Retirement

TODAY'S MOTIVATION

The other day my hubby and I were talking about the future, you know what we want to do when retire.  Stuff like that. You always picture yourself living forever, being able to do whatever you want, even when you are older. But the thing is, if you don't take care of yourself, you may not be able to do all that you thought you would be able to. For example, I look at some people who have a hard time going up and down stairs, or people who can't take their dog for a walk, and they are only just starting their golden years!

I want to enjoy my abled body while I still can, and hopefully if I take care of myself I will be able to still do these things when I retire and until I am REALLY old. That's what motivates me today. 

RANT OR RAVE

Can I just say that I am particularly liking my kickboxing classes these days, and not just for the activity, but for the mental boost that I get when I go. This week I didn't get to make it as much as I wanted, but it's nice to know when I do go people are glad to see me there - and I'm happy to see them. 

RANDOMS

Ok, so lately since Maya has been crawling, she has been finding herself in all kinds of new poses and postures. She tries to climb on everything and pull herself up, but sometimes she gets stuck. You know how when you climb a tree and then can't get back down? It's kind of like that. She will get stuck and then she starts making this high pitched noise to let me know she needs some help. Sometimes it looks like she is doing yoga poses and is struggling to keep it going. A few times I had the camera nearby and took some pictures. Isn't she the funniest? 

Here she was trying to climb up on the couch but ended up leaning on her one hand and her knees with nowhere to go. She was quite distressed about this one. She didn't know how to get up, and didn't know how to get down!

Here she climbed up on a little step stool and was able to stand on her legs but was frozen after that. Her arms started shaking a bit as if to say, "Mom, if you don't get me out of this soon I am going to completely collapse on my face!". 

Here she got herself up from the floor to look out the window but didn't anticipate that her legs would slowly begin sliding farther and farther apart until she was doing the splits. She was quickly losing momentum when I rescued her. 

On the up side I think all this physical activity is helping her sleep better at night cause she is not getting up nearly as much as she used to!

A Lifestyle

Well honestly I know I have not had much to really write about lately. This past week I have been focusing on the positive things which have been happening as a result of my efforts so far. There are still a million other reasons to stay motivated, but you see I try to really use sources of motivation that kind of just come to me on a certain day - things which sometimes happen for a reason.  Lately that hasn't really been occurring for me.  I have mostly just been on this kick of maintaing things, trying to enjoy the things which I used to take for granted like being able to do more than just a few push ups, fitting into old clothes, being able to take a picture of myself without completely wincing. I am definitely feeling healthier and having more energy lately. But there is still more weight to lose, still more goals to achieve, still more things to look forward to. For example, I want to be ale to run into an old high school friend and not be completely embarrassed by the way I look. I want to be able to completely get rid of my neck blob (i'm getting there slowly but surely). I want to be able to be the best role model that I can be for my daughter.

But when it really comes down to it, I just really want to live a certain lifestyle that is healthy and happy.  I am getting there, one small change at a time. It has been so gradual that I almost have not even noticed it. It is all about changing your whole beliefs and values about how to live your life, how to raise your family, how to plan for the future. Not just having beliefs, but actually following them. There are still many changes that I would like to make, things that I would eventually like to do (like start my own garden, buy more local foods, use cloth diapers), but one thing at a time. One thing at a time.

So today, the biggest thing that I an thinking about is the new me that I am becoming and the person that I will continue to grow into until my senile old lady years.

RANT OR RAVE

I have complained on here time and time again about lack of sleep in my house and how it affects me. I am happy to report that last night my little one only got up once at 3am! Yes, just once! Well technically she woke up at 10pm right before I went to bed but that doesn't count cause I was still awake. And she slept in until 7:30am! This has been a trend lately. Instead of 5 or 6am wake times she has been getting up a bit later. Life is good. 

RANDOMS

Ok I feel like I have been the last person to get on the pinterest bandwagon, but goodness I love that site! I am waiting for my invitation, can't wait!  I first came across it when someone wrote about it in her blog. I checked it out and thought "that's cool!", but then forgot about it. Then my SIL mentioned it to me again and I was like, "Oh yeah, I wanted to get on that!".  It would have come in real handy when I was planning my wedding, or decorating the nursery.  I am one of those people that has folders and folders of stuff that I grab off the net for ideas so this site will come in real handy!

A few things I found recently:

How to paint your nails.

Store your sheets in the matching pillow cases to keep sets together.

Cool fabric wreath.

When I get my own pinterest board, I'll send ya the link!

Toes

TODAY'S MOTIVATION

The other day I was doing stretches at my cardio kickboxing class and I was thinking how great it is to be able to bend over and touch my toes. People who are extremely overweight can't do that.  That would suck.  That keeps me motivated. 

RANT OR RAVE

So my cleaning lady decided to leave a bunch of home made short bread cookies for us since it is the holiday season. Not cool. 

RANDOMS

Dinner time was a big deal today at our household. I learned that Maya cut her first tooth AND she started saying "Ma Ma". My little precious itty bitty baby girl is just growing up so fast! 

Nothing New In This Post

TODAY'S MOTIVATION

For risk of sounding like an old spinster aunt who talks detail after detail about all her health woes, here's the update. The test result are in. My doctor confirmed that it is my gall bladder. I have two gall stones according to the ultrasound. This sometimes blocks my gall bladder's ability to discharge bile which breaks up fat. When this happens it become inflamed and causes me pain. I have been ordered to eat a fat free diet and to have my gall bladder removed sooner or later. I know I've rambled on about this in a lot of posts already, but this keeps me motivated today when my in-laws come over for Christmas dinner because there is going to be lots of snacks, fatty stuff, and sweets in my house, let me tell ya! But I'm not gonna touch a thing! 

RANT OR RAVE

You've heard me talk in the past about my TV and about watching Grey's Anatomy. Well I have been so busy I just kinda forgot that the show existed until I sat down for a second today and said to myself, "Oh crap, was there a new Grey's on this week? Did I just miss two weeks in a row?". 

I googled it and turns out that they did not air a new episode in the last two weeks. Sweet. I'm still on top of it.

RANDOMS

I have a small confession to make. Since Maya has been born, I have not mopped my floors once until today. That's nine months without doing it. In fact, I have barely scrubbed a bathroom either. Don't worry, I am not a gross scum bucket. I have a cleaning lady who does it. She was coming every other week and then we switched it to once a month to save on money while I am on parental leave. But in between her visits, these are just two things I have not had on my priority list. Sure I have vacuumed, swiffered, dish washed, laundry folder a gazillion times over. But not floor mopping until today. I figured it was about time now that Maya has been dropping every piece of food on the floor these past two days.  Please tell me I am not the only one that lets things slide after they have kids?

The Doctors

TODAY'S MOTIVATION

Today I go see my doctor for test results regarding my gall bladder. Wish me luck! Well I guess I don't really need luck cause the results are already in, but you know what I mean!

RANT OR RAVE

I came across a blog that had this post. Very interesting indeed. Actually, when I read some of this blog a lot of what the person was saying hit home. I don't agree with everything she says, but some of it rings true for me and actually describes things I have been thinking but couldn't put into words. The only thing I have a hard time with, is the fact that she is very anti-diet, which for me, is difficult to accept because I just don't see any other way to get to a healthy weight other than to diet. It's what to do after I lose the weight that will be the real challenge because eventually there will have to be a time where I stop dieting and maintain without going back to my old habits. 

RANDOMS

Dear Gunther, 

This past year has been a real change for you. You knew something was going on when Mom's belly was growing bigger and we kept bringing more and more baby stuff into the house. Since Maya has come home from the hospital, you have been demoted from being our one and only to being, well, "just the dog".  We still love you so much but you see, we just cannot fuss over you like we used to. I see your face when I am on the floor laughing with Maya, and when I am giving her a zillion kisses in the morning. I don't mean to make you jealous but taking care of a baby is a full time job! Whenever people come over you demand attention by putting your head into their laps and by wedging yourself in between them and Maya.  It's as if you are saying, "What's the deal? You used to fuss over me and now you don't even look at me!". Don't worry sweet, lovely, handsome pup of mine, you still bring so much joy into my life. Your brown eyes still melt my heart. Just like I said when you were a puppy, you will always be my sunshine. Even though you are often jealous, you are always so gentle with Maya and she loves to play with you! 

I remember before Maya was born you would sing (howl) to her. One day, after Mom woke up with her bed head (and many lbs heavier), we got it on camera. 

And now that she is here you still sing to her!

You both are a good pair. Some day I think you may even be best friends. 

Sure, we have to put plastic stuff on the couch so you won't go on them. Sure, we have to bribe you with an excessive amount of treats so you will act half decent when guests arrive. Sure, we have to vacuum our carpet a zillion times a day to get rid of all the dog hair. But I wouldn't change you for the world, no I would not! I love you g-dog!

Your Body Is Your Temple

TODAY'S MOTIVATION

Ok so I had my ultrasound for my suspected gall bladder issues. I went to a Christmas party last night where I ran into someone who went through the same thing. It made me feel a bit better because it made me more sure that is what it really is, although I have to wait to see my doctor for the results. Everything is kind of clicking together, all the symptoms I have been having and passing off as something else....it all makes sense now and if I know what it is I can do something about it. So far I have stuck religiously to not eating any sweets or foods rich in fat. I already notice an improvement in how I feel physically and mentally since getting back on track. I have had to turn down many things that other people don't even have to think twice about eating but it is worth it for me. I am still having some mild symptoms but nothing as bad as when I had the "attack". I am hoping to meet with my doc this week to get started on a plan to fix this. In the mean time, I continue to work towards eating healthy and taking care of myself. The person I talked to at the Christmas party told me that he had been dealing with gall bladder disease for ten years and was constantly in the ER until they finally removed his gall bladder. He kept telling me that he would indulge - especially around the holidays - and then would pay for it later. I kept thinking to myself, "Why would you keep doing this to yourself if you knew you could take some preventative measures?". Seriously, once was enough for me to stay on track. I know there are other factors that contribute to this health problem, but diet seems to be a big contributor in many cases I hear about. So why would you put yourself through that if you don't have to?

So my motivation today and always from now on, is remembering that my body really is my temple and I can no longer take it for granted like I have in the past. There are many other reasons for me to keep trying to lose weight and eat healthy, and trust me you will hear all about those, but today, that is what is still on my mind. 

RANT OR RAVE

Speaking of staying on track last night at the Christmas party they had three huge cheesecakes sitting on the dessert table and everyone was digging in. I'm talking caramel, and strawberry, and chocolate, and all on these pretty trays and everyone was cutting these big pieces.

Cheesecake is now my enemy as this is what I ate for dessert on my birthday the day before I ended up at the hospital.  But everyone was all like "this is soooooo good, you should try some, blah blah blah".  I didn't even second guess my decision to stick with the fruit tray but just wanted to complain on here for  a split second, because really, cheesecake is the best ever and it's a shame that I can no longer enjoy such small pleasures. Ok, on with my day.

RANDOMS

Well the tree is finally up for Maya's first Christmas. The holiday season just seems so much more magical when you have a little one. My parents came over and they helped with the decorating and to have some one on one time with that precious baby girl of mine.  She was especially lovin' all the attention from her grandpa who is really just a big kid himself.  When I wasn't looking he even snuck a candy cane for her to try.

My dog Gunther was getting way jealous of all the attention Maya has been getting and wouldn't leave Grandpa's side...what a suck! He kept putting his head on his lap as if to say, "Where's my candy cane?".

All the decorations are pretty much put up now so stay tuned for pics!

For Insurance Purposes

TODAY'S MOTIVATION

Another hectic day. Maya is still sick. Somehow I have barely sat down today and yet I can't even say that I got a whole lot accomplished other than grocery shopping, dinner made, you know, the usual stuff.   I ran off to kickboxing this morning and didn't even have time to sit down and write about my daily reason for motivation. Now it's almost nine o'clock and I just got finished putting the humidifier in Maya's room (poor babe!). But this is what I have been thinking about all day:

The other day my hubby and I were answering some general health questions for purposes of life insurance. You know, when they ask you if you have any history of this and that, so on and so forth.  It was very minimal coverage and we didn't have to give that much information. But in the past, we have had to undergo more extensive health screening for some of the policies we purchased. That included having to answer questions about weight, etc.  When I was pregnant for Maya I HATED having to do those medicals because I was at such an awful weight. Even though they consider the fact that you are pregnant and do not always weigh that much, I still always hated having to say the number. 

This time around, I was grateful that I wouldn't have to report such a high number. But still, I am not yet at a healthy weight (according to the BMI) so I am going to keep working towards more weight loss. So today, whenever I felt like straying from the plan I remembered how good it will feel when I can just answer a question about my weight without wincing. 

RANT OR RAVE

You know what I like? When you get partnered up with someone at kickboxing and you punch faster and harder than them. When you see them huffing and puffing and can't finish and you are like "wham" and keep going strong. 

I know you are only supposed to compete with yourself blah blah blah, but sometimes it's nice to have a little healthy competition. 

RANDOMS

Chris just e-mailed this to me and I think it's pretty cool. He is a difficult person to buy gifts for and it's nice when he sends me ideas. 

It's this lottery calendar where you buy it for someone and they have a chance to win money every day of the year. If you live in Ontario, check it out!  And it's for a great cause. Such a great idea. 

I also came across this site the other day where you can order a puzzle with your picture on it. Apparently this is not a new concept and there are tons of sites that do this. My grandma is a big fan of puzzles so guess what she's getting this year? 

Ok now I have to go catch up on some old school 90210 on Netflicks. Ciao for now!

Here's To Good Health

TODAY'S MOTIVATION

Yesterday I was at the doctor's office taking care of some minor thing. While I was there I was reading this magazine and it has these articles about people will all these illnesses, etc. It really made me realize that a lot of us take our health for granted. I am still young, able bodied, and healthy. Why would I waste that by eating junk food and living a sedentary life like many others do?  I have always done some sort of exercise in the past but usually had a hard time sticking to something for a long period of time. I would go in spurts where I would take up running, or join the gym, only to quit a few months later. Finally about six months before I was pregnant with Maya I stuck to something that I really liked.  Then when I got pregnant I stopped completely except for walking (which was short lived because of the cold winter weather). Since she has been born I have gone consistently to my cardio kickboxing classes and I see a difference. I hope with my next pregnancy I will be able to work out more and stay active. The other thing is I have followed diets and healthy meal plans in the past but I never did them together consistently. I would get to the gym five days a week but not eat well. I would finally start weight watchers but only work out once a week.  This time I am doing both and it is also making a difference.  I am going to enjoy the fact that I am capable of doing these things because you never know when you might end up having an injury or disease that could take it all away.  I am going to take care of myself and enjoy my health while I can. That is what motivates me today. 

RANT OR RAVE

Check this out. 

Funny.

And this:

Ha! Ha! Ha!

NOTE TO SELF

Sleep!

TODAY'S MOTIVATION

Sleep. It does a body good. The more I read about eating healthy the more I hear about sleep and how both impact one another. It's no major revelation that sleep, diet, and exercise are the three main pillars to good health, and of course all need to be in good balance in order to feel good. I know right now I am kinda screwed in the sleep department having an infant and all, but I would have to say that I can already see the benefits of eating healthy on my sleep as well as my overall health. For example, I can pretty much get up twice a night with Maya or be up for the day at 4am and not go back to sleep and still function the rest of the day. Yes I always feel tired, but not the kind where you feel like you are going to die if you don't have a nap. There have been periods where it felt like torture when Maya would get up every hour due to gas or ear infection. But for the most part, on a day to day basis, I can honestly say that when I get up with Maya I can cope rather well. I strongly feel that this is in large part due to the fact that I am eating better and exercising. If I was not taking care of myself, it would be a much bumpier ride.

I also have seen benefits when I was pregnant. During my pregnancy I was taking vitamins and getting my servings of fruits and vegetables in, etc.  I also wasn't "over doing it" with other things like work and projects at home, etc. As a result I was way less sick when I was pregnant than before. I know that the hormones alone  change so much of the make up in your body, but I only ever got one chest cold the whole nine months. Other than the crazy morning sickness, I was pretty healthy. Prior to my pregnancy I had multiple sinus infections, allergies, the flu, chest congestion. Since having Maya and taking care of myself I have not gotten sick once!  Coincidence? I think not! I know there are actual studies to prove or disprove my ideas but this is my theory and I'm sticking to it! So today I am going to think about this if I feel the urge to sway from my eating plan. I am going to think about how eating healthy and taking care of yourself really does have a huge impact in your overall day to day functioning. And eventually when Maya is 18 years old maybe I will sleep again :)

RANT OR RAVE

Remember me talking about how frozen bananas become the texture of ice cream when blended?  Well, did you also know that blending regular bananas also gives the texture of a milk shake! I blended half a cup of blueberries, one banana, and one cup of milk and voila, I instantly had a milkshake. You have to make sure to put it on the "whip" setting on your blender (you have to experiment to get the right texture - too little blending is too thin, too much blending is too thick).  I like to put mine in the fridge to chill and then drink with a straw for the full effect. I may even experiment with using ice next time to see if that does anything for it. 

Anyhow, give it a try. It's a creative way to get some of your fruits in and it is more fun than a smoothie (although very similar in taste, but different in texture). 

NOTE TO SELF