Gratitude on Thanksgiving

I am so blessed, and for that I am
great full (grateful)!



Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Whew! Is it Tuesday Yet?

So much to be thankful, and grateful for. It's been a whirlwind of a week-end. Nonetheless, I really feel amazing with my 20 lb loss. I feel so alive and rejuvinated again. I know I still have more to lose (60 lbs to go). But, I'm feeling like I've turned things around. I will blog about this tomorrow.

Saturday, I had lunch with a girlfriend of mine (in those skinnier size 14 jeans that had been in my closet with the tags for five years!), and I made some good choices. Dinner was a different story. Tony and I headed out to Fratelli's (one of my favourite restaurants besides Mamma Teresa's) We had wine, to celebrate our time together; cheers! Then it was all down hill from there. I will focus, however on the good choices. I chose not to have any bread. I went with whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta with my fettuccine Alfredo and veal Marsala. Tony and I shared a tiramisu with our latte.

Sunday, we attended a royal Italian baptism (photos). We literally ate from 4 pm until 10 pm. It was delicious. Let's just say, I am stuffed with cannoli!
Today, I'm making my boys, turkey with all the trimmings, my famous homemade Caesar salad and strawberry cheesecake.


Thanksgiving!

I love Thanksgiving! It's one of my favourite holidays. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful everyday. Nonetheless, I love to reflect on this day, say a prayer to the heaven's and being truly grateful for all that I am graced with in my life. It's been a roller coaster of a year. With both my babies having surgery (Carmy, it looks like will be having another surgery (hopefully that's the issue with his lump on his testicle), in the near future), my father-in-law's massive heart attack and long road to recovery. In addition, having my hernia surgery and not being able to even get off the couch on Easter to make my family a decent Easter meal. We've come a long way...and for that I won't stop believing in the grace of life.

Today, I opened this blog to see that a fellow blogger Joania had given me an award. Wow! That made my day (and also gave me the kick to realize...ummm...tomorrow back to eating well, and working-out! :) ) Thank you, Joania! I am so appreciative of this award. If you want to be truly
inspired: http://joaniajourney.blogspot.com/.

Finally, if I could leave you on this beautiful Thanksgiving day with inspiration of my own. As I listen to "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey. Don't stop believing in yourself. Be the change you want to be. Eat well, be well, and take care of yourself. You are worthy of living your best life, and being your best. It's starts with you....now. Love yourself. Have gratitude and be kind.
You will love yourself more, and the world will love you back more in return.
May heaven shine down upon you, and guide you through the road ahead.

Thank you for reading my blog, and following my journey.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We Did IT!!!

If any of you have never signed up or done the CIBC Run for the Cure, I urge you to sign-up today! I have never experienced anything like it. I am so proud of my boys, my niece Gabriella and my nephews Luca and Nico. We did it!

I will be very honest, I am not a morning person. Realizing that we had to be at the run site for 7 ish on a Sunday morning was not my cup of tea. Moreover, trying to convince my boys that they too would have to be up by 6 am, was not going to be easy. However, they were great about the entire thing when I told them, 'they'd be getting up for their Nanna's".

My hubby lost both his Moms' to Breast Cancer. His biological Mom, Caterina, passed away when he was 8 years old. He lost his step-mom, Esterina, a few years ago. So he had to re-live this horrible disease twice in his lifetime, losing two wonderful women.

So we woke-up Sunday morning to fog and rain. However, all the rain in the world would not prevent us from doing what we had to do that day. Looking back, I'm so glad we did. We decided to take the bus to the run site (great idea by the way!)...so here we were standing at the station waiting for the bus, when suddenly out of nowhere people starting to join us, all in the CIBC Run for the Cure hope tees. Seems we weren't the only one's with this great idea. Anyhow, our true moment of the cause came when a young father showed up with his two children. Written on the back of the man's tee was: "I'm running for my wife", on the boy's: "I'm running for my Mom" and the little girl's said: "I'm running for my Mommy". Everyone sorta looked at each other, running for our own loved one's and causes, however we all felt the emotion of the moment. With tears strolling down my face, I looked proudly at my fourteen year old who also had read the shirts...and we all glanced at each other knowing that this was the reason we were all doing the run. You could hear a pin drop. Everyone had tears streaming down their face. The clouds broke and the sun began to shine down upon us.

The poignant moments would continue as we boarded the bus. Here we were on a public transportation bus loaded with everyone running for the cure that day. It was just a sea of white tees with the breast cancer ribbon etched with the words "hope, espoir". Unbelievable! Every stop, after stop the people were lined up going to the run for the cure. It was stirring, moving and emotional. To be a part of it all...was such an amazing feeling!

Once we arrived at the run site, the energy of the moment was contagious. The adrenaline was rushing through us all as we made our way to the start line.

Through the line we could see the names, the causes and the reasons why people had chosen to walk/run. It was incredibily powerful, words cannot describe it. One guy did a portage and carried his canoe the entire 5 K with his loved one's names etched on the canoe. We also seen many survivors, and many woman currently battling the disease. It was poignant moment after poignant moment. It was an honour to walk 5 km with my boys amoung these heroes.

Together, Ottawa raised 1.5 million dollars. It was a day I will never forget. When I arrived home, my hubby kissed me and thanked me for doing this for his moms', it was my honour. Next year he vouched to walk with us all. Together, as a family...we will support the cure for this disease that has touched so many lives.


To leave you all on a happy note, I will post a few conversations I had with Carmelo along our 5 k walk. Diodato, Gabriella ran ahead of us! Luca and Nico joined in, but they ran too. So it was Carmy and I the whole way. He held my hand (rather squeezed) tightly for dear life...afraid to lose me in the thousands of walkers.

Of course, it took about fifteen minutes for us to go through the start line, as there was so many people.

Carmy- "...wow...are we done yet?"

Me- " Look up..." as I'm pointing to the start sign..."we are at the starting line now."

Carmy- "YOU've got to be KIIIIIIIIIDING meeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! How long is this walk anyhow?"

-------

Carmy- "OKAY! We've been walking for longer than 1 k...you said! It was to my school and back...I've now walked from my school back again ten times at LEAST!!!!!"

( We walked the 5 k...)

Oh...and upon seeing the men pulling the buggies...I guess in case someone is unable to finish.

Carmy- "hey...MOM>.>>>tell them I want a ride!"

Me- (trying to whisper) "Carmelooooo, those are for the people who are sick and cannot finish the walk"

Carmy- "EXAAAAAAAAACTLY!!! I AM SICK>>>I am finished...and I can't walk anymore...if he doesn't believe you...pull out five bucks and pay HIM!"

----------

Me- "Carmelo! I see the finish line"

Carmy- "Thank the LORD! I did it...I actually did it...okay...I'm doing this...I did it...yahoo for me...I did it."

Carmy- "hey MOM...can we do this every year?"

:>

Carmy!

top third 'blog' in the Ottawa area!

"Mom...if you'd blog more about me, you'd be in...

first place!"

- Carmy ( I love that kid!)

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!!!!)

:>

Ramblings, Sugar Dreams and Going With the Flow

Today is Day 2 of the new phase in our journey. It hasn't been that bad actually. I weighed myself this morning and I'm down .6lbs, IN ONE DAY! I don't think it will be like this always, but some formula that Rob set up really works! It's promising. What is the secret? I have no clue, I just follow the 'diet'. I'm eating alot of wholesome/clean healthy foods and I'm full. That's all that matters. :>

Tony...well he's always the jouster and takes this TOO literally. Rob (http://www.laganafitness.com/) told us that for dinner we could eat as much as we could (within the 'safe' healthy and clean food lists) for that one hour period. ROB: some people take this to the bank and cash out!...UNBELIEVABLE. the hour with T....lol

For dinner, I made us grilled steak, whole wheat rice in a mushroom sauce, salad with olive oil and balsamic dressing. Followed by fruit (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and watermelon). As we sat down to eat, Tony noted the time and went to town like it was his last meal. Half an hour later....he had eaten his dinner and 'dessert'. "I have 30 minutes left...what else can I eat?" My God! I watched in disbelief...as he went for the hummus and Ezekiel tortillas. "You can't possibly still be hungry?"- was all I could ask. Ding! Hour is up...he got up and walked away sighing that he couldn't eat until breakfast time.

As for me, I was satisfied. At night, while watching TV I make myself an organic decaf mango green tea complete with my beautiful pink teapot, cup and saucer. Yummy! I enjoy the tea to satisfy my craving for munchies. As a funny side note, last night I dreamed that I was eating sugar by the spoonfuls! While eating the sugar, I was so angry at myself for giving in to my 'cravings'. I awoke this morning with a sweet taste in my mouth...lol No worries, I checked the sugar in the house and there was no sign that I actually ate the sugar.
The mind is bizarre!

Today, I had planned to go to the gym while Antonio was at his pre-school. Sometimes, as a Mom things don't always go as planned, and you just need to go with the flow. After all, being a Mom is my first priority. Antonio did not want to go...even though I managed to coax him in the van, and drive him there. He sluggishly walked into the building and looked at me with his puppy brown eyes; "Mommy, I don't want to stay. I don't feel good." Back in the van and home it was.

As an expert of early childhood, (I have my ECE, lot's of experience teaching pre-schoolers, not to mention this is my third child plus I have read alot of information on the subject) pre-schoolers do not need the itinerary of a president. What they need most is play-time. They have their whole life ahead of them, to go to school, learn to play an instrument or learn skills at a sport. It's not necessary to over kill with the activities at this age. Experts have agreed that school aged children should not do more than two activities a week aside from going to school. They need downtime. They also need kid time. That is crucial to their whole well-being. When you take that away; you have stressed out, over-active kids who can't cope. Imagine how an over stimulated pre-schooler is affected? Anyhow, Antonio...stayed at home and slept all afternoon. Tomorrow, if he's up for it...he can conquer the world then.

That's all for today. Time to go make my boys dinner and off to soccer!
Hugs!!!
Kimmy

Humour of the Day!

Seems Carmelo isn't taking our "Family Lifestyle Change" as well as I initially thought.

As I was explaining the changes going on in our household to a friend,
Carmelo piped in:

"It's called a DIET!"

Me: "NO! Carmelo...it's a lifestyle change for our whole family."

Carmelo: "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WAY! IT'S a DIIIIIIII......ET and I'm DYING over here!"

:>

News...and Life (!)

A few topics to cover, so I'll be babbling again today (I think I like to babble :>)

First off, let's get to the good news! I cheated a day early and checked the scale. The verdict:
- 3lbs! Yahoo...awesome. What amazes me is what taking sugared juices and soda out of your diet will do. Amazing. I'm feeling amazing too. I already noticed a huge difference in my energy level. Tony and I cleaned the basement, and organized the garage. Not only are we cleaning our bodies up, we are cleaning house too! :>

A bonus! I did the yoga! It felt great...so Monday's are yoga days!
This week we are doing no white flour. I don't think that will be to difficult since Tony is willing to switch to whole wheat pasta and we pretty much do all whole wheat (whole grain) already. However, I bet little Carmelo will have something to say about that...I'll keep you posted!

Speaking of Carmelo! Ah, I love that kid! Sometimes, he drives me crazy....Diodato (his older brother) is done school (graduated from grade 8 and going to grade 9 :<...my baby in highschool :<) So anyhow, Carmy finishes school tomorrow. "WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!????? What do you mean I have two more days of school and HE is done? Who set-up that stupid deal? I am not going to school....call the secretary and you tell her that I'm done." I managed to get him up and dressed, as he was walking out the door, he turned and continued: "ya might of got me there today, but I'm talking to my teacher and there's no way I'm going tomorrow!" You can't help but laugh, because he's not rude or bold. He just expects things as though he was a king in a past life or something. I'm probably not far off the mark since he's already asked me to buy him emerald, sapphire and diamond rings. One for each finger!

Furthermore, last week Carmelo was in his class play. He dressed in his Sunday best, his suit and looked so cute. Anyhow, after the play was done...parents, grand-parents and other randoms proceeded to Carmelo to compliment him on his great performance. I'm not over exagerating. Nor am I one of those parents who thinks her kid is the kid of all kids, the greatest and only child in the world! I do have two other great kids! LOL...no, seriously, I think all kids are amazing. Back to the play. As everyone took their turns patting, complimenting and shaking Carmelo's hand, Tony and I just look at each other bewildered. How does everyone know him? Secondly...Carmy was shaking everyone's hand like a pro and adding: "...thanks for coming. It was a pleasure. Thank you. Thank you very much!...." Okay! This was not a play about CARMELO? WT>>>>In the end, we just laughed it off as a "That's Carmelo for ya!"

Well, that's enough for today! I was going to comment about the Jon and Kate drama. But, I can't possibly get into that after talking about Carmelo!

I'll blog my opinions on that tomorrow (I promise!).

Cheers to 3 lbs gone!
Kimmy

Confessions of a Mother!

Busted!!!

Yep, moi! My usual morning routine consists of waking up at 7:15 am with Diodato, getting him off to school by 7:45am. Then Carmelo...and driving him by 8:50am. THEN: I go back to bed for an hour as Antonio usually sleeps until 10 am or I go creep Facebook! I am soooooo bad! On my defence, I usually need it after a morning with Carmelo...that or a glass of wine! LOL

Then after having a conversation with my trainer Lene, I realized many things. An hour! I whole hour of me time is spent sleeping or wasting time on Facebook. What a waste! I could be working-out...besides I DRIVE RIGHT BY THE GYM~ Shame on me!

So I made a decision (along with the kick in the a@@) from my trainer. Good job Lene, I sure need it! I love ya!
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday I am to report at the gym after dropping off Carmelo at school as my hubby is still home in the morning until 11am. Strictly cardio...and maybe a tan...and then a starbucks ;)...Kidding!
Suze Orman on Oprah totally got to me and I've reduced myself to one a week! Morevoer, my hubby will be waiting at home for me with a caffee latte just for me; made with lot's of love! lol

Decision made! Gym bag at the door ready! However, sometimes, things just don't go as planned. So Lene!!! I appologize for not being at the gym this morning! I went back to bed! BUT>>>> I think I have good reason. Last night, while bathing my boys, Antonio my 2 1/2 year old banged his head climbing out of the bath. He was unusually drowsy, and incoherent. His pupils were dilated and then he vomited. He suffered a mild concussion. We whisked him off to CHEO. We were there until 1 am, and got home at 1:30am. We woke him up every three hours. I also wanted to be here when he woke up this morning to ensure he was okay. Thankfully, he seems to have bounced back!

Don't fret though! I will do cardio today on my own!

Thursday am I will report to the gym!

Never a dull moment...but everything works out perfectly! In fact, it made me want to make more of an effort to go to the gym. Really! I'm a strange girl. But, I love it! I realize that it's time to get really serious about this weight loss/fitness situation. I mean...I think I can work-out at 9 am! How stupid! When athletes, and stars even Oprah work-out at 5 am! Come on! I'm a role model...my blog got 100 hits on Saturday! LOL!!!
So you've inspired me to be the best I can be; and that means NO SLEEPING! Well, the universe is listening; what I mean is no going back to bed on week-days after my two sons have gone to school.

Time is a ticking...and my fat needs a burning!

xox
Kimmy

All in a day...

I know this has nothing to do with weight loss, but it is part of the whole of my journey.
This is what I have to deal with, and why sometimes I either cannot work-out or I run to the fridge to dull my senses ;)

First of all, let me introduce you to my son Carmelo. He is 7 years old. He is very sensitive and takes EVERYTHING personally! I mean everything! He is loud; you'll ALWAYS know when Carmelo is around. He is extremely social and LOVES to talk! He is bright and gregarious. I have included a few photos of him. I will have lot's of stories of all my children, but I'm sure he'll have a book of stories! Don't get me wrong, I fully affirm that ALL children are special. However, this guy was born to teach me :) Bless his soul!

So, I have included some older stories that I have noted; and the one from yesterday...


September 30, 2007.

"Mom, I come with the LOUD package; it was an upgrade you know!"


Oct. 1, 2007. (Antonio is my two year old...who was 18 months at the time)

"Mom, Antonio belongs in a Chinese family; he speaks Chinese and I can't understand ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE word he says!!!! We should drop him off or something..."

This is a summer one (but a classic no doubt):

So Carmelo is sitting at the reception desk at the salon, helping his dad.
This little old lady walks in ( a regular client) and says to Carmelo: "well, hello young man..."
Carmelo: "Can I help you?"
Lady: "when did you start working here? I've never seen you here before?"
Carmelo: "oh, I've worked here since I was born! I'm the MANAGER here; that's why you've never seen me!...I get paid $7000.00 thousand a week; I don't need to come in everyday!!!!!"

Oct. 3, 2008.

So Carmelo has been waiting forever to start violin lessons. We were recommended this phenomenal teacher from a friend who is into the music business here in Ottawa. When I called her (the teacher), she immediately told me that she is VERY selective with her choice of students. She doesn't teach just anybody. She interviews them first extensively...

So our interview was yesterday...and when we opened the door...she said "soooo you are CaRRRRRRmelo?" My immediate thought was great...she's rolling her R's ...here we go with Carmelo;

CaRRRRRRRRmelo proceeds to tell her that he is left handed.

Teacher: OH! well...that will make it very easy for you to play violin as that's the hardest part is where the left hand is placed.
Did you know CaRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR melo that scientists' believe that left handed people are gifted and special.

Carmelo: WELLLLLLLLLL....I wouldn't believe scientists! They've been arguing since the beginning of time whether zero is a number or not. I mean come on! Who cares?!!!

Teacher; Okay. Ummm... soooooo CaRRRRmelooooo...the violin is a very difficult instrument to master. Some of the most renown composers were actually a little crazy. They were so outstandingly talented, and passionate that it made them a little coo-coo!

Carmelo: (intently listening with a raised eyebrow)

Me: (thinking...oh shit...)

Teacher: ya, so their compositions are still very famous today, even though people of their time thought they had a loose screw or two...composers like Vivaldi, Benedetti, Mozart...Beethoven...

Carmelo: ...(long pause) Well that should settle it! I fit right in!!!

Teacher: (confused) ummm...how so?

Carmelo: BECAUSE EVERYONE THINKS I'M CRAZY TOO!!!

HE STARTS VIOLIN NEXT WEEK!!!