I've Been Trained

Met with the trainer today (Judd's sister).  Probably not a good start considering I stayed at a friends until 4am gabbing about nothing and everything all at once.  Dragged my ass out of bed at 10am had some french toast complete with syrup and butter (also not good before meeting with trainer) but, I didn't cook it so it can't be held against me.  Guzzled 2 cups of coffee (again...well you know).  Had a shower so as to not be bagged, fat AND smelly....and away I went 10 minutes late.  Come to think of it not being late should've been one of my resolutions because I seemingly do it all the time, although never my intention.  It must be because of all the Plants vs. Zombies I play some unknown force that just always wants me to be late for important dates.

Ordered up some iced teas and Kitsilano sandwiches which were yumma!  Got down to business....real skinny business.  Basically she told me that I am lucky to not be obese considering how inactive I am and that I eat junk food almost every night addictively....also the 4-6 cups of coffee I have daily each with cream and sugar to which she sort of just dropped her jaw.  I had to agree, the only thing that has saved me would be that I have the knowledge on how to eat properly and I do, all day everyday until the evening munchy gremlins get me, and they get me good.

The plan is to have "activity" 6 days a week.  3 strength days, 2 endurance days, 1 flexibility day and 1 day of rest.  Pretty cool right?  Yeah, she's an awesome trainer and really knows her stuff....she is possibly the only person I've met who actually can teach me things I didn't already know but, just haven't applied to my own daily existence.  I trained with her for a bit before I had to appear in a bikini in the Dominican and she practically killed me (kidding) but, it was crazy intense, I wasn't even allowed to watch TV while exercising...I cried a little.

I took the above picture of the pendant light fixture (totally not distracted) while she did a nice routine up for me, with goals to reach because she knows how absurdly competitive I can be, even with myself.  She said that when I reach the goals in a month or a week...wait a second, was that a challenge?....Did she challenge me and I'm not even realizing it until now?  Sneaky, very sneaky.  There are free weights, treadmills, resistance bands, stability balls and tables involved?  I'm a little terror-stricken but, I think I'll be able to manage.

She was demonstrating (in the middle of the restaurant) how to do a Lateral Raise and I just asked her to write "chicken wing" so I would know what to do....she may have been unimpressed at that point, I can't be sure.  There were a lot of things crossed out on my plan because I would tell her "oh, yeah bring it on that's so easy" and then when I saw what she was writing down I had a panic attack and started telling her she was crazy to think I could do all that.  So she wimped it down for me quite a bit to start out...nice of her I guess.

So my aim is to do what is laid out in the plan 100% of the time but, I FAIL if I don't get 80% for 6 weeks time.  Surprised that I am being graded (or must grade myself), not sure when a healthy lifestyle became some ivy league test but, I am too scared to find out what she will do to me should I fall below the 80% marker.  She may be tiny but, I know from experience that when it comes to personal training she doesn't fool around and can be quite frankly....scary.

I have to get 3-4 servings of whole grains, 5 of protein and 6 of veg/fruit daily.  Drink 3 litres of water (minimum 2 litres) and I must attempt to eat every 3 hours until dinner....breakfast when I actually wake up (coffee does not count as breakfast apparently).  Not to mention that I have to cut the coffee down to 1 cup a day, she would've preferred none or to drink it with only milk added but, that was non-negotiable for me.  So caffeine and sugar withdrawal plus tight muscles and having to pee every 5 seconds due to increased water intake should make for some fun times.  I would stay far away from me if I were you and batten down the hatches...wait for the all clear, make sure you bring plenty of supplies.  I've been warned this could take 12 weeks before I feel good about it.

I can have "extras"....which I am no longer allowed to call "treats" because she says a treat doesn't make you feel like shit (which was the most intelligent thing I've heard in a while). "Extras" are things that have no nutritional value but, she forgot about Reese's peanut butter cups....hello, peanut butter?  Totally not an extra....just totally not kidding!   I have to evaluate first whether or not to actually have the extra....do I really want it?  If I do, it's alright to indulge as long as I stay on par 80% of the time.  I've already calculated this to mean that I can have an "extra" 10 2 times a week.

E is for "extra" and elephantine (is that even a word, because if it is I am thoroughly impressed with myself) and excess and ewww

Then, I took the picture below (with only my Blackberry on hand) again, not distracted at all.  It was my view through the mesh blind in the restaurant...I thought the colors and the building silhouette's were totally cool with the sun beaming down on them.  I've missed you sun.

- The St.Godard Brood Keeper (One day at a time....as long as it's 80% of the time)

Resolute Resolutions

Normally I am not one for resolutions but, how can I not participate in something that actually makes you stop and think about what good changes you want to make in the near future.  That's what I'm all about really, progression and growth and change (especially considering I change my mind every 5 seconds). 

I have yet to fully comprehend those people that are completely satisfied with who they are...so much so that they actually express an unwillingness to evolve.  I can't tell you how many times I've heard a woman say to me "I am a bitch, who cares...that's just who I am."  Not to say you shouldn't be happy with your current circumstances or persona but, unless your on death's doorstep there is always room for more growth, more learning, more progression.

So my theme for 2011 (yes I have a theme) is love.  Love others, love myself. 

I "pretend" to love others, I do a lot for them and I try to maintain some sense of compassion and empathy in my relationships but, honestly I'm just as judgemental as the next wise ass and I'd like not to be.  I would like my opinions to be about important issues, life circumstances....things that matter.  Not about people.  I've come to realize as of late that until you walk in someone else's shoes (literally not figuratively) you can never have a valid opinion about how they carry themselves or how they carry out their days.  Sure, I will always instinctively want to judge people I think are irresponsible, mean, deceiving or just plain crazy but, I no longer feel like I need to have an opinion about them.  Sometimes, my judgment comes from the inability to understand another persons actions, maybe I am angry with them or maybe I see something in them that I do not like about myself.  Don't get me wrong...I will defend my character if attacked but, I am going to make a sincere attempt to lessen if not eliminate my sanctimonious attitudes (sometimes) towards others, especially people I don't have day-to-day contact with and really know very little about.  


For the "loving myself" portion I've compiled a list of things I would like to try my darnedest to complete, eliminate or attempt.  In no particular order, except the order they come out of my brain:


Drink more loose tea, now I'm talking super cool, different and beneficial teas.  Like the one's at Davids Tea introduced to me by some super cool family members!

Take my supplements religiously. You'd think that I would take them regularly considering my job and my knowledge but, for some reason I convince myself they really do nothing and almost as soon as I decide that I feel the negative effects of not taking them.  Maybe it's some form of self-torture....   

Stop self torture.  See former paragraph. 

Exercise long term.  I know...we've seen this one before, multiple times in fact.  I reeeaaally am going to give this my 100% attention this year.  Not because I want to but, I need to.   If my health continues to deteriorate like it has in the past 8 years I am seriously fearful to see where it'll be in another decade.  My problem with exercise is that I go hard and go all out for about 30-60 days and then I find some excuse to stop for a while and just like that....I am stagnant, again.  My approach this year is going to be variety (changing the routine every 30 days) and long term achievable results.  No more P90X for me, I am one who really needs to start small.  If all goes well maybe P90X will make the roster for 2012.

Drink more water, eat better, regiment my eating.  Technically that was 3 but, they go together so get off my back about it would ya.  Pretty self explanatory.  Meeting with hubby's sister in 2 days to develop a plan (personal trainer).  She's got some ideas I've actually never heard before, they intrigue me....remind me to write about it later.

Complete the 365 project.  Because it's awesome and what other way would you actually be able to remember at least one part of each day for a whole year.  You should do it too.  Right now.....I'm waiting.  Follow me here if you do!

Keep adding to my Bucketlist and hopefully start crossing some off.  Might be able to do the Vegas thing at some point this year and once I know what's going on with my health, I'm going to do the blood thing (if I can).  Totally going to faint and hyperventilate, wonder who I'll rope into going with me for hand holding purposes?

To NOT watch season 3 of Jersey Shore this year.  Oh, who I am kidding...it's worth the brain cells I'll lose for that kind of train-wreck entertainment! *fist pump*
Finally........
 

Quit that dirty, nasty, disgusting habit some call smoking.  Oh GOD did I seriously just type this?  I am so ashamed that I actually started doing it AGAIN.  So, yeah that too.

 That's all she wrote.  Wish me luck, I wish you luck with whatever resolutions and/or goals you've laid out for 2011.  It's gonna be a good year people, I can feel it and according to the Mayans we've got less than 2 years left until the end of this time....so make it count, while you still can.

Cue: Twilight Zone theme song.  Nee nee nee nee nee nee nee nee....

 Hitch-hiker: I believe you're going...my way?


- The St.Godard Brood Keeper (Looking forward, never backward....except when someone is following me and I need to give them the stink eye)

Broken Promises

No resolutions today as promised.....got too busy learning how to use my camera (without autopilot and photo editing software).  I am committed to the 365 project, so that took priority today.  I am obsessed with it.  It is however a resolution of mine to complete it so I guess you got a partial post out of me!

 Tomorrow, tomorrow I love ya tomorrow.....you're always a day away!

PS - If you want to check out my 365 project click here



- The St.Godard Brood Keeper (Queen of OCD)

Another Year Over and a New One Just Begun

First and foremost I would like to apologize for my lack of bloggery.  I know the "Holiday" season has past because all my nails have been chewed to the skin, the scale shows the annual 5 pound gain,  I have bags under my eyes that not even Mac can fix, my MasterCard bill is making me contemplate robbing a bank bankruptcy and in general I feel like cow dung (whatever that feels like, I imagine bad....really bad and a little smelly).

Christmas for us is so unbelievably ridiculously busy with Judd having 9 siblings, me with divorced parents and friends or family that weren't participative in those "Christmases". It's like every year we get sucked into this perpetual Christmas wormhole that I have just started to emerge from now.  It was a good one, I think...as far as Christmases go.  I wouldn't call it a holiday though, more like an obligatory list of never ending tasks to complete in an impossible time frame which can only be coped with by ingesting excessive amounts of baked goods, caffeine and in my case, beta blockers.

This year similar to all other years was complete with me skulking around the house wearing my Grinch hat, muttering many Bah-Humbugs under my chocolaty breath and randomly fist pumping the air.  I daydreamed about how I could pull off a Grinch who stole Christmas type operation, just to see what would happen.  I bet there would be no singing around a gargantuan tree that's for sure.  I especially love the part when everyone that has extremely privileged children (including my own) continuously repeats to those very children that Christmas is not about presents.  Is that just the right thing to say to kids these days because in my opinion, it totally is about presents (and food).  Sure, there is family involved but, I don't see how it really differs from any other time I see my family.  I also am "reminded" to give generously to the people who need it most but, shouldn't I be doing this all year round or do poor people only eat at Christmas?

Okay, okay that was a rant and a half...I'll cease to have an opinion about it until next year because if there's one thing I've learned it's that no one likes a party pooper, especially a Christmas pooper.  Plus I like food, presents and family and for some reason I usually end up having fun regardless of how puffed up I can get about it.

Too much has happened to go into much detail but, maybe you fancy a bit of a picture post?  Enjoy!  Merry, merry and all that jazz!  I'll follow up tomorrow with my 2011 resolutions, they're pretty marvelous and I'm hoping to keep at least a third of them for more than 8 days.  That's how committed I am...stay tuned (but, at least eat and shower while you are waiting).

A Digital Christmas

Cookies that I made for the school holiday bake sale....Judd helping me at 1:00 am because I would've had no sleep otherwise....extremely detailed...NEVER again.

Aidan's Christmas concert....He had a line!!!  I forgot to take a beta blocker and thought I may have to leave before he went up due to an anxiety attack.  I was so nervous for him but, proud that he nailed it and did something I even as an adult have struggled with doing!  So, so proud!

The first of the Christmas gatherings with a good friend.  The ultimate ice cream dessert, lots of chalk drawings, books and games.  Good times!  Only pics of Aidan because I feel "dirty" posting pictures of other people's children on my blog, plus I'm too lazy to get their permission

My boys in St.Malo, at Mom and Garry's....by far the most peaceful.  Staying up late, guitar, drums, food, drink and fire.  Very low key....lovely.

St.Malo food fare.  Yum. I did not get Garry's permission to post this picture but, he won't be mad because he's awesome.  If he does (get mad) then, I may have to change my opinion about him and that would suck.  Thanks Mom for cooking...one less thing I had to do this year and yours was far better!

J'adore St.Malo

"The family is one of nature's masterpieces."    - George Santayana

My favorite gifts....2010 theme stocking cross stitched by Mom.  Mosaik by Aidan, complete with 7 year bad luck broken mirror (which he placed there on purpose).

Aidan and his great grandparents....this is rare and I love that he has got to know them, even if only a little.  I cherish these pictures and take them at any opportunity.  Also, did not get permission from them but... they don't have a computer so how will they ever find out?  Oh wait, they have one billion offspring and offspring of offspring who will tell them.  We call it the Feenstra clan, they could potentially take over the world.  Oh well, what's done is done. 

Me = Chopstick Ninja.  Chopsticks from awesome Shitake Mushroom growing kit....awesome.

Supernatural book on Manitoba events.  I agree, if I ever saw that I would run for the hills....in Selkirk.

Our back entrance after St.Godard Christmas.  I feel dirty.   Must. Give. Blood. To. Clean. Soul.  I would post pictures of the event but, there were people in all the shots....that family multiplies by the second.  Again...no permission.  Again too lazy to get it.  Fun, loud, food, kids and tons of laughs (always the best part). 

Gorgeous food prepared by Chef Ray and my lovely sister in law....superb.  Always enjoy this one for the food and the people...especially the food.  Did I mention the food?

Not an annual occurrence but, one of my dearest friends visited.  Like she never left.  Will miss her again....A LOT.

The last supper....calm, quiet, lots of baking and good tea.  Aidan's multiple Christmas personalities.  Left:  "Alright Mom, take the picture already my arm hurts from holding this featherweight card!"  Right:  Nom, nom, nom...."just wait until I crash from my sugar high, it's gonna be real fun!"

Sometimes I wonder if Judd realizes how silly he actually is.  Young at heart, that's my man.

"Privileged" Aidan with all his new swag.  Goosebumps movies, iPods and Playmobil, oh my!  Remember Aidan it's not about the presents though.

No Christmas is complete without our furry companions.  Kneesaa is a pretty girl and Riff....well I think he ate too much turkey.

 That's it....if you made it to the end congratulations you just witnessed Christmas through my eyes and it was a grand one, I can tell you that.

- The St.Godard Brood Keeper (All Christmas'd Out)