Catching-up!

Hello ALL!

I have so much going on, well kinda.

First off, I think I'm looking for a job. I don't know why I'm feeling so antsy. I've been out of the work force for quite sometime even though I am educated and al. I've learned that these days, that means nothing. Anyhow, I'm thinking it would be nice to have my own money, buy things that I would like to buy etc...However, I'd like to have my cake and eat it too. I'd like to stay-at-home AND work. Is there such a thing? If so, details please!

I'm also in the middle of taking a Human Resource Management course. Part of it being when my three year old goes to school next year full time (kindergarten is full time next year). I'll be looking for work then too. So that is keeping me busy on top of everything else.

My boys are good. Almost all ready for school (boo hoo or yeah!). I'm ready to have some peace around here, but as I said before; come the first day and I'll be wishing them home again. Summer soccer is done for them, and now comes winter soccer, swimming lessons, violin and guitar. Never a dull moment.

In the weight loss area. Things are slow moving. Every time, I try to do yoga or work-out...my door bell is ringing. Like I said, it's not 'quiet' and boring here. Next week, I look forward to some quiet time, with no audience so I can work-out. I'm also feeling tired. I'm actually struggling with my long walks at night as part of my walking club. The scale hasn't budged (215 lbs), so maybe it's part of a whole. Still, I'm not giving-up!

That's all for now...I'll be back to blog about something.

Hugs!!!
Kimmy

Humps and Hope

Well, a little bit of a hump for me with no weight loss this week. :< Still, I refuse to be discouraged (at least it's not a gain...right?). As Randy Pausch said: "Brick walls are there for a reason. They are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. The brick walls are there to stop people who don't want it badly enough."

A few things it could be: I've been eating basmati rice at night for dinner thinking it was brown/whole wheat. I discovered yesterday, that it was in fact white. I don't know if it would make that much of a difference (perhaps my nutritionist/trainer Rob) can help me on that. However, lesson learned: read your labels carefully, VERY carefully. I also, broke down this week and had a few ju-jubes. I was craving some sugar something fierce. I'm sure a few jubes didn't do it. Something was going on with my body. Thus, it's probably a combination of several things. No more excuses...lol I'm going to step it up another notch. Promising to weight train twice this week, do some Tracy Anderson method, awesome for toning. If you don't believe me, check out Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow who train with her! I'm going to do some yoga today to hopefully lift my spirit and energy a bit. My hormones must be raging because I'm feeling very "blah"...

On another note, I'm still walking with my 'club'. We walk about 5-6 km every night. One member is not feeling well and her 'ramadan' starts today (fasting) so I don't know if she'll be joining us for walks in the next month or so. Nonetheless, it has given me a chance to connect with my other member a bit. Life sometimes can be freaky/weird in a beautiful divine way. I kind of love these things...so I enjoy sharing them. I know sometimes I can also be 'weird' about this stuff. But, if I don't share my 'enlightening' experiences with you: who will? :>

Anyhow, so my one walking partner, I'll call her Carol (as I'm not sure how comfortable people are with having their stories all over the net...so out of respect for her). Carol and I have quite a bit in common, it's actually astonished us both. Here are the similarities:

-we both have three boys (almost the same ages)
-our babies are both named Anthony/Antonio
-we both have shitsu dogs
-we both have cats (mine passed away recently)
-we are both french (although she is more french than I...lol)
-we are both married to Italians
-we live in the same model house
-our furniture: some pieces identical, others similar
-our choices/upgrades with the builder are pretty much the same
etc...
As Carmelo once said in the only way Carmelo can say after being in their house: "Holy Cow Mom! It was like being in our house! We have SO much of the same stuff! That is too freaky for me!!!"
I could go on and on. I call them our 'twin' family.

While walking with Carol, I have learned many new similarities. The biggest one being that she was overweight too and has lost a significant amount of weight and is working hard to keep it off. She is also a huge emotional eater. Wow! Our paths are very similar so it is such a blessing to share with her.

Looking at her now, being thin as she reached her goal weight recently...I can attest how she is feeling etc...I know she won't go down the road I did, as she's at her goal weight and still working-out hard and eating well. She is quite an inspiration and gives me hope that I can do it again! If anything, it is therapy to walk along side someone who is living a parallel life.

So thank God for inspiration and motivation!!! Hope is eternal!

Cheers!
Kimmy

Week 9!

Kim: 0 lbs :<

Tony: - 3 lbs :>

Wow! Yeah for Tony!

Totals:

Kim: - 15 lbs

Tony: -25 lbs (!!!!!)

Blah!

Just popping on my blog to put up the skinny version of me (before I gained it all...and starting this journey again!)

So I don't have to look at that hideous photo of me sitting on that chair!

Blah!

Cheers to me looking back to my old self again...soon!

A Lesson in Time...Life is to Short to be too Busy to Care for Myself!

I wanted to post these two photos. The first taken in May 2009 after my surgery and just before I began my journey to a new/healthier me. The next photo taken with my boys a few weeks ago while on vacation in Mont Tremblant. Although I am kind of hidden in the second photograph, I can still see in my face, and my energy that I am surely on the right path and doing the right thing. A reminder that however life gets busy, crazy or hectic...living right is essential! Life is to short to be too busy to care for myself!

Last night, when the children were in bed, the house quiet and dark, I sat at the computer and re-read my blog post. I realized that we are all busy people. We all have our own lives to live and most of us are getting by. It is reality. It is life.

However, this is the lesson we who are on this healthy lifestyle journey must learn in order to be successful this time. Life is busy and will always be as such. What is crucial is that we learn to cope and be prepared. We must be strong and disciplined. Balance is essential. Life is busy, it's how we deal with it that helps us to survive and succeed at our goals.

Getting by with a glass of water here, a short work-out there, and a quick bite to eat on the go...is what got me back in this mess in the first place. Making time, and just not 'time': QUALITY TIME, is imperative! There are no if's and's or but's about it. I must learn to go with the flow. Sure a work-out missed here and there is acceptable. Sure a bite on the go, once in awhile is okay. But, the shortfall is that soon it becomes the norm because life is busy as such on most days.

Think of this: when was the last time you woke-up and actually had NOTHING, NADA to do but work-out, drink water and eat right? For me, that is NEVER. What I need now is to organize my time, and make strong affirmations to myself and the journey. I must be prepared for the busy times.

Keeping my fridge stocked with fresh fruit, vegies, chicken and other lean meats is key. Having snacks ready for me when I'm on the run is also crucial. Making a point of drinking as much water as I can is also important. I must make the effort no matter how 'busy' life gets. In addition, I must organize my time and set me time for training and exercising. Whatever happens, happens...but in order for me to sustain life, I must make time and everything else can wait. As a matter of fact, I'm missing training these days because of the everything. Even though I am power walking with the girls at night. I know that I need to weight train. I actually miss it!

School is starting soon, and hopefully it will ease up around here. Until then, I am prepared and continue on my journey accordingly. Life is to short to be too busy to care for myself!

(P.S...Tony stepped on the scale this a.m. and is down 2 pounds and is in another weight number! YOUPPIE for him!!!!)

:>

When is School Starting???

Holy Cow!
Sorry, I haven't posted in awhile, I've been very busy. If you don't believe me, ask my niece Jessica who's missing our daily chit chats; "wow, what happened to you...you are impossible to get a hold of!" Let's just say, I sorta am looking forward to school starting for some peace around here. LOL Actually, my boys will be in school two days, and I'll be wishing them home...for sure.

So just to show an example here is a typical day in my house:

Wake-up
Coffee
Breakfast for the boys
Tidy myself-up
Grocery run

Breakfast for Tony and I
Iron Tony's clothes

Clean: *while 9 boys, yep 9 boys play in my basement and around the house
-kitchen
-bedrooms
-vaccuum
-laundry
-wash floors

lunch

-write
-attempt to look at my school work (I'm taking a college course)

dinner for the boys
dinner for Tony and I

Clean-up from dinner
-visit with neighbours
Power walk with the 'walking club' (about 5-6 km)

Phew!! I'm exhausted just typing that!
I'm not complaining, as I must admit it's a productive busy. I'm mostly enjoying the company of my walking club and the neighbours.

So I've been 'busy'. I've also maintained on track eating and work-out wise (5-6k walks!). So I'm surely celebrating that 2 lb loss. Especially since it's brought me at exactly the same place I was weight wise this time last year. Now it's time to really push and beat last year's weight! :>

Tony too is pushing into a new weight number...he has 2 lbs to go and he'll be there!
Last night, we treated ourselves to wings, and pepsi!!! It had been two months since I've even sipped on a soda. The first gulp just about choked me...that is some powerful sugar in there. Afterwards, we sat in the hottub with the kids and enjoyed looking at the stars. Well, as Carmelo would say:

Me: boys, look at the sky and all the beautiful stars.
Carmelo: Ah em....The star is here...I'm over here!

Well, I think that's all I'll get in right now. The doorbell has rung again...the boys want back in!

Week 8! (2 months!)

Kim: -2 lbs

Tony: -1 lb

Totals:

Kim : - 15 lbs
Tony: - 22 lbs

Couple total: -37 lbs!!!!!!!

Taking a Time-Out!

This article was written while I was on vacation in
Mont Tremblant, Québec.




Sometimes life offers us a time-out, a break from the everyday. Naturally, the Eb and flow of things allows for even some great downtime. What a gift! During this time, it is optimal to take advantage of the 'stress less' moments to reflect and meditate on achievements, failures and goals.

The energy of summer is so magical. At present, the mountains surround thee, a waterfall can be heard rustling the rocks in the distance, the trees gently dance in the summer breeze, the air is fresh and the warm golden rays shine down on thee. The white fluffy clouds seem almost within reach in the foreground of the crisp blue sky. Taking deep breaths allowing the mountain air to refresh every cell within...I reflect and write.

I can now think clearly and reflect back on achievements, goals and dreams. Like the energy that surrounds me, my mind is clear and golden. I know my body has brought me to great lengths in the year past. The body is truly a magnificent machine...capable of wondrous miracles within. I am forever astounding by it's capabilities.

It wasn't that long ago, I was unable to walk even for two minutes. Bending over was impossible as was carrying anything over five pounds. My legs were constantly cramping, my nervous system continuously shaking every muscle and I would tire easily. Lying on that couch for those long months made me absorb the reality of my situation and the consequences of my behaviours. I vowed to make a comeback...and share my wisdom!

The road thus far, has not been easy at that. Some days, it is discouraging. Other days, it is depressing. Most days however, I find myself motivated and inspired. Honouring my body, nourishing it with clean, healthy food, working my body and helping it be fueled,improved and strengthened: in return my body begins to heal.

Even though I have much journey ahead of me, I realize that I am further ahead than I was last year. I am now at a mental place of much wisdom and peace. It is a great inner knowing of wisdom that I cannot explain.

At this time, I know that my body is my vehicle for life. I was not living being in so much pain, lying on my couch. I was merely existing. It is crucial and imperative to respect my body at all times. It is essential to honour it as a living, breathing mechanism that needs care and love in order to thrive. Cherish my body always...

Each and everyone of us is uniquely blessed with many gifts. Each of us has many reasons to be grateful. Like the sparkles of the suns rays shining down upon me, we are surrounded by billions of reasons to see the light that surrounds us. Honouring the spirit and soul within is also vital to our well-being. We are all on different paths: together as one.

Take the time to reflect on your spirit. Honour yourself, your body, your spirit and your soul. Be faithful to YOU. Time-out for yourself, and recharge yourself to greatness. There are so many ways to maintain a healthy body, mind, and spirit equilibrium. Nature, fresh air, meditation, gratitude, healthy foods, exercise, laughter, positive friendships are just some examples. Each and everyone of us is surrounded by the magnetism of vitality. It's up to us to soak it in and make the most of it.

Journey to your best...so that you can live your best!

Cheers,
Kimmy

Sincerity!

This was sent to me from Louise McWade. Louise is an amazing intuitive healer and medium here in the Ottawa region. Enjoy!

Sincerity!

We all have deep feelings of belonging, of being part of a whole. The energy of the present time requests from us a commitment to our true selves. What do we really need? What do we really want? What does our body truly needs to be in perfect harmony? Are we trying to go through transitions, weight loss and other physical transformation only for the purpose of our ego? One must ask themselves: "What does my body and higher self truly require to navigate harmoniously into these transitioning times?

A trust in our divine path and divine guidance is mandatory! Talk to yourselves. Talk to your cells, your body. What is required? What is important at this time? Do I do it for myself or to portray an image to the outside world? We must learn to love our body, ourselves and have acceptance of the world around us. As we diverge further apart from portions of our surrounding, a unity will form and attract to us what is in harmony with our energy and our divine path. The ascension will serve as a cleaning and cleansing process and all that drags us down or doesn't seem to be in harmony with our being must be let go. Trust in the Divine and trust in the higher purpose for mankind.

A new door has opened and one must choose whether to cross the threshold or not. Move on to the higher dimensions or stay behind in the third dimension. What will you choose? Big things and big changes are coming in all areas of life. Can you feel the excitement in the air, the anticipation? Dare to visualize, dare to dream of what it is your heart truly desires. Manifestations are at your fingertips. Keep pure intentions and a pure purpose. Be sincere as for who and why manifestations are required.

May blessings come your way in the most unexpected ways!

Angelic love and wisdom,
Louise McWade (dolphin.444@hotmail.com until the activation of my website)

Week 7!

I'll be back in a few...to post the happenings of our get-a-away to Mont Tremblant.
However, if there's one thing I've learned in the past, it's to always stay on the course (even though you've had Beavertails and ice cream! :>). The scale keeps me on my toes...so here are my results:

Kim: - 1 lb
Tony: - 1 lb
I'm really happy with this as I really didn't work-out or drink water. I tried to eat healthy however...and will post all about it in a bit.

La Dolce Vita; The Sweet Life, No Sugar Added!

Life with a family of five can be crazy and hectic. Seems like there is never enough hours in the day, to get it all done. Trying to stay on a healthy lifestyle regime can be challenging and draining at the same time. Lately, it seems like I'm always on the go...running and running. All good though, so I really can't complain. Today, I have a packed schedule as I'm getting ready for our upcoming holiday.

We have friends in abundance, and for that I am so grateful. Not just friends; real genuine, good people friends. Such a blessing! Yesterday, my hubby went golfing with two of his buddies and I decided to go with a friend (who's hubby went golfing with mine) her boys and take the kids to the waterpark. Once there, we ran into the other wife whose hubby went golfing with ours and her kids randomly. We all were in synch and thinking the same. As much as it was refreshing for the kids, it was just as refreshing for the mom's sitting on the blanket and chatting it up while our hubbies golfed.

Afterwards, we had dinner with our neighbours. The food was yummy and they made an effort to cook within our guidelines of our list of YES foods. How kind of them. Towards the end of the evening we were joined by the other member of our 'walking club'. We enjoyed a cup of decaf, mango green tea. Then we took off for our daily walk and talk. I believe that we are all inspiring each other to eat better, work hard and enjoy our play time.

Spending time with other mom's and families, you soon realize that we are all dealing with issues of sameness. Not one of us is above another, and none of us have that 'perfect life'. We are all families...enjoying life, and growing together. What a breath of fresh air to know we are not alone. I am always inspired by being around others. As the old saying goes "...families who grow together, flourish one another."

On my journey to a new and better me, I took the time to reflect on my blog from last year. It's a bonus of having a blog...to see how far I've come and how I have flourished as a person. Morever, at this time last year I weighed 215 lbs. I didn't lose a pound in the month of August and stayed at 215 lbs. Some of it due to the fact that I had hit a wall with my trainer at Goodlife and some of it due to my vacation in Northern Ontario.

I've been on quite the rollercoaster journey since then and after surgery found myself at the exact same spot I was when I began last year. However, in reflection I am focused and determined. Abit slightly impatient. One must never give-up on their journey and their dream. Mine is to lose weight, gain a healthier lifestyle, and keep it off. I also aspire to inspire others like me...going through the same journey. We can do it!

All in all, my short term goal is to be below 215 lbs by the end of August. I am now at 218 lbs so technically, I only have 4 pounds to lose. Last year, I faced alot of challenges, which I now look back at with eager disappointment. Perhaps, come September 1st I will be able to blog that I am further ahead where I was last year, so I'm on the right path. :>

Talk to you all soon. Until then, keep busy, take the time to chat with others, drink water, eat as healthy as possible, and enjoy the sweet life!
Kimmy

" Your miracle is a prayer away"

-Kimmy

A quick update on happenings in and around here

Okay!
So things are going really well on this new 'regime'. I've gotten a few "have you lost weight?" questions! YAHOO! So it's true what they say: 'the 12 lb mark is a turn around!". I'm really feeling it.

I also have a club! I'm part of a club! :> We are dubbed the 'walking club' by some, Tony likes us better as the 'Desperate Housewives'...keep dreamin' Tony! ;> So my two neighbours and I have been walking for three nights and have collectively agreed that we all need to keep our 'group' walking. So I've been working out at the gym PLUS taking long walks with the girls.

My diet is also...AWESOME! The other day, Antonio wanted some jujubes...so I let him buy a package. When we got home, I so desperately wanted a few. After all, it can't hurt right? I took a wiff and imagined that if I would sit down I'd probably eat the whole thing (which is something I would of done in the past), so I put them away. Yeah me (a la London Tipton :>)!

We have also made a wise decision regarding our vacation plans this year. We usually head north to our hometown to visit family and old (amazing) friends. When you are eating the 'diet' that we are, such makes it difficult. (My friend Sylvie makes such yummy food for me :>). It would have been easy for us to just say: 'ah..what the hell, it's just a week or so'. However, I'm in a groove right now...and I want to keep going. So, we've decided to go to a resort for a week or so. We will have a kitchen...so we can still enjoy our vacation and eat right. Moreover, we will plan to have one night as a treat for all our hard work and accomplishments and venture out for a nice dinner out. Best of both worlds...and no guilt!

That's all for now, I'm off to to do some Yoga...shower and off for dinner with some friends (no worries...good choices I shall make! :>)

HUGS!
Kimmy

Week 6!!!

DRUM ROLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kim: -3 lbs

Tony: -1 lb

Totals:

Tony : -20lbs

Kim: -12lbs

--------- -32 lbs