la la la la life goes on....

Hi Everyone!

Long time - no write.

Let me start by saying I am one of those people who likes change. I think change is good for us because when it is not present, we tend to become complacent. Mind you, too much change at once can be a little daunting, but this is how we test our mettle.

After almost 25 years working for the same company, I am back working in radio in the type of situation I like - a family-owned business.

This is a good change for me. New hours, new colleagues (although I do miss working with some of the old ones), new attitudes and new ideas. I'm working with a team that is young, creative, open to new ideas and not afraid to express themselves. This is my kind of team.

I have to admit I'm at the bottom end of the learning curve when it comes to the technology, but I am ready, willing and able to learn it all.

The one thing I think is a constant in almost any workplace, is the personality types. There always seems to be the 'go-to' person who can help you with almost any problem. There's the 'go-to Tim Hortons person' who is always happy to grab refreshments if you're buying. There's the 'shy one' who won't normally speak to you first, but once you engage them, you find them to be fascinating. There's the 'tattle-tale'....need I say more? There's the 'drama queen/king' who always has to be the centre of attention (no, it's not me :P). It's fun getting to know each and every one of these personalities.

I believe a change is as good as a rest and I feel invigorated!

So, why not make a change today? Take a different route to or from work, eat something different for breakfast, change your hair colour. Don't be complacent! Be adventurous! Be willing to change.

New Beginnings

It's been a while since I blogged because I've been very busy. I'm not sure why I've been so busy considering I do not have a full time job. I did go on my first job interview in many, many years (not in broadcasting). That was a terrifying experience! Someone more qualified got the job and I wasn't upset about that. Actually it was a relief because I wasn't even sure I wanted the job. I know, you're wondering why I applied for it - because someone asked me to. Lesson learned.

Anyway, keep checking back because an announcement is coming soon about something new I'm going to be involved in. It's going to be fun and a great outlet for my creative side.

TTYL

On Losses.....jobs, weight and others.

The Biggest Loser contest if finally over.  Even though I was laid off last week, I was allowed back in the building for the final weigh-in and despite the turmoil of the past few days, I managed to lose almost another pound.I finished in second place and I'm darn proud of that.  Now I will look smokin' hot when I go on all those job interviews.  A big congrats to Greg Gnyp who won the contest and Sarah Casella who came in third!  I'm very proud of them and everyone else who stuck it out for the 15 weeks.
It was a looong 15 weeks. By the end, I couldn't wait for the contest to be over.  But I'm glad I took part and I'm really glad I lost 32.6 pounds.  I'm not so glad I lost my job.  But anyone who knows me, knows I truly believe everything happens for a reason.  There must be something I'm supposed to do that will lead me down another path.  Either that, or they will see the error of their ways and offer me my job back (this is me not holding my breath). 
Many of us now find ourselves without gainful employment and it sucks.  I know things will turn around eventually in Windsor and I hope I will still be here when that happens.  I currently have no plans to leave, but you never know what's going to happen do you?
So for the time being, I am going to enjoy my new bod and try to figure out what to do for the rest of my life.

Starting weight - 164.8 lbs.
Weight lost     -  32.6 lbs.
Current weight  - 132.2 lbs.

One week to go!

There is one week to go in our Biggest Loser contest and I have to say - hot damn! After a disappointing gain of one pound last week, I somehow managed to drop 6 lbs. this week!

Now, I know what you're thinking - she must have done something drastic. Starved herself. Took diet pills. Had some weird procedure that sucked the life force out of her. No, I didn't do any of those things. I ate as usual. I worked out 5 times at the gym doing 45 to 60 minutes of cardio and some weights. We had company over for dinner on Thursday night and I had a martini and shared a couple or 3 bottles of wine with our guests.

The bottom line is, there is no rhyme nor reason to my weight loss/gain over the 14 weeks of this contest. I have been up and down throughout this whole thing. Some people have been as steady as a spring rain. 1 to 2 lbs. every week. Me - not so much.

There is one week left - week 15. What will happen is anybody's guess.

Starting weight - 164.8
Today's weight - 133
Total loss - 31.8

I'm happy.

True Confessions.

I have no one to blame but myself. I gained a pound this week because I am truly sick and tired of this Biggest Loser contest.

I am not going to make any excuses. I am simply tired of the contest.

I will not do a "master cleanse". I will not undertake the "wrestlers diet". I will not pop pills that make you appear to be on some version of speed.

I know what you're going to say - it's just a plateau...it will pass. I don't care. I'm tired of this contest.

I am very happy!!

My hard work this past week has paid off. I kicked up my workout routine another notch and I managed to drop another 3.4 lbs.

I have not only surpassed my original goal - losing 15 lbs....my secondary goal - losing 25 lbs....but now I have entered into new territory. I am in the 130's. A place I have not been since I was in my 20's.

I bought some new clothes this weekend because I ran out of holes in my belt and couldn't keep up my pants any longer.

There are 3 weeks left in this Biggest Loser competition and I don't know how I can beat the guy in first place. He lost another 3.8 lbs. this week. He's up around 48 lbs. lost. Mind you, he started out more than a hundred pounds more than I did, so percentage-wise, he's still within reach. Anybody have any suggestions on how I can ramp it up for the last 3 weeks?????

Starting weight - 164.8
Current weight - 138
Weight lost - 26.8

Slowly, but surely.

How is it that some people are still having huge weight losses 11 weeks into our Biggest Loser contest? I realize some people have a whole lot more to lose than others, but geez!

With just 4 weeks left in our little competition, it looks like the winner has already emerged. He lost 5 lbs. at this week's weigh-in and has dropped well over 40 pounds in the 11 weeks of the competition. That's almost 4 lbs. each and every week. Who does that? As it turns out, he did have the flu or some kind of bug for 3 or 4 days during this latest period. Is that the key to success? Should I stop washing my hands and start picking up stray tissues in the hopes the same happens to me? Oh man, just the thought makes me want to throw up!

Not much I can do about it. I lost another 1.4 lbs. this week and that is healthy. I have dropped 23.4 lbs so far. Can I overtake Mr. Big Loss. I doubt it....but I'm going to keep trying right to the end!

Starting weight - 164.8
Current weight - 141.4
Total lost - 23.4 lbs.

Whew...did I get lucky.

I was convinced my weight was going to be up this week. I misbehaved. I ate in restaurants. I drank wine. I had a dinner party Saturday night where I made a Moroccan feast. I worked out a few times, but I didn't think it would be enough to put me in the negative numbers. I was wrong. Somehow, the diet gods were smiling on me and I managed to lose 1.2 lbs.!

I am thrilled! It's good to know that I can indulge every once (or four times) in a while and still manage to stay on track. I hope this also serves as encouragement for those of you who might feel like giving up because you had a cheat or two. I pointed out early on that getting healthier and fitter is a marathon, not a sprint. Don't be discouraged if you gain a pound or two here or there. Just get right back to what you know is the path to better health.

I'd be lying if I said how I look doesn't matter as much as how I feel. I'm a 46 year old woman, you're darn right I care about how I look. It's just an added bonus that my back feels so much better, I have tons more energy and I just feel better all over.

So, keep at it, friends. I have lost 22 lbs. 2.8 more to hit my goal. Everything after that - is gravy. LOL

Another Milestone.

As reported in my last blog, I missed the last Biggest Loser weigh-in because I was sick. So, needless to say, I had no idea what would happen today after several days of being home, bored out of my mind, eating non-stop. (why couldn't I have gotten a nice gastrointestinal bug that would have discouraged that? - kidding.)

I stepped on the scale this morning and realized I had hit another milestone. Two weeks ago I dropped below 150 lbs. which was a thrill for me. The next goal I had in mind was to record a total weight loss of 20 lbs. and today I accomplished that. I am down another 3 lbs. and that brings my total weight loss to 20.8 lbs.

None of my pants fit - not even the ones that used to be really tight. I am using holes in my belt that I didn't even know existed. I need new bras (okay, that one was for the women who know exactly what I'm talking about) ; )

I am not winning the competition, but I'm in the top 3 so far! (it's difficult to compete with a dedicated man who started out weighing more than 100 pounds more than I did - but I'm very proud of his progress too).

Starting weight - 164.8 lbs.
Current weight - 144 lbs.
6 weeks to go.

A Missed Weigh-in

I have been sick. It's this annoying throat problem that stole my voice for a few days and left my throat burning like I had just consumed a couple of habenaros.

Bottom line - I missed this week's weigh-in. I have not weighed myself since my shocking 5 lb. weight loss last week, so I have no idea where I currently stand.

I have to admit though, while I was off work Monday and Tuesday, I ate like I was going on Survivor tomorrow. It would not surprise me if I gained a couple of pounds after my anniversary weekend. Three days - 3 parties. Yikes! I'm scared.

I will not step on a scale until Monday....and I'm worried.

Wish me luck.

What?????

After a lamentable couple of weeks, I am back on track with a vengeance!

I was shocked at today's weigh-in after losing only .4 lbs. two weeks ago and gaining .4 last week. I was hoping I would at least lose one pound and two would be fantastic.

I was able to start working out again this past week after hurting my neck and it felt good. I went hard on the cardio, doing 45 minutes on average and I upped my weights. There is a difference of opinion on how to work out when trying to lose weight. Some say don't use weights because you'll gain muscle mass which weighs more than fat. Others say if you increase your lean muscle mass, it will up your metabolism. I'm a believer in the latter. I'm also going crunch-crazy these days in an effort to diminish the several inches I'm able to pinch around my midsection.

I ate well this past week including a night out Friday at the Food & Wine fest where I drank wine and ate some good food without guilt.

The result - I lost 5 lbs. this week. Yes, 5 lbs. I'm starting to think there really is no rhyme nor reason to all of this - but I am thrilled. I broke that 150 barrier which is a great mental boost.

I have already surpassed my initial goal of dropping 15 pounds during the duration of this contest. (I've lost 17.8 now).

My ultimate goal - to reach 140 lbs., now seems attainable.

Thanks to all of you who have offered words of encouragement and advice. It is greatly appreciated.

Call it a draw.

I cannot say I'm surprised. I'm not even terribly disappointed. After losing only .4 lbs last week, I gained .4 lbs this week. So, I figure it's a draw or a plateau over the past two weeks.

I had a weekend that was not conducive to weight loss. Oh, I suppose I could have said no to the potatoes. I could have had water instead of wine. But am I supposed to deprive myself and live what I consider to be abnormally, simply because I'm in a Biggest Loser contest? I think not.

It started Friday when we had a wonderful event to attend for cardiac wellness. The meal was terrific. Chicken, veggies, salad and wine. Saturday was Valentine's Day. We hadn't planned to go out, but we did and we had pizza and wine. Mind you, the pizza was whole wheat, thin crust. Sunday, we had a birthday party for a 3 year old. Needless to say, the food was geared toward the younger crowd. Cheesy potatoes. Hamburgers, hot dogs. Cake and ice cream. I ate veggies, salad and a hamburger patty - no bun. I did not have cake. Later on that night we went out for dinner yet again and I had a chicken dish with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, but I only ate half and saved the other half for lunch on Monday.

Now, here's my big finale. I slept funny on Friday and haven't been able to work out for several days because my neck won't allow me to turn my head to the right.

9 more weeks. I am down 12.8 lbs. I am OK!!

Arrrrrgggghhhhhh!!

I want to lose a lot of weight every week...why is this not happening?!

I worked out a lot last week. I ate right last week. I lost half a pound last week.

To quote my ever-supportive husband - "it's a marathon, not a sprint". OK, but it's not fair! I eat great. Well, except for Saturday night at the hockey game when I had a big pretzel, popcorn and 4 bites of pizza. But should one little night of fun lead to such a small weight loss? I worked out extra hard on the weekend so I could indulge a little. Okay, so I also had a couple of glasses of wine and maybe a martini, but come on!

Let me check....okay, my rant is over. I am intelligent enough to realize I am doing well. I have lost 13.2 lbs. in 5 weeks which is fantastic. There are ten weeks left in this competition and I'm in it for the long haul.

I want very badly, however, to get under 150 lbs. I am currently at 151.6. I know it's a psychological thing, but I won't be truly satisfied with my effort until I reach that goal.

Why does trying to lose weight drive so many of us mad?

Week 4 nets the worst score!

Okay, okay, so it's not that bad. I'm starting to think I'm lying to myself. All last week I said "if I just lose one pound next week I'll be happy". Well, I lost 1.8 lbs. and I'm a tad disappointed.

Intellectually, I know I'm being ridiculous. I have lost 12.8 lbs. in 4 weeks which is fantastic. However, I wanted to have another huge loss this week after being last week's champion.

My hubby pointed out to me that I got through Superbowl Sunday and still lost weight. My friend and co-worker S.C. pointed out that I've been working out every day and that means I'm building muscle which weighs more than fat. I can see the difference in my body with my own two eyes, yet still, disappointed.

I know it's not the winning thing because I am thrilled for my friend D.M. who dropped 3.6 lbs. this week. I had honest, encouraging words for T.D. who gained a little bit because she was off on a tropical adventure last week. Am I too hard on myself? Do I set unrealistic goals? Not sure. But if I don't lose two pounds next week.......there's going to be hell to pay! ; )

Til next time.

3 down....12 to go.

Week 4 has officially begun in our Biggest Loser contest. We had our first drop-out this week, so we're down to 24 contestants. I'm very proud of my colleagues for making this kind of commitment to better health (the potential for prizes doesn't hurt either).

The one thing I'm most pleased about with this competition is how it seems to have raised morale around the building. People are talking to each other more (mind you, it's usually about the funny thing that happened in Zumba class or the weird concoction they had for dinner last night). Nonetheless, it's bringing us closer together.

C.S., who is in the competition, had the nerve to bring in a cake today that she baked on the weekend. Unfair tactics or smart games(wo)manship? It's not chocolate, so I have no problem resisting.

All right, down to the nitty gritty. I lost 3.2 pounds this past week and I earned it. I worked out 6 days out of 7. Nothing crazy, my usual 30 - 40 when at home and a little longer when I go to the gym.

I feel good. I can already see the difference in my face and my clothes are fitting a little better. My "loose" jeans are loose again.

All together, I have lost 11 pounds (14 more to go to reach my ultimate goal). I'm pretty sure I'll make the top ten losers this week again. (10th the first week, second last week).

Starting weight: 164.8 lbs.
After week 1: 160.8 lbs.
After week 2: 157 lbs.
After week 3: 153.8 lbs.

Goal for this week: 1.5 lbs.

Wish me luck!

P.S. My bro got Wii fit and made me try it. My physical age is 34! Put some icing on that and eat it! ; )

P.S. 2 - I'm this week's biggest loser!!! Woohoo!!!

End of week 2...

There were a lot of nerves ahead of this week's weigh-in for our Biggest Loser competition. There were such big weight losses after the first week, people were wondering if they could keep it up. The answer for the most part is - of course not.

This week's results were much more in line with what you'd expect. People lost 1 or 2 pounds. Some had bigger results, but everyone is different. The sad part is I heard people lamenting the fact they didn't lose nearly as much this week. My answer to that is - did you gain weight? A loss of a pound or two in a week is something that can be sustained.

Now, having said that, I have to confess I lost almost as much this week as last. 3.8 lbs. this week. No, I am not starving myself. I eat 5 times a day. What I did do, was cut out white food for the most part - bread, pasta, sugar, etc. I stopped eating within 3 hours of bedtime. I am drinking even more water and green tea than I used to and I worked out 5 times in the past week.

Have I cheated? Of course. For dinner last night, I ate onion tart, baguette, camembert cheese, pate and grapes - leftovers from the birthday party we threw the night before.

Tonight, I'm taking my husband out to dinner to celebrate my success and that will probably include a glass (or two) of wine.

7.8 lbs. in 2 weeks. My goal for week 3 is one pound. Wish me luck!

By the way, I'm now back in the "normal" range of the BMI.

week 1 - 164.8
week 2 - 160.8
week 3 - 157

Am I a slacker?

When I arrived at work today (around noon), most people in the Biggest Loser contest had already weighed in. I was told one guy lost 11 pounds, another lost 10 and one of the women lost 8. I thought to myself - am I a slacker? I had planned to lose 3 pounds the first week of the competition. What are these people doing that I'm not.

Then the chatter started......"you know, she drank as much water as she could hold before her first weigh-in"....."well, guys always lose weight easier than women"....."there should be separate male/female competitions".....LOL. I love it! Seriously, nobody was saying these things in a malicious way. It's all part of the heat of the battle.

I'm looking at this competition the way I looked at my sagging mutual funds portfolio this morning - I'm in it for the long haul. 15 weeks. It's only the end of week 1.

I refuse to engage in a ridiculous fad diet that will ultimately end in defeat once the competition is over. I worked out 4 times last week for 30 - 40 minutes. Nothing too strenuous because of my back, but I got off my butt. I guess I'm the tortoise - I believe slow and steady wins the race.

By the way, I exceeded my target for the week by one pound. I lost 4 and am down to 160.8 lbs.

In my mind, that's a huge success.

Until next Monday...........

The first weigh-in...

The Biggest Loser competition is officially underway. Today was the first weigh-in and boy, did I do a good job of trying to pack on a few extra pounds over the holidays. Let me explain my reasoning....I figured I probably didn't have enough to lose to win the contest, so I should bulk up before the first step on the scale. Well, it worked. I weighed in today at a bloated 164.8 pounds on my 5'7" frame!

I managed to put myself into the overweight category on the Body Mass Index (BMI). Normal weight is considered to be a BMI of between 18.5 and 24.9. I currently stand at 25.8. I'm going to have to drop about 6 pounds before I'm back to "normal".

I'll be honest, I feel lousy after all the comsumption I enjoyed over the holidays. I'm tired. I feel like someone glued a tire around my midsection. Even my "loose" jeans are now tight.

I have a few goals. My goal for week 1 is to lose 3 pounds. After that, I will be satisfied with a one pound per week loss. My long term goals are two-fold. My tier one goal is to lose 15 pounds by the end of the competition which is 15 weeks long. My really ambitious goal is to hit 140 pounds by the end of the competition. If I do, I have promised my husband a beach vacation in May.

Let the games begin!