Sometimes a blonde, Sometime a brunette

6:06pm: So..
I weighed myself this morning and I am simply unhappy about what the number said. The number alone has given me motivation to continue. On that note I am off to make some no sugar, high fiber muffins. Talk later.

7:56pm: Food Intake
Ok I said I would journal what I ate today so here it goes


Breakfast: Apple and coffee
Lunch: Leftover thai chicken takeout :with some white rice :( and 22 ounces of water:)
Snack: Two fat free sugar free fruit yogurts
Dinner: Sushi
Snack: Tall skinny hazelnut latte

So not too bad. Not enough food though. And almost no veggies. Must do more tomorrow.
My Mum gave me a scale today so I will weigh in tomorrow and keep that a secret until I feel like sharing. My biggest concern with the scale is becoming obsessive with the it. I used to weigh myself 5/6 times a day so now I only want to weigh in once a week. Here is hoping!!!

9:37am: Ok here I go again!
I can't believe I have let my blog go alone for so long. It's ok though because I am back. I am going to use her as my weight lose journey journal. Matthew and I have started to eat so much healthier and wiser so I need to see that in writing and keep tabs on us. On January 8th we started following the GI Plan which basically limits your sugar, white stuff intake. And it also limits that lovely hot liquid I thought was my life line but after switching to decaf or at least half decaf, half caffeine I am realizing it's not so much my life line after all. Super proud of myself:)

This past week (week 3 ends today) hasn't been the best of the past month though. I caught up with 3 friends this week and drank wine and did take out with two of them. But I do think I made wiser choices. No bread, nothing deep fried (though Alida's yam fries did look so good) and no desserts. So all in all not so awful. I went to make muffins this morning before I head to work but we have no milk so that plan is out the window. If Matthew buys some I can make them before bed and have one for breakfast tomorrow.

I will post my days progress when I get home tonight. Have fun in the snow.

9:31pm: Words of Wisdom
When you really want something,

Sometimes you have to swim a little ....Deeper....

You can't give up just because things don't come easy....

You have to overcome the obstacles and face your fears....

But in the end, it's all worth while!!!!

Life is full of ups and downs,

But if you believe in yourself....

You will always come through with flying colors.....

Value Friendship, Love and Faith...

Never underestimate yourself.

2:59pm: Just Let Go
I am waiting to hear if Matthew and I will be moving to a two bedroom suite in a 4-plex in June. I have to learn to just let go and let life happen. I have no control over the results and I know ER is doing her best to get us in there (right next door to her!!!)Even as I type this I haven't let go of wanting to make it all go my way :) Oh, me thinks that has something to do with being a LEO. Ok then. I am letting the universe take care of me and when I get the answer either way I have to believe that's the way it's supposed to be.

Hugs
Valerie

3:58pm: It's The Small Things In Life...
That really make me happy. Kelly (manager at Starbucks) just called and said I can wear jeans to work this evening. Yay. It's jeans day at the hospital so she bought some buttons. It just changes up the day a bit! Yes sir, it's the small things.

Hugs
Valerie

9:33am: May The Week Begin!
So here it is...Monday morning and the start of the 6 day week for me. Because of my schedule these days Sunday is my only day off from both jobs. And I would have liked to have been able to spend more quality time with Matthew but with his schedules and mine that is nearly impossible. I work Monday thru Saturday and with his rehersals, writing, catering, auditioning we just don't see much of one another. :(

I did have a great relaxing (although horrible service) brunch with Kristine and Mom at Moxies yesterday. They really do have the best broccoli cheddar soup. Yummo!!! Kristine flew to Regina for work in the PM yesterday so after brunch I went to her place and hung out on her oh so comfy couch while she packed and did her dishes.

Saturday night was my friend Gemmas staggette. It was great fun. I just love nights out with the girls. It was just relax and have fun. Oh yeah and it was fun to wear the pink wig she gave me in my "goodie bag" I am really looking forward to the wedding in May. Still need to buy something something to wear to it. I love that I consider weddings an excuse to buy a pretty new outfit. There are so many beautiful pieces out there though that I am getting all confused by the choices.

Well friends I am going to sign off and finish my coffee then I think I am going to head off to Barneys for breakfast and read the paper.

Hugs
Valerie

9:23pm: I've Said It Before
And I will say it again...I love bacon :)

7:25am: Weigh In Night (yesterday)
And I am down 11 lbs! I am feeling great. Ok, I am off to work for the day and then drinks and dinner with Janik. Can't wait till that part of my day arrives.

Hugs
Valerie

5:17pm: Dinner And A Walk
How lovely. After weight watchers I am meeting Kristine and Matthew to pick up take out at The Noodle Box and then take a walk to the beach to watch the sunset (at least Matthew and I will do that, Kris will take hers home to finish laundry *lol*)

Have a great night
Hugs
Valerie

12:52pm: Just A Few Things
It's not raining again and after looking at the Weather Channel it's not supposed to rain until Friday and even that is just sprinkles. Spring may be sprining!!!

I am off to Starbucks in 10 minutes for the closing shift. Can't say I am jumping for joy over this but at least it pays some of my bills and rent. I start my part time fundraising job at MEI next Tuesday and that is going to help me pay for school. I really can't wait till I am done school and working in a field I love.

Oh yeah. Matthew is finally graduating from UBC on May 23rd. I am so happy and excited for him. He has put in so many years and hours and hours and hours of hard work and self exploration to get him to this date.

Well friends, off I go. Have a great day.
Hugs
Valerie

10:55am: It's Not Raining!
What a treat to wake up this morning to sun and dry land. It has been seriously raining cats and dogs here for the last couple of weeks. That makes it dark and dreary and oh so depressing. But not today! I am going to have some breakfast, get dressed and head out to Mum's for a walk in the chilly but beautiful sun.

Kristine is kayaking today for the first time. I hope she is having a fantastic time and not ending up in the water too much. She is coming over later this afternoon to help Matthew and I do our taxes. Please tax gods...show me the money:)

Have a great day everyone,
Hugs
Valerie

9:53pm: Bored with a capital B
I want to go have a relaxing bath and try to hit the sack but our neighbors are having a late Thursday night party(the bathtub is right close to their kitchen window so it wouldn't be a relaxing time) And they have strung up lights in their kitchen which shines right into our kitchen which in turn shines into our bedroom. I am anticipating a looong night. I guess the good thing in this is that I don't work till 1:30pm tomorrow. But come on, a Thursday night party:{

I must be getting old to let this bother me so much. And it is raining so hard that I can't even go for a walk without getting drenched and cold. AAAHHH. Can you tell I have been up since 4:30am?

Well folks. Have some good sleeps.

Hugs
Valerie

6:41pm: Weigh In Night
So tonight was Weight Watchers night and I thought I would hit my 10lb mark but I am still .4 away. That means I have lost 9.6lbs so far. Not too shabby at all. But I still wanted that 10 tonight. Oh well.

Time to go eat a great dinner of pork chops, potatoes and broccoli. Yummo:)

Have a great night,
Valerie

11:33am: It's Been A While....
since I posted last. Sorry:(

I am going back to school to become a certified Life Coach. I will be attending Rhodes Wellness College in Vancouver. It is a private college that specializes in Wellness and Life Skills programs. I will joining the summer session that runs from July 3 to September 21. And I am so excited about finally making a decision in what direction my life is taking and going with it.

My big challenge right now is how to come up with $5000.00 to pay school, rent, bills and have a life. I will continue to work at Starbucks p/t while going to school. I am putting it out to the universe that I need this money and I believe that our thoughts and actions affect our outcome in life so we need to let the universe know what we want and need and work along side it to make it happen.

Good news has been flowing around. Babies are being grown, Couples are becoming engaged, Friends are coming to visit, Weight is being lost, and I am going back to school. What an exciting time:)

Well that's it for now. Have a great day.

Hugs
Valerie

11:32am: I Like What This Has To Say...
Like a brand-new sponge, your brain is eager to soak up everything in sight today! You've always loved learning, but today learning something new will be so much fun that you may need a few days to recover! Get ready for a shocking revelation, an intriguing announcement or a delightful declaration to stir up your imagination and make your energy level skyrocket. There is some extremely good news coming your way, and it will involve a major transition

1:49pm: Matthew Is Awesome :)
He went and pre-ordered Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows for me. I just love him so much when he does this kinda thing. It just tickles me pink.

12:27pm: The Gym Was Awesome!
I went to the gym today for the first time in eons. I made today a cardio day and did 35 minutes on the elliptical machine and burned 450 calories. Man, did I ever sweat! *lol* I can't wait to go again tomorrow. The switch in my head has been made. I want to lose 64lbs in 173 days (my birthday) and do successfully achieve that goal the gym must become part of my daily routine. Yay me.
Hugs
Valerie

10:49am: Our Greatest Fear - From Nelson Mandela
Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate,but that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.
It is not just in some; it is in everyone.

And, as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

10:24am: Confusion
Here I am at 32 years old and I honestly can say I do not know what I want to do with my life. I do know I want to be happy and healthy. I do know I want live a long life with Matthew. I do know I have some amazing true souls in my life. I do know I have a loving supportive family. But I don't know know career wise what I want to do. And that is starting to freak me out. I am happy at my "job" right now but I have been doing some soul searching and have come to the conclusion that it is not what I want to do forever. And I know that I don't need to do anything forever if I don't want to. The thing is I am having a bitch of a time sorting out what I want and what I don't want to do. AAAGGGG!

I spoke with Lori Ann last night and she is still wants me to become her business partner in a holistic alternative health center she and I spoke about building together years ago. The great thing is she has succeeded in making that a reality for her. Today in Camsack, SK she is opening her center. Way to go LA! That is absolutely something I would love to do. Do I have the guts to do it? At this moment I can honestly say I don't know. I want to but....oh all the buts!

I still want to go back to school and become a Life/Wellness Coach. The one obstacle in my way is the cost. Lori Ann has said there are ways of us working that out so it can become my reality but again here comes all the buts....

I have decided to stay where I am for one year and save money and continue to soul search. I do know I want a child(ren) and to continue to support Matthew in his dreams. He has always supported me in mine and lets me change those dreams without questioning why. I love him:) I also want to get rid of all those buts that ravage my dreams and ideas because those buts stand in the way of my clear path.

Ok there you go. This is what is rolling around my head lately. Have a beautiful day.
Hugs
Valerie

10:21am: Here I am
This post is for my dear friend ER. She asked me yesterday when I was going to update it so here it is!

I had my last opening shift at my home store Starbucks yesterday. It was kinda emotional for me as I have been seeing my regular customers every day for the last 8 months and they became a important part of my day. My last few shift are going to be closing ones and that in itself it strange as I have only closed 4 times ever before. But at least I get to work with some friends I don't normally have the chance to work with due to their schedules. The new location opens on February 22nd and that is going to be such a blast. A new store! A clean store! New people! New customers who will become important parts of my day. I really am looking forward to the adventure.

Had my hair colored last night. It's darker them my blonde but wow, does it ever look great on me. My eyes just pop out now and it's a perfect shade for this time of year. And I got bangs again. It's the same me only better :)

I am working really hard on sticking to the Weight Watchers Plan this week. Having Matthew follow it with me makes it easier but I still find it challenging. I did lose 2.2lbs at my last weigh in and would like to copy that at the next weigh in, which is Tuesday. I know I must start exercising but man I am ever finding that difficult to start. I am going to buy some new work out shirts tomorrow so maybe that will help me hit the gym. Oh yeah, and I want to buy new runners. I think that if I look good in my exercise clothes maybe I will want to show them off. It's a thought in the right direction at least.

Well my friends, I must run and finish my coffee and then start tidying up before I head to work. We are having Kristine (if she says yes) and Daniel (if he says yes) over for brunch tomorrow and the only time to clean is now so I guess I must go face the mess:(
Hugs

1:16pm: another bang on horoscope
Sticking with something you've resolved to do, even if it isn't that much fun anymore (or even if it has become quite difficult!), is sometimes necessary. Right now, you will benefit greatly from testing your steadfastness and seeing how long you can maintain your latest stab at having more self-discipline. You have an admirable reserve of willpower that you have never fully taken advantage of. It's all there waiting for you to discover.

6:35pm: Something to remember...my horoscope for today!
You may not be rich or famous, but what you have is pretty darned special. Take stock of all the wonderful things you have in your life right now -- gratitude is a great way to let the universe know that you don't take anything for granted. Wanting more is not a bad thing (after all, the desire for material goods drives your ambition from time to time), but treasuring what you have is a much better thing. Plus, it will put you in a great mood!

8:03am: A Lazy Wednesday Morning
And a well deserved lazy morning (since I am usually up at 4:30am to be at work for 5:00am)

Last night was my first weigh in at Weight Watchers after completing one full week. I am happy to announce I am down 2.2lbs. I was on W.W. about a year ago and for reasons beyond my imagination I stopped attending the meetings and for me that equaled stopping the whole program. But I am fully 100% committed to the journey again. I would like to be down 65lbs by my birthday in August. With following the program and exercising I can't see this being a problem.

I am off to visit my friend Donna and her wee little guy later this morning. I can't wait to do some serious catching up. Work is just not the same without her.

So I guess I should finish my coffee and get ready. Oh yeah, and wake up Matthew.

8:46pm: A lovely day off
Today was beautiful. I think the temperature hovered around -2 and the sun was shining. Kristine and I met up and walked around Yaletown and Downtown, popping in and out of stores that we can't afford to shop in but had fun dreaming about what we would buy if we came into an unexpected windfall. We bought her a great outfit from The Bay to wear to an outing she is attending tomorrow night. It's always fun to play dress up at the shops.

I get to go into work a half hour later then normal so that makes my day start at 5am instead of 4:30am. I have to say I really am looking forward to that extra half hour sleep. It's the small things that make me happy:)