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