Have you watched the show Biggest Loser Families. I have been watching for 3 seasons now and I am very inspired by these people. So February 1st my husband and I are starting our own Biggest Loser at home. Last April I started a Life Style Change and I was doing really good...loosing weight and inches...fitting into clothes I hadn't been able to wear for a long time. My lifestyle change came to a grinding halt with the passing of my father. Grief does things to a person that you never realize until it happens to you. So for the last 7 months I have tried to follow a healthier lifestyle have had many bumps along the way. I know that living with this extra weight is not good for my health in the long run and I do want to be around to see my future grandchildren and maybe even great grandchildren. I also want to be healthy so I can enjoy times with my family as I grow older. So February 1s is the start date. I am very happy that my husband is joining me on this change as well as it will be easier in many ways to have not only his support but also to have to answer to him not just the scale.
I have learned a lot from the Biggest Loser show as well as the many Prevention magazines that I read. I will be seeing my doctor on the 13th so until then I will not do any strenuous exercising until I have my doctor on board with what I am doing. I want to do this the right way and the safe way so that the weight stays off. I am hoping that the warm weather sticks around so it won't be so cold to go for a walk each evening.
I have tried this diet and that diet in the past only to fail for many reasons, like being the only one in the house making the changes and being drove crazy when they pull out the chips and dip, cookies or chocolate bars and pop. With my husband doing the same things by my side I am sure we can both achieve our long term goals bur for now I am going to set monthly goals.
My first goal being that in the month of February I want to loose over 5 lbs. Ideally I am going to strive to loose 2 lbs per week. I have read many times that it is easier to reach smaller goals than to focus on the ultimate goal which is to get back down to 125 lbs. So each month I will set small goals so that they are within reach. When I have reached my ultimate goal I plan to reward myself with not only a new wardrobe (which I will need) but also a biggest loser ring. Something to remind me of my accomplishments.
So Sunday morning we are both going to step on the scale, take our measurements and start off on a lifestyle change that will last a life time.
Friday, 30 January 2009
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Retirement
Retirement, something we all have to do at some point in our lives. Some people welcome it with open arms others fight it all the way. Some people retire early and other work as long as they possibly can. No I am not retiring any time soon although some days I wish I was.
Today we are celebrating one of my co-worker's retirement. I on the other hand have close to 17 years before I can retire, unless I win the lottery...so if you know the winning 649 numbers please share them with me....it would be a big boost to my retirement fund.
Currently the plan is for my husband to retire first and about 4 months later I will retire. We both want to be able to do some of the things we have only dreamt about all our working years. We want to be able to be young enough and healthy enough to enjoy many years of retirement. If you ask me in a 6 months or a year from now our plans may have changed or they not.
For now I wish my co-worker nothing but the best in her retirement and some days I wish that I was in her shoes and other days I am glad that I am where I am.
Today we are celebrating one of my co-worker's retirement. I on the other hand have close to 17 years before I can retire, unless I win the lottery...so if you know the winning 649 numbers please share them with me....it would be a big boost to my retirement fund.
Currently the plan is for my husband to retire first and about 4 months later I will retire. We both want to be able to do some of the things we have only dreamt about all our working years. We want to be able to be young enough and healthy enough to enjoy many years of retirement. If you ask me in a 6 months or a year from now our plans may have changed or they not.
For now I wish my co-worker nothing but the best in her retirement and some days I wish that I was in her shoes and other days I am glad that I am where I am.
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
New Stamps!
I am so excited once again as a new set of stamps arrived in my mail yesterday. Ordered from House-Mouse Designs. These little creatures are so cute and I can't wait to start stamping and coloring with them. I have a list of PrismaColored Pencils that I will pick up on Thursday so I can get to coloring these little cuties.
I have added pictures of the stamps that arrived yesterday. Once I have the images colored I will scan them and post them for you to see. I will also take pictures of the finished cards once they are done...which could be a while yet
I really think this bunny relaxing in the tub is so cute.....
....and just like this bunny every bunny needs some bunny to love!
My only limits is my imagination! The possibilities are endless.
Monday, 26 January 2009
Chinese New Year
In case you didn't know it today is Chinese New Year or Spring Festival. This is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. It is often called the Lunar New Year, especially by people in mainland China and Taiwan. The festival traditionally begins on the first day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th; this day is called Lantern Festival. Chinese New Year's Eve is known as Chúxī. It literally means "Year-pass Eve".
Celebrated in areas with large populations of ethnic Chinese. Chinese New Year is considered a major holiday for the Chinese and has had influence on the new year celebrations of its geographic neighbours, as well as cultures with whom the Chinese have had extensive interaction.
Chinese New Year is also celebrated and has, to varying degrees, become part of the traditional culture of in the Koreans, Mongolians, Nepalese, Bhutanese, Vietnamese countries. In Canada, although Chinese New Year is not an official holiday, many ethnic Chinese hold large celebrations and Canada Post issues New Year's themed stamps in domestic and international rates.
According to the many tales and legends, the beginning of Chinese New Year started with the fight against a mythical beast called the Nian or "Year" in Chinese. The Nian would come on the first day of New Year to devour livestock, crops, and even villagers, especially children. To protect themselves, the chinese villagers would put food in front of their doors at the beginning of every year. It was believed that after the Nian ate the food they prepared, it wouldn’t attack any more people. It is believed that at one time, people saw that the Nian was scared away by a child wearing red. It became understood by this villagers that the Nian was afraid of the color red. This is why when the New Year arrived the villagers would hang red lanterns and red spring scrolls on the windows and doors of their homes. Firecrackers were also used to frighten away the Nian. From then on, the Nian never came to the village again.
Chinese New Year celebrations are marked by visits to relatives and friends, a practice known as "new-year visits". For most Chinese people, returning home to their families is the traditional way to celebrate the new year. New clothes are usually worn to signify a new year. The colour red is liberally used in all decorations in the celebration of the New Year.
The Chinese New Year is traditionally celebrated over 15 days. Each day has a different meaning and tradion such as the second day is for the married daughters to visit their birth parents. Traditionally these daughters who have been married may not have the opportunity to visit their birth families frequently. On the second day, the Chinese pray to their ancestors as well as to all the gods. They are extra kind to dogs and feed them well as it is believed that the second day is the birthday of all dogs. On day fifteen candles are lit outside houses as a way to guide wayward spirits home. This day is celebrated as the Lantern Festival, and families walk the street carrying lighted lanterns. This day marks the end of the Chinese New Year's celebrations. This year Feb 9 marks the end of the Chinese New Year's celebrations.
The Chinese zodiac system is based on animals. 2009 is the Year of the Ox, an animal that symbolizes calm, hard work, resolve and tenacity.
Celebrated in areas with large populations of ethnic Chinese. Chinese New Year is considered a major holiday for the Chinese and has had influence on the new year celebrations of its geographic neighbours, as well as cultures with whom the Chinese have had extensive interaction.
Chinese New Year is also celebrated and has, to varying degrees, become part of the traditional culture of in the Koreans, Mongolians, Nepalese, Bhutanese, Vietnamese countries. In Canada, although Chinese New Year is not an official holiday, many ethnic Chinese hold large celebrations and Canada Post issues New Year's themed stamps in domestic and international rates.
According to the many tales and legends, the beginning of Chinese New Year started with the fight against a mythical beast called the Nian or "Year" in Chinese. The Nian would come on the first day of New Year to devour livestock, crops, and even villagers, especially children. To protect themselves, the chinese villagers would put food in front of their doors at the beginning of every year. It was believed that after the Nian ate the food they prepared, it wouldn’t attack any more people. It is believed that at one time, people saw that the Nian was scared away by a child wearing red. It became understood by this villagers that the Nian was afraid of the color red. This is why when the New Year arrived the villagers would hang red lanterns and red spring scrolls on the windows and doors of their homes. Firecrackers were also used to frighten away the Nian. From then on, the Nian never came to the village again.
Chinese New Year celebrations are marked by visits to relatives and friends, a practice known as "new-year visits". For most Chinese people, returning home to their families is the traditional way to celebrate the new year. New clothes are usually worn to signify a new year. The colour red is liberally used in all decorations in the celebration of the New Year.
The Chinese New Year is traditionally celebrated over 15 days. Each day has a different meaning and tradion such as the second day is for the married daughters to visit their birth parents. Traditionally these daughters who have been married may not have the opportunity to visit their birth families frequently. On the second day, the Chinese pray to their ancestors as well as to all the gods. They are extra kind to dogs and feed them well as it is believed that the second day is the birthday of all dogs. On day fifteen candles are lit outside houses as a way to guide wayward spirits home. This day is celebrated as the Lantern Festival, and families walk the street carrying lighted lanterns. This day marks the end of the Chinese New Year's celebrations. This year Feb 9 marks the end of the Chinese New Year's celebrations.
The Chinese zodiac system is based on animals. 2009 is the Year of the Ox, an animal that symbolizes calm, hard work, resolve and tenacity.
Thursday, 22 January 2009
Coloring
Well I did it....I purchased 6 Copic Markers in the skin tones, some Prismacolored Pencils, Mona Lisa Odorless Mineral Spirits & some stickles. Also a few other new items for stamping and scrapbooking. Anyways I had stamped a couple of Magnolia images a couple of weeks ago in anticipation of the arrival of my Copics. Once my Copics arrived I colored the face, arms and legs in on each image and waited until I purchased my Odorless Mineral Spirits. Yesterday before leaving Regina I hit Michael's for a few supplies. So last night after I got home I sat down with my stamped image, Prisma Colored Pencils & Odorless Mineral Spirits and set to coloring. I love how the Prisma's look with the Copics used for the skin tones. I didn't get chance to scan the image to show you all, I will have to do that tonight and post it for you.
My plan is to buy a few Copic Markers each month and a few Prisma Colored Pencils each month to build my collection slowly. I have found one supplier in Canada where I can order the copics and a few from the US. Scrapping Turtle is a Canadian Supplier that I have ordered from as well as Creative Play Stamps in the US is another place I have ordered my Copics from. The nice thing about the Copic Markers is they are refillable so they last you a long time. The nibs are replaceable as well. Your initial investment is a bit high but well worth the money as they last a long time and are very easy to refill. I purchase my Prismacolored pencils at a local art supply store here in town. You can purchase Prisma's in sets or individually. I have chosen to purchase them individually in the colors that I need/want at the time. I have found it cheaper for me to purchase my copics from the US even with the exchange of CND funds to American funds they are cheaper.
I never thought I would be excited to show off my coloring techniques until I tried out my prisma's yesterday. Put it this way I can't wait to add a few more colors to my collection.
My plan is to buy a few Copic Markers each month and a few Prisma Colored Pencils each month to build my collection slowly. I have found one supplier in Canada where I can order the copics and a few from the US. Scrapping Turtle is a Canadian Supplier that I have ordered from as well as Creative Play Stamps in the US is another place I have ordered my Copics from. The nice thing about the Copic Markers is they are refillable so they last you a long time. The nibs are replaceable as well. Your initial investment is a bit high but well worth the money as they last a long time and are very easy to refill. I purchase my Prismacolored pencils at a local art supply store here in town. You can purchase Prisma's in sets or individually. I have chosen to purchase them individually in the colors that I need/want at the time. I have found it cheaper for me to purchase my copics from the US even with the exchange of CND funds to American funds they are cheaper.
I never thought I would be excited to show off my coloring techniques until I tried out my prisma's yesterday. Put it this way I can't wait to add a few more colors to my collection.
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
Lost For Words
Have you ever been lost for words...not sure what to say next. I hate that it can happen at times when you really can't be lost for words like during an interview. Worst part after an interview is you second guess what you said and what you should have said. Sometimes it is good to be lost for words as you don't want to talk too much and end up making a situation turn from good to bad or bad to worse.
I find even sometimes I am lost for words on to blog. I guess every good writer is lost for words at some time in their life.
I didn't have to opportunity to watch the Inauguration of President Obama on Tuesday. History was made in the United States that is for certain. I would have loved to be in attendance on this day in which history was made, but it wasn't in the cards for me to be there. I have heard that the judge that was swearing Barack Obama in as the President Of the United States stumbled a bit...lost for words I doubt it...probably caught up in the moment of history being made.
I find even sometimes I am lost for words on to blog. I guess every good writer is lost for words at some time in their life.
I didn't have to opportunity to watch the Inauguration of President Obama on Tuesday. History was made in the United States that is for certain. I would have loved to be in attendance on this day in which history was made, but it wasn't in the cards for me to be there. I have heard that the judge that was swearing Barack Obama in as the President Of the United States stumbled a bit...lost for words I doubt it...probably caught up in the moment of history being made.
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
Final Semester
Today marks the beginning of the end of my daughter's high school years. Semester 2 begins today. In less than 6 months Meagan will have Graduated from High School. Where do the years go...it feels like it was only this past fall that she was starting Kindergarten.
Plans are going forward for her grad party. Hot tub is booked, working on a surprise for Meagan which I can't let out for fear that she gets wind of it....menu is in the planning stages. Hair appointments are booked - trial and grad day. Waiting to hear back from the photographer to confirm the date and time of the photos. Dress, shoes, jewelry and hair pins are on lay away - to be picked up next month...then get it hemmed.
So many things to do and what seems like a lot of time will soon be not enough time.
Plans are going forward for her grad party. Hot tub is booked, working on a surprise for Meagan which I can't let out for fear that she gets wind of it....menu is in the planning stages. Hair appointments are booked - trial and grad day. Waiting to hear back from the photographer to confirm the date and time of the photos. Dress, shoes, jewelry and hair pins are on lay away - to be picked up next month...then get it hemmed.
So many things to do and what seems like a lot of time will soon be not enough time.
Monday, 19 January 2009
Washing Machine
Okay last weekend it was my lagoon that backed up into my basement. Finally Tuesday afternoon the line is opened up and we can use our sewer again.
Saturday night my daughter is doing a load of laundry when the machine sounds like it is out of balance. She runs down and fixes what she thinks is the problem only for the noise to not stop and the load is completely balanced. After looking into it further my husband finds that the washing machine is done for. It won't spin any more...not exactly sure what it is that is broke but does it ever make a noise. So Sunday Al heads into Leon's to look at washing machines. He comes home with a High Efficiency front loading machine. This is what I wanted, actually I have wanted one a HE laundry set for a while...now I have to wait for something to happen to the dry....hmmm wonder how I can make it blow up/break down without looking like I did - hehehehe I will have to be patient and wait for a new dryer....at least I can still do laundry!
Saturday night my daughter is doing a load of laundry when the machine sounds like it is out of balance. She runs down and fixes what she thinks is the problem only for the noise to not stop and the load is completely balanced. After looking into it further my husband finds that the washing machine is done for. It won't spin any more...not exactly sure what it is that is broke but does it ever make a noise. So Sunday Al heads into Leon's to look at washing machines. He comes home with a High Efficiency front loading machine. This is what I wanted, actually I have wanted one a HE laundry set for a while...now I have to wait for something to happen to the dry....hmmm wonder how I can make it blow up/break down without looking like I did - hehehehe I will have to be patient and wait for a new dryer....at least I can still do laundry!
Friday, 16 January 2009
New Addition
We are adding to our family again...and no I am not expecting. We are taking in a year old pure bred Shih Tzu - Lucy. The lady we got Rocco from took Lucy and her two pups in after they were abandoned at the vet's office. Check out Molly Dogs for a picture of Lucy on the home page as well as her puppies. Dianne raises the wonderful dogs - ShihChon. If your looking for house dog I highlighly recommend checking out Dianne's website. You won't be sorry with a purchase of a Molly Dog.
We'll get Lucy once her puppies are weaned...around the end of February. We are looking forward to giving Lucy a wonderful home with us. Rocco will have a playmate. I keep telling him he's getting a girlfriend. Nice thing is we don't have to go through the house training bit as Lucy is a fully trained dog. She comes to us spayed which we are very happy about as well and all her shots are up to date.
I will post pictures of Lucy for you once we get her home with us. Dianne is hoping to be able to send me more pictures of her as her hair grows back. She was very badly matted so had to have her hair shaved really short. Never the less she is a beautiful dog - silver and white.
We'll get Lucy once her puppies are weaned...around the end of February. We are looking forward to giving Lucy a wonderful home with us. Rocco will have a playmate. I keep telling him he's getting a girlfriend. Nice thing is we don't have to go through the house training bit as Lucy is a fully trained dog. She comes to us spayed which we are very happy about as well and all her shots are up to date.
I will post pictures of Lucy for you once we get her home with us. Dianne is hoping to be able to send me more pictures of her as her hair grows back. She was very badly matted so had to have her hair shaved really short. Never the less she is a beautiful dog - silver and white.
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
Roto Rooter
Well Roto Rooter finally arrived at my house yesterday afternoon. After about 2 hours he got our lagoon pipe cleaned out all the way to the lagoon and we are good to go again. It is when things like having your pipes plug up that makes you appreciate the things we take for granted like having running water and sewer in your home. We haven't been able to run any water since Sunday evening when we found that the lagoon was backing up into the basement.
It was such good words to hear when he said I could run as much water as I wanted now. The good news was that there was no root fibres this time so at least we know that the roots haven't been growing through the line.
Anyways I am glad once again that we a functioning sewer.
It was such good words to hear when he said I could run as much water as I wanted now. The good news was that there was no root fibres this time so at least we know that the roots haven't been growing through the line.
Anyways I am glad once again that we a functioning sewer.
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