Insanity ... one step closer

I would like to say before I continue my rant that I am not intending to make light of insanity, nor insult anyone who may have a family member that is suffering from this. It is a serious illness and it certainly is not a laughing matter. However, in my blog today I am making fun of insanity, or at least it's symptoms, but only to poke fun at myself and hopefully to bring a chuckle or two to my readers and lighten their day. Here it goes ...
Being a mother of 2 teenagers (well, one will be 20 in 2 months, that blows me away), I have, at times, stuggled with managing worry, but most of all struggled with trying not to lose my mind. I'm sure my daughter thinks I've already lost it (yup, that's you Britt), and those silver/grey hairs that are popping up throughout my short brunette mane have been well earned as a mother. I've always believed that when a woman gives birth, it isn't the afterbirth that comes out of her body, it's part of her brain. I know that's got to be the case with me, because after giving birth twice in 16 months alot of people thought I had lost my mind. Lack of sleep for the first few months made me feel like I had, too! But I have 2 beautiful children to brag about and spoil ... just not much of my sanity left.
Now I'm over 40, it's so much harder to lose weight, but the worst thing is trying to remember stuff. I just feel like I can't keep a clear head most days, I don't know which direction to turn and what to do first. I feel like I'm going insane most days, totally losing my mind. Lists help somewhat, as long I as remember where I put them and remember to take them with me when I leave the house. I used to have a photographic memory but I think it went out with the Instamatic camera in 1988 (ironically, that was the year I was married ... coincidence? I think not)
I mostly worry about the state of my mind when I hang out with my mother or father. They are 79 and 80, and I'm convinced their minds are clearer than mine on a good day. I took my father to the doctors this morning, and he remembered where the elevator was in the building when we went to leave ... I, on the other hand, had forgotten (and sadly we had only been there 1/2 hour). My mother always says "oh, you just have too much to remember, too much on your plate that's why you can't remember things". She may be right ... but doesn't every woman who is a wife, mother, office manager or whatever her day job is? I'm not the only woman on this planet with a too-full plate. Maybe we're just all striving for perfection and driving ourselves crazy trying to get there. I always feel like I'm falling short of that "perfect" goal ... guess that's what keeps me going every day, driving myself to near insanity.
So now I've forgotten what the main point of my blog is today ... gone from the brain, completely. Anyway, weigh-in day has come and gone again this week, I'm one pound lighter. One pound closer to my goal, and one step closer to insanity. There you go. Guess that's my point today. I'm completely driving myself insane.


Thanks for reading!
Janet xo

Great Intentions ...

My blogging has gone by the wayside this last week, and I apologize. I have been consumed by the Olympics (Sidney Crosby you are THE MAN!) and an unusually busy week. Weigh-in day came and went on Tuesday, and I am only 1 pound lighter. Total weight loss in a month: 7 pounds. Certainly not what I was aiming for. I am walking every day, obsessing about every morsel I put in my mouth, whether it's good or bad. Worrying about points, fat grams, carbs ... UUGHH.
My chiropractor, whom I have been seeing regularly for 7 years for adjustments and acupuncture, suggested to me last week that I pick up the book "The South Beach Diet" and read it cover to cover and report back to him at my next appointment. Ah, now that was something I could do ... one of my New Year's Resolutions was to being reading again ... more time for me kinda thing. So Terry and I ventured to Chapters on Saturday and I submerged myself in the "Diet and Nutrition" section of this delightful store. There were books in this section of topics I had never heard of. One in particular that caught my attention and made me snicker was a book entitled "Skinny Bitch". Oh boy, I had to find out what that was all about! The authors, 2 self-proclaimed "Skinny Bitches" (their photos proved it) have written a diet book for those of us who want to be a Skinny Bitch and how to achieve this status. Hmmm ... yes, my goal is to be skinny, but I never want to be referred to as a bitch, thank you ... I want people to be happy for me that I've reached svelteness, not detest me for it. Pass on that one. I found The South Beach Diet book in soft cover, and proudly made my purchase, excited to go home and dive into it's depth of diet knowledge. Well, turns out the South Beach Diet is VERY similar to the G.I. Diet, which I've tried. I've come to the conclusion that every diet I've tried should be called the G.I. diet ... "G.I." for "Great Intentions" ... which I always have at the start of every new weight loss journey. Following the Glycemic Index is a great idea ... but ... I love my carbs. I always strive to eat "good" carbs ... always whole wheat or whole grain breads, pizza crust, cereals ... I just eat too much of it. I need to be more "carb conscious". I love fruits and veggies, and the first 2 weeks of this South Beach Diet restricts all fruits and almost all veggies (even carrots?!) ... and of course carbs in any form. I was so disappointed. This plan sounds to me like the first three letters in the word DIET ... I'd DIE on this plan.
So my "busy"ness this week involved a trip to my doctor for a blood pressure check up and general discussion. My regular family doctor is on leave so during his absense a woman doctor is filling in for him. I hadn't met her before, but she was very nice and a good listener. Of course our conversation turned to my weight eventually. I told her my sob story ... the tale of the typical "yo-yo dieter" ... she asked the usual "doctor" questions: do I smoke, drink, do I walk/exercise regularly ... so her solution to my dilemma? "Then stop dieting, Janet. Period. Keep on living your life, eat, walk, do what you're doing, just stop obsessing over dieting".
Well holy !*#! why didn't I think of that. It makes so much sense. Be carb conscious ... but still enjoy carbs on a regular basis. Eat, drink and be merry ... just eat a little better when drinking and being merry. But most importantly keep being active, and the weight will come off ... instead of being obsessed with it on a daily basis. All these years of "great intentions" that haven't had successful outcomes will be behind me. I can stop OBSESSING. Such a relief. And I don't have to suffer through 2 weeks of carb deprivation. As our grey Canadian winter turns to one of my favorite seasons, Spring, my walks can become longer and alot less colder! This is one method I haven't really "focused" on. Just being me. Then maybe those "great intentions" will end with "great results" after overcoming diet obsession. Whew! I never thought it could be this easy ...


Thanks for reading,
Janet xo

A Proud, Weepy Canadian!!

CANADA HAS GOLD!!! What an exciting weekend it has been. I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day full of love and happiness. Terry took Friday and today (Monday) off and has been working on our kitchen reno. It's been great to have him home. He surprised me on Saturday walking in the door with the most beautiful bouquet of flowers he has ever given me. He never ceases to amaze me with his thoughtfulness. Of course he made me cry tears of joy with the Valentine's card he gave me, he always has a way of picking just the right card in the store that he knows will make me cry!!! I just adore him. I'm such a lucky gal!

But this long weekend has been all about the Olympics. I had great intentions of getting all kinds of things done, but I have to admit, I have been glued to the big screen. Our athletes have been making us proud all weekend, and the absolute highlight was Alexandre Bilodeau capturing Canada's first Gold on home soil last night in the men's moguls. I had tears streaming down my face after holding my breath waiting to see if he held on to top spot. What an amazing young man. I'll need a box of tissues in my lap tonight watching him receive his medal ... especially if he takes his brother to the podium with him. What a bittersweet moment it will be. We are always so proud to be Canadian, but I think this weekend our patriotism has hit an all-time high. We BELIEVE!!!

Thanks for reading,

Janet xo

Just Dancin' ... Like a Turtle

Ahh, Monday ... I always try to be positive when I crawl out of bed on this the first day of the week. I must admit, if the sun isn't shining, it's pretty difficult. Luckily this morning the sun was beautiful, and after 3 straight days of beautiful blue sky and sunshine, the cold morning didn't seem quite as dreadful!
Well, I've been Wii-ing regularly, knocked Terry out (well, actually his Mii he named "Jimmy") twice over the weekend in Wii Boxing ... the bowling is a hoot, I'm struggling (well, actually my Wii "Cassie" is struggling) to beat Terry (Jimmy) and T.J. (Lane). Yesterday we were at Costco and picked up a Wii game called "Just Dance". I figured if I could dance off this weight, what could be more fun?! Well, let me tell you, many extra pounds and middle age has definitely affected my co-ordination and grace on the dance floor. I chose the "easy" setting songs to "warm up", and looked like an overweight Franklin trying to keep up with the dancer in the game. Look up "AWKWARD" in Wikipedia and there's my picture with my Wii control in my hand attemping sexy moves to Cindy Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun". Heck ... I'd settle for just being able to breathe and stay standing while trying to do this stuff, never mind having fun! So this game will take some time to get used to ... Terry said I should close the front curtains because the neighbours will think I'm having a stroke and call 911 ... such a KIND man!! (he of course won't even TRY the dancing) LOL I have yet to find a Wii Balance Board for my Wii Fit ... everyone has the travel bags, but no board for inside!!
So today was weigh-in day, too ... unfortunately, I stayed the same ... turtled, as we used to say at TOPS meetings. So I really need to get moving some more ... the eating's not too bad; I had a little indulgence on the weekend, but if I can just come out of my shell more often and 'Just Dance', maybe the scale will move downward next week! Wish me luck ... but please don't laugh if you drive by my house and can see me Wii-ing through the front window! Be kind!
Have a great week everyone!

Thanks for reading,
Janet xo

Big or small, it's never easy to lose them ...

I'm not talking pounds here ... although, yes, they aren't easy to lose either. I'm proof of that! I'm talking pets. I am a crazy, insane animal lover. I've had my house full of animals ranging from rats to guinea pigs, cats, dogs, angel fish ... no matter their size, colour or way of communicating, I've loved them all. So allow me to spill from my heart in today's blog ...

A couple of years ago a dear friend of mine gave me the nickname "The Zookeeper" as I had acquired 5 fur children: a dog, a cat, 2 rats and a guinea pig. Austen, Daizee-Mae, Spot, Delilah and Wendel were all my pride and joy, I loved each one equally. Austen (a yellow lab) passed away almost 2 years ago after battling cancer for almost 4 years ... with the help of a dear friend of mine who is a Holistic Therapist, I nursed her through the cancer using homemade diet and herbal remedies. I can't believe it's been 2 years since she left us. The day we held her as the vet put her to sleep was one of the weirdest and saddest days of my life. I miss her everyday, but now I have a delightful 1 1/2 yr. old yellow lab, Sierra, bouncing around the house who has mended my broken heart. Daizee-Mae, a beautiful, orange "tabby-like" feline with major cattitude is still with us, ruling the roost in her arrogant sort of way. She is almost 6. Wendel, a quiet little guinea pig, joined our family when I turned 40, as a birthday gift from close friends. He was my delight, listening to his squeals and coos and I held him. He only lived to be 2, he passed away after a short illness this past October. Again, I was heartbroken. Spot, our male rat, passed away unexpectedly while we were on vacation last summer. I never thought I'd ever be able to hold a rat ... their tails freaked me out as they remind me of a snake (the one animal I'll NEVER own, I'm terrified of them). But when Brittany brought Spot home, he was the cutest thing I'd ever seen, and quickly stole my heart. We soon acquired a little girlfriend for Spot ... Delilah joined him (in a separate cage, thankfully, or we would have had 25 rats!). Delilah developed a tumour last year (after Spot died) which grew to an unbelievable size ... she was a real fighter, many days I thought she was fading, but she would rally and keep going. Rats are friendly, affectionate and very responsive to their keepers. I had grown very attached to this little girl after Brittany left for University last fall. Unfortunately Delilah passed away yesterday morning, she was only 2 1/2, but had been so brave. Each critter we lose is never easy to say goodbye to ... they have each held a little piece of my heart, silly as it may sound. Each time we lose a pet, I figure the more I deal with "animal death" the easier it will become ... but it never does. We hold them in our hearts and memories, and even though we may "replace" them, they will always be special to us!
So now I'm down to 2. Feels kinda weird. Of course it's less work, but animals have kinda become my "hobby". The joy I feel at giving affection to them and taking care of them is more than I can describe. When I walk into a home without a pet, whether it's by the homeowner's choice or by necessity due to allergies, I feel a sense of saddness and emptiness in the house. Many people think I'm crazy, and I guess it's only something another crazy animal lover can relate to.
Will I get more? Probably not ... Terry doesn't share my love for animals ... he "tolerates" them because he knows how special it is to me. Amazing man for putting up with my critters. But I will keep my blog followers up-to-date should he change his mind and my "Zoo Keeper" status changes anytime soon!!

Thanks for reading,
Janet xo

I'm Wii-ing!!

I HAVE MY Wii!!! Talk about great service ... Dell rocks! I ordered my Wii online Sunday evening, and Purolator delivered it yesterday afternoon. I heard beautiful music as that truck beeped it's way backward down our driveway ... I think the driver had wings, but I can't be sure. Within seconds I had that box opened to the chorus of angels as my Wii peered back at me so gently laid in its packaging. (Ok, maybe that's overkill, but I was so excited!) I also ordered the software only for the Wii Fit Plus (stupid me) so now I have to venture out to get one of the balance boards ... and an extra remote and nunchuk. Terry and I spent most of yesterday evening playing bowling, tennis and baseball. What a riot! I can't believe how sore my arm is today ... I think I have a shoulder still ... I look like a lopsided ape with one arm hanging to the floor (obviously I'm way way more outta shape than I'd like to admit). I think I'm going to have to learn to bowl, serve, pitch and bat left-handed so I can balance the pain out a little bit. I can't wait to start the Wii Fit Plus, I've been hearing such great stories from people that have been using it regularly and getting great results in the weight-loss department. I'm all for that! And I don't have to leave the house to freeze my butt off to drive to the gym anymore!! Yay Wii!!
I only wish Terry and I had invented this thing ... Nintendo's getting incredibly rich from this whole idea ... and what a clever idea it is.
I've fallen for the Wii-craze ... but it's so much fun!!

L8tr ... gotta go Wii ... practicing my bowling skills to smoke Terry tonight in a re-match!! LOL
I'm never going to get any work done now ...

Thanks for reading!
Janet xo

6 More Weeks of Winter??? Blah ...

Groundhog Day. The day we drag those poor little critters out of their warm and cozy winter slumber and they decide our seasonal fate. This morning in Canada, Phil, Sam and Willie all saw their shadows ... sealing our fate of 6 more weeks of winter. Uugh.
When I was younger, I loved winter. Sledding, skating, building snow-forts and snowmen to make the neighbourhood kids envious of my talents. I involved myself in any kind of activity that would keep me outside and active for most of the day. I didn't feel the cold ... my mitts would be frozen with ice, my nose running down to my lip, my snowpants soaked through to my bloomers, yet I would brave the elements until my mother would holler out the door for me to "get inside before I froze to death". I can even vaguely remember having my tongue frozen to the latch on the backyard gate at Ridgeway Avenue at least once (common sense wasn't in my vocabulary as a child).
I hate winter now. Don't get me wrong, I love snow and all it's beauty, especially on a night with a full moon and a sky full of stars ... I just don't like being out in it. I love to watch a fluffy white snowfall from my window, and Christmas just isn't the same without a beautiful blanket of white for the outdoor lights to reflect off. But December 26th I would gratefully welcome spring. I shudder at having to leave the comfort of my home when the outdoor thermometer reads anything below zero celcius. I just can't deal with the -10c and -20c we've had over the last few days. When taking a deep breath outside hurts, you know it's just too darn cold!! The people that are skiing and snowboarding in this weather get my vote for the bravest souls on earth (or the craziest!) But for me? No thanks ... I'll just stay snuggled under my slanket (a blanket with sleeves, world's greatest invention) and watch the skiiers and snowboarders at the Olympics in 10 days.
So CHEERS to those of you who love winter and all it's outdoor activites ... you brave souls. I'll be inside under my slanket counting down the days to Victoria Day and the start of our 5th Wheel camping season.
Happy Groundhog Day!!

Thanks for reading!
Janet xo

Monday Re-Motivation ...

So this morning was weigh in. Not the result I had hoped for ... no weight loss, the scale hasn't moved since last Monday. But at least I stayed the same. I was surprised I didn't gain after last week ... I found myself too busy to stay focused and would realize I was trying to quell emotions by eating. That's not a good thing. Then Saturday's family brunch was deadly ... homemade quiche, homemade hash brown casserole, birthday cake ... overwhelming. After leaving the brunch we got a call from friends to come over for a bbq'd rib dinner. It was doomsday for me. But I managed to avoid the ribs and just eat sweet potatoes, salad and grilled veggies. Yum! But I guess it just wasn't a good combination of everything in one week. I didn't walk as much as it has been frigidly cold here (-20's with the wind chill the last several days) and I am a wimp when it gets that cold ... I'd rather cuddle under a blanket and nibble rice cakes!! (or Terry! LOL)
But this is the start of a new week, and it's supposed to be warmer ... that is great motivation. And getting the fantastic news Friday night was so uplifting!! And I'm slowly getting caught up in my work. And the sun is shining today! (yes, I know my grammar is terrible, but it gets the point across so much better!)
Terry and I spent yesterday running around shopping for a Wii and Wii Fit Plus ... not one store between here and Oshawa has one (lots of software, just no console). Dell online was the only site that had any left in stock. (tried Best Buy, The Source, Future Shop, Amazon, +++) I've ordered one and hopefully it will come this week ... so I can get "Wii-ing!" Can't wait! And I don't have to do it in the frigid cold!! That's even better!!
Have a great week!

Thanks for reading!
Janet xo