Friday Fitness - Tag, you're it!

Jason, over at Scribblings of a Madman tagged me for a fun meme. I thought perhaps I would work it into my Fitness Friday post!


The Rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you
2. Write down six things that make you happy
3. Post these rules
4. Tag six others
5. Notify me that you've tagged six others--or that you're not in a happy place right now...


OK. Here goes, six things that make me happy in terms of my current fitness level:

1. Wrestling and goofing off with my little ones and not getting winded or feeling like a beached whale!


2. Even my "skinny" pants are too big now! I was able to donate two bags of clothes to the local Woman's shelter - clothes that I will NEVER grow into again!


3. That my hubby totally supports my fitness efforts and enables me to work out every evening. He is amazingly supportive!


4. Having my five year old, four year old and almost-two year old join in and do "Mommy's TV exercises" There is nothing cuter than a Madigan doing a tree pose or Anderson doing lunges or DJ doing lateral jumping jacks! I also melt to pieces when I am playing soccer and I can hear them cheering, "Go Mamma Go!" It is AWESOME!


5. Knowing that I am doing something for me. Investing in me. Succeeding and keeping motivated. It makes me happy and proud to have worked hard to loose almost 65 pounds - and I am motivated to loose the rest!


6. Being a good role model for my children in terms of leading an active, fit, healthy lifestyle.

Wow, I had to stop myself at 6! There are so many things that make me happy in terms of my new commitment to fitness and healthy living. Completing a good run makes me happy. Knowing that this coming summer soccer season will ROCK, makes me happy. Realizing my potential, makes me happy. Relaxing in a warm bath after a good work out makes me happy. Not being too embarrassed about wearing a bathing suit in public makes me happy. Being able to choose new clothes in the latest styles, not having to buy whatever fits, makes me happy. Thinking about working towards, doing, and completing my fitness objectives make me happy. Being happy, makes me happy!

You know, these days, so much makes me happy.

Working hard at redefining my body, and my whole self is making me happy.

Taking control of my weight problem makes me happy. And not being too worried or upset about an half a pound gain last week (first gain in 21 weeks and weigh-in was the first day of my period - TMI!!!).

All the love and support I get from family and friends - especially all you guys - makes me happy.

So, my dear friends, what makes you happy????

Tag! You are it!

Wordless Wednesday - Apple of his eye!

DJ and Allyson

Mountain View Orchard

September 2008

Sunglasses and Astronaut Suits

My parents arrived home - safe, sound, relaxed, and tanned (no, I am not jealous!).

The kids and I picked them up at the airport and we headed off for dinner at the Take What You Want restaurant.

All the three kids were so good and friggin' cute! Madigan ate like a line-backer and entertained the wait staff with wonderful renditions of Rollie-Pollie and 10 Little Lions. The boys visited the buffet at least 3 times each and they even participated in the conversation, with DJ initiating the conversation with a hearty, "So, Pepe, how was your vacation?"

We had a great time talking about their "trip to the sun".

As I was putting the boys to bed, I commented on their great behaviour at the restaurant and told them how proud I was of them both.

DJ grins and says, " Mommy, it is fun to hear about great adventures. I was listening carefully and being very polite."

"Yes, it is great fun and you sure asked Nana and Pepe some great questions about their trip."

"Mommy, I am glad Pepe and Nana wore their sunglasses when they went to the sun. The sun is very hot and sunglasses protect our eyes."

From the other side of the room, all nestled in his blankies Anderson pipes up and says, "Maybe Pepe will show us his astronaut's suit the next time we go visit?"

Sunglasses and astronaut suits.

DUH! Of course, you need sunglasses and an astronaut's suit when visiting the sun. THE sun.

BFF Coming Home!

I call my BFF every day. We chat about everything and anything.

My kids. Her kids. My hubby. Her hubby. My life. Her life. My friends. Her Friends. Our friends. The weather. Yoga. Diets. Daily struggles. Daily victories. The important stuff. The not so important stuff. We talk about it all.

I really enjoy our daily chats - in fact some times we chat a few times a day. We are never at a loss for words.

My BBF has been away for three weeks. Cruising the Mediterranean. (You bet, I'm jealous!)

I am very glad she is coming home today. I miss her.

Hope you had a great trip Mom (& Dad) - cannot wait to hear all about it and see all your photos!

*** In case you are all wondering, yes, I also consider "Mu-Dad" a BFF...and I am certainly a Daddy's little girl!!!! And, yes, I miss him too!

Wii-ly Annoying!

So, we got Wii Fit for Christmas.

And we have a 23 month old who is just starting to really talk. And is imitating everything she hears.

Now, the 23 month old is Wii-ly annoying.

Case in point:

"Madigan, give Mommy a nice big hug!"

"OK. Measuring...measuring...measuring...All done!"

Additional evidence:

"Madigan, sit down and eat your dinner!"

"That's obese!"

Another Wii-ly annoying example:

"Madigan are you having a poop? Want to use the potty?"

"Ya! Measuring...measuring...measuring...All done! That's obese!"

It is Wii-ly starting to annoy me - she even uses the perfect pitch in tone to imitate that smug little machine!

Skiing Saturday!

Anderson, 4 years old
DJ, 5 years old

Future Olympians???

Fitness Friday - Sum of all Fears

I am happy to report that all through the Christmas holidays I stuck to my fitness plan. In fact, I even increased my intensity, duration and frequency.

Now that we are three weeks into the new year, I have slowly fallen into a nice routine. Routine seems to be the name of the game for me. I have made certain personal and family sacrifices in order to make fitness a priority. I have decided that being fit, and working out makes me happy and has one million and one benefits - and a happy Laura makes for a happy wife and a happy mommy and a happy employee. How can I take care of those I love, if I cannot and do not take care of myself?

My fitness objectives for 2009 are all realistic, attainable, and challenging:

1. Play soccer on my 30+ woman's team - for the last 2 seasons I have played goalie. I am a fairly good goalie, but have more fun playing out - but I have not since mt fitness level was way inferior than my teammates
2. Run a 5k road race on St. Paddy's Day
3. Participate in the Running Room's 10K Clinic
4. Run a 10K road race at the National Capital Race Weekend in May
5. Participate in the Running Room's Half Marathon Clinic
6. Run a Half Marathon on Army Race Day in September

In terms of my workout routine:

Monday - Outdoor Run - right now we are building towards running the 5K race, we are running 10 minutes and walking one minute for just over 5k
Tuesday - Wii Fitness Trainer or Tae-Bo or Body Jam DVD and a body sculpt DVD
Wednesday - Total Body Boot Camp at the community centre (FRIGG'N ROCKS!)
Thursday - Job 2K and walk 5km
Friday - Family activity and I am trying to find a yoga or pilates class I like!
Saturday - REST. WHEW!
Sunday - Indoor soccer and/or gym work out

We also got the Wii Fit for Christmas. I am enjoying that as well and usually do 15-30 minutes every other day. I am also taking the stairs a lot more and walking/jogging to the grocery store instead of driving. It all helps. Once I start the "official" running clinics, I will have to re-arrange my workouts.

I think my routine gives me the variety, intensity and level of fun I need to keep motivated.

How do you mix up your routine? Is variety important to you? How do you keep motivated?

As you can see on my side-bar, even with the re-introduction of food, I am loosing weight. I am working very hard and eating a healthy diet. I hope to loose at least another 30 pounds. I am very proud of the 63.5 pounds I have shed since September 2008.

This morning I went through bags of old clothes looking for items that would fit. In one bag I found a pair of nice black jeans. They looked pretty small - I figured they were probably from my pre-baby era.

With a smidge of hesitation I tried them one. They slide on, and I could button them up. WOW. And , they looked pretty good, if I do say so myself...I then felt something in my back pocket. I reached in and this is what I pulled out:It is a movie stub from June 15, 2002! That is the last time I fit into these jeans!!!

Hmmmmmm...."Sum of All Fears" well, the sum of all my fears equates to going back to old habits and gaining weight again and not fitting into these jeans!

Wonder if there is a movie called, " Sum of all hard work"??? That has a better ring! And if I keep motivated, keep true to my fitness plan and my healthy eating, then soon, these pants will be too small!!!!

It just slipped out...

I was serving lunch and DJ was helping to put out the milk glasses and I asked him to go tell the little ones that lunch was ready.

He looked up at me and screamed,"ANDERSON, MADIGAN, LUNCH IS READY. GET YOUR LITTLE BUTTS UP HERE!"

I looked at DJ, not really amused, and it just slipped out, "DJ, I could have done that!"

"I know Mommy, I learned it from you!"

Fooled You All!

As I type this, my lucky parents are cruising the Mediterranean. They live about 35 minutes away from us and asked if we would mind sharing house sitting duties with their neighbours. Basically the neighbours would look over at the house on a daily basis and we would go in two or three times to water the plants and collect the mail. Not a problem. So, this morning after church we headed out.

About 8 minutes away from their house my hubby asks, "You remembered the keys, right?"

"Ah, FRIG, SHOOT! Nope!"

Silence.

"I'm an idiot...sorry....but, hey you are a bigger idiot!

"Me? Why?"

"Cause you married me! That makes you a bigger idiot than me!"

"Ah, no...I was fooled and did not know what I was getting into!"

"Well, then, you are fool & an idiot who just drove 55km and have no keys to get into the house, and you are stuck with an idiot wife!"

"You're right, I guess I am an idiot fool fooled into love with you! My fault!"

-----

Along with my hubby, here are a few other people I have recently fooled!

Mrs. Schmitty, over at It's A Schimitty Life thinks I am deserving of this award:

I also fooled Diane over at Forgetfulone at thinking I deserved this award:

Hee hee...do I ever have them fooled!!!! Both awards are handed out to blogs that show great attitude and gratitude. I am honoured to accept these super awesome, cool awards, and to pass them both off to the following bloggers, who are, in fact, the real deal! They all ROCK! Go check them out!

Tara over at If Mom Says OK.

Mrs. Incredible at That's Life 2.0.

Meredith at Pregnantly Plump.

Lainey-Painey at Life is Just so Daily.

Melissa at Hope Floats.

Kat over at Seeking Sanity.

Miss Sniz

Barry over at Barrie Summary.

Mighty Morphin' Mama

I'm Being Held Hostage at In the Gutter

And any of my other wonderful readers who would like to participate - ya, you! Here is what you gotta do to pay it forward:

1. Put one of the logos on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs with a great attitude / gratitude.
3. Link the nominees within your post.
4. Let them know you have given the award by leaving them a comment on their blog.
5. Share the love and link this post and to the person from whom you received this award.

Seriously...I am super duper appreciative and humbled by these two awards...and what means even more to me is that they come from two bloggy friends I adore. I. ADORE.

Helmet Head Protector

Health Canada is requiring manufacturers to relabel over-the-counter cough and cold medicines with certain active ingredients to indicate that they should not be used in children under 6. The effectiveness of such medicines for children is in questions, along with reports of misuse, overdose and very rare serious side-effects have raised concerns about the use of these medicines in children under 6.

DJ (5), Anderson (4) and Madigan (almost 2) are all very sick. So, heeding the warning from the Canadian government agency, we are not treating their cold and flu symptoms with over-the-counter cough and cold medicines. Instead, lots of cuddles, tissues, children's Tylenol, chicken soup, ice cream, TV, extended computer time and rest is our current course of treatment.

This afternoon, a very sick DJ came up to me and asked me if we could make this:

I told him, that would be a great afternoon craft. Grandma and Grandpa sent this cool book of Knight games and crafts...and it is common knowledge that DJ is TOTALLY into horses, knights and medieval time stuff. I commented that maybe we could play knights after and have lots of fun with his new knight's helmet.

"Mommy, I am not making a knights helmet, I making a helmet head protector for my wobbley head. It is to help keep my brains from dripping out and to make my head stop being wobbley and bangy - that's why I want to make it."

Poor little man...here he is curled up in bed, with his helmet head protector on...and still feeling under the weather.

DJ Trump

It was another very cold day in in Ottawa...so we hung out inside...and it was soon apparent that DJ is a real estate mogul...look out Donald Trump!

Wordless Wednesday - BRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Hello! HELLO! We are FREEZING our butts off here in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada! Seriously, people, -38 Celsius is equal to -36.40 Fahrenheit! WTF?!?!?!?!?!

At least with my butt freezing off, it will help my weight loss goals...of which I am even 1.5 pounds closer to achieving goal weight! Go Me!!!!

Fancy Dancy

Everyone was getting ready for bed. Same old, same old. Ander was searching for the fleet of cars, gaggle of stuffed animals and cartons of books he wanted to sleep with, Madigan was jumping on the boys' beds, and DJ brushing his teeth - when suddenly DJ had a great idea...

"I have a GRrrrrrEAT idea Mommy and Daddy!"

"Ya, Bud, what's that?"

"Well, tomorrow, let's all go out for dinner - you know, to a fancy, dancy dinner! I could wear my fancy clothes and we could all look really sharp in our fancy clothes and eat a fancy meal. Isn't that a great idea?"

"WOW, a fancy, dancy dinner? That might be a nice idea. What is the special occasion?"

"I don't know...I just want to go to a restaurant and have a fancy, dancy dinner in my fancy clothes."

"Where were you thinking we could go?"

"The 'Take-What-You-Want' Restaurant would be perfect. I LOoooooVE the 'Take-What-You-Want' Restaurant."

Translation - Chinese Buffet, where, yes, you get to take what you want!!!!!

Princess Diva Jigga Jumps!

On Saturday Madigan and I got to spend some time together - just us girls.

Now lately we have been having lots of challenges with our little Princess Diva. She will refuse to wear clothes, will loudly voice her opinion and will throw the most awesome temper tantrums ever witnessed in this household. Oh the joy!

So, I did not know how out outing Saturday morning would go - heck, I did not even know if she would get dressed and agree to leave the house!

We went to the little mall in the area, I had heard that the "stars" Judy and David of a Treehouse kids' show were preforming.

We arrived early and the morning started pretty stress free. I think Mags could sense something exciting was about to begin.

The show was AWESOME - yes, it was hokey and "mall-y", but it was fun. Madigan and I, along with about 150 other kids and parents all had a good time.

Judy and David! It was a fun energetic half hour about how David could not be allergic to exercise! Madigan loved it!

Mags went CRAZY when they came out with Bagel the dog! I had to hold her from running onto stage! She was so friggin' cute - Madigan, not the puppet dog, though, she was cute, for a puppet!

Madigan leaning and scooting closer and closer to the stage!

Madigan and Mommy had a great time!

All smiles and giggles!

Madigan even got to go up to touch and talk to BoomBox!

When we were leaving Madigan wanted to play on the little truck outside of Wallmart. so, we were just hanging out and Mags pointed to the escalator and squealed, " Ju-Ju Jump Mama! Ju-Ju Jump Mama!" And there coming down the escalator was Judy and David with their son, who was just a bit older than Madigan. Their son bee-lined it for the truck and Madigan let him get in with her and they played for about 5 minutes together. Madigan got out of the truck and walked up to Judy and gave her a hug and said, "Tanks Ju-Ju! Bye-Bye"

My heart melted. I just love my Princess Diva...especially when she is not being so much of a Princess Diva!

Then Push Me Back In!

All night I hummed and haa'd about going into work in the evening to avoid treacherous road conditions in the early morning. Then, based on The Weather Channel predictions, I decided to simply go into work an hour early.

At 2:25am I slowly backed out of my driveway. The snow was deep and still coming down. I cautiously drove to the highway. Taking it very easy, I drove slowly and safely. A few idiots screamed by me - but I clutched the steering wheel and proceeded on with caution.

At my off ramp, I signaled, moved over a lane and started to take the exit. The snow plow had had zig-zaged at the entrance of the off-ramp, resulting in a wall of snow. Since it was now 3:02am, it was dark, and visibility was impaired due to snow and rain pellets. I slowed down and lined my little car's wheels up with the one and only wheel track cutting through the snow barrier left by the plow. Suddenly, my wheels started to slip and I could not straighten the car out. In slow motion I slid into the high snow bank on the side of the off ramp. My car became wedged sideways in the snow bank.

I sat for a moment, glad to be ok, then mad that I was stuck, then concerned I may not get to work, then I realized it...I was friggin' sideways, blocking 3/4 of the off ramp...and it is 3:04am.

Luckily, I had my phone. I called my hubby...just in case something would happen - I was terrified a car coming off the highway would crash into me. Then I called CAA - Canadian Automobile Association. I spoke to the operator and he informed me that I was a top priority, especially since I was in a dangerous spot. A tow truck would come within the next half hour.

A van came off the highway and stopped. Three young guys got out and tried with all their might to get me out of the snow bank. Nope. I was wedged in. Just as we were trying another car came screaming off the highway - he lost control as he tried to squeeze through and become stuck.

The three guys and I rocked and pushed his car till it was freed.

The two vehicles left me as there was nothing for them to do: I assured them that I had just called CAA and a tow truck was coming.

So, I waited.

And waited.

Suddenly I saw flashing lights behind me - a big yellow tow truck from Ottawa Towing. Thank you!

I got out of my car and said, "Thank goodness! I was getting a bit scared of getting hit. Conditions are getting worse and visibility is nil, and well, look, I am stuck sideways in the off ramp."

"Have you out in a sec."

"Great! Here is my CAA card. Whew, the operator said I may have to wait for half an hour!"

"Um. I am not with CAA. Did you call it into CAA?"

"Ya."

"Well, I'm here first, you may have to wait a long time - so, if you want, I can pull you out - but you will have to pay me."

"Oh."

"$65.00 and you will be out in a few seconds - or you can wait for CAA"

"Oh, well, I pay by dues to CAA, and I just called them - so, well, I guess I will wait for them."

...and zoom...he was off.

I waited about 5 more minutes, then a big white tow truck from Garvis Towing pulled up beside me. Nice, young guy jumps out and says, "Did you call this in?"

"Yep! Let me get my CAA Card! So glad you are here!"

"I'll have you out in a jiffy! Put it in neutral and I will pull you out."

"OK!...AWESOME! That took 2 seconds! Here is my CAA card!"

"Oh, I am not with CAA. You owe me $95.00... I am not with CAA. I do not accept CAA cards. You will have to pay me."

"WHAT?!?!?!?!? I told you I had called it in and told you was was getting my CAA card - then you just pulled me out! You made me think you were with CAA...I cannot pay you...I will not pay you!"

"Mame, you gotta pay me - I pulled you out...you have to pay."

"Well, then, PUSH ME BACK IN and I will wait for the CAA tow truck. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!"





I got on the phone with CAA and well, long sobbing, angry story later, I had to pay the tow truck driver, and no, he did not push me back in! I felt tricked, scammed and violated. I was furious and out $95.00! And the kicker - the first tow truck driver works for a contractor of CAA - but he wanted to make full fare and not the CAA rate. I have submitted my claim to CAA for reimbursement, but I will probably only get the CAA rate... a miserly $39.00...no wonder the tow truck operators would rather gouge you! So, if you ever need a tow truck, pleaase NEVER use Ottawa Towing or Garvis Towing!

Wordless Wednesday - Ya! Me!

This was pretty much my reaction when I heard this news at my weight management class:

I am sooooo happy, proud and motivated. I actually have about another 30 pounds to loose, but in 10 pounds I will hit the main goal I set at the beginning of my weight management program.

Now that I am done transition and eating a full menu plan, my goal is to loose 10-30 pounds through healthy eating, increased fitness activities and portion control. My objective is to loose 1-3 pounds a week for the next 10 weeks and then to re-evaluate my ultimate desired weight!

Ya! Me!

(Thank you to everyone for your wonderful support!)

The Best Role Model

My hubby is the best. Every day I feel so lucky to have met him and very lucky that he is mine forever. He takes good care of me. Remember the necklace story? Remember the support he gave me for my run? Remember the time he rescued a chipmunk from drowning? And how he is great Daddy? Or how he is a great fashion consultant? Well, that type of stuff happens all the time.

Long story short: David bailed me out of a silly (yet, sadly, regular) predicament on Sunday evening.

With relief, I thanked David and returned to cleaning up from dinner.

DJ then asks me why I thanked Daddy. I told him, "because he takes good care of me. When you boys get to be husbands and have wives, I hope you find someone who takes good care of you - just like how your Daddy takes care of me..."

"Mommy, don't worry, we will just take care of ourselves and we will take care of our lady-wives. That's what we will do!"

I reached down, smiled, and hugged my little 5 year old with a all my might, "I am sure you will little man, I am sure you will."

**Thank you David for being such a wonderful role model for our children. LOVE YOU. BEAR! Not a day goes by that I do not love, appreciate and respect you more than the last...

Bashert

For 2009 I am not making a new years resolution, per say... instead, I am committing to my bashert.

(Warning: This post is a bit all-over-the-place, please bear with me...in the end, it may make sense...it just might!)

My heart goes out to each and every person who has lost a loved one at war.

I am not going to jump onto a soapbox and start preaching my political views on war, but I am going to say that each and every time a young soldier makes the ultimate sacrifice my heart saddens, my resolve in the human spirit lessens, and I am left wondering why?
Canada has lost 106 soldiers since our Mission in Afghanistan started.

One hundred and six.

There is a stretch of highway between Toronto and CFB Trenton that has become known as The Highway of Heroes.

The bodies of our fallen soldiers must drive this route. What started as a impromptu tribute has become a very touching and sad last tribute to show our support for the grieving families, our military and our country. Hundreds of people gather on two overpasses to honour the fallen soldier. They wave flags, shed tears and pay their respects.



This video really sums it all for me.

When the death count hit 96 I started to really contemplate making the 5 hour drive to stand at attention the next time a fallen soldier returned home. I started to feel like it was something I really had to do...a calling of sort.

The month of December has been a month of terrible loss for Canada.

I sadly realized, that logistically, I could not follow my calling and pay tribute on the Highway of Heroes.

So, with the start of the new year, I started to mull over new year's resolutions. Most revolved around around continuing my weight loss journey, staying committed to my fitness plan and achieving results.

But the thought of making the trek to pay homage to a fallen soldier kept jumping to mind.

So, I decided to set realistic, attainable goals that would incorporate both my fitness goals and my new burning desire to show my respect for those placing their lives in danger.

Let me explain.

Remember this post about my last running experience? Go ahead, go read it, it is kind-of amusing!

Ok. Welcome back. So, you can now understand why I do not wish to attempt another 5km run. But now that I have lost 57.5 pounds I have rediscovered the joy of running. I have been roughly following The Running Room program and am averaging about 3-6km two or three times a week.

Now, I am a competitive person and I thrive with challenge. Through Facebook I have connected with my friend Leah - and her Facebook status keeps listing runs and triathlons - what a great way to keep motivated, active and accountable. She is so inspiring...and her invilvement in community races got me thinking...

So I did a bit of research looking into local race days and training clinics, and I have come up with what I think is a great plan. So, here is what I resolve to do this year:

1. Train for the St Paddy's Day 10K Race - my goal is to run 5KM and walk 5KM.

2. Participate in the National Capital Race Weekend 10K Race - my goal is to better my time from the St. Paddy's Day race - and I hope to run more than walk!

3. Sign up for The Running Room's Half Marathon Clinic - to join the program you have to be able to run 10km doing a run 10min/walk1min pattern

4. Complete the Army Run Half Marathon on September 20,2009. I simply want to start the race and then cross the finish line. Just doing it will be my goal. And what makes this run doubly special is that 1) I am showing my support to the Canadian Armed Forces and 2) It will be exactly one year since I started my weight loss journey. What an awesome combination! When I saw the race date and the cause it all made sense to me!

I really think these goals are realistic, attainable and will allow me to keep true to the new me.

I am really excited about my plan and I am going to work hard to keep committed and focused - and realistic, meaning, I may re-evaluate each goal as I go.

My friend Ilana says I am not making new years resolutions or goals, but fulfilling my bashert. And, considering how nicely it all works into my game plan, I think I would have to agree!

So, what is your bashert?