Sex in The Carribean

That is the summary of my weekend.  No, no, not literally (I wish!)...  It was one of the best weekends I have had in awhile (wait a minute didn't I just visit a friend and have a fabulous too last week...)

First of all Friday night, I brought a colleague some treats because she had to leave work early, because her son was sick.  I ended up hanging out with her and her family until 10 pm.  I played with her 2 year old and she made me a fabulous dinner of steak , asparagus and potatoes.  Hubby brought chocolate cake for dessert, yummy!

Saturday, we went to the Chinese restaurant and then headed to Sex and The City.  I really liked the movie and if you like SATC you will like the movie too.  Abu Dhabi (although I read that it was actually filmed in Morocco) looks breathtaking and I swear if I was rich my bags would be packed.  The outfits were spectacular.  My favorite dress is the one that Charlotte is wearing in the desert.  Here is a pic:

Sunday, I headed to Taste of the Caribbean (TOTC), it was even better than last year for a few reasons, there were less people and more food.  You name and they had it; jerk chicken, salt fish, roti, fried rice, dumplings.  The desserts were also delicious; cassava squares, current rolls, sugar cakes.  I ate until I could not eat anymore.  I rested and then I ate some more!  I am sure that I am going to see an increase at Friday's weight in but, I am going to try and be extra good for the rest of the week as well as push out an extra 15 minutes of cardio.

  Even better news...the Black Community is not that big where I live, especially the West Indian Black Community. I saw so many people at TOTC, that I have not seen in a long time.  EVERYONE told me how good I looked and how I have lost so much weight.  It made me feel like a trillion bucks.  I saw a childhood friend's mother, who did not recognize me!  This has me so motivated.  I even saw a guy from my gym that said , "  Don't ruin all the work you have done now! "  He was totally joking but I appreciated what he has to say.

Tonight I am signing up for a Learn to Run Clinic at the running room, I am so nervous yet excited.  This is my new activity for the week.  The program lasts 13 weeks and by the end I should be able to run 20-30 minutes non stop.  The train us for a race that will be later in the summer I will let you know more about that as time goes on.

One last thing, a women at my work made a comment the other day and I wanted to share it with you.  She said, " I know that you have lost alot of weight, but I always see you eating sweets."  My answer to her can be summed up in one word. MODERATION!

I see you new followers!  Thank you and welcome!  Readers, commentors and friends, thank you for everything!

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Cardio of Choice?

Today at the gym, I was doing my usual routine, when a girl came up to me and asked how I felt about the StairMaster I had just finished exercising  kicking ass on.  She said that she always she's me on that machine and asked my opinion. She personally liked the elliptical, but wanted a change.  I told her that the machine was hard, but it was an excellent workout.  I also recommended that she increase her time gradually, I remember that I started with 10 minutes and worked my way up by 5 minutes until I could do 30.

So what is your cardio machine of choice?

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Summer Challenge Week 1 and Wearing All Black

See what happens when you follow what you are suppose to do?!?  Down 3!  I am so happy about this.   I do have a few challenges this weekend that I am afraid of:

1.  Tomorrow is a Girl's Night Out at a Chinese restaurant (sodium!) and then Sex and The City 2.

2.  Sunday, I am going to an event called Taste of the Caribbean.  I went  last year at it was phenomenal.  Chefs from various islands in the West Indies are brought to showcase their food as well as various Caribbean restaurants in the area.  There will also be music and performances.  All you can eat for 50$.

I have been hitting the gym extra hard and have been pumping the weights with a new routine which I will try and post later.

On a side note can I just say that 4 people commented on my weigh today at work and I think that it is because I was wearing all black.  I really feel that when I wear all black people notice more than other times.

Have a great weekend!  To all my American bloggers Happy Memorial Day!

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Summer Challenge: Let's Do This!

Due to some computer problems, I could only get this up today

Weighed in Tuesday morning:

218.8.  I have no idea why the pic is rotated.

New Goals:

1. Lose 25 pounds (193.8)

2. Try a new physical activity each week

3.  Make a new healthy recipe each week

Wish me luck!

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I'm Baaaaaaaaaaak!

Hey! Hey!  I'm back from my weekend away,I had a fantastic time!  I even convinced my friends to go to the gym on Sat and Sun!  It was alot of fun.   It makes me realize that I have great friends and I really miss them.  I am going to weight in for the challenge tomorrow morning so I can be consistent.  I think I am going to change my challenge goals a little, stay tuned!

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One Word Answers and Weigh In

LC knows me so well and tagged me on this little activity. 

One Word Answers

Hair – short

Your Mother – caring

Your Father – loud

Fav Food – thai

Dream Last Night - none

Fav Drink – sorrel

What room are you in? – Bedroom

Hobby – exercise

Fear – surgery

Where were you last night? – mall

Something that you aren’t – shy

Muffins – banana

Wish List Item – Shoes

Where you grew up – Montreal

What you are wearing – T-shirt

Your Pet – None

Friends – Fantastic

Something you’re not wearing – earrings

Fav Store – Nine West

Fav Color – Red

Last time you laughed – Yesterday

Your Best Friend – numerous

Best Place you go over and over – NYC

Person who you email regularly – Ahinee

Fav Place to Eat – Baton Rouge (2 words I know)

I tag…

 Lindsay, Nona and Leelee

Today weight was 216.4, yeah down 1.6.  Let me try and maintain this over the weekend!

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Weigh In Tomorrow

Since I will be away for the weekend, I decided that I will do the Saturday weigh in on Friday.  So far this week has been good and I have not been having any cravings.  I am going to visit a friend and celebrate her birthday.  I will also be try and not overindulge , since I will not have access to a gym (my friend goes to the gym but I am not sure if she will be heading out this weekend)  I will bring my gym clothes anyway.  I didn't make it to the gym because I was running around and lost my car keys at the mall, by the time I realized I was at my car and the mall was closed.  Will have to go and retrace my steps tomorrow.

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Last Time For The Week.....I Promise!

"When I look in the mirror, I am still the same size"

Ahhhh Jennifer, I can so relate.  I think that I have mentioned this before.  Even though I have lost a weight, I still look the same to me in the mirror. I guess that is something that everyone who experiences weight loss goes through.  Sorry if your all Jennifer Hudsoned out ;)

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Who Needs Vegas?

Jamie Eason is a fitness model, who is not only beautiful she has a wicked routine in this video.  I found this and I think that it is perfect if you are travelling or even to do at home. Check out the video, all you need is a deck of cards!



Welcome new followers!

On another note I have changed a few things at the gym and I like the results that I am seeing.  I have decided to do weights first before cardio.  I feel like I am stronger when I start with weights and I can lift alot more.  I try and do 2 body parts a day depending on the amount of time that I have and the mood that I am in.  Today was legs, I love legs so I killed it: leg presses, split squat, leg extensions, leg curls, deadlifts and kettlebell swings.  I then do 30 minutes of cardio, my machine of choice these days is the stairmaster.  I used to do an hour on two machines, but these days I am not feeling it AND I am seeing  the same results.  I am adamant about doing as much as I can before the surgery, because who knows how many days I will be out of commission.  Have  a great night!

P.S.  I had to change the goal date for my new bag.  I was suppose to be 212 by Saturday and I am around 217, so I have given myself another 3 weeks to get the bag.  Hopefully I can get to that weight by then (I am sure said bag will be long gone by then.....). 

When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place

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Jamie Oliver: Setting America Straight

I found this online last night and it really spoke to me.  Not only I am getting fit to look hot and sexy, it is for my health and also for the health of the children that I hope to have one day.  The info is real and the examples are shocking.  Especially when Jaime goes to the elementary school and shows the kids vegetables and they have no clue what they are.  I was so touched my this clip (sorry that it is so long) that I showed to my grade 9 class today (I teach Science, so it tied in to our Nutrition/Digestion review).  You could here a pin drop they were so silent.  I will have to ask them what they thought about it tomorrow, I will let you know.

MORE JENNIFER!

Check her out in this week InStyle Magazine!

H-O-T!

Have a great evening!

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Jennifer Hudson is My New Hero

Have you seen Jennifer Hudson lately? Yes, she is the new spokesperson for Weight Watchers and yes, she has always been gorgeous.  This is her circa 2007, I would guesstimate that she is a size 14/16 here.

Stunning.  The following pics were taken at the Cannes film festival in France this past weekend:

WOW! She must be a size 8 now?  She looks absolutely fantastic, take that Simon!  With all that Jennifer has been through, I am so happy that everything is going well for her.  Keep it up girl! Love, love, love that black dress, so sexy, I wonder who the designer is I would love to wear that to a wedding.

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Bad News

Found out today that I have to get my thyroid removed.  My mom had thyroid cancer and had hers removed a few years ago.  I have been under observations, with ultrasounds and biopsies for the last 3 years. The doctor finally said today, "Let's take it out."  I am a little nervous, but I know that it is for the best.  I am sure that after this is done, I will not be able to exercise for awhile and that makes me sad.  I will keep you posted, I think the surgery will happen in June.

P.S.  This will not stop me from the Summer Challenge!  I am still in!

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Summer Challenge

Desperately Seeking Thin is having a Summer Challenge and I am so down!  If you want to join click on the link and check it out.  The challenge runs from May 24- Aug 23.  I count 13 weeks.  I have lost 20 pounds in 17 weeks so let's shoot for the moon and try and lose 20 pounds.

Challenge Goals:

1. Lose 20 pounds
2. Take a picture of the scale each Friday (weigh in) and post

When I get my weight next Monday I will start a ticker!  Yeah Challenge! (Let's say I am still at 218, I will be 198, damn, I have never in ONEderland!)


Got to go watch Celebrity Apprentice!

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My 100th Post! 100 Things I Have Learned

This is my 100th post! Lick the screen and taste this yummy cupcake!! I have decided to list 100 things that I have learned in the last 2 years and 2 months that have helped me along the way.  Granted, I need to remember some of these things myself. These are in no particular order.  THANK YOU readers, followers, friends, enemies, frienemies, everyone who passes and reads this little ol' blog. I love you guys and you are truly more than any blogger could ask for!  Enjoy!

1. Drink water!  I have to drink at least 2 liters a day
2. If you do not like plain water, add: ginger, lemon, lime, watermelon, cucumber, mint, whatever will get you drinking 
3. Do cardio!  Anything to get your heart rate up. Take a class, vacuum, garden, WHATEVER!
4. Lift weights, yes, cardio will take the weight off but weights will give you the sexy shape
5. Pack your lunch the night before, you will save money and you will not be tempted to eat crap
6. Eat smaller meals often, aim for 6 meals a day
7. Eat slowly, put your fork down between bits
8. Sit down when you eat, you tend to eat slower when you do this
9. Plan your meals on Sunday for the week, try to make left overs so you can have them for lunches
10. The fewer ingredients an item has the better it is for you
11. Never eat until you are stuffed, stop when you feel satisfied
12. Eat fruits and veggies,the more colourful the better, you plate should be half veggies
13. Pack your gym bag the night before, make sure your ipod/MP3 is charged
14. Plan what days you will go to the gym in advance, write them down in your agenda/Blackberry, make it like an appointment
15. Eat small portions: meat the size your hand/deck of cards, veggies two hands
16. Try to eat on schedule, every 3 hours or so to keep your metabolism fired up
17. Get sleep, if you are not getting 6-8 hours try and go to bed earlier
18. Talk to someone about what you are doing (even if it is only God)
19. Don't give up
20. Set reasonable, timely goals, instead of,"I want to lose 40 pounds" say, " I want to lost 5 pounds by May 30"
21. Change your exercise routine every few weeks (you body gets bored)
22. Read about others who have done what you are trying to do.
23. Indulge when necessary, but get right back on track
24. You cannot spot exercise, you have to work the whole body
25. You will not get big and bulky like a guy from lifting weights (you don't have the testosterone levels)
26. When doing cardio change up the pace, ex: 30 sec. at your max, 1 min at a reg. speed
27. Chew sugar free gum
28. Protein! Fish, beef,soy, chicken. Should definitely be in your diet
29. Try a new activity once in a while,Zumba, Spinning, Bootcamp, you never know you may fall in love!
30. Update your ipod once a month
31. Buy yourself something when you reach your goal that is NOT food (a new bag is always nice)
32. To build your butt do squats, deadlifts, lunges, leg extensions and leg curls
33. Replace your shoes once a year
34. Cut the salad dressing, use balsamic vinegar and olive oil or lemon/lime
35. Limit soft drinks, if not phase them out to none.
36. Cut down on alcohol, if you must have a drink stick to vodka and cranberry or orange juice
37. Diets do not last, life changes do
38. YOU CAN DO THIS!
39. Tofu can taste good
40. Take Vitamin D
41. Go brown!  Brown rice, pasta and flour
42. Take a multivitamin
43. At a restaurant order an appetizer as a meal
44. Have either a drink OR a dessert, not both
45. Having something that is not the best food choice? Eat HALF of what you would have
46. Drink green tea
47. Avoid fast food, if you can't order a salad or the healthiest thing on the menu
48. Snack on nuts (unsalted)
49.  Get a Foreman Grill (or something like it)
50. Cut down on sugar/salt
51. If you are going to eat chocolate have it dark 65% or more
52. Teach others in your family about healthy habits
53. Losing weight can decrease chances of heart problems, diabetes and certain cancers
54. Can't go to the gym? Get a video (I recommend Jillian Micheal's 30 Day Shred)
55. Travel for work?  Pack a jump rope and/or a resistant band, so you can work on the road/vacation
56. Write down everything you put in your mouth
57. Keep track of your weight and your measurements
58. Try to reduce stressors that you can control
59. Focus when you work out, try to minimize talking with others
60. Make non weight related goals ex: be able to do 10 push ups
61. Reduce the number of times you go out to eat
62. Order your salad dressing on the side
63. If you don't feel like going to the gym GO,even if you do 3 sit ups that's better than 0
64. You will have HATERS!  Don't let them get you down. 
65. Give yourself a pat on the back every once in awhile.
66. Read magazines such as Oxygen, to get helpful info to help you
67. Black Eyed Peas, Rhianna, Lady Gaga, Pink and Britney are great to work out to
68. There is nothing that you cannot do
69. Fell of the wagon?  Ended up in a ditch?  GET BACK ON!
70. You are doing this for you
71. No one can do this for you but you!
72. You will not loss 50 pounds in a month (if you do congrats)
73. 1-2 pounds is normal to lose in a week
74. Slow and steady wins the race
75. You do NOT have to eat all the food on your plate.  It does not matter what Mama told you about the starving children in Africa
76. If you have plateaued, change up your routine, more reps, more weight, shorter rests, different order
77. Take a rest when you see fit
78. Take care of yourself, no one can do it for you.
79. Weight loss is 80% what you eat, 10 % exercise and 10% genetics
80. Yes, you do have to work your abs (even if they are hidden aka flabs)
81. You can say "No" to certain foods and second helpings
82. Haters --> You're working out again? You--->  Yup, want to join me?
83. The best way to deal with a compliment is "Thank You"
84. Low fat yogurt makes a great snack
85. Starches are NOT my friend
86. People assume you are sick if you have lost alot of weight
87. Just because your bigger does not mean you eat chips and cookies all day long
88. Carpe Diem ---- Seize the Day, tomorrow may never come
89. You burn 50 calories a day for each pound of muscle you have, 5 pounds of muscle = 250 calories
90. Don't skip breakfast, even if you only have a fruit, you have to eat something!
91. Eliminating 100 calories per day can cut you 10 pounds in a  year
92. When you are hungry drink water, thirst is often mistaken for hunger.
93. Don't eat out of the bag, take a small bit in a separate container
94. Picture yourself lean, strong and sexy, if you have an old picture of you at a good size look at it for inspiration
95. Surround yourself with positive message and images
96. Shop smart, do not keep junk at home, then you will not be tempted to eat it in times of weakness
97. Losing weight gives you confidence
98. Take a walk at lunch
99. Read this blog (haha!)
100. Be true to yourself!  In my heart even thought I get down on myself, I know that I can do this, I have come so far!  Thank you and looking forward to the next 100 posts!

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Weigh In: It Could Have Been Worse

218.  Up 1.2 from last week.   Not going to fret, but I am going to get my ass in gear.  I was a slacker this week on the food front and that is where I really have to work to see the progress that I am striving for.  I had a talk with someone that does not know me well,but knows the struggles that I have been going through in this area.  After that conversation I can really see how far I have come in the 2+ years that I have been serious about losing weight. I have lost 55 pounds and although there have been , weeks months, that I screwed up (namely from Sept 09-Dec09 when I gained almost 20 pounds back, thus starting this blog). I have kept the weight off, that is not too shabby.   But I cannot sit and enjoy the ride (yet), I need to pull through and do what I have to do, this means limiting the sweets, which seems to be my weakness, once I have one I need to have 2, 3, 5 and I then think, well I have ruined this day, so nothing else matters. I need to focus and stay strong.  Next Saturday I am going out of town so I will not be able to weight in, but the Saturday after (May 29), I am going to aim for 214.

Don't let your self-imposed limitations

 trap you in the body that you no longer want

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Just Like A Wavin' Flag

Heard this song at the gym and it really sang to me, I love that they use all Canadian artists (original song by K'naan, a Somali Canadian).  It was the theme at the Winter Olympics and it will be the song for the World Cup this summer in South Africa.  So inspirational!

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A New Day

I woke up this morning and was about to delete last night's post.  Then I read the comments and realized that many people feel the way I do. Just as much as I needed to write that post, people needed to read it.  I began to feel better.  I started to peruse the Internet and read a few transformation stories (women who have lost a considerable amount of weight) and I began to realize that it can be done.  I have read alot of weight loss stories and I guess in some aspects I am lucky.  I have never really been teased about being larger,  I have been teased about my height, my large breasts (I was called Dolly Parton in elementary school as well as Sasquatch)  maybe it is because I carry my weight "well".  I go to the doctor step on the scale and they cannot believe my weight. I guess that is a plus.  I do not have any health problems due to my weight (I want to keep it that way).  I have never let my weight stop me from doing anything. I do not think I am an emotional eater.  I cannot say that I am addicted to food.  I love going to the gym and did so even when I was 270.  I have to get a handle on what I out in my mouth.  Diet is 80% of the battle, exercise 10% and genetics 10%.  I need to get a grip on that 80%, that is the key. I train just as hard as I did when I was larger and as I get smaller I will not change.  I know some people think I am a bit extreme going to the gym every day for an 1 1/2 hours or 2, but that is what I need, I don't think that most of  my friends understand.  Today is a new day and I am going to try and just do the best that I can! 

Once again thank you all for your comments, I really appreciate them.

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Throwing In The Towel

The scale is going on the wrong direction, after seeing an all time low one morning last week of 214, I am back up to 218. The annoys me, the makes me sad, mad, disappointed in myself. I am doing everything that I am suppose to do.  I am drinking water, I am eating well.  Yes, I have indulged a bit, but I feel as though I am retaining water.  I feel like throwing in the towel.  Why bother? Those two hours I spend at the gym most days?  I could be doing something else......Blogging?  Is this just a waste of my time? I sit here with the computer, thinking of something witty, funny, insightful, enlightening to write, so that I can get comments.  But am I really helping anyone?  I am helping myself? I don't know.

Do you ever get down on yourself?  Beat yourself up? Look at yourself and note every flaw that you see on your body?  The fat, the stretch marks, the scars.  Do you ever wish you could change yourself.  I used to play this game with myself, if I had three wishing what would they be?  The top one was always I would get ride of these damn stretch marks, I hate them so much, they are like air, they are everywhere, breasts, back , arms, stomach, I have never even had a child, yet these damn things are like a curse.  Sometimes I wonder how someone of  the opposite sex can find me attractive, when my body looks like a road map.  I remember I made a comment about them to a guy I was dating and he said,"What are stretch marks?"  I showed him and he said he never noticed.  I laughed.  He replied," No honestly, I never noticed".   This made me feel better, maybe I was over analyzing.  I tear myself apart and I ask myself, why am I going to all this trouble, is it really worth it?  I felt like that today, but the mind is a powerful thing.  I tell my students that all the time. I feel like a fraud sometimes.  Have you ever read Confessions of a Shopaholic? The main character becomes a financial guru, yet is up to her ears in debt.  That is what I feel like.  All day I motivate students, I tell them that they can be anything, if they put their mind to it.  I tell them that the glass is always half full.  I tell them that they are the only ones that can dictate their future.  If they believe that they will not pass a test, it may be true, if they believe that they can, the sky is the limit.  If they fail a test , I tell them to pick themselves up, the past is the past.  You cannot change what you have have done.  All you can do is put your best foot forward, so that everyday from now on you give 150000%  to make yourself the best you that you can be.  So why can I not do the same for me?

For once I took my own advice, I really tried to abandon the negative thoughts that were plaguing me.  It is not as easy as it sounds, when you look around the gym and the only women lifting weights look like they should be on the cover of Shape or Self.  The are svelte and sexy, muscles in all the right places and no fat in all the right places.  I took another look in the mirror and thought how far I have come.  Last year, I could not run for more than a minute on the treadmill, I could not do a push up with my feet on the exercise ball. F that, i could not do a push up at all.  I did not have arm definition.  I have come a long way.  Negative thoughts can destroy us.  I know that there are times when I start thinking negatively and I cannot stop, I get so down on myself that I make myself feel ill.  I really need to stop and look at all the things that I have accomplished. OK, maybe I am not married, but I have seen more of the world than most people.  I have a family that loves me and friends that are trustworthy and reliable.  I think that I have a warm personality, I have been told that I can make anyone feel welcome, I also try and look at the light side of any situation, I can motivate others and make them feel that they can do whatever they want, I try to live life to the fullest.

  I am going to just keep pushing and not let the damn scale get me down.

I know that this has been a weird post and I am not even sure if it makes any sense.  Thanks again for being there with me as I do this and try and make myself the best I can be, cause remember; if i don't do it no one will do it for me.

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Le Weekend

This weekend was great social, but terrible health wise.  I made some poor decisions and I am going to have to spend the week undoing the damage.  Saturday, I spent the night with some friends downtown, we drank, had snacks (chips and salsa) and then we headed out for dinner.  We went to a restaurant with a Parisian feel and I had a walnut salad, with steak and fries (that was their specialty) the steak was great , I tried not to eat to many of the fries.  The dessert was a little pastry with ice cream inside and hot chocolate sauce.   Oh did I mention I had a vodka martini.

We went out has another drink before heading to bed.   The next day we went out for breakfast, where I think I made a good choice and had an egg, with bacon , with fresh fruit and a Danish (I am sure that the Danish was not that good for me).   I really did not eat that much for the rest of the day except for two slices of toast with peanut butter.

 Star system is back in full affect starting today.  I have to get my act together.  The good news is that while I was shopping for a Mother’s Day gift, I decided to try a pair of shorts in a size 14 and they fit really well.  This made me so happy.  Even thought I feel of the wagon with the food this weekend.  I am ecstatic, at one point I was wearing a size 18/20 at this store, soon I will not have to shop there anymore!

Have a  great week!

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216.8

 Up 0.6 from last week.  Not happy about that since I was down for most of the week, until cooking school dinner.  I guess I cannot get to mad, there is not point in that and it is less than a pound.  Next week I AM going to be 214!  I am 5 pounds away from the bag and thus reaching a NEW all time low.  Just writing about it makes me giddy.  Almost at 60 pounds bye bye, forever!  I do not foresee any real problems this weekend. This week I do have to go to a volunteer reception on Tuesday, and there will be lots of yummy food, I will just have to make wise choices. 

I am so excited 3 more friends are going to join me in playing mas in Toronto, we are going to look so cute in our costumes! We are going to look just like these sexy ladies:

2 months, 3 weeks and 2 days to whip this body into the sexiest, hottest, most toned, MissHaneefa that it has ever seen! "I'm focused MAN!" (Jay Z voice)

P.S. I think that I have to bring back the star system to get me on track again. For those of you that don't know, YES YOU CAN STARS is a system I got from another blogger.  I can get a star each day for the  following 1) exercise 2) eating within food limits 3) drinking at least 2 L of water; for a possible 3 stars a day.  Each week if I get 19/21 stars I get a small reward ex: a magazine.

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You Have GOT to Hear This....

Today, I go to the optometrist to pick up a pair of glasses.  I have been going to this optometrist since I was 10 years old. I walk in today and give the secretary my name.  She looks at me weird and then says, "Oh my, you have lost so much weight. I did not recognize you!" I smile.  She then pulls me aside and says,"  Did you loss the weight on purpose??"  WHAT!?  I replied,"Yes"  I am so confused?  Do I look sick?  I don't understand? Can anyone help me out here?  I have heard some weird things while on this weight loss journey but this one takes the cake.

Tomorrow is weigh in,  I predict that I will be the same as last week around 216.  There is nothing I can do, but vow to work harder this week. It is funny how ONE meal can throw you off track, c'est la vie! I said yesterday that I would work my ass off at the gym and I did.  One hour cardio (stairmaster and stepmill/escalator aka suicide) and about 30 mins weights.

Have a great night, and stayed tuned for tomorrow!

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A Night Out At The Cooking School

There is a cooking school in the area and every once in awhile, they host a night to showcase their dishes at a very reasonable price.  A few co-workers were going ,so I decided to join them, delicious is the only thing I could say.  The entree was a stemless martini class served with cut up tomatoes, onions and avocado, with a piece of smoked salmon on the side. Refreshing.  Soup was chicken with shaving if rutabaga.  I must admit that usually when you get a soup with chicken, the chicken pieces are few and far between.  This soup was loaded with chicken, each spoonful was full, I was very impressed.  For the main meal, I had the beef in a mustard sauce.I must admit that the mustard sauce was missing something, I am not sure what but it needed a little kick. The beef came with a side of zucchini and a few sticks of potatoes and what would a great meal be without desserts. I had two!  I know, I know, but they were so little (and I got one for free!), I had a warm chocolate cake with mango and raspberry coulis on the side and a rice pudding with raspberries on top. All for the price of 21$!

     Now I am drinking all the water that I can stomach, so that any salt in the meal does not effect the good work that I did this week.  I am going to eat super clean tomorrow, hit the gym for 2 hours (1 hours cardio and 1 hour weights).  I went to the gym today but once again had to rush.  Drink a ton of water and hopefully, Saturday will be 214!

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Sunchips

Felt sick so I cut my workout in half.  Came home and ate way too many Sunchips and now I feel sicker than I felt before!  Blahhhhkk.....

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3 months and counting

I decided that I am going to play mas in Toronto this summer during Caribana.  Caribana is a West Indian, street festival, that showcases, music, costumes and food from the island of Trinidad and Tobago. The main even is a street parade that has costumes with scantily clad women and men and great music!  If you are in Toronto the weekend of July 30, you should check out the parade on Saturday.  This is the costume that I will be wearing. I have turned in my deposit, so I have 3 months to get in the best shape possible, this all leads up to next March when I do the real thing in Trinidad.  Obviously, I am not going to look like this chick in the picture, but I am aiming to look the best I can.  If I can keep up this 9.4 a month weigh loss, I can be 190 by the parade and looking sexy in the costume.  I will keep you posted and I will definitely put up a pic or two when the day comes! You only live once right? Carpe Diem! Wish me luck!

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Forgetful Jones

Got to the gym, no running shoes.  Went home, got back to the gym, left the running shoes on the table.  Went BACK home to get them.  Wow, what is wrong with me? Can I just say that now that the classes are cancelled, I have to deal with the after work gym rush and I DO NOT like it!

Have a great week!

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216.2

This is good. This is very good. I feel a new momentum coming on, I can do this!  I am down 2.8 from last week, even with my slip ups.  I have to stay focused and keep this up.  I can be at 211 in 2 or 3 week.  I was aiming for May 22th.  You can see the bag that I want at the side.  On a non healthy not eI tried this Hersey's Coconut and Almond chocolate bar (I shared it with my Mom).  It was delicious! Tomorrow is the last day of classes at the gym, boooo! Zumba and spinning here I come! Goal for next weigh in is 214! I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN!

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I Can Now Go Back To My Normal Life...I Think

I saw a parent of a student that I used to teach.  She has not seen me in a few years.  She commented on how much weight I had lost and asked if I was planning on running a marathon.   Never thought about it, maybe one day....  Anyone that knows me, knows that I don't mind attention,  I am outgoing and shy is not a word that would be used to describe me.  But, when it comes to weight loss, I am very humble and sheepish about what I have accomplished, hence why I haven't told any of my friends about this blog.  It happens that one of them found it, I was a bit surprised, but then again, this IS the Internet. I felt bad because I really felt as if I was hiding something from them, but I wasn't.  How do you email your friends and say, " Hey, read this blog about me."  That is not my style and I apologize for "living a secret blog life". Now you know and are here to join me, welcome! Don't get me wrong, if anyone asks me about what I have done, I am more than happy to share any info with them, it's just that I like to keep that aspect of my life to myself.

      A few people at work could not stop talking about how much weight I had lost (maybe it was because I was wearing all black today). It really made me feel uncomfortable, what do you say to that?  It is not that I am ashamed or anything, it is just that still have a long way to go...I know that it is all about the journey, but I cannot wait to get there, I was thinking today that I have never really been any size smaller than a 14. Just thinking about it makes me excited.  I am going to be broke from all the clothes that I am going to buy. Oh well!  I really feel like I can do it.  This summer I am goin to work my ass off, so that when I go back to school in September, I will be the hottest MissHaneefa ever! 

     These last few days have been busy and I have not been eating well, skipping meals, eating alot of carbs (damn you yummy bagels *shaking fist to the sky*).  Friday, I had a fantastic weigh in for the Beach Challenge and it set a new low of 216.4!  But, because I have been so busy with work and tonight was the production that I have been working on, I ate ALOT of crap, a Snicker's bar was my dinner.  I have a feeling that I am going to pay for it in the morning.  The only good thing is I was I drank about 6 bottles of water today.  There is no use crying over spilt milk.  Tomorrow is another day and all I can do is try my best this week.  There are no real challenges that I can forsee until Mother`s day weekend.  I am going to hit gym really hard and maybe even do two workouts this weekend.   My prediction for tomorrow's weight in is 218, 217 would be really nice and would give a 2 pound loss, but I will take what I can get.

I cannot believe that it is ready May, Monday is the monthly weigh in and I am down since last month and that is a fantastic thing.

Talk to you in a few hours!

Thank you readers for being there for me and for reading, I know not everyone who reads writes a comment, so iIjust want to say I really appreciate you coming by and taking the time to read my ramblings.

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