Reward System

I like to shop. A lot. 

Yeah, yeah, I know what girl doesn't? My mom for one... she hates shopping. But that's neither here nor there. I have a mean shopaholic spirit in me, and when I'm sad nothing cures my blues better than some serious retail therapy.

I'm well aware that yesterday's post was a little on the woe is me side of posts, but I am happy to report that I feel much better today. Unfortunately I did not get to make myself feel better by shopping, but I do feel more like myself today.

Anyways, that's not the point of today's post, I just wanted to give a friendly update.

Today's post is about my reward system.

The when I lose this much weight I get this reward system.

And... of course it has to do with shopping.

Back in June I spoke about my poutine reward after 20 pounds, and that still stays, but I want to share my other rewards I will give myself once I hit some milestones, since I'm more than aware that food rewards after losing weight is beyond a bad idea.

-10 pounds: New Yoga Mat

-15 pounds: New lululemon pants

-20 pounds: Poutine & boots (still undecided on what boots)

-25 pounds: New sweaters (still undecided too)

-30 pounds: New lululemon shorts

-35 pounds: Definitely going to need some new jeans

-40 pounds: New lululemon jacket

-45 pounds: New lululemon tank

-50 pounds: Shopping spree! (within a reasonable budget!)

GOAL: Tattoo

Yes, I have an obsession with lululemon. My new addiction to the gym, makes me look at the best of lulu everyday, and my current pairs of lulu's are very ratty and in dire need of some new friends. I also plan on only asking for lululemon money for my birthday. 

What kind of reward system do you have with your weight loss?

You are Your Surroundings

Dare I join the Nature vs. Nurture debate?

Having a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology, I am beyond fascinated with this topic; however, I firmly believe there shouldn't be any debate over whether or not one is and one isn't.

I think we are shaped by both our nature (our genes) and nurture (our surroundings)... and obviously given the title of the post, I'm going to be talking about the latter.

I am a sponge. When it's rainy outside I know before I even look outside, when I'm in a hospital, I get nervous, when I enter a room after there's been a fight, I'm on edge, when everyone's happy, so am I.

I take in my surroundings and often my mood reflects it. Superman is the same way... so whenever one of us in a bad mood, we rub off on each other, and if both of us are in a bad mood, things multiply.

Lately, I've been talking about how my moods have been confused, on edge, uneasy and sad, and well just a whole mixture of everything.

I figured out that this has 100% to do with my surroundings (mainly at work). I am trying to figure out my next move in my career which has been stressful, and my boss's energy has been highly stressful, which in turn has made me go a little crazy.

I quite literally was on the verge of tears all week, but couldn't cry (which is so very rare to me). I would find sanctuary at the gym, but still come home in a mood (not myself), this would rub off on Superman, who also was edgy for his own reasons, making me feel more and more edgy, pent up and crazy each day.

By Friday, I don't think I've ever felt like screaming "TGIF!!!" more. On Saturday was our Ultimate Frisbee tournament. In the blistering hot sun, our team (missing about half of us) played two 1.5 hour games back to back (10 minute break in between). We had one sub. Anyone who has played Ultimate before will know that it's all running. Constant running. Friday evening we had a game and I pulled a muscle. I couldn't back out on Saturday so I had to play (and wanted to) while dealing with a painful muscle pull.

By the end of the solid three hours of high intensity cardio running games in the blistering sun I was donezo (we all were). We went home to shower before going out for some dinner. After such a long week, and long day, I was standing in the shower, and I began to cry. It was such a huge release, and I was quite literally crying about everything and nothing at the same time.

I figured that after that I would be back to my old self again, but I still feel the same. Why? Because my environment hasn't changed. I'm so long overdue for an actual vacation, where I don't have to worry about money after (I don't have paid vacation time with my current job).

I find myself always getting stuck in situations where my environment is sucking the life out of me, and then I bring it home to poor Superman. I'm one of those people that people love to tell their problems to. Which is fine, I love being there for my friends and family, but sometimes people that I don't even care about like to rub off their problems on me too. After awhile, I kind of feel weighted down, and now I think this is seriously affecting my weight loss goals.

This weekend, I'm heading back to my family's cottage again, and I plan to do some serious rest and relaxation in a positive and peaceful environment, and when I get back, I'm not letting anyone steal my sunshine!

[P.S. if you're still reading this... thanks! I needed a serious vent and didn't intend for it to be so long!]

Slowgress

Last weeks weight: 181 lbs
This weeks weight: 181 lbs
Weekly loss: 0 lbs
Total loss: -7 lbs

Yes I'm lame. What an exciting blog to read! I literally copy-pasted that from last week. Life is stressing me out and I'm letting it get to me. On Wednesday I was talking about all my mixed emotions which were reflecting themselves on my motivation to eat well. Not only have I sabotaged my diet (and by diet I mean food that I've been eating, not the d word diet), I have sabotaged the way I feel. My stress makes me feel like crap - I eat crap to make the stress feel less stressful - I feel like crap. I would really like to get out of this cycle.

My stress is work/career related, and that's not something I'm going to talk about here (for obvious reasons). So just know I'm trying to sort it out!

So since June I've lost 7 pounds. That's less than one pound a week, and kind of a joke in my eyes. I could have been looking really good by now. However I'm not going to do all the shoulda, coulda, woulda's, and the if, ands, or buts... I'm just going to call it slowgress . I've made progress, and well, progress is progress.

I have refound my love for the gym, and that in itself makes my heart feel full inside.

{source}

I'm a turtle, and well, we all know slow and steady wins the race!

Twitter Part 2

Back in June I announced my hatred for Twitter. I find it confusing. This has not changed. But I have decided to try and learn to use it since so many people have it, and I need to stop updating my status on Facebook so much.

So if you have Twitter - let me know!

@amywithsmile

I am disappointed that someone out there has my chosen name of lifewithasmile (I get that the long version of my site wouldn't work).

P.S. Please share with me tweeting tips. All I know so far is that you put an @ and another Twitterer's name if you want to talk them and a # if you want to refer to a group? I am Twittarded (haha I just made up a word). 

Workout Wednesday

Introducing my new Wednesday post: Workout Wednesday's (everyone enjoys a good alliteration right?).

Since I'm moving my weigh-in's to Friday's now, you'll have to wait and see what I weigh then (I don't even know).

For the last couple of weeks I have been going over my weekly fitness goals, and I have been loving the challenge for myself. I will review with all of you what I've down the prior week, and my new goals.

So let's review my goals from last week:
Bold = complete Crossed out = not complete

• Water, water, water, water, water  I still haven't bought a new water bottle, and I am always thirsty. You'd think I'd just grab some water, but I've admittedly been sucking majorly on this part.
• Remain active when I'm at home I relaxed all weekend and ate instead. Boo on me.
• Record my WW points all week Yay me, I failed all my goals this week. I am having trouble with my WW, and food, and everything in general dealing with food right now. I'm not sure why, because I feel like crap to be frank. I know eating better will make me feel better, and have better results. There is something going on in my head that I am yet to figure out. Perhaps some self sabotage, something deeper or laziness... who knows. I feel like I need a good cry - I'm on edge. I feel a rage deep inside me. I feel sad. I feel confused. I am starting to reassess the idea of continuing Weight Watchers. I was loving it before but now I am totally slacking... I am thinking that it's a waste of money, and that I could do without - but this can be more detrimental than anything. So... I leave a question to other Weight Watcher followers out there: Have you ever experienced not recording for awhile? Do you think it's worth it? What should I do? I need advice!!

Fitness Schedule:
Wednesday: Body Flow  This list will be more boldly.
Thursday: Gym (cardio &circuit) I rock that gym.
Friday: going home (rest day) I wanted to workout, but it was a crazy day. I did some major squatting for an hour when Vada was stuck in the ceiling, trying to get her out. But clearly that doesn't count! haha
Saturday: 6 year old birthday party (enough said!) The birthday party was actually Sunday (an error in the dates on the invites) - Saturday was pretty lazy - it's fine!
Sunday: go for a long walk or something active! I was hungover - enough said.
Monday: Gym (cardio & circuit) Superman and I returned home later than we had hoped, and I ended up working all night and missing the gym. I was fine with this because I knew it wasn't me bailing on the gym, it was merely life getting in the way.
Tuesday: Gym (cardio & circuit) It felt so good to be back.

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Superman has told me that I'm addicted to the gym. I have never been so happy about that. When I'm not at the gym, I wish I was. When I miss the gym, I get sad. When I am at work, I look forward to a solid workout. I wish I was there now. So as soon as I get my water and food back on track, I will accomplish wonderful things!

So here are my goals for the next 7 days:

• Buy a new water bottle and keep it full and in front of me (and drink from it)
• Figure out what I want to do with my food situation
• Figure out what's bugging me

Fitness Schedule:
Wednesday: Body Flow + Cardio (at gym or biking)
Thursday: Gym (cardio & circuit)
Friday: Ultimate Frisbee
Saturday: Ultimate Frisbee tournie
Sunday: Body Flow + Cardio
Monday: Gym (cardio & circuit)
Tuesday: Gym (cardio & circuit)  

I realize I haven't given myself  a rest day, but I'm fine with that, I sit around after work anyways, I might as well be doing something (I told you I was addicted). I am also going back to my family's cottage next weekend for Labour Day and I would like to look less horrid in a bathing suit. 

So that concludes my first Workout Wednesday! I'm trying to be peppy but as I said, I've got some deep sadness and confusion lingering in my heart, and I'm still ridiculously tired from my trip home. So that's all you get :)

Bits and Bites

This weekend I went home for a visit to celebrate some birthday love and have some much needed family time, including:

• spending over 1 hour trying to get Vada out of Superman's ceiling
• way too much birthday cake
• delicious dessert cheeseballs (oh yes, I need that recipe)
• being called Amy-Lynn during my mom's wake-up calling this morning (warmed my heart)
• taking too much time off
• not enough sleep
• achieving laundry victory (oh yes, such a glorious feeling when you live in an apt. building)
• failing to take pictures
• stomach aches from crappy food
• hanging with my bestie on her birthday
• playing a game called boozeasaurus and feeling drunk after one drink
•  hangovers
• delicious breakfasts
• hearing small town gossip and drama
• watching True Blood with my parents explaining it truly is an amazing show
• hanging with my parents and Superman's family (he hasn't budged on the name front by the way)

and...

• chilling with my doggy

oldie but goodie picture

 Overall, it was an amazing weekend! I hope you can say the same!

To My Fellow Crazy Cat Ladies

...and all those who still need to be convinced

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Have a great weekend!

Lazy Music Listener

I'm a lazy music listener. I have friends that are always on top of the latest music, are sick of songs before they hit the radio, and have the best playlists on their iPod.

I'm lazy... I love new music (within reason, I'm starting to feel the generation divide), but I just never feel like researching what new music I want, downloading it, and then making a new playlist (this makes me tired thinking about it). When I do get in the mood for new music, I try to get it all done at once, and will make an amazing playlist.

Lately, not so much. I downloaded a few songs at the beginning of August, including the purchase of K'Naan's Troubadour CD (an artist Superman and I can agree on) off iTunes. I have a new hate for iTunes by the way. Did you know they have their own special music format for songs you purchase from the iTunes store? That means when you transfer all your iTune purchased songs onto a USB, they won't play. My car plays music through USB... so all my legally purchased music cannot be played in my car. Dumb if you ask me. I want to listen to K'Naan in my car! Boy oh boy do I hate Apple sometimes (I miss my Macbook though).

Anyways, for lazy days where my iTunes gets boring, and I just really don't feel like listening to the radio anymore, I go to the website 8tracks. You get to listen to other peoples playlists for freeee! Made for the lazy! Now if I could only figure out how to get these playlists onto my USB for my car for free, and without any work.

My favourite playlist that I've listened to a bagillion times, and am currently listening to... is this one (I am a mainstream hippy by the way, or I like to think I am):

Enjoy!

One Lovely Blogger Award

Mrs. Meg O. at O. is Me was so very kind to give me the One Lovely Blogger Award today. Since the last time I got an award from Miss Jen at Freckle on the Nose of Life's Complexion for being a Versatile Blogger, and I was too new of a blogger to follow along (that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!) this time I'm going to participate.
Thanks Meg for giving me this award, I always look forward to your newer posts, and secretly wish you would include Dexter in more of them! I'm also hoping that once school is back in session you will still have time to post lots!

 I guess the rules are to list seven things about myself and pass it on to nine other bloggers.

-one- 

 My first name is actually Amy-Lynn. Most people think it's my middle name - but nope, that would be Michelle. Only my Mom refers to me as Amy-Lynn when I'm in trouble (obviously doesn't happen quite as often as it used to). I generally only use my real name on government documents, cards to my parents and my resume now! 

-two-

I have two birthmarks, one is on my face - people don't always notice it, and sometimes after years of knowing people, I can always tell the first time they notice, since they will suddenly start looking at me very oddly. The other one is a red mark on my arm.  

-three-

I've been to see a psychic/medium three times (once was to accompany my Mom). It is the most incredible experience ever (if you go to someone legit). Last time I went he told me that I would have two kids three years apart, one in 2013, the other in 2016. I'm not sure how I feel about how close in time that is (Superman certainly didn't like it).

-four-

I mainly keep in touch with my parents through MSN, Facebook, texting and Skype. They're technologically savvy, and I'm not really one for talking on the phone, except to my one Aunt, whom I generally talk to on the phone for like 1-2 hours each time. 

-five-

 I'm not afraid of the dentist. Why you might ask? Because I've never had braces (I lucked out with straight teeth!) or even a cavity. I got my wisdom teeth out in grade 12, but that was done by a surgeon. Most times when I go to the dentist, I get my teeth cleaned and the dentist comes in, looks at my teeth for 30 seconds and leaves.

-six-

Every time I write out Superman I get annoyed, it would be so much easier if he would just let me use his name (Superman if you are reading this, just let me use your name already!)

-seven-

This is really hard since I made a list of random facts about myself not too long ago.

And now to pass along the award:

Jen @ Freckle on the Nose of Life's Complexion

Kayla Sue @ In Every Good Love Letter There's A Soldier and His Girl

Nicole @ Casa de Nicole

Jess @ It is a Big Deal, it is to Me!

Alexandra @ the Tsaritsa sez-- it's a Love/Haight thing

Megan @ Let's Be Serious

Jess @ Half of Jess

Mary @ A Merry Life

Kenz @ All the Weigh

I recommend stopping by!

Thanks again Meg!

Tattoos

Anyone who has a tattoo knows about the tattoo itch (you know, the once you get one you want another, and another and another). I always knew I would end up getting tattoos in high school, but I also knew that when I would get one it had to and would be meaningful.

In high school I had an obsession with the infinity symbol, and wanted to get inked with one badly. I wasn't sure where I wanted it, and since I was so young I delayed the idea.

About 4 or 5 years ago at an Odyssey my cousin and I came up with the idea to get the word "nieskonczonosc" tattooed on us. Nieskonczonosc is the closest translation to the word infinity in Polish, more accurately meaning "Never ending". Anyone that has been reading my blog for a while now knows how important my family is to me... so the idea of tattooing a word that represents my never ending love for my culture and family was perfect. My cousin got it tattooed shortly after the idea was conceived down his leg, and I stalled. I wanted to have the perfect design and the perfect placement, so until I knew what that was I wasn't getting it.

Fast forward to May 2007 when my brother passed away. He was killed at the age of 22, 14 short days before his 23rd birthday. I'm not sure how I came up with the idea, but a few days after his death I decided I was going to get the word "Brother" on me. I originally was going to get it on my wrist, but Superman and my Mom persuaded me to get it on my back (which I'm very thankful for today). On my brother's would-be 23rd birthday I got my first tattoo. Having waited years for my original idea, in hindsight this tattoo was a very hasty decision, however I still love it just as much as the day I got it, and will forever have my big brother watching my back.

 

 Last summer I got the tattoo itch again, and decided it was time to live up to my end of the deal with my cousin and get my long-planned tattoo. After a great deal of head scratching I decided to incorporate the word "nieskonczonosc" into the infinity symbol, and get it tattooed on my foot. To say it was painful is the understatement of the year. Unless you really want a tattoo on your foot, think it over twice a billion times. I am very happy with the way it turned out.

My next tattoo, which I've mentioned before is the symbol for gratitude. I would like to get it on my ribs to simply remind me everyday to count my blessings and have gratitude for the life I was given. I have decided that I will get this tattoo when I've reached my goal weight to add another layer of depth and meaning to it. I am grateful for my health and my body, and promise myself to always take care of it - especially since we're only given one!

I have other ideas for tattoos, but will wait a lengthy amount of time to get them, since I don't want to end up with sleeves and looking like a really strange old lady.

Do you have any tattoos? 

TV Shows I Wish Would Come Back

After getting all deep and meaningful yesterday, I figured since it's Friday (TGIF!) I would go in the opposite direction today.

I've told you that I'm beyond obsessed with television, so I present to you my list of television shows I wish would come back/never got canceled.

This is a quick and dirty list, and I encourage you all to comment and add to it!

1. Friends: well duh! I'm not doing the whole countdown thing here, Friends gets the number one spot, enough said. After the whole Sex and the City hoopla, they started some mumblings about a movie and I almost died... because I would die. I love Friends and Superman can vouch, I watch old episodes all the time. The PVR is set to record 3 episodes a day, and I am generally caught up before bed time. How much do you wish you had new episodes to watch?

 

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2. Sex and the City: double duh! I must say though I would like Sex and the City to come back before the whole movie hoopla and just continue on right from season 6 before they got old and botoxy. I need Carrie Bradshaw to narrate my life. 

3. 3rd Rock from the Sun: I find myself having memories of this show pop into my life all the time lately. Maybe downloading the series would suffice since I used to watch it when I was really little and I likely did not catch on to much more than the fact that they were funny aliens (holy run-on sentence!). 

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4. Seinfeld: okay, obviously this makes the list. This is a show with an abundance of re-runs that never get old, but some new episodes would be awesome too. Yes, I know there was the whole "Seinfeld Return" in Curb Your Enthusiasm, but I didn't really watch it because it wasn't the real deal. Wouldn't you love to watch Seinfeld act horribly again and laugh at his own jokes? Don't get me wrong, the man's a comedic genius, but he was always trying not to laugh. Look for it next time, and you'll see what I mean!

  {source}

5. TGIF: Okay okay, I realize this isn't a television show per se, but why do I have to pick and choose? They all fit so nicely into a category... and my TGIF includes Dinosaurs, Sabrina, Boy Meets World, Family Matters, Teen Angel, Clueless and Two of a Kind. I would even be happy if ABC brought back TGIF with new shows, but similarly awesome. 

{source}

Others that make the list but no numbers:

• The Magic School Bus: anyone else still using Ms. Frizzle's lessons in their daily lives?
• Get Real: great show never given a chance
• Melrose Place (the new gen.): the show was finally starting to get super good!
• Deep End: damn you ABC for ending a solid show too early.
• Accidentally on Purpose: such a hilarious show that had a solid cast. Boo on this cancel.
• Life As We Know It: I guess I should have expected since the show cast Kelly Osbourne as a lead, google this cast, they all went places!
• Kyle XY: I'm still pissed they ended this show on such a crazy finale since it was supposed to be a Season Finale, not SERIES Finale.

What shows do you wish would return?
 

Real Women

I'm all about being healthy, and being a size that's right for you.

I don't think stick thin is healthy for everyone, and size 0 is impossible for most women.

 {source}

I hate the media and fashion industry for ruining our perception of beauty & love Dove for the work they are doing. 

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I think we should rejoice in our blemishes, wrinkles, freckles, moles and birthmarks, because those are the things that make us who we are. 

I think that we should feel confident enough to go a day without make-up

...and I dream of a day when we are all happy in our own skin.

"No one ever told me I was pretty when I was a little girl. 

All little girls should be told they are pretty, even if they aren't."*

-Marilyn Monroe

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*I was always told I was beautiful when I was growing up, and I'll be forever thankful for that.


P.S. I highly recommend you click on the Dove link and watch the Onslaught video!

Triumphant Return

First things first, I'm quite proud that I spelled triumphant correct first try.

Secondly, I made my triumphant return to the gym (oh yes people!) yesterday.

Things have changed at my old stomping grounds, everything has been moved around, I don't recognize the staff and my gym clothes are much tighter than they used to be; however, one thing is the same, how I feel when I leave.

I have never felt at home at a gym, I feel like people watch you and compare... judge. It could be true or not true, but the fact is, that's how I feel. People certainly watch, particularly when you're doing a circuit in front of  line-up of people waiting to go into a class.

I don't know the exact reasons why I completely stopped going to the gym. I have never loved working out, but when you leave, you feel so much better. Your muscles ache, you're red and sweaty (I shower when I go home most of the time), but you feel energized and invigorated.

My new plan (scratch last Wednesday's plan) is to go to the gym after work Monday-Thursday. I have Frisbee on Friday's and if I miss a week day, I will go on Sunday's. In the Fall (how is that just around the corner?) I have Frisbee on Wednesday/Sunday and I will go to the gym Monday, Tuesday, Thursday's.

I've attempted twice this week already to set my alarm early to go before work, and ended up staying in bed until the last possible second until I had to get up. I can't do it, as much as I would love love love to. Until then, I'll have to be happy with getting home at 7pm. Nothing good is on TV then anyway (beside Friends, and that automatically records).

Are you an exercise junkie, or do you hate the gym like me?
What gets you to the gym?

P.S. Post gym last night I had a salad for dinner, then Superman came home, ordered us pizza and I ended up having 3-4 slices... at least I went to the gym.

Biological Clocks

{disclaimer: Superman don't read this post, it will freak you out, and you don't have a reason to be freaked out}

We live in a different time than our parents.

By the time my Mom was 18 she was running our family's restaurant, at the age of 20 she was married to my Dad (he was a week away from turning 21), at the age of 23 she gave birth to my brother, and at 26 she had me.

I am 22, a few short months away from the age of 23 (scary for it's own reason, but that's for another post), and 27 years ago at the age of 22 my own Mom was pregnant with my brother.

It's crazy to pass age milestones, and compare where I am in my life to my parents.

I treasure the relationship I have with my parents, we are friends more than anything, and I can only hope that one day when I have children our relationship is the same.

{My parents at the restaurant Christmas 2007}

 

Superman and I both have young parents, all aged 50 and under. We both believe that the closeness we share to our parents is naturally because of our closeness in age.

I want to have children at a young age, despite the new norm of waiting until you are in your 30s. By 30, I would like to have 2 children.

Now, just because emotionally I'm far from ready, doesn't mean there isn't some biological clock inside me pining for a child. It's a strange feeling to experience. I do not want a child right now, I can't have a child right now, but I yearn for it.

Whenever I see a pregnant woman, baby in stroller or toddler, I secretly wish it was 4-5 years in the future and I was in a place financially and emotionally to have a baby.

I'm curious how as a society we have delayed growing up by nearly 10 years, confusing our biological clocks in the process. Our bodies are ready to have a child in our early 20s, and somehow we mask those feelings by getting kitties and puppies and wrapping ourselves into a career.

Superman jokes that he can still delay my motherly instincts by getting a puppy in the future, which is smart on his part, because if something deep inside my body is yearning for a child now, logic and Vada can only delay me so long.

Does anyone else feel this conflict between societal norms and your biological instincts?


*Also, just so you all know I won't be having a child anytime soon, I want to be married before I have children, and we're still a coupleish years (Superman is still in school until the end of 2011) away from thinking of that, then I will need a year to plan a wedding, and I don't really want to immediately jump into having a child after getting married. I've got 7.5 years until I'm 30!

Slipping

I shamefully admit a slip on my part. On Wednesday I had a super motivation, my shiny red wagon in place, and the rest of this week it has disappeared. I haven't been gorging and binging on Cheetos and chocolate (don't worry!) but I haven't been recording my points, and anyone who has ever done Weight Watchers would know this is dangerous territory.

My exercise plan for this week hasn't been exactly tended to either. I missed Body Flow Wednesday, and Thursday I opted to go for a long walk instead of doing the EA Active. Last night was an amazing work out with Frisbee; however, just as I went to score a goal, a guy (a really tall lanky guy that easily weighed 200 pounds) charged at me football style, running into me, landing on, and crushing my foot, rolling it in the process. It's not broken, bruised or sprained, but it's pretty sore. At least we got the point (I didn't catch it, it was a foul point)... and won! Later in the evening, I was walking down the stairs outside my building, trying to quickly diverge the scary spider corner, I slipped and fell down the stairs, partially rolling the other ankle. Needless to say I'm a bit of a double gimp today, and I really wanted to go for the planned bike ride! I might still try it out.

I am hoping for some ambition to cook a good dinner tonight, because so far all I have had today was (it's 7pm):

•  2 Nutrigrain bars (I know bad)
• Cheese 
• Scrambled eggs and toast (the only meal thus far because Superman made it)
• a Pickle (clearly!)
• Craisins
• Popcorn
• Coke Zero

This is what I like to call my lazy grazing. I am hungry but do not want to make myself a decent meal - so I graze and find quick fixes to my hunger. This is when I would typically go out to eat, but I really should be watching my budget (and my goals for this week).

Don't you wish your fridge magically made you delicious and healthy dinners? Because I DO!

Book Review: The Kite Runner

As you know (or now you do!) I have a 101 in 1001 list, and on that list includes my task of reading 50 new books. Last month I finished Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffen, and loved it. I mentioned that it usually takes 1-2 months for me to finish a book, and coincidentally, it took me EXACTLY one month to the day to finish The Kite Runner.

The Kite Runner is amazing, and if you haven't read it already (I was slow to jump on this bandwagon), I highly recommend it. This book is eye-opening, touching and quite powerful. It's a sad book, but the emotion that resonates with you as you read it is unique. I have never read a book quite like this, and will definitely read Khaled's second book A Thousand Splendid Suns in the future as I have heard it's just as incredible.

I mentioned the other day that Superman had stole this book from me on the weekend, and I was unable to read it on my mini-vacation. He ate it up too, and by Monday evening he was only 40 pages behind me (I told you I was a slow reader!). On Monday evening as we lounged around at his Mom's house, I decided we should read the rest together. In Cuba we had done this with my Emily Giffen novels since Superman had opted to bring a book he had already read on vacation. I would read out loud to him and he would listen. On Tuesday I read The Kite Runner out loud to Superman the entire 4 hour drive back to Ottawa, and we finished it last night. If you've never read a book with someone like this, I would recommend it, it's a fun way to read!

I have admittedly already watched almost half of the movie as I read the book, and will probably watch the entire thing tonight with Superman.

Read this book, and watch the movie... you'll be glad you did!!

P.S. My reviews are based solely on my opinion, I was not asked to comment on or read the book.

Getting Aquainted

Oh bloggy universe... such a funny thing. We read these deep, personal, funny, diary-like, random and interesting posts about one another, but we don't know much about each other. In some cases, that includes each others names!

Remember in Winter 2009 when there was an explosion on Facebook notes, with people sharing 25 random facts about themselves? As soon as I saw it, I just waited to be tagged so I could join in. I love lists and surveys, and this was both (bonus!).

Anyways bloggy friends, the point is we don't know much about the randomness that makes us... us!

Here is a list of random facts about me! Some of these are from my list on Facebook last year, but others are newly added. I encourage you to do the same (share the link if you do)!

• I have a weird obsession with weddings... I've been told I should be a wedding planner at times, because I literally am that girl who has been planning her wedding since she knew what weddings were, and I completely understand expensive weddings...

• I aspire to be a neat freak, but am far from it

• I absolutely hate the term "making love"...it's cheesy and tacky and just wrong

• I stopped eating pork and beef (and all other red meat) in grade 5; and because of my huge love for Wonton soup I made my mom promise never to tell me what kind of meat was in it, because deep down I knew it was bad... I eventually found out it was pork...but pretended to never notice. Once I lived in residence in university, my desire for breakfast meat emerged, and I was reunited with my love for bacon and breakfast sausages.... and still stick away from beef.

• I've never eaten a hamburger in my life... I had a bite of one when I was little, but I hated it.

• I have a huge fascination with pregnancy, my favourite TV show used to be A Baby Story, and if I had the science smarts I would have been a midwife or Addison Montegomary.

• I am a self-diagnosed hypochondriac. Every time I have a headache I have to remind myself it is not a brain tumour...

• I cannot and will not eat anything cold that is supposed to be hot... it's so gross... major contenders in this are chicken, pasta, potatoes, eggs, pizza... no thank you that's disgusting

• My family is the most important thing in the world to me... I do not understand those people who don't get that... or have that

• Every time I went to the eye doctor when I was little I secretly wished I would need glasses, and would try them on... my Mom totally saw through it but I always denied it... I swear my need to wear contacts everyday now is completely and 100% my own fault. Nobody else in my family needs glasses...

• I often will speak in full sentences leaving out the main indicator of what I’m talking about and use the word “thing” or “thingy” in it’s place and nobody ever knows what I’m talking about (particularly Superman).

• I believe everything happens for a reason; FATE all the way…this includes the good and the bad, and it just takes some time to understand why bad things happen to us

• I often lose things and go into a complete panic thinking it’s gone forever… get really flustered and then find it feeling like a fool. 

• I wish I could blog for a living - it's much more fun than real work.

• I'm a crazy cat lady at heart that is limited to one kitty to hide my true craziness.

• I truly believe my brother is always present around me. I collect dimes that I find on the ground or in random places, as I have been told that dimes are a way our loved ones show their presence. I have a very large collection of dimes (I haven't counted in a long time). 

 {my dime collection as from October 2008 - you can imagine how big it is now!}

Share some of your randomness!

Reasons and Excuses

One thing I learned very quickly about Superman when we first started dating was that he hated excuses... and that no matter how pretty you give your reasoning... it's still an excuse.

I firmly believed, and still do believe, that sometimes there is a true reason why something does or doesn't happen... however, over our years together I have discovered that a lot of prettily disguised reasons are actually excuses (including mine, but I'm not fooling this guy!).

Yes, sometimes things happen and there is an actual reason behind it (like I said, I still believe this), but we live in a world of excuses.

My dog ate my homework.

I don't/didn't have time.

Not tonight, I have a headache.

I don't know how. 

I'm too tired.  

My classic reasoning for going to the gym was always that I didn't have enough time. Superman always said you can make time for the things you want to do. I know it's and excuse, by I use that as my reason. I know I could make the time to go to the gym; however, it has ultimately defeated me time and time again. In university last year, I never felt I had enough time (it eventually became a financial issue). Now that I work a 9-5, if I go to the gym after work, I end up getting home starving at 7/7:30pm, which is pretty late to me. I have tried to do the morning thing, but sleep defeats me every time. My only option is to suck it up and go after work.

 {image credit}

Yesterday I posted about my fitness goals for the week, and I was super motivated, but I ended up not going. After a bit of a crisis, involving Superman's sister's puppy peeing on our bed, and then Superman temporarily losing her cat. I went home early to ease the crazy situation at home, but when it was all said and done, I ended up getting no work done, missing the gym, and eating nachos for dinner. I didn't want to drive to the gym, which is actually closer to my work then my home, and driving to a class for 5:30 during rush hour didn't seem worth it. Clearly this reason is an excuse.

I packed a lunch today, have been drinking lots of water, and pray for the red shiny wagon motivation I had yesterday morning when I get home tonight to do my EA Active workout. I hate disappointing my Wii man.

What kind of excuses do you use in your daily life?

Odyssey 2010

As promised here is a recap of my weekend away for some much needed R&R for my family's 11th Annual Cottage Odyssey (for a story about Odyssey go here).

On Thursday afternoon Superman and I drove home for the night, and I spent many hours that evening tying up loose ends and planning for the big weekend. On Friday afternoon we took the short one hour drive up to the cottage for a weekend of pure bliss. My car was packed full and we were beyond ready for a weekend of fun and relaxation.

The weekend involved days of laying in the sun, swimming, eating snacks, Superman stealing and reading my book (I read magazines all weekend), naps, good conversation, playing in the sand with the kiddies, kayaking, paddle-boating, boating, sunburning and pure relaxation.

The nights involved nearly freezing to death on Friday, shots that made my stomach hurt way too much, drinking, amazing dinners, bonfires, good conversation, marshmallows, games, singing, dancing and pure relaxation.

The weekend disappeared in the blink of an eye, and I would love to be back on the beach instead of sifting through a gagillion emails... but such is life! Superman and I were supposed to go camping this weekend, but we have to cancel because of his school work, so I'm hoping to be able to go at the end of the month.

I'll spare the nitty gritty details of the weekend, and just share some pictures!*

 The Cottage

Kayaking

Beyond amazing weather! 

Shots, shots, shots

Bonfires!

The book stealer in action!

 Setting up for another bonfire...

Superman's Sepia-styling Photography:

Comfy much?

*I would share with you pictures of my family... but until they all know about this blog and give permission for me to share their photos, all you get are pictures of scenery, animals, Superman and I!

Back to the Land of Reality

I'm back in the land of computers and cell service, but I'm still ridiculously tired and getting things back in order.

My weekend was absolutely amazing, and a greatly needed time away for some R&R. The sun was shining all weekend, and it didn't rain a drop until Superman and I were ten minutes away from home (hometown home). I have a sunburnt, and am feeling the effects of lots of junk food for a whole long weekend.

We just got back to Ottawa today and I promise a post about our wonderful weekend away tomorrow when I step on that dreaded scale (saying I'm terrified doesn't do it justice). My fridge is reloaded with healthy food for the week, and I'm back to work tomorrow. Until a more exciting post, I'll share a picture with you of Superman and I on a kayaking adventure.