 lbs (July 5/09)
Current Weight: 201 lbs
This Week's Loss: IS NOT A LOSS AT ALL......2lb GAIN
Total pounds lossed to date: 57!!!

Okay, so I'm back in Twoterville!! CRAP!! However, I can assure you, I'm just back here to pick up the last of my things....this WILL be a very short visit. My new and permanent home will be in Onderland and I am heading there very soon.

I'm not at all surprised with this 2 pound gain with the way that I've been eating, however it has been a couple of weeks since my last weigh in, so it's really not as bad as I thought it would be. I remember when I first met with my trainer, he mentioned to me that success on this journey will be pretty much 80% healthy eating and 20 % proper exercise (don't quote me on the percentages)....the point is that I need to ensure that I'm eating well even if I am on point with the workouts. There has to be a balance and you cannot succeed with just one!

This was a huge lesson learned!! No dwelling on the past, time to re-FOCUS and start living in the NOW!!! It's time to enjoy my cheat meal and kick it up a notch from that point on. Had a great workout this am and a nice healthy breakfast. I'll keep you posted...

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Wow....Incredible Support..Thanks

I had a FABULOUS workout earlier!! Today, I did very well with my meals...all day!! I had eggs for breakfast, with two turkey sausages...yummy...for lunch I had an almond and feta cheese-stuffed chicken breast with steamed carrots, cauliflower and turnips and a side of tomato and cucumber salad. It was delicious!! Dinner tonight was roasted chicken, spinach and a baked sweet potato...tasted wonderful. I also had lots of water throughout the day!!!

Now, gratitude.....You guys are absolutely awesome!! Thank you so much for all the supportive comments and encouragement and understanding regarding my previous post!! I TRULY APPRECIATE IT FROM EACH AND EVERYONE ONE OF YOU!!!! THANKS!!! IT REALLY DOES HELP!!! Also, thank you to all of you who sent me personal emails and messages on the facebook group as well...

Okay, so the message I got from all the comments is that I need to dust myself off, RE-FOCUS and move on. Don't let all my hard work go to waste by sabotaging the progress thusfar. There were many of you who've been down this exact road before and understand exactly what I'm feeling and going through (especially Kimmy and Kimberley)...thanks for your wise and encouraging words and for those going through the same thing and/or on journeys of their own (like my "twin" NIA, Crys, Lisa), we will get there!!! Steve and Joy, thanks so much for the great advice and encouragement.

ROB - you are amazing...you always know what to say to get me thinking and wanting and just to get that whole "eye of the tiger" back!! I am so pleased about having a cheat meal every two weeks...I know to some it might not seem like much but for me I think it will help greatly. You are right....my body is a CASTLE and I AM THE QUEEN!!! :) I love that :))) I will CREATE in the NOW!!! Thank you Rob....I don't say this enough, but I know that I couldn't get through this without your support....THANK YOU!!!

So here's my plan. Tomorrow morning, I will wake up, weigh-in, then get my workout done first thing in the morning. I will then have a nice healthy egg white and spinach omlette and be on my way.

Today is my 5th wedding anniversary and tomorrow is my husband's birthday so we will be going out to celebrate over dinner and a couple of drinks!! This will be my very first cheat meal and then back on track!! I will post details of my first "official" cheat meal and how the day went!!

It is time to RE-FOCUS!!!

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

I'm Struggling and a bit Frustrated, Y'ALL....

First off, let me just say that I have been on point (100%) with my exercising/workouts. I love it. So that part of the journey is not a problem.

HOWEVER, when it comes to EATING and FOOD.....I'm struggling!!!!!!! I knew this journey would be a challenge and I think I've been handling this challenge very well since I've started. Here I sit, in what should be the home stretch, having lost more that half of my goal and I'm struggling with stinking food!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I knew I would have a tough time with the food aspect of this journey, but I was really starting to believe that I had a good handle on it and that I was well on my way to permanently incorporating this new and healthy nutritional lifestyle into my everday routine. Maybe I'm being too hard on myself....I dunno, I just feel like I'm slipping and I want to nip it in the bud before it gets out of hand.

Don't get me wrong, I have not totally fallen off the wagon (not even half off the wagon) but I do realize that I am not nearly as diligent as I have been in the past 6-7 months. I've been slipping a "little something sweet" in with my meals every other day. Today for example, I had a piece of carrot cake...loaded with icing!! It was delicious - I didn't and DO NOT feel guilty about eating it, but maybe I should have just had half of what I ate. It was a pretty big slice. I had a glass of red wine the night before and just little nibbles and tastes here and there of things I KNOW that I SHOULD NOT BE EATING! Thankfully I haven't had a major pig-out session...YET!!!

This is what the whole sabbotaging of the progress is all about. I mentioned before that this journey will be as much mental as it is physical, if not more and I'm really started to see that. So this just reminds me that I need to make that extra effort to work out and strengthen those "mental muscles" and not just the physical ones. I have to figure out the reason why I feel the need to eat these foods, especially now. You know, I've heard and read a lot of different theories as it relates to this issue and I've never been able to find anything that "fits" my personal situation. I've just always believed that I JUST LOVE food. I know some people overeat when they're happy, some when they're sad, others when they're angry or frustrated or stressed or even depressed!! To me, I eat when I'm hungry and the problem is that I always seem to be hungry...my issue is just conditionning my brain to eat the right foods.

The nutritional plan that I am currently following (created by my trainer Rob ) allows me to eat a lot of food throughout the day. In fact, he stresses to me repeatedly, the importance of eating and not skipping meals, or starving myself with crazy dieting, if I want to be successful on this journey. It's just ensuring that I eat the right things -- whole foods--healthy foods. I feel that I've made that connection and I understand what I need to eat to be successful, however I am struggling with sticking with it and I just need to understand why!! This is so frustrating!! I'm in a weird, strange place right now when it comes to my eating. I find myself wanting to rationalize to myself why it would be okay to have that Big Mac Combo with a Supersized Chocolate Shake....I find myself saying things like, "I deserve this, I've been working so hard!!" I have been working hard and that's more reason why I shouldn't go there...I dunno....just a bit frustrated and just really need to figure things out!!

I knew this journey was not going to be filled with ONLY nice smoothly paved roads along the way, I was fully aware that I'd eventually get to the roads that are still under construction or just full of pot holes. I just need to ensure that my vehicle is strong enough and doesn't fall apart going over those bumps and potholes!!! I have had a baby, after 16 hours of natural labour - that was tough!!! I am starting to believe that this journey may indeed be a more difficult task!!

Anyway, I had to get all that off my chest. Thanks for listening. I'm fighting hard to handle this. As always, thanks for your support! Weigh-in on Saturday morning.

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Scale Neglect...and Loving IT!!

Hey guys,

First I just need to say how much I've missed blogging and reading other blogs this past week or so....I feel like part of my routine is missing and I can't wait to get back to it. I plan to spend all of Saturday (or as much as I need) reading blogs and catching up on what I've been missing. I will also be back to posting regularly...I've really missed it! :)

Anyhoo, it's been 2 weeks since my last weigh in. Right now, I have no idea if I've gained or lossed weight. All I know is that I feel great and really that should be all that matters!!:) I haven't seen the scale and I don't miss it one bit. For the purposes of this journey, I will continue to weigh my self regularly to be able to chart my progress but once I reach my set goals and I get to the point of just maintaining a healthy lifestyle, one of the first things I'm going to do is host a SCALE-SMASHING party!! YEAH!!! I'll invite people over with their respective scales and at some pivotal point in the evening, we'll gather in my backyard and smash away!! We may even do it to music - maybe somethng by ACDC (Thunderstruck, maybe) Sounds like fun eh?? :D

Seriously, I'm pretty certain that I haven't gained any weight because I've been working out regularly, including regular "pullup" attempts - still the most difficult exercise EVER and so far I still can only complete ONE full pull-up!!! My eating hasn't been perfect but it hasn't been terrible either. I would say, overall it's about 80-85%! So that's not so bad...

I will weigh myself on Saturday morning (July 25th --omg, that's my husband's birthday - must plan something fun- he's been so amazing through all this) and post the results and get back to business 100%.

On another note, I saw one of my colleagues today, who I haven't seen in about 3 weeks and I must say that he looked fabulous. He has been extremely supportive of my journey, and we often speak of my struggles, triumphs, etc. He was inspired to start losing weight and he has. I believe he's down about 30 pounds since April - just by making some healthy changes (including exercising and nutritious foods). He is also training for a 5K run. I'm so happy for him and could see the difference in him (both physically and mentally). It's awesome....he inspires me to keep going. I just wanted to say, "GO Rob Go!!!"

It's funny, just a short few months ago, I could barely climb my stairs in my home and now I'm training for a 5K run...it's amazing to me how quickly your body adapts to healthy changes and how strong one can get...

Anyway, that's all the ramblings for today.

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Alberta Beef!!

Hey guys,

This is just another quick post to touch base. I am now in Edmonton. Hotel fitness facilities not as good as 4 seasons in Vancouver but it will do. It's still quite nice, just not as many exercise machines. Best part of all is that...THEY DO NOT HAVE A PULL-UP machine!! Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!! Anyway, I've been doing pushups instead.
I've kept up very well with my exercises. I haven't missed a workout!!

Food wise however,..................well....................lets just say that I had a few drinks last night....AND a mushroom swiss burger (it was HUGE!!!)....I am in Alberta.......the beef is fabulous, I just had to. I could have had a salad with beef BUT chose not too. Instead I had shoestring sweet potato fries. I did not eat all the fries, but I ate that huge burger. I was stuffed afterwards. It was uncomfortable but I must say it tasted fabulous!! Here's a pic of the burger - the actual one, half eaten. I had already started into it before thinking that I should take a picture. Sorry for the quality, it was taken with my cell phone cam.



Take a look at the size of this thing. I'm sure that
with this burger alone, I put on a pound. We'll see when I get back.
Anyway, that's it for now....





Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

I'm Out of Town on Business Again..

Hey guys,

I'm in Vancouver right now and will be out west for the next little while so the posts won't be as regular for the next couple of weeks but I wil definitely keep you all posted and I WILL STAY ON TRACK with the diet and exercise.

I just checked in at the hotel in Vancouver (the Four Seasons)...beautiful hotel...I was upgraded to an executive suite(don't know what I did to deserve it) the room, I should say "the suite" is gorgeous!! Anyway, I checked out the fitness centre hoping they wouldn't have a "pull-up" machine!!!! To my surprise....the first machine I spotted was that dreaded pull-up machine so NO excuses. The gym is huge and full of top of the line equipment. I will be kicking ass on this program!!

Anyway, off to bed!!

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Newspaper Article

Hi again,

A friend of mine brought this to my attention. I had no idea that this article was published. Last week, I participated in the SunLife ParticipACTION Inspire the Nation Tour (I wrote a post about it here)which launched in Ottawa on June 29. It was a lot of fun and I was actually given the opportunity to speak to the assembled crowd and media. I was on TV that evening.

It was a wonderful opportunity. I got to meet Kelly Murumets, president and CEO of ParticipACTION, Josée Dixon, a regional vice president with Sun Life Financial and former Olympian Sue Holloway of Active Ottawa. We each addressed the group (gave speeches)...it was awesome!! I can't believe all the wonderful things I've been able to partake in because of this journey. It's just fabulous.

Anyway, here's the link to the recent newspaper article written from that event. Check it out here: http://www.emcottawaeast.ca/


Here are a few pics from the event. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get pics of me speaking or of Kelly Murumets (president/CEO ParticipACTION)... I guess in all my excitement, I forgot to ask someone to take a few shots using my camera.







Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

My New Challenge.....PULL-UPS!!!

PULL-UPS!!! arrgggh, and I'm not talking about the potty training diaper!! I'm talking about the most dreaded excercise I've ever come across!!!!!!!!! This is the push-up's BIGGER and MEANER BROTHER!!!!!!! I never thought there was an exercise worse than push-ups! Well there is...

What is a pull-up (other than hell on earth)?

A pull-up is an upper body compound pulling exercise where the body is suspended by extended arms, gripping a fixed bar, then pulled up until the elbows are bent and the head is higher than the hands, utilizing an overhand grip (see pic below).

There are quite a few variations of this exercise; I'm just working on doing the standard pull-up. This thing is a frigging killer!! I have it listed as one of the things I want to be able to do after this journey (my health goals) but Holy Mother of Pearl, is it ever difficult!!

As part of my new training program, I'm required to do 3 sets of 8 of these suckers!! "ROB (my trainer), what the crap were you smoking when you built this program?? Are you nuts?" I could see you smiling right now, but could also hear you cheering me on!

So far, I've managed to do the required 3 sets of 8 reps.....hahahahahaha, NOT!!!! I can barely do one pull-up!!!! My arms (upper, lower), shoulders, abs, chest, back, nostrils...EVERYTHING shakes and burns when I try to do this...WOW!!! I'm able to bend my knees at a 90 degree angle and hang on the bar. I can "pull" myself up for only one repitition, and that's using everything I got!! So what I've been doing is hanging and pulling myself up as far as I can go, then hold for a second or two. I figure I will get stronger and should be able to eventually do at least 5 of these babies!!

I'm not going to give up on these...I WILL BE DOING 3 sets of 8 reps in 6-8 weeks time!!! I know I have it in me...I just got to find it..LOL!!! When I am finally able to do this, I will have it video taped and post it!!! LOL!! I'm serious, I will!! It may be next year, but I'll get it done! :)

Anyway, wish me luck with this one...

Overall, the new program rocks!! I feel like I just started working out again, except I'm stronger. It's HARD, don't get me wrong, but I can almost feel each exercise sculpting that respective muscle - it's pretty cool. It's super challenging and totally kick-ass, thanks Rob!!

I will once again be on business travel the next couple of weeks. I'll be out west and hoping that the hotel gyms are equipped to handle some of the exercises of the new program. I'll keep you posted.

Until next time...

Joania (2KMINE!!!)

My Heart...

It's my son's birthday!! He is 3 years old today!! I cannot get over how quickly the time went by. He is the absolute love of my life - my husband is a very close second and he's okay with it :)!! The pic above was taken when my son was only one month old - seems like yesterday!

What does my son's birthday have to do with my journey?? EVERYTHING!!! I'm doing this for him!!! I want to be as healthy as possible for him! I want to be around to celebrate as many of his birthdays as possible!! I make reference to my son often in my posts. He is the number one reason why I finally decided to start this journey and he remains my daily inspiration and motivation for sticking with this journey. I love him and I'm so proud of the little man that he is, so today, I wanted to wish him a very Happy Birthday!! Of course, I've got lots of Birthday plans for today and this weekend.

This is a pic of him on his birthday last year!! You are my heart, sweetie and I love you very much. I have never felt a love more pure and deep. I hope one day, when you're all grown up, you can look back and read this and know just how much you were loved and how much you mean to me (and Daddy). You've completed every corner of my heart! Happy Birthday my sweet baby!


Here's one of my favorite poems by Mencita (Carmen) Monoi Angel.

Precious as a Child

Nothing should be more precious than a child

Nothing should be more contagious than a smile of a child

Nothing should be more cared of than a child

Children's innocence so often shattered

Children's love so often flouted

Nothing should be of more importance than a child

Nothing should be more powerfully loved by us than a child

Children's spontaneity so often trampled on

Children's forgiveness so often ignored

Nothing should be more cherished in this world than a child

Nothing should be more hugged with affection than a child

Tell me stranger, what is more beautiful and precious than any dear child

Until next time
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

My NEW Strength Training Program.....Holy Crap!!!!

Hi guys,

A couple of days ago, I got an email from my trainer with my new, more difficult, kick-ass training plan for the next few weeks. OMG!!!

I will be weight training 4 times a week. I have 2 new programs - one day upper body, the other lower body with core and balance training incorporated in both programs. I have a choice of doing the program 2 days on,one day off (so Mon, Tues - workout, off Wednesday, Thurs, Fri -workout and have the weekend off) or do it on alternating days. So far, I've done 2 days on 1 day off! It is killer hard.

Lots of supesetting (when two exercises are performed in a row without stopping/resting). It's quite vigorous but really shows me how much my strength has increased. It's awesome. I think after this 6 week period with this new program, the definition in my muscles will really be noticeable - I can't wait!

I've never seen some of these exercises before; like one where I'm working my triceps as I'm balancing on an exercise ball!! Insane!! There's another one that I'm calling the "Lagana Lunge-a-palooza"!! I'm doing all sorts of lunges (side, back, front) and balance moves all in ONE exercise!! It's crazy and really gets your heart going!! Mother of pearl!!

MrLagana (my trainer) wasn't playing around when he put this program together! I'm really going to give it my all and will be really excited to see the results. Thanks Rob!

Until next time...

Joania (2KMINE!!!)

Weigh-In...Week 29 ~ ONEderland!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Starting Weight: 258 lbs (Dec 10/08)

Last Weigh In: 201 lbs (June 27/09)

Current Weight: 199 lbs

This Week's Loss: 2lbs!!!

Total pounds lossed to date: 59

Well...this is my GOOD NEWS!!! I have FINALLY made it to ONEDERLAND!!! The actual weight on the scale read 199.4 yesterday. It could have read 199.9999999 and it would still be awesome to me!!! I was out of TWOterville!!! YEAH!!! It was fabulous!! I've done it and I feel great about it!! I am down 59 pounds!!! This is amazing!! Starting this journey back in December, I remember saying to myself, "If I could lose 50 pounds and weigh around 208lbs, I'll be happy!!" Well now I WEIGH 199lbs!!! This is only the half!! I have no doubts that I will lose the rest of the weight and reach my overall goal of losing 101lbs!! I can't wait 'til that day!!:) I feel great!! That picture on the left is exactly how I feel, crazy hair and all!! :))

Another reward level accomplished!!! My reward for reaching this level (58lbs lost) is a "C'est La Vie" eat-whatever-I-want-day!!! Well, yesterday, I ate very healthy all day. At the wedding reception I had steamed veggies and fish and a salad. It was delicious. I had a small piece of cake. HOWEVER, I thoroughly enjoyed the wine (both red and white) in addition to a "few" rye and gingers and a shooter!! :) Hence the reason why this post did not go up last night nor early this morning :))) I wouldn't have been able to type my name last night, if you paid me lol!! So although it wasn't an "eat-whatever-I-want" DAY, I think that qualified as my reward. It worked out better this way, plus I don't really want to eat badly ALL day. The cake and alcohol were good enough rewards!! It was a great wedding, fun...I danced all night....it was wonderful!

Anyway, that's it for now...signing off very happy today. Off to get my cardio workout in for the day.

Until next time...

Joania (2KMINE!!)

Happy 4th of July!!!!

Hey y'all...just wanted to come on quickly to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July!! Enjoy those BBQ's!!

I'm busy getting ready to go to a wedding. I weighed in this morning and have good news!! Will be on later tonight topost details!!

Until next time...

Joania (2KMINE!!!)

A Fun Day ...Lessons Learned

Hi guys!! I had a GREAT time on Parliament Hill yesterday celebrating Canada Day with my family!! It was wonderful.

So yesterday, I decided that I was going to eat whatever I wanted. It would be my "free" day where food was concerned. I don't believe in "cheat" days, I never want to feel guilty for eating something. I realize that all things must be consumed in moderation but it's also important (very important, actually) for me to be able to live and enjoy certain foods from time to time without any burdening guilt attached. And I did just that!

My family and I usually have a jumbo grilled italian sausage with a poutine (a combination of fries, gravy and cheese curds) on Canada Day..it's become tradition and this year would be no different. Here's what I had to eat:

1. A medium poutine (I so wanted to get a large one but thought better of it). It was delicious (see picture below)
   
2. A jumbo grilled italian sausage - I thought I would load it up with all sorts of toppings (saukrout, hot peppers, onions, pickles - but I ended up just adding ketchup). It was so yummy.
   
3. I also washed it all down with a can of Coke and my goodness was that ever sweet!! I don't remember coke tasting so sweet..it was "almost" disgusting...almost! LOL!!
4. On our way home that evening, we stopped off and picked up Chinese food - chicken fried rice, chicken balls, garlic spare ribs...YUMMY!! I had a pretty decent-sized plate and OMG....yum-a-licious!!!
5. We put the kids to bed and my girlfriend and I capped off the night with a few (3 or 4) cocktails - chopped pineapples, chopped strawberries, VODKA and tropical flavor five alive juice with ice....YUMMMMMMMY!!!

So it's fair to say that I had a great time yesterday and surprisingly, my stomach held up...for now....

So here's my annual "Canada Day Face-stuffing" shot. I put up last year's pic to compare. I can really notice the weight loss, especially in my face. Check it out...





Canada Day 2008

Canada Day 2009

Now that I've posted these pix side by side, I notice a huge change in my arms and face. Wow!! What a difference 57 pounds make!!

We do a lot of walking on Canada Day. My husband always thinks we're nuts for walking so much..he's always so tired after! :) We spend the whole time (about 5-6 hours) walking around from place to place, checking things out (vendors, shows etc)...so I think I got a good amount of cardio in for the day! :)

Back to my stomach holding up.....So how did I feel after eating all that greasy, yummy, fatty, sweet, wonderfully tasting food??? I FELT GREAT and SOOOOOOOOOOOO satisfied......until about....4 in the morning when I was awakened by serious stomach cramps....oh my goodness, I FELT HORRIBLE!!! Let's just say, I spent a whole lot of time on that "porcelain throne". It was not good!!! I made a number of "frequent visits" to that throne right through the morning. I started feeling better around 11am!! MY BODY LET ME DOWN, Y'ALL!! I felt awful!! I did go a bit overboard yesterday (lessons learned) but that's in the past and I'm back in the groove....back to business!! I have no guilty feelings about it!!

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

HAPPY CANADA DAY, EH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi guys,

I just wanted to come on to wish everyone a very HAPPY CANADA DAY!!! I will be on Parliament Hill today celebratin......ALL DAY!!!

I will be having a big sausage, loaded with onions, ketchup and all the fixings...I may also have a POUTINE!! You know how we Canadians love our poutine. For those of you who don't know what a poutine is...see pic below...

It's french fries, with gravy and cheese curds..YUMMO!!

I will be back later to post....

Until then...

Joania (2KMINE!!)