Jacob's Ladder

   The weather here continues to be unbearable (-35C with the wind, WTF!?)  Sometimes I wonder what possessed my parents to move here from warm, hot Trinidad...Yesterday I made it to the gym and tried Jacob's Ladder.  This machine is often seen on Biggest Loser in the gym, so decided to try it yesterday:

Doesn't it look like so much fun?  NOT!  It was so hard.  I could only do a minute or two and then I had to take a rest, I did that about 5 times.  Sweat was caressing my face.  I definitely think that I am going to give it another go tonight.

I am going on the Grad Ski trip this weekend, I am going to try my darnedest to stay on course.  The teacher that I am sharing a room with and I have made a healthy meal plan and there is a gym/pool on site that I hope that I can visit.  Wish me luck!

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Addicted To Catfish

Finally made it to the gym. 

    Can I just say that I am addicted to Catfish.  That show has me mesmerized   Like a car crash on the 401 I just cannot look away. For those of you that don't know, Catfish is a reality show on MTV in which people who are in online relationships write the host to finally meet their "love".  As you can guess the person that they have been talking to for months or years is never what they seem.
 I am amazed that someone can be in a relationship with another person for YEARS and not meet them in person.  Also, when you have to STEAL or BORROW another person's pictures because you are not comfortable with your own then you have a problem.  How can people live with themselves when they are living a lie? Or making fake profiles because it is "fun" and having people fall in love with you?  That is just wrong.  IF you haven't seen the show, just check out one episode...

 Let me tell you a little story....

Does anyone remember Black Planet? For those of you that don't know, Black Planet was like Black Facebook back in 2000.  Everyone had a profile.  I was seeing this guy (R) and then one day I got a message from another guy (X). X was telling me that he knows R and R doesn't really care about me blah, blah, blah.  So I asked R if he knew this guy and he didn't.  After a few weeks it all came out in the wash. X was actually R's ex-girlfriend who had made a fake page because she was jealous and wanted to break us up!???  Can you believe that !  I swear people have to much time on their hands and the internet just makes it worse, go get a hobby!

Hope that you have a great day!

And if you live anywhere near Montreal dress warm this -35C weather is not a joke!

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Insert Sad Face

     Another week, as I predicted the scale went nowhere this week.  So I am still at 230.  I guess that it could be worse, right?  This is not acceptable.  I have to get back in the swing of things.  I am eating much better and I am sure that is why we did not see a gain. I guess that is a plus.  I made a wicked Indian Spiced Vegetarian Chili from Clean Eating Magazine.  I used butternut squash instead of pumpkin and I added corn.  It is so yummy.  I will be eating that for lunch for the rest of the week. I have to get in more water  and get off my lazy ass and go to the gym. 
    I am in such a funk these days.  I am taking a break from the dating world since I am tired of getting the shaft (not in that way....ewwww).  Men are so rude and technology does not help.  I guess not everyone's mother's raised them right, because when you say that you are going to go out with someone and just STOP CALLING, no rhyme or reason.  That is rude in my books.  Listen, I am a grown woman and if you are not interested in my I am not going to break down and cry, just give it to me straight   You don't even have to call, send a text. But to say nothing at all is just rude, point finale.

     Heard on the news last night about a 13 year old boy that shot his 16 year old brother by accident in our area.  They found a gun in the closet and were playing with it and it went off.  Another family ruined. Was creeping around Twitter after I heard the news and kids that go to their school (down the street from the school that I work at) are devastated   Supposedly both boys were good kids.  So Sad.

Oh did I also mention that it is -25C today with the wind?  What the eff???  

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I Look Away for One Moment

     I have learned a few things about my body over the last few years.  I need to be focused 100% of the time.  On Friday, I went out to a Mexican restaurant with a few of my friends. No bueno.  We shared a a sampler and I ate a bit of rice and tortillas with a bit of lamb, chicken, shrimp and pork.  Considering I have been eating fish and veggies for lunch and dinner, this was more than I was used to and I felt it.  I am not going to let this get me down and I am right back at it on Monday.  I have been good this weekend.  So this week I am sure that I am not going to see the 4 pound loss that I wanted.  That is life right?

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Friday Mini Rant

     Sometimes I hate the gym.  No, it is not what you think.  Sometimes I hate the people at the gym.  The people that WORK at the gym.  Here is why.  Yesterday, I am minding my business getting my cardio in.  I had already done 30 minutes on the Stepmill (that mother is a biotch) and I was at minute 10 on the elliptical enjoying Four Weddings on TLC (I don’t have TLC at home so I try and watch it at the gym it I can).  When these two “trainers” approach me.

Trainer 1: Hi

Me (startled): Hey…

T1: This is Dominique, he is new here and is going to start training people.

Me: Hey…

T1:  Since I know that you are super nice and here often I decided to come over and say hello.

Me (In my head): Oh lucky me….

T1:  So you come here a lot eh? (Canadians do say eh)

Me:  Yeah, I try to come every day, you know try and get off that extra weight

T1:  Well you have lost weight since you have been here, what 15 pounds?

Me: No I haven’t actually I put on about 20...

T1:  No, no you haven’t

Me: Yes I have

PAUSE

Now this where I get mad, how are YOU telling ME how much weight I have or haven’t lost, mind your effin business.  That is one thing that I hate about this journey, people always try and size up my weight lose.  Things like, wow I never realized how big you were or do you really weigh that much? Are questions that erk me.  I have gained 10-15 pounds in the last year.  Please do NOT try and tell me that I haven’t.  You are not my clothes that I have to put on everyday, thank you very much.

That is the end of my rant. 

Thank you for reading and have a great weekend!

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Progress At The Gym

   I am a BEAST!  I am really happy with the way things are going in the gym and I am really trying to push myself each workout.  I leg pressed 360 pounds yesterday, yes--eight 45 pound plates on that baby.  I only did 6 reps but I am still so happy.  I think that tonight I am going to tackle some lunges because that it what always puts a burn in my legs, especially walking lunges.  My long term goal is to get to 200 pounds by the end of June.  If I keep going the way that I am it is doable.

   Healthy eating going so well that I am reluctant to go out to eat with my friends, yet at the same time I don't want to just stay home and stare at the four walls.  This is really going to be the next challenge, balancing life with weight loss.  I don't want to get into that "two steps forward, three steps back mode".  I am supposed to go to a Mexican restaurant on Friday and I am really going to have to skim the menu well to find the best thing to eat.

   Yesterday we went out with the Running Club and it was great the weather was perfect 2C and it was sunny, the girls had a great time and I am happy that we are getting new members every week.  The weather for the next two weeks is going to be way too cold to go outside.  We made a deal that if it is colder than -10C we will not go inside.  Instead, I think that I am going to introduce the girls to the 30 Day Shred and we are going to try that.  I hope that they don't hate me after.

Looking for a book to read?  Check out The Fault In Our Stars by John Green.  A really sad book laced with humor.  Guaranteed to make you shed a few tears.

Have a good one.

     

     

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MissHaneefa vs. The Bake Sale

     Bake sales at our school have always been my nemesis.  Come on who can resist home made cookies and treats at 25 cents a pop.  I usually go with a dollar or two and shop to my heart’s content.  Today we had a bake sale and I only purchased one item.  Yes, ONE item.  I bought home made banana and chocolate chip bread and I savoured it.  Another win for me!

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Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

     The first week of me getting back on track for 2013 is done and I must say that I am proud of myself.  I went from 235 to 230! Down 5 pounds!  Yeah!  Next week's goal is to drop another 4 pounds.  In February, I am planning to do a week of juicing and I am going to see how that works.  I have never done a juice fast before and I am really curious to see how my body will react.
  
     Last night at the gym the worst thing happened, my iPod died mid workout.  ARGH!  I was so pissed.  Luckily I had already done 40 minutes of cardio so I was OK with that.  I had also gone for a walk during the day at work, so I didn't feel so bad.

    This is the first season that I am actually watching The Biggest Loser and I am not sure what I think about the show yet.  The only good thing I have to say is that it is good to see that these people are working their asses of (literally) at the gym 5 hours a day and are only losing 2 and 4 pounds.  This makes me feel good that when I lose 2 pounds in a week it isn't too shabby and I should not beat myself up over it.

Have a great week!

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Le Weekend

     The last few days have been going really well.  I am have been really focused and I must say that I am really proud of myself for not giving in to cravings and foods that usually I would eat.  I have been sticking to mostly fish and veggies for my meals and oatmeal and smoothies for breakfast.  Snacks include fruits, veggies and Greek yogurt (Oikos lime is delicious).  I have been making healthy choices and for this I am really happy. I have been trying to hit the gym at least once a day and I have set up a small reward system for myself.  I have to say that this week has been a success, but the first week is always a success.  Next week is going to be the real challenge.  I was also told this week that I am going to be accompanying the students on the Mount Ste-Anne grad ski trip in two weeks, so that is going to bring its own challenges.
     I am keeping it really low key for the next few weeks because I am looking to go away for March Break, not sure where yet, but since I am blessed to have two weeks off so I am trying to a 10 or 11 day vacation.
     Weight in will be on Tuesday and I am hoping for something drastic changes.

All the best and have a great weekend!

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Sexy Dance

     Is the name of the class that I tried at the gym yesterday.  Fun times were had by all.  This class incorporates pilates moves, as well as a bit of strength training, but since you are dancing you don't even notice it. Sexy squates, sexy leg raises and more. There are tons of burlesque-ish more and you get to pop that bootay (you know I am all over that).  My only complaint is that for privacy reasons, the class takes place in the yoga room which has no windows, no fans and the door must stay closed.  This combined with 30 women grinding it up results in one sweaty class.  I had a really good time, I would love to give the teacher some song suggestions, but she may not be able to handle it, lol. (Ludacris' "How Low Can You Go" was the highlight of last night's class).
     
     Running club at school is going really well.  The girls love it!  We have a consistent group of about 10 girls that come run and many of them express how much they love the club.  In the upcoming months it may be too cold to go outside so we will do so weights in the gym.  We did this once before and they LOVED it.  I am so pleased to see teenage girls taking good care of themselves and excited about fitness.

     Eating has been going well and I am staying on track.  I am proud of myself that things are going so well.

5 Random thoughts.... 

1. Why are pomegranates such a pain to prepare?  But they taste soooooo good. 
2. Will my butt ever get used to the spinning bike seat?  I say nay.
3. US companies need to start shipping for free to Canada, some of those States that you ship to are farther away from where I live.  Please and Thank You.
4. Where are the tall men at?  I am 5'9'', I need a 6 footer, sorry to all you 5'7'' guys...
5. I hope no one thinks that Trinidad James is a representation on ANYTHING Trinidadian *insert praying hands emoticon*

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Just Another Thursday

     I am happy to say that I am doing well.  Eating CHECK! Workouts CHECK! Water ummm welll no one is perfect.  I have been trying to go to the gym before work and in the evening to try and get my body back into shape.  I have noticed that I cannot do the twice a day gym two days in a row.  I am just too tired.

    I was at the grocery store yesterday and I saw this chocolate waffers and I really wanted them, but I just walked by.  VICTORY!  Take that waffers, yummy waffers.

     I heard there was a study done that says that you can burn as many calories watching a horror movie as a light 20 minute walk, hmmmm interesting.  Guess I have to go and check out the new Texas Chainsaw movie...

      Speaking of movies, I love them.  I am really trying to see all the movies that are nominated for Oscars this year.  I have to still get to Lincoln, Flight, Argo and Silver Lining Playbook.  Definitely going to see one of those this weekend.  Saw Les Miserables last weekend and I enjoyed it.  I don't know if it is because I am getting older and I no longer have an attention span, but all the movies I go see feel soooooo long.  I really thing that they need another round of editing to cut them down by half and hour.

Have a great day! 

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The Glass Is Half Full

     I am back at it and I am not going to let me get the best of me.  I have always been my worst critique.  Yesterday, I was at the grocery store waiting at the fish counter (I was getting some tilapia fillets for lunch and dinner) when I saw the parent of a student.  We exchanged "happy new year's"  and then she commented on how much weight I had lost and how I am really an inspiration to the students (I teach at an all girl school).  Her daughter has been at our school for all 5 years (Quebec High School is from 7-11, we don't have middle school), so this women has seen me at my highest and lowest.  I always forget that I was once at 272 and that I have made progress.  I am always mad at myself that I have not come farther in the time that has passed, but at the same time I tend not to give myself the credit that I deserve for keeping off most of the weight that I have lost.  It is so hard for me to take a weight loss compliment and I get so shy when anyone says anything.  All I can say is "thank you", but I really wish sometimes that people would not say anything.  Am I crazy?
     I am 2/2 for the morning workouts!  I have been going to bed earlier and getting up earlier to hit the gym at around 6:15 am. Today I did a 45 minute spin class and then I did some leg presses.  Can you believe that I can leg press 270 pounds *brushes shoulders off*.
     I am really going to try and stick to eating fish for the next few weeks and stay away from meat.  They have bass fillets on sale so I am going to try those tonight with some zucchini on the side.
    I am still struggling on the water front.  I am drinking more herbal teas (David's Tea chocolate chili chai is the bomb.com).

Let me pray that 2013 will be the year that I FINALLY get under 200 pounds.

Have a great day!

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Happy New Year!

       *Crawls out from under rock*  I am alive!   It has been almost two months since I have written a post.  Thank you to those that checked up on me.  Life has been interesting on my end.  Let us just say that I stopped giving a f*&k about myself.  I stopped going to the gym (my iPod was stolen/lost and you know how it is with no music at the gym: IMPOSSIBLE). The good news is my friend gave mean iPod shuffle she wasn't using, so all I had to do was buy a charger that I am waiting on in the mail. I stopped blogging I ran little, but not much.  The reason for all this is not really known to me.  I think that I feel like a failure in life.  I have no man in my life,  I am lonely and fed up. I know that the only person that can fix this is me, but it seems that every time I try to do something about my situation it is a fail.  I tried online dating to no avail.  The only word I can use to describe the guys I met is RUDE. No manners at all. 

     Nevertheless, this is a new year and as per usual I am going to strive to be th best person that I can be.  I have signed up for another half marathon in May and I am convinced that I can beat my time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.  I am really going to try and blog more and put my best foot forward.  I am not going to lie it is really hard to shake a negative attitude once it has its grips on you, put I am going to try.

Wish me luck! 

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