HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BLOGGIES!!!

Oh how I've missed you! :)

Okay, so Sunday was a total write-off!! I was wiped!!! I couldn't function the entire day!!! So that just pushed things back one day...I DID NOTHING!! :)

Let me start from the beginning!! First off, I want to thank everyone who came out and celebrated with me on Saturday night. I had a wonderful evening and lots of fun. Thanks also to all of you who were with me "in spirit"!! I felt the love..Thanks!! :))

The Gifts:

Although all I wanted was your company, quite a few of you brought and sent gifts. Absolutely overwhelmed and over the moon with happiness. Thank you. See pix below... so beautiful. I love the quote on that journal; "life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the number of moments that takes your breath away!"


I really spoiled myself that day:

• I got my hair done at Miss Gail's - thank you Abby for hooking it up, I LOVE THE CUT.

• I got my nails done in Orleans ( at a great new place that opened recently called "Nice One Nails" - loved the name so I had to check it out. They were great - thanks Jennifer).

• I got my make-up done by MAC.

• I bought a new dress and new shoes!!!

Yeah!!! I felt amazing!! Even though it was freezing cold, I decided to wear the "little" dress anyway!! It's a SIZE 13!!!! SIZE 13!!!!! One year ago, I wore a size 18/20 dress and size 22 pants!!!! Now, I'm in a teeny little size 13 dress. When I picked it up off the rack, I looked at it and thought, "oh hell no, there's no way this little thing will fit over my butt!!" I tried it on anyway and to my delirious surprise, IT FIT!!

OH btw, my camera died with the first picture I attempted to take at the restaurant so these pics were taken by my friend Coco (and her beau) - thanks guys. I am still awaiting a second set of pics from my other girlfriend. Will post as soon as I receive them - I was kind of hoping I'd have them prior to this post, but no biggie!!

Anyway, here I am all dolled up (before removing the little sweater):



I will post more shots once I get the pics from my other friend. In the meantime, I've posted about 50 pics from this set of pictures on the Event page on the Facebook group (Joania's Weight Loss Journey) so you could check them out there. I also created an album on my Facebook page.

My trainer Rob came to the celebration dinner as well, with his beautiful girlfriend (sorry ladies - but at least she's beautiful inside and out). Anyway, I was so happy that he was able to make it as I truly believe that this was "our" celebration and not just mine. Here are some pics.

The student (yours truly) and the Teacher (my trainer Rob):



I tried to get a shot with each person as they came in so I will have quite a few more pics to post and I will as soon as I receive the other batch of pictures.

Dinner & Cocktails

Believe it or not, I had a pretty healthy meal. Blackened salmon, steamed veggies and dirty rice (rice mixed with ground beef, sausage, spices etc - creole style). Anyway, I ate the salmon and veggies and had literally one fork full of rice. I didn't even have dessert!! Not by choice, I was too busy consuming cocktails!! Lol!!! Cosmos and Jack Daniel shooters - now you know why Sunday was just a total write-off for me. But I was on such a high and simply had an amazing, incredible night!!! After the restaurant, I went to a dance club with a couple of friends and had a few more drinks there as well!! WOW!! What a night...my husband pretty well carried me home!! LOL!!! It was awesome!!

What Next??

Well, as much as I enjoyed my night, I knew I had to get right back on my wagon and I did!! Monday I woke up at 530am and hit the weights like usual...I had a renewed sense of power as I lifted each dumb bell!!It was phenomenal. I really do enjoy weight lifting. I just feel so strong.

After, I made breakfast and had an egg white omlet with veggies and a big cup of water. Got on with my day. At lunch time, I hit the dojo (gym) for my kickboxing class and worked it out!!! Ingrid really brought it with the cardio. I rocked it!! At 430, I was back for a second round of kickboxing!! I just felt like I had so much energy on Monday and wanted to take advantage of that and totally make it count and that I did!!

I had a slice of pizza for lunch - it was a team pizza lunch to help me celebrate my year anniversary on this incredible journey - where normally I would have eaten a minimum of 4 slices of pizza, I was quite content with 1 slice ...that was part of the reason I added the additional kickboxing session on that day. I felt really good. I ate healthy meals and consumed approx 4 litres of water for the rest of that day.

Today, Tuesday, I ate very well and had an amazing Jiu-jitsu (JJ) class with Sensei Derek and I have the bruises to prove it!! :) JJ class is getting increasingly more difficult and challenging as we learn more intricate techniques. It's really cool, I'm really learning some cool stuff and those break falls that once scared the living daylights out of me are not so bad anymore. I could see the amazing progress that I'm making!! Simply amazing - I am loving martial arts!! It's fun, bruises, pain, submission holds, throws and all!!

So I'm just continuing on with life, health and fitness. That's my plan for now. I am thinking of a bunch of new goals for 2010 and I'll tell you this, I really plan to challenge and push myself to my max. I truly want to see how far I could take this!! I'm excited!! More details to come...

So that's it for now...working on some new things but as always, you will be the first to know!!

Let me know what you think of the pics so far!!

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

Time and Motivation

I was going through my emails this evening and a couple of them really got me thinking, which led me to write this post today.

One of the questions came from a stranger following my journey and the other came from a friend of mine (from way back in our University days). The first question (from anonymous) was, "Where do you find the time to work out, while working full-time, having a toddler and all the traveling, etc.?"

Well, anonymous, lets just say that my days are very full! I will not sit here and tell you that this just comes easy after a while and it's no big deal, just do it, blah, blah, blah!! This shit is one of the hardest things I've ever done!! It may even be harder than labor because at least I got a beautiful son at the end and it "only" lasted 17 hours!!

What I've come to learn (and still learning) is that when you truly want something, you go get it....you make the time!! I really have to "MAKE" the time. My son (family) is the most important thing to me and although part of my reason for doing this is for them (especially my son), I also don't want to take time away from him either. I work full-time, so that's already time away from him. When I pick him up after work, I want to make sure we get our time together - it's for that reason that I don't workout after work! That's his time.

So I make the time by waking up early enough (530am) to get my workout done prior to heading to work. I also work out on my lunch hour at work so that leaves my evenings free. Don't get me wrong, there are times when it's not perfect but I make do!! Some evenings I go for a power walk with my son (in his stroller)...I then stop of at the park before heading home. we play together and I get some exercises in as well ( like dips and push-ups on the park bench) while my son goes up and down the slide/play structure.

I also try to keep my weekends free for family....I try to get an early morning walk/run in on Saturday or a yoga class and that's it for the weekend!! The rest is for family fun!!! :) It keeps me sane!

The other question came from my girlfriend Tasha who asked me, "How do you stay motivated?" And as I told her in the email, it is really a struggle, it is difficult but I credit a big part of being able to stay motivated to the fact that I've put myself out there for all to see - that whole accountability factor. It is definitely helping to keep me on track. The extra attention I've received from the media is helping as well!! Nothing keeps me sweating it up, than the thought of a journalist calling for an update article and progress pic!! :)

Also, blogging about it helps a lot. I can't tell you how grateful I am to have an outlet in which I could express all my feelings throughout this journey - it's been quite therapeutic to write about it - all the ups and downs!! Sometimes when I feel like I can't do this anymore, I go back and read some past posts and trust me it helps, especially the incredibly supportive comments.

I pray a lot. Prayer and more prayer also helps me to keep going. I have a very strong belief in God and His grace. Praying to me is also a form of meditation and reflection, you know? I take comfort in the fact that I am loved and blessed, daily!

Of course the support I've received from my trainer has just been fabulous. I cannot tell you (or him) enough, just how much it means to me to have him in my corner - not only providing me with the tools and guidance that I need to succeed on this journey but just incredible support.

My family and friends keep me motivated with continuous support, encouragement and loving me regardless - nothing beats unconditional love!!

I've said this many times before but the incredible support that I receive from the blogging community - who regularly check in on me, leave encouraging, supportive messages/comments...IT IS JUST AMAZING and a HUGE part of what keeps me motivated. I don't ever want to let them (you guys) down!!

AND last, but certainly not least I really don't want to let myself down - you know!??! I make sure I keep myself motivated by constantly reminding myself of the reasons that I'm on this journey. I frequently go back and read past posts just to keep it fresh in my mind and avoid complacency.

So that's my rant for tonight, bottom line - if it's important enough to you - MAKE IT HAPPEN, KEEP MOTIVATED, MAKE THE TIME, you deserve it.....it's still a difficult thing to do, but the rewards are definitely worth it!!

My Friends at ParticipACTION

Hi guys,

I had a "not-so-hot" day today at work and was quite pleased to get home!! Anyway, I picked up my mail and started opening the letters/bills/etc....Well, buried within all the bills and junkmail was a little card from one of the people from ParticipACTION. I must say, I was so pleasantly surprised when I opened it. It was a simple note congratulating me on being selected by OttawaLifeMagazine as one of their Top 50 in the Capital!! Wow!! I just thought that was so very sweet. These are busy, important people and yet they take the time to remember little old me....I am just so appreciative and it was signed "Your friends at ParticpACTION"!! Amazing! I would have never thought that all this would be going on as a result of my weightloss journey!! Wow!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! Special thanks to Katherine J!! :)

This isn't the first time either, the President and CEO of ParticipACTION, Kelly Murumets also sent me a personal "Thank You" card for participating in the ParticipACTION SunLife Inspire the Nation Tour (Check it out here). Here are a few pics from that event. It was so much fun!!

(Click on the picture to get a better look)

That's me on stage with ParticipACTION President & CEO Kelly Murumets, SunLife Financial Regional VP Josée Dixon and Olympian Sue Holloway!!!

Me, telling my story to the crowd (and media) :0)

A little jump-rope action ( Go Josée!!) and lastly, the four of us making our Inspire video which you can check out here along with a lot of others!!

Anyway, I know that a lot (actually most) of this media attention coming my way has to do with my affiliation with ParticipACTION and I am so thankful and honoured!!

Anyway, that's it...just wanted to express a little gratitude!! THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU AT PARTICIPACTION!! Keep on keeping on!! You guys rock!! Thanks again for all the support, it really does mean a lot to me!!

Until next time...

Joania (2KMINE!!!)

OH, What a Night!!!

Well y'all, I've got a lot to say today, the good, the good, the alcohol!!! :)

The Good

Last night was my mini high school reunion; I believe I mentionned it briefly in a previous post. Now it wasn't a full blown reunion, just a group of friends (about 25) from the same graduating year, getting together after not seeing each other since high school (in this case, since 1992), at a nice restaurant to share food, drinks, memories, fabulous conversation and to have a great time!! It was wonderful, I had such an amazing time. Seeing everyone brought back memories, great stories and lots and lots of laughs!! It was such great fun. We hope to do it again next year!!

The Good

My trainer actually gave me carte blanche, well "carte grey" actually , to enjoy myself. I emailed him prior to tell him that I would be attending and I had all intentions of enjoying myself that evening with little to no restrictions. He responded, "Have a great time at your reunion, BUT, if you're going to drink, stay away from fatty foods!" So I took that as one or the other, but not both. Initially, I thought to myself , "Oh man, I'm going to this fabulous Italian restaurant and I could either have a nice pasta dish but no alcohol or vice versa!" I didn't know if I was going to listen to my trainer last night! Do I delete his email and pretend it got lost in cyber space so that I could eat whatever I wanted to? Do I eat and drink what I want and just apologize later?? Oh what to do?? Well I decided to listen to my trainer and just have one or the other!! I worked out that morning and ate all healthy meals throughout the day with the exception of dinner, which I had prior to going to the restaurant...I had 2 small beef fajita's with onions, mushrooms and broccoli and a little shredded cheddar cheese....should've had whole wheat tortilla shells but I didn't...

The Alcohol

I decided to drink y'all AND BOY DID I EVER!! I had a nice buzz going from very early on in the evening. I had a strawberry daquiri with my dinner and drank vodka spiked grape KoolAid prior to leaving my house. My girlfriend was with me so it made it way more fun!! When we finally got to the restaurant for the reunion (around 830pm), I started with a glass of red wine and asked the waiter what his name was, as I knew I'd be calling on him often!!! Once that red wine hit my tongue, it was almost magical and I just couldn't wait to have another - GUILT FREE!! It was awesome!! My best friend from high school was my drinking buddy last night and we fell right back into our old highschool ways ...it felt great....free....fun and no inhibitions..okay, okay, I was toasted all night. There was a smile as big and bright as the moon across my face and I just remember giggling the entire night. See pic below with my BF on the left and a friend from high school who btw, has not aged one second since then!!!! We had such fun last night.

It was amazing!! We had such a blast. I had wine, white russians, and shooters of all kinds (i don't even remember the cute names that went along with each different one I tried that night - I'm referring to the shooters here!!). I felt like a crazy teenager again....Such a fun night and I really did not miss the fatty foods at all....maybe it's because there's was never a moment that I didn't have a drink in my hand!! LOL!!!

I have lots more to write but unfortunately, I have to sign off...will be back later. I am leaving again for another business trip and I need to get packed and prepped, but my laptop will be with me, so I will continue posting later.

BTW, please note that I am wearing a new top that actually shows my arms (I would have never worn that before) there is some definition (probably not visible), the top is an XL...no more 3x, 2x or 1x!!!! I'm also wearing another pair of size 16 jeans!!!

Until next time...

Joania (2KMINE!!!!)

ST. PATTY'S & MY GIRLFRIEND JB....

This individual has been my friend for 20+ years and together, we've done a lot of fun and crazy things which will bring us to tears as we laugh about it, to this day!! It doesn't take much to get us going! I cannot imagine my life without her...anyway, this is not intended to be a sappy post. I can just see her face as she reads this laughing to herself and probably saying, "I can't believe she's writing about me and our craziness in her blog!!" or something to that effect!

Anyway, JB and I absolutely LOVE St. Patrick's Day!!! Well, maybe it's more the festivities that we like because if any one of us were quizzed on the history or origin of St. Patty's - we'd fail miserably!! I'm certain all of our responses would include either "leprechaun" or "green beer"!! It has been our longstanding tradition of just getting together and "doing it up right" on St. Patty's Day. For us, the festivities usually starts very early in the afternoon and goes strong until the wee hours of the morning!!

In the past, this involved the consumption of "a few" beverages, followed by a few more and so on and so on until very early the following morning where we'd ALWAYS end up asking the taxi driver to take us to the 24-hour drive thru McDonalds, where we ordered a massive amount of greasy, fatty food. I'm talking, double Big Macs, Supersize Fries, Coke and Apple Pies!!! I swear, it's the only thing we wanted to eat after a day on the "liquid diet" and it was just AMAZING! Can anyone relate to this, or are we just nuts?? Anyway, that's how we would normally spend St. Patty's Day, in the past!

This Year...

I will be in Edmonton on business on St. Patty's Day!! This year, on St. Patty's Day, I will have just completed my third straight month on this wonderful journey following a highly effective, customized diet and exercise plan which does not include my traditional "St. Patty's Day Food and Beverage Choices"!!!! THIS YEAR, on St. Patty's Day, although I will be in Edmonton, SO WILL MY GIRLFRIEND JB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't know if was fate or if it was planned (I WILL never tell!!) but we will BOTH be in Edmonton on St Patty's Day and I think it was meant to be...

Oh, what to do????

First off, my girlfriend in no way wants to sabbotage my journey and has been extremely supportive from the very beginning and even before!! So "what I do" will be totally my decision...we could have a good time either way..Honestly, there is no pressure from her at all!! I just don't want anyone thinking that she's sabbotaging me in anyway!!!

So here are some facts:

1. I have been just amazing on this diet and exercise plan, and for the most part (except those 4 choc eggs recently), I've stayed true.
   
2. I didn't have cake or alcohol on my 35th birthday!!
   
3. I didn't have any chocolate on Valentine's Day!!
   
4. So far this year I've done very well and 3 months is a very long time.
   
5. I have all intentions of remaining on this journey and reaching my goals by Dec 2009!

I've always said that I don't want this new lifestyle to consume me and I also don't want to miss out on my life and things I enjoy doing because of it even though I realize and accept that I do have to make a lot of sacrifices and give up certain things....so I'm in yet another position where I have to make a huge decision regarding either food, chocolate, alcohol or all of the above!!! I also don't want to always have to be in these types of positions. I want to be able to just live and enjoy my life while respecting the boundaries of my program. It's all about finding that balance and learning how to live within it....I think that's a bigger struggle than losing the weight, itself - for me anyway!

So that's it for now....as always, I will be honest in whatever I do; with whatever decision I make regarding St. Patty's Day!! You will be informed...either way!!

Until next time...

Joania (2KMINE!!!)

New Motivation, Challenges, Ideas!!!

Hi guys,

So, I've got some new motivation, y'all!! Nothing gets your butt moving like finding out that you'll be attending a high school reunion at the END OF APRIL!!!! That's in a little more than a month!! I WILL be kicking it hardcore during my WORKOUTS and more importantly making sure I STAY ON TRACK with my EATING!!!! It's not a full blown high school reunion, just a group of friends from the same grade/same age group getting together after not seeing each other for in 15+ years!!! Exciting!! I'm really looking forward to seeing the old faces and friends and just having a good time, which I will have regardless but being a little more fit and healthy , would just be that much more fun!! I'm actually really looking forward to it! Should do be good fun.

There are so many things I want to do...

I've been wanting to make some changes to my cardio training and incorporate some new things just to avoid getting bored with what I'm currently doing and also, I think it's a good opportunity to explore new things in the fitness world, since I plan to have a relationship with fitness for the rest of my life!!!. As always, I do have to check with my trainer to make sure I'm making *good* changes. He should get back to me shortly. I'm thinking of taking a spinning class 3 times a week instead of just the regular treadmill/elliptical cardio sessions that I'm currently doing. I hear that you can burn 450+ calories in one 45 minute session!! That's awesome and also spinning isn't as hard on the knees as jogging on the treadmill. So I really want to try it out. I checked out Cycle Fit's website and found that they offer a 545am class - will work for me!!! I also want to return to my Bootcamp classes in May or so..as soon as they go back outdoors (they run the bootcamp indoors during winter).

I want to increase my flexibility, so I've decided to take a YOGA class one day a week (it's all the time I can spare) I've NEVER DONE YOGA before, so I'm sure I will SUCK for the first while, but I'll stick with it and see. I've checked out OYS (Orleans Yoga Shala) on the web and they offer and ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS CLASS, two nights a week. Plus, one my friends has already agreed to accompany me (no changing your mind MR!!!). Looks like we'll go on Tuesday nights but I will confirm soon. That should be entertaining!!

The weather is showing some signs of 'wanting to get nice'; Spring SHOULD be right around the corner (hopefully). I've really been thinking of my workouts and finding different things that I like to do and stay with this new lifestlye of mine. I know that I will be swimming alot in the summer ...I've always enjoyed swimming and it's a really good work out.

I also want to run a 5 K!!! I've had a few friends offer to do one with me. I don't know if I will "sign up" for one of those official races (maybe in the fall), but I want to be able to *RUN* a 5K and time myself. My mind has been just spinning with new ideas and new challenges I want to take on - that's a good thing, right??

I need to figure things out, make some solid plans and set some more goals to work towards!! AND THEN, COAX some of you guys into doing some f these new and exciting and possibly crazy things with me!! :)) I WILL keep you all posted......

Until next time...


Joania (2KMINE!!!)