Happy, Happy, Happy Halloween!

I had a wonderful time out with the hubby this evening celebrating Halloween! It was so nice to get away with for a little while with no obligations to rush off to or errands to run. I have been so busy lately and I am really glad that I have such an incredible man in my life to help me stay connected to the things that are really important. Maintaining good mental and emotional health is just as important as the physical aspects that I am always working on!

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 4 glasses of water
- 2 slices toast on white bread with light peanut butter and light strawberry jam
- 1 piece homemade chocolate zucchini cake
- 6 chocolate peanut butter cups
- 1 breaded fish burger on a white hamburger bun with cheese, lettuce, and tartar sauce
- 2 cups mint chocolate bar ice cream blend
- 1 cup salt and vinegar potato chips
- 2 cups pasta with meat sauce and grated cheese
- 2 slices garlic bread
- 1/2 cup chocolate peanut butter candies
- 1 mug apple cider
- 1/2 cup candy corn
- 1 lemon cupcake topped with lemon icing and a lemon gummy candy
- 1 vanilla cupcake topped with cream cheese coconut icing and coconut
- 1/2 cup roasted and salted pumpkin seeds

EXERCISE:
- 45 minutes of rowing a dragon boat in 2 outings (25 minutes long and 20 minutes long)
- 50 minute walk

Positives And Negatives

For the second day in a row I am going to bed early enough to feel like I’m finally getting a proper night’s rest. That’s the positive. On the more negative side of things, today was a pretty bad eating day. Halloween candy and left over bake sale items equated to a temptation that proved too much for me right now. But, back to the plus side of things, I am thinking that catching up on my sleep will leave me better equipped to deal with similar circumstances in the days to come.

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 4 glasses of water
- 1 slice homemade zucchini loaf with margarine
- 1 cup chicken and scallop chow mein with broccoli
- 1 piece of a homemade jell-o layer bar
- 3/4 cup homemade cranberry sunflower seed bark
- 2 sugar cookies
- 1/8 cup Smarties candy
- 2 grilled cheese sandwiches on white bread with margarine and light mayonnaise
- 5 whole wheat crackers
- 3/4 cup apple yogurt with 1 cup multi-grain flakes cereal
- 2 glasses rye and cola
- 3 slices pepperoni pizza
- 1 mug hot chocolate
- 1 scoop birthday cake ice cream in a waffle ice cream cone
- 1 glass cola
- 7 chocolate peanut butter cups
- 1/4 cup chocolate peanut butter candies

EXERCISE:
- 10 squats

It’s Nice To Be Appreciated

Well, I have to say, the day was pretty fabulous! I saw the culmination of one of the projects I have been working on and it went over really well. I also had several different conversations with people throughout the day who generously expressed an appreciation for the work I put into things. It was definitely a day for compliments! I also got to go to a birthday party and relax, have fun, and enjoy the company of people with whom I love spending time. And I even get to sleep in tomorrow for the first time in what feels like forever! Things are looking up!

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 4 glasses of water
- 1 sandwich on a baguette with turkey, cheese, lettuce, and herb mayonnaise
- 1 glass chocolate peanut butter blended drink
- 1 piece homemade pumpkin cheesecake topped with butter toffee chocolate bar pieces and pumpkin spice whipped topping
- 2 breaded chicken nuggets with honey mustard sauce
- 2 cheeseburgers on hamburger buns with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise
- 1 glass root beer
- 1 homemade lavender shortbread cookie
- 1 piece ice cream cake
- 1 bite homemade jell-o layer bar
- 2 homemade Smarties cookies

EXERCISE:
- 25 minute walk

Yet Another Use For Duct Tape

I baked and prepared all day long for yet another bake sale that is happening tomorrow. These events are really doing me in with the eating. And I will be running a good portion of the sale too so all the goodies will be right in front of me for a lot of the day. Maybe I should just duct tape my mouth shut…

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 7 glasses of water
- 2 bites chocolate covered marshmallow with sprinkles
- 2 toasted English muffins with bacon, cheese, egg, and margarine
- 2 1/2 cups homemade caramel popcorn
- 1 lick lavender shortbread dough
- 1 homemade lavender shortbread cookie
- 1 lick cheesecake batter
- 1 waffle with maple syrup
- 1 sandwich on a baguette with turkey, cheese, lettuce, and herb mayonnaise
- 6 sugar cookies
- 1 small bite of a homemade wheat puff bar
- 1 heated bacon, cheese, and onion scone with butter
- 1 apple cinnamon Danish
- 2 cups macaroni and beef
- 1 homemade chocolate candy cookie

EXERCISE:
- 15 minute walk

Goodies Are Bad

I am feeling overworked and I attended a bake sale today. Let’s just say that it wasn’t a great combination…

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 4 glasses of water
- 2 cheddar rice cakes
- 1/2 cup flavoured jelly bellies
- 3/4 piece homemade lemon cake with lemon icing and topped with a jelly candy
- 1/2 piece homemade cranberry cake with icing
- 1 small slice homemade lemon pudding cake with glaze
- 1 piece homemade pecan square
- 1 lick of melted chocolate
- 1 small slice homemade chocolate pudding cake with glaze
- 3 small pieces homemade almond roca
- 1 cinnamon bun with icing
- 1 plain rice cake with cream cheese
- 1 piece homemade cranberry sunflower seed bark
- 3 pieces French toast on white bread with maple syrup
- 3/4 cup fat free cherry yogurt with 1 cup cocoa Rice Krispies cereal

EXERCISE:
- 10 squats

Cause And Effect

It was a bad food night. I am feeling overwhelmed with quite a few things and the desire for junk proved too much. I had so much ice cream that my stomach hurts.

I talked to my husband tonight about how I am just not very thrilled with me right now. I am working hard at so many different things – and not so hard at others – but regardless of what efforts I am putting forward I am left feeling like I am not moving in the direction that I want quickly enough. I am frustrated.

So I ate.

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 5 glasses of water
- 2 caramel chocolate chip rice cakes
- 2 grilled cheese sandwiches on white bread with light mayonnaise and margarine
- 3/4 cup fat free cherry yogurt with 1 cup cocoa Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 homemade lavender shortbread cookie
- 1 cup tiny cheesy crackers and raisins
- 3/4 cup steamed broccoli and cauliflower with margarine
- 2 breaded pork chops
- 3 cups macaroni and cheese with pepper
- 2 sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup blackberry candy corn
- 2 cups peanut butter and butter toffee ice cream blend
- 1 ice cream sandwich

EXERCISE:
- 10 squats

Treading Water

It was a so-so kind of day. I participated in the rally that wrapped up this weekend's paddling event which was really cool. Other than that though, everything else felt drawn out and mildly exasperating. I hope tomorrow turns out better. It was really hard not to completely go off the deep end with my eating today...

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 6 glasses of water
- 1 banana
- 3 caramel chocolate chip rice cakes
- 2 mugs hot chocolate
- 2 grilled cheese sandwiches on white bread with light mayonnaise and margarine
- 3/4 cup fat free lemon meringue yogurt with 1 cup wheat flake granola cereal
- 1 1/2 cups Special K berry cereal with milk
- 2 cups mint chocolate bar ice cream blend
- 1 breaded fish burger on a white hamburger bun with cheese, lettuce, and mayonnaise
- 5 cheese and potato perogies with sour cream
- 2 sausages
- 5 licks chocolate icing
- 1 cup caramel popcorn

EXERCISE:
- 25 minute walk
- 45 minutes of walking in a rally

Until Tomorrow...

I must sleep. I did the second paddle I mentioned in my last entry and, although it wasn't half the distance of yesterday's, I can barely move. My lists will be have to be posted tomorrow.

I'm So Mad

I can barely think straight. I have been so, so tired already lately and today I pushed my body to the max by paddling for probably more than thirty kilometers. It was unreal. And there's a small possibility that I will be back out on the water for a smaller portion of the same event tomorrow. Yikes! Maybe I should have my sanity assessed...

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 3 glasses of water
- 1 golden delicious apple
- 1 sandwich on whole wheat bread with light peanut butter and light strawberry jam
- 1 cranberry almond multi-grain bar
- 1 mug hot chocolate
- 1 sandwich on a white bun with salami, cheese, and tomato
- 1 cinnamon apple multi-grain bar
- 8 oatmeal chocolate chip cookies
- 2 mugs tea with instant creamer
- 2 glasses orange flavoured drink
- 3/4 cup green salad with ranch dressing
- 3/4 cup salmon
- 1 1/2 cup pasta salad with cheese, onion, red and yellow pepper, tomato, and dressing
- 3/4 cup roasted seasoned potatoes
- 2 sips whiskey
- 1 sip Grand Marnier
- 6 bannock biscuits
- 2 cups mint chocolate bar ice cream blend

EXERCISE:
- 5 hours and 45 minutes of rowing a voyager canoe completed in 3 paddles (2 hours and 40 minutes long, 2 hours and 20 minutes long, and 45 minutes long)

Something Fishy

Well, I was going to sleep in tomorrow, but instead I am going to be up and out of the house before dawn to join in on a marathon paddle to raise awareness of the issues of fish farming and the importance of protecting wild salmon. I may be sleep-deprived, but at least I usually give up my rest for good reasons.

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 9 glasses of water
- 1 banana
- 2 cheddar rice cakes
- 3/4 cup fat free field berry yogurt
- 9 cheese and potato perogies with sour cream and bacon bits
- 1/2 cup blueberry yogurt
- 1/2 cup red pepper
- 2 cups mint chocolate ice cream blend
- 1 pan-fried steak with mushrooms
- 1 baked potato with margarine and sour cream
- 1 cup broccoli with margarine
- 3/4 cup fat free strawberry yogurt with 1 cup cocoa Rice Krispies cereal
- 2 slices with light peanut butter and light strawberry jam
- 1 cranberry almond granola bar

EXERCISE:
- 10 squats

The Friend Ship

I had to say goodbye to a friend this evening who is going overseas back to his home. I really hate it when people leave. He is one of the members of my dragon boating team and I’m going to miss him so much!

We had one last get together tonight with just four of us who joined at about the same time and have connected because of similar experiences (and lack of experience), age, and personality. It was a great night with a couple of drinks and some tasty - though, come weigh day, likely regrettable - food choices. I just really wish such a fun evening didn't have to be brought about by having someone I care for move far away.

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 7 glasses of water
- 2 caramel and chocolate chip rice cakes
- 1 heated wrap on a soft tortilla shell with seasoned ground beef, cheese, spinach, and tomato
- 3/4 cup fat free mango-passion fruit yogurt
- 1 glass lemonade
- 1 piece of a peanut butter square with peanut butter icing
- 1 apple
- 1 cup small cheesy crackers with dried cranberries
- 2 glasses rye and cola
- 2 onion rings with tartar sauce
- 1 1/2 pieces battered and fried cod with tartar sauce
- 1 cup French fries with tartar sauce
- 2 bites chocolate cheesecake
- 1 cup of lemon trifle with whipped cream

EXERCISE:
- 1 hour and 20 minute walk

A Vague Sense Of Sadness

It was kind of a ‘meh’ day. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either. I just sort of did my thing.

I think I am bordering on sad, but I don’t believe I have too good of a reason to be feeling that way. So, I’m simply continuing on and trying not to give myself much of a chance to truly get down. A couple of things that I really wanted are not going to happen. These types of opportunities come along often enough, so I don’t know why I am letting it get to me now. I guess I just felt like they were perfect fits – that I could have made more of them than other people. I know I’m being vague; I just don’t want to dwell.

This is turning into a bit more of a gloomy entry than I had realized it would be. I suppose I just need time to get over all this. The problem is there never seems to be enough of that one, precious commodity…

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 7 glasses of water
- 1 banana
- 3 caramel and chocolate chip rice cakes
- 1 pear
- 2 bites pumpkin bread
- 1 sandwich on a baguette with smoked beef, cheese, lettuce, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard
- 1 glass chocolate peanut butter blended drink
- 1 apple fritter
- 1 apple
- 1 cup onion rings with honey mustard sauce
- 2 cups peanut butter and butter toffee chocolate bar ice cream blend

EXERCISE:
- 15 minute walk

Ay, There's The Rub

Yes! I am going to bed at a half decent hour! My husband promised me that if I did that he would give me a nice, long massage. How could I turn that down!? I know it’s a bit of a problem that I have to force myself to slow down, and that my poor hubby felt the need to resort to bribery to get me to take care of myself, but at least I’m finally doing it…

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 5 glasses of water
- 1 banana
- 3 cheddar rice cakes
- 3/4 cup fat free strawberry yogurt
- 1 apple fritter
- 1 glass chocolate peanut butter blended drink
- 1 cup macaroni and cheese
- 3/4 cup cauliflower with ranch dip
- 3 slices of roast with gravy
- 1 cup steamed broccoli with margarine
- 2 cups mint chocolate bar ice cream blend

EXERCISE:
- 20 minute walk

Not Enough Time In The Day

I have been on the go and working at stuff just about non-stop since 6:00am this morning and tomorrow will start at the same time. Why am I still up?! Oh, yeah… I am not quite finished everything that I have to get done. I wonder if toothpicks will suffice to hold my eyelids open for this last half hour?

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 11 glasses of water
- 1 banana
- 1 1/4 cup carrots with roasted red pepper dip
- 1 mug pumpkin spice steamed soy milk
- 1 large sandwich on white bread with turkey, cheese, lettuce, and herb mayonnaise
- 1 slice peach cheesecake
- 1 piece chocolate cake with chocolate icing and white chocolate shavings
- 3/4 pita pocket with roasted red pepper dip
- 1 apple
- 1 grilled cheese sandwich on white bread with margarine and light mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup fat free mango-passion fruit yogurt with 1/2 cup wheat flake granola cereal

EXERCISE:
- 25 minute walk

The Rookie

I had an exciting night! I was thrilled to be recognized – along with an amazing girl who is also new to paddling this year – as our team’s Rookie(s) Of The Year! Woo hoo! I was even given a book of poetry to mark the occasion! It’s so nice to be acknowledged for the effort that I have put into dragon boating over the past seven and a half months, and I am overjoyed that I get to share the honour with a teammate whose skills I genuinely respect.

We had our wrap up party this evening which makes me a bit sad. It was wonderful to spend time with everyone off the water, but it is sad to know that the season is practically over with just a few more practices being squeezed in before the really bad weather arrives. I know that several people won’t be returning to the team next year for a variety of reasons, and I think I will likely be stepping up into more of a leadership role with some expanded responsibilities, so things are definitely changing. It all just makes me realize how much I have enjoyed being a part of this team. I really hope that we can make next year’s even better!

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 7 glasses of water
- 1 banana
- 5 whole wheat crackers with cheese
- 2 mugs Chinese tea
- 2 cups chicken chow mein
- 1 cup black bean pork with green pepper and onion
- 1 cup sweet and sour pork
- 2 glasses of rye and cola
- 1 Peking duck wrap on a small flour tortilla with sauce
- 1 sip corn and mushroom soup
- 1 cup rice with 1 cup duck, chicken, and pork in assorted sauces
- 1/2 cup spicy tofu
- 1 Peking duck lettuce wrap with sauce
- 1 cup vegetable, chicken, and peanut dish
- 1 cup crispy noodles with sauce
- 1 cup beef and broccoli
- 2 almond cookies
- 1 Chinese sweet sesame ball
- 2 cups mint chocolate bar ice cream blend

EXERCISE:
- 1 hour of rowing a dragon boat

The Best Of Intentions

Every day I think, “Today I will have the opportunity to do a proper journal entry,” or “I will make sure that I set aside some time just to blog about my journey.” Yet each day still ends up with a lackluster rehashing of how I just can’t seem to get to it all.

Well, how’s this for insight: this is an exact replication of what I am currently doing in regards to my weight loss. Every day I swear I will do better and I make assurances to myself that yesterday’s mistakes will be left in the past as I more forward, making better choices. And yet…

Gee, I wonder if one has anything to do with the other?

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 6 glasses of water
- 1 pear
- 1 banana
- 1 toasted English muffin with light peanut butter and light strawberry jam
- 8 whole wheat crackers with cheese
- 1 cheeseburger on a white hamburger bun with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and sauce
- 8 French fries with salt and ketchup
- 1/4 glass of cola
- 1 piece of lime yogurt mousse cake topped with white chocolate
- 1 bite of a churro
- 1/2 chocolate cream filled cookie topped with chocolate sugar crystals
- 2 cups mint chocolate bar ice cream blend

EXERCISE:
- 35 minute walk

Weigh-In For Week 62

Well, I am down a teeny-tiny 0.4 of a pound. I know that the weight is coming off at just a trickle, but at least the scale has been moving in the right direction for the past two weeks.

Weekend Chores

Even my Friday nights are packed full of errands and projects. Sometimes it feels like there’s no end of this busyness in sight! I thought that I would have a bit of time to relax this weekend, but now that I have taken a closer look at my to do list I am doubtful. I am thankful that I at least enjoy all of the things that I am working on, but I do still wish I could have more of a chance to collect some better thoughts in regards to this journey…

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 5 glasses of water
- 1 banana
- 1 cup carrots with roasted red pepper dip
- 6 inch sub on an Italian herbs and cheese bun with deli ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, green pepper, black olives, onion, light mayonnaise, honey mustard, and pepper
- 1 toasted English muffin with light peanut butter and light strawberry jam
- 2 cups mint chocolate bar ice cream blend
- 4 crackers with cheese
- 1 mandarin orange
- 1 peanut butter and butterscotch yogurt granola bar
- 1 apple
- 1 scoop praline ice cream and 1 scoop pumpkin pie ice cream in an ice cream waffle cone

EXERCISE:
- 10 squats

Off To Bed...

... it's just that simple. It was a 'meh' kind of day. I have nothing new to report other than the fact that today greeted me with the same crazy schedule and left me with the typical end-of-day exhaustion that has been leaving me little more than a cyber mute of late. But, I still check in. It may not be a lot, but I am proud that I keep on at least doing that.

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 4 glasses of water
- 1 banana
- 1 peanut and butterscotch yogurt granola bar
- 3/4 cup low fat piña colada yogurt
- 1 mug marshmallow steamed soy milk
- 1 sandwich on a baguette with turkey, cheese, lettuce, and herb mayonnaise
- 1 large apple fritter
- 1/2 strawberry cream puff topped with powdered sugar
- 3 slices pork picnic with honey mustard and brown sugar glaze and Dijon mustard
- 10 whole wheat crackers with cheese

EXERCISE:
- 10 squats

Serves Me Right

Sometimes my own gluttony shocks me. It doesn’t happen a lot anymore. Most of the time I nibble throughout the day and so if have a high caloric count it is because I have been grazing rather than sitting down to an enormous meal. Tonight however I had a sushi combo all to myself followed by a large ice cream treat. I feel positively ill.

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 8 glasses of water
- 1 banana
- 1 cup carrots with roasted red pepper dip
- 3/4 cup low fat cherry yogurt
- 1 strawberry cereal bar
- 1 1/2 apples
- 6 inch sub on an Italian herbs and cheese bun with deli ham, cheese, green peppers, black olives, onion, light mayonnaise, honey mustard, and pepper
- 1 piece of a chocolate pecan square
- 1 bite of a chocolate marshmallow square
- 1/2 mug apple cider
- 1 1/2 cups mint chocolate bar ice cream blend
- 1 toasted bagel with cream cheese
- 5 pieces of a dynamite sushi roll with soy sauce
- 6 pieces of a California sushi roll with soy sauce
- 6 pieces of an Alaskan sushi roll with soy sauce
- 2 bites of sweet and sour pork
- 2 1/2 cups peanut butter and butter toffee chocolate bar ice cream blend

EXERCISE:
- 1 hour and 15 minute walk

The Hole Is (Temporarily) Greater Than The Some Of All Parts

At some point, somewhere along this road, I fully expect to get back into the full swing of blogging. There will be insights and helpful hints, philosophical queries and introspective examinations. This abyss of uncreative writings and online mutterings will eventually be replaced by useful posts. Yes. It will happen. Someday.

Not today.

But someday.

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 7 glasses of water
- 1 banana
- 1 small piece of homemade pumpkin cheesecake with caramel sauce, butter toffee chocolate bar pieces, and 95% fat free pumpkin whipped topping
- 1 pear
- 1 mug pumpkin spice steamed soy milk
- 9 pieces of a California sushi roll with soy sauce
- 1 pumpkin scone with icing
- 1 apple
- 2 pizza pockets with pepperoni, cheese, green pepper, and mushrooms
- 3 slices pork picnic with honey mustard and brown sugar glaze and mustard
- 1 cup cheesy roast potatoes
- 3/4 cup low fat piña colada yogurt with 1 cup Multigrains cereal

EXERCISE:
- 40 minute walk

Doing My Impression Of A Turkey

I am stuffed! Yes, Thanksgiving in Canada has come and gone and I am feeling very appreciative of all the wonderful things that I have in my life! May everyone know such joy during their own celebrations!

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 9 glasses of water
- 3/4 cup low fat spiced apple yogurt with 1 cup Multigrains cereal
- 8 gingersnap cookies with 95% fat free whipped topping
- 10 licks of pumpkin cheesecake batter
- 10 whole wheat crackers with herb and garlic soft cheese
- 1 almond and yogurt granola bar
- 10 gherkin pickles
- 1 glass white wine
- 1 1/2 cups autumn medley spinach salad with goat cheese, butternut squash, and raspberry vinaigrette
- 1/2 cup corn with butter
- 1/2 cup mashed potatoes with butter
- 1 cup turkey with gravy, cranberry sauce, and 1 cup stuffing
- 1 1/2 pieces of homemade pumpkin cheesecake with caramel sauce, butter toffee chocolate bar pieces, and 95% fat free pumpkin whipped topping
- 1 piece of homemade lemon meringue pie

EXERCISE:
- 10 squats

Sleepy Time

This is the second day in a row that I have posted on the following morning rather than during the evening as per normal. Once more, the temptation to just crawl into bed after a long day proved too much. On the up side, I suspect that the extra sleep I have gotten over the last couple of nights has left me much more refreshed than I have been of late! Now to direct that surplus of energy into being more productive...

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 9 glasses of water
- 1 apple
- 1 pear
- 1 1/2 cups drained cubed peaches in syrup
- 15 whole wheat crackers with herb and garlic soft cheese
- 1 cup cheesy roast potatoes
- 1 cup cheesy broccoli and cauliflower with margarine
- 2 slices whole grain bread with margarine
- 3 slices pork picnic with honey mustard and brown sugar glaze and mustard
- 3/4 cup low fat piña colada yogurt with 1 cup rice and wheat flake cereal

EXERCISE:
- 10 squats

Different Strokes

I came home yesterday and – after a short stint of just watching television with my husband on the couch for a chance – I face planted onto the bed and didn’t wake up until about an hour ago. So, obviously, I delayed putting up my lists and thoughts from Saturday until right now…

Yesterday was one of the few days where I didn’t endeavor to record all of my food throughout the day, but rather I wrote it all down just over the last few minutes based on memory. I think that I have compiled the entire list, but there were a lot of random items because it was such on out of the ordinary day. Hopefully, it is accurate.

I had a boating regatta yesterday - unfortunately the very last one of the season - and it was a strange beast indeed! My team is for dragon boating, but this event had us broken up into two teams and paddling in 10-person voyageur canoes. The races were three to four times longer than the ones we are used to competing in and they feature lots of turns and loops instead of the straight runs we have mostly done in the past. But it was such a blast!

I got to do lead stroke for all three of our races which was really exciting (and a little different since the front bench on the canoes only seats one person rather than two like on the dragon boats)! We came in third in our first heat and got first place in our second race, which meant that we got to compete in the A division finals! That second heat was amazing too; the whole boat had an incredible synergy and was the embodiment of what it means to work together as a team!

We came in last in the finals, but we still had a great time! And that last race was really different. We had to row out from the start, collect a pumpkin from the water which had been dropped from an overhead bridge, paddle down to a buoy where we did a tight turn to race back to where we had started, make a right, head into a beach area, have a runner jump out to receive a glass of cranberry juice which he then had to carefully walk down atop his paddle to a place where he exchanged it for a bag of cranberries and then run back to our canoe and jump back on, then we had to go around one more marker and head in a straight line for the finish! Like I said, it was very different!

After all of the fun of the regatta I got to go to my in-laws for a tasty Thanksgiving dinner. It was wonderful to relax with family after such an exciting and exhausting day of paddling, and I am very thankful that I have such opportunities to enjoy myself so thoroughly in a variety of ways! I am very lucky and I know it!

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 8 glasses of water
- 1 cherry tomato
- 1 small glass apple juice
- 2 sausages
- 2 pancakes with butter and syrup
- 2 bites of a cranberry sausage
- 6 small chocolate peanut butter cups
- 4 pieces of a chocolate peanut butter square
- 1 slice of coffee cake
- 1 bite of haggis
- 1/2 cup cranberry chili
- 1/2 cup coconut peanut brittle
- 2 slices eye of round peppercorn beef
- 2 white dinner buns with butter
- 1/2 cup roast potatoes with butter
- 1/8 cup canned corn with butter
- 1 cup broccoli, celery, cherry tomatoes, and carrots with ranch dip
- 1 slice brown sugar coffee cake with whipped topping, ice cream, and caramel sauce
- 1 mug tea with milk
- 1 coconut chocolate bar

EXERCISE:
- 8 1/2 hours at a long boat regatta (approximately 40 minutes on the water)

Weigh-In For Week 61

I am down 0.2 of a pound from last week. It's nowhere close to the stellar drop I was hoping for, but given that I am - yet again - rushing off on my way out the door - I will take it.

T.I.R.E.D.

My brain is working in incomplete sentences right now, but at least it’s still mildly creative:

Too sleepy.
Irresistible bed.
Rest is needed.
Exhausted.
Dreams are coming.

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 5 glasses of water
- 1 1/2 cups strawberries
- 1 wrap on a soft tortilla shell with canned ham, cheese, dried cranberries, spinach, fat free Miracle Whip, mustard, and pepper
- 5 chocolate wafer sticks
- 1 apple
- 1 cup celery sticks with roasted red pepper dip
- 1 apple cinnamon cereal bar
- 1 cranberry bran muffin with margarine
- 1/2 nectarine
- 1 1/3 cups Caesar salad with Parmesan cheese and croutons
- 5 yam fries with spicy mayonnaise
- 1 cheeseburger with bacon, mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayonnaise
- 6 bites of a chocolate brownie dessert with whipped cream, ice cream, chocolate sauce, and peanuts
- 1 deep-fried banana dessert with whipped cream, ice cream, and chocolate sauce

EXERCISE:
- 10 squats

Grumble

I am very tired of all this right now. I haven’t had a bad day per se. I am just not really jiving with the online journaling. I am sure it’s because I am having a hard time with this journey. I feel like I have been floundering for too long.

Tonight my husband asked me what was wrong; he said I seemed uncomfortable. I started to cry and told him that all I wanted was to eat. It was just a moment… and one that I kind of won, if I decide to look on the bright side, because I didn’t walk out the door with my admission to go out and buy all the sugary treats that I had been wanting right then. And I don’t feel like that all of the time (not even a lot of the time). But, sometimes, those thoughts drift in and are hard to get rid of.

I’m rambling and I know it. Like I said, I am tired. I won’t be giving this up; it’s too good for me even if I am too dispassionate to truly realize that or to completely commit to it right now. I will keep at it. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it.

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 6 glasses of water
- 1 cup strawberries
- 4 chocolate wafer sticks
- 1 wrap on a soft tortilla shell with deli ham, cheese, dried cranberries, spinach, fat free Miracle Whip, mustard, and pepper
- 3/4 banana
- 1 nectarine
- 1 mug pumpkin spice steamed soy milk
- 1 slice white chocolate mousse cake with whipped cream and coconut
- 1 2/3 waffles with margarine and maple syrup
- 2 slices garlic bread with Parmesan
- 1 cup cinnamon Mini Wheats cereal
- 15 whole wheat crackers with garlic and herb soft cheese

EXERCISE:
- 20 minute walk
- 40 minutes of rowing a dragon boat

Achieving The Dream

It was not the best day food wise today; there was definitely a little bit of a backslide going on again. I need to get myself an electric collar or something!

Seriously though, the day itself was fabulous and getting better by the second! I am feeling very happy right now, so I think I am going to end on a high note and try to turn in semi-early once again. Two nights of decent sleep in a row… I was starting to think it wasn’t possible!

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 5 glasses of water
- 1 banana
- 2 caramel rice cakes
- 1 large strawberry spread and chocolate stuffed cookie with icing
- 1 sugar cookie with sprinkles
- 1 apple fritter
- 1 cup onion rings with honey mustard sauce
- 1 1/2 cups peanut butter chocolate bar ice cream blend
- 1 wrap on a soft tortilla shell with deli turkey and eggplant baba ghanouj
- 1/2 pear
- 12 whole wheat crackers with cheese
- 1 mug decaffeinated tea with milk

EXERCISE:
- 10 squats

The Bed Is Calling To Me

I am finally getting to sleep at a decent hour! Yay!!! Wow, maybe I shouldn’t be so excited about such a simple thing, but there it is.

I am wiped too. I got in a couple of walks today and I just got home from a crazy dragon boating practice about an hour ago, so I really feel like I earned a good, solid rest. I pretty much always feel that way actually - it just never happens! But, this evening, I took a hot bath, put on my fuzzy bathrobe, and now I am checking in on here before calling it a night. Sometimes it really is the simple things that make life grand.

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 5 glasses of water
- 1 banana
- 3 caramel rice cakes
- 1 wrap on a soft tortilla shell with deli ham, cheese, dried cranberries, spinach, fat free Miracle Whip, mustard, and pepper
- 1 mixed berry yogurt
- 1 piece of a peanut butter square with icing
- 1 golden delicious apple
- 2 cups pasta with cream sauce
- 1 cup cauliflower with ranch dip
- 2 cups mint chocolate bar ice cream blend
- 3/4 cup low fat orange yogurt with 1 cup Multigrains cereal

EXERCISE:
- 1 hour and 15 minutes of walking completed in 2 outings (55 minutes long and 20 minutes long)
- 50 minutes of rowing a dragon boat

About Time

Again, I didn’t do too badly today. I am still not quite on solid ground, but I am finally gaining a bit of footing. Every day is one more chance to make improvements and I am trying to take advantage of that.

I am largely lacking in sleep though and I think that is an issue. I am actually feeling a bit run down even during the days, so I know that I have to make some changes in that department. When I am consistently struggling to find a moment to even type out my food and exercise lists, and I am still only sleeping for four or five hours a night, then I know there is a problem. Where does all my time go?!

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 6 glasses of water
- 1 banana
- 3/4 cup low fat orange yogurt
- 2 caramel rice cakes
- 1 cocoa coconut cluster bar
- 1 piece of a chocolate pecan square
- 1 mug coconut steamed soy milk
- 1 cup heated tuna salad with grated cheese, grated zucchini, fat free Miracle Whip, mustard, seasoning. and pepper
- 1 cup tiny cheese crackers and cranberries
- 1/2 apple
- 9 pieces of a California sushi roll with caviar and soy sauce
- 3/4 cup low fat piña colada yogurt with 1 cup multi-grain Cheerios

EXERCISE:
- 45 minute walk

Finally Feeling Fine

This is the first day in quite a long time that I actually felt relatively on track. It’s a great feeling! I just wish I had a bit more time to revel in it!

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 6 glasses of water
- 3/4 cup mixed berry yogurt with 1 cup maple nut wheat flake cereal
- 1 chocolate delite fiber bar
- 3 cups Caesar salad with bacon bits, Parmesan cheese, and croutons
- 1 garlic bread wedge
- 1 nectarine
- 2 small pears
- 2 homemade tuna cakes
- 3/4 cup low fat piña colada yogurt with 1 cup maple nut wheat flake cereal
- 1 cup fruit salad

EXERCISE:
- 1 hour and 5 minutes of rowing a dragon boat

Partner Up

I had a great talk with my husband this evening about my struggles – or, more specifically, our struggles – with this journey of late. We have both gained back approximately the same amount of weight and are going through very similar issues with craving sweeter foods, being less careful with what we are eating in general, and being more prone to miss out on exercising. Plus, we have been doing so while in each other’s presence, so it becomes a bit of a cyclic system with each of us lacking in our steadfastness and dedication to stay on track which then makes it easier for the other person to do the same.

I think, though, that the conversation we had this evening will help. Neither of us are overly happy with how we have been doing and so I think getting back on the same page with the intention to do better together will really make things easier. It always helps to have someone fight the fight by your side!

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 6 glasses of water
- 1 banana
- 1 chocolate delite fiber bar
- 1/4 cup homemade granola
- 1 homemade blueberry strawberry and white chocolate muffin with butter
- 2 homemade lavender shortbread cookies
- 1 1/2 cups carrots, broccoli, and red and yellow peppers with Mexican dip
- 3 slice Hawaiian pizza
- 1 pumpkin spice steamed soy milk
- 1 large ginger molasses cookie
- 2 cups mint chocolate bar ice cream blend

EXERCISE:
- 45 minute walk

Weigh-In For Week 60

I hummed and hawed a bit about whether to do a weigh-in because I knew that last night's greasy, high-sodium meal and a half was going to lend itself to a large (though assuredly temporary) increase on the scale. Finally, what it came down to was that because I had not planned on not weighing ahead of time, but was merely considering it on impulse due to overeating unhealthy choices, that I should go ahead and keep my records consistent. If I decide not to weigh some week down the road and make that choice ahead of time that would be different, but the thought of me not doing so today was simply a glimmer of my not wanting to be accountable to a moment of weakness.

So, without further ado, the very scary number is 159.8. That is exactly three pounds up from last week so, no, there is no joy in my weigh-in today. However, the one thing that I can take the tiniest bit of solace in is that I was very convinced that I would step up on that scale this morning and see a number that was deeply entrenched in the 160's. So, I do know it could have been a lot worse and I am thanking my lucky stars that I didn't order a dessert all to myself like I had wanted, but instead split one with my husband. At least I showed a sliver of restraint. I am patting myself on the back whenever I can these days.

To Weigh, Or Not To Weigh

I honestly don’t even know if I should weigh in tomorrow morning. I had an enormous amount of salty, greasy food tonight because I was at a going away party for a friend, and we ate at a restaurant where the healthy options were completely non-existent. Plus, we went out for dessert and drinks afterwards! I have been feeling pretty down about where I am at lately in this journey and I don’t want to have a temporary massive gain skewing my numbers (and, potentially, my mood). Yeah, I really don’t know what to do about my weigh-in…

FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 8 glasses of water
- 1 banana
- 1 whole grain muffin
- 3 caramel rice cakes
- 2 bites lavender shortbread raw cookie dough
- 7 homemade lavender shortbread cookies
- 3/4 cup pasta salad with cheese and broccoli
- 9 pieces of a spicy California sushi roll with soy sauce
- 1/2 cinnamon bun with icing
- 1/2 cup strawberry yogurt with 1/3 banana
- 3/4 cup tortilla chips with salsa and sour cream
- 3 cups nachos with 1 cup cheese salsa
- 1 bite bean and beef burrito
- 2 glasses of piña colada
- 1/2 brownie dessert with ice cream and whipped cream
- 1 bite of Bailey’s cheesecake with whipped cream
- 1/4 cup marshmallows
- 4 whole wheat crackers with herb and garlic soft cheese
- 1 1/2 cups apple cinnamon flavoured corn, wheat, and oat cereal with 3/4 cup milk
- 1 glass white wine

EXERCISE:
- 10 squats