Do One Thing Today That Scares You

(An Ode to Darlene. The inspiration for my Lululemon Pants.)

That's a pretty bold statement.

If you are a plus sized guy or girl then you know how clothes shopping sucks. The styles are just plain ugly, almost tent like and usually made of fabrics your grandmother might wear! Not to mention, the prices for the decent clothing are overpriced. If you are a regular sized person, you have lots of choice and you can virtually go to any price point you so choose.

This was even more evident on a trip to the Outlet Center in Las Vegas. A mecca of discounted fashionable clothes and in May I was able to scoop up several tops, pants, and capris which made me giddy with delight because until then, in Canada you can choose from Addition-Elle which is overprice, Penningtons which is just plain ugly and Reitmas which is cheap and cheerful but the quality is sometimes in question. I can across Lane Bryant for the first time and found jeans that were trendy! Amazing!

A couple of weeks I went to the morning workout and commented that my goal was to look great in a pair of Lululemon pants and fit into a pair. One of the ladies there commented that I can easily fit into a pair and I was absolutely dumbfounded. Huh?!? A size 12 you say? C'mon! Darlene's butt looks great in a pair of Lululemon's but mine would look like a sack of potatoes!

Workout pants have always been a pair off the rack in the plus stores. You know the kind, ugly and elaticized! I vow NEVER to wear a waistbank with elastic again. After a fruitless clothes shopping trip in Vegas and here at home I decided to take the plunge. I called up the store and asked if they had these pants. Yes, they did.

So, off in the car to go try on THE pants. The sales person opened them up and asked me if these looked too big. No, I thought, they look too small. So, embarrassed I grabbed the pants and snuck into a fitting room next door to a girl with a tight end.

I put the pants on and you know what? My body has been changing and things are shifting.. The pants were big around the waist and I thought, "How can this be possible?!"I asked for a smaller size and they stretched with my body. So comfy.

I looked at the price tag. Ninety eight dollars. Choke. Gasp.

Before I knew it I was paying for the pants and had decided that my goal is to fit the pants perfectly. Right now, not so perfect but good enough so I can wear them to exercise and remind myself of where I want to be.

I did something today that scared me. I took a good look into the mirror wearing the "magic pants''.

Viva Las Vegas.

After six nights and four days in Las Vegas I'm home.

It is bittersweet.

We left temperatures edging in and out of the 100 degrees and come back home to.. well, colder temperatures and falling leaves! I have to pack away my sandals, short sleeves and capris. Sigh. It is now fall.

I'm proud to say that while I was away I did NOT gain any weight! This is what I did.

I was very anxious about going through security with my bottle of Ionix Supreme, canisters of Isalean shakes and organized each days pills into our handy pill containers. I had to remember that Isaflush was WHITE and Accelerator was a brownish colour. I wouldn't want to take an accelerator at night! I was excited as it was to get away on a proper grownup holiday as it was! But, we made it through both ways and I am glad that I packed it all in my suitcase and not carryon bag because I made the mistake of throwing in suntan lotion at the last moment and was subjected to having the contents of my bags examined and swabbed! Whoops.

That night we arrived late and notified the clerk that we were tired from our flight and celebrating our honeymoon. She quickly upgraded our room and gave us a view of the strip which normally would have been an additional 60 dollars for the view alone. The room was clean, modest and much more contemporary then our last room which was like a dungeon.. The pillows and bedding was luxurious compared to the cheesecloth and pancakes last time! We ordered pizza from a local joint that so kindly slipped their menu under the door. Yeah, yeah. Not the 600 calorie meal I was supposed to have but I had just finished a cleanse and was ravenous.

The next day we took a walk down the strip to get the largest container of distilled water we could find to take back to the hotel room complete with spigot. Perfect for drinking and making our shakes. We packed along an immersion type hand blender and containers. An ice machine next door and it was perfect. Ionix Supreme sat in our champagne bucket filled with ice and more ice in the sink to hold the bucket. Every day we drank our shakes for breakfast and not one single breakfast buffet! We alternated shakes for lunch and dinner.


The next morning we went to the House of Blues Gospel Revival Brunch. You will work off the calories! Before I knew it I was dancing and waving around my napkin while singing I Believe! Say Yeah! It was wonderful. Amazing vocals and the musicians were a great treat. Amazing Grace made the hair on my arms stand at attention! The food was an ecclectic mix of southern, cajun, american, and nice salads, etc. All very good. Worth every penny.

Meals on the strip come with a price. Monetary and calorie wise. One day we ate at what is considered the best buffet in Vegas. Le Village Buffet at the Paris Hotel. It was simply wonderful! While dining on what would be rich food, I made sure to balance it with plenty of veggies and some fruit. I also ate items that I could not eat at home or that are not as redily available.

Go to the half price ticket outlets and you can actually get discounts on meals such as this buffet. We chose the lunch menu which is less expensive and save $10 on two meals. Magnifique!

My husband loved his cheap meal at the Tropicana for $5.99 spagetti and meatballs or meatloaf. This was not canned and each meatball was handmade.

A walk at night along the strip is a mezmerizing thing. The lights and the neon are captivating. The hum, the excitement. Yes, an adult playground. I wonder why people bring their kids to this place and even babies! That makes no sense to me!

One morning while I was there I was able to get tickets to the Folies Bergere for half price and we were seated in the orchestra section. Fabulous show and seating! It is the longest playing show on the strip for 50 years.

We went to the Rio to see the Masquerade In The Sky. A free show complete with dance numbers and tossing of beads off floats. Yes, I shook it for beads! It is no longer What Happens In Vegas Stay In Vegas since OJ and the Internet! It was great fun and we wandered through the casino.

I had heard about Margaritaville in the Flamingo and that day for lunch I had their infamous hamburger and Margarita. I was stuffed! I've noticed that I certainly cannot eat the quantaties of food I used to. Its a fun place and at night they have live bands.

One thing guaranteed that you will do in Vegas is walk. You will walk on the strip, through the casinos, through pedways, to the shows, to shop and nothing is a straight line. It was incredibly hot while we were there and the heat can be tiring. Everywhere is air conditioned and even the awning have misters as you walk by.

If you get tired, hop aboard the Deauce. A double decker tour type bus that runs along the entire strip not to mention Fremont Street and the Outlet Mall! You can get a 24 hour pass for five buck. Now, that's a deal! I know last time we spent far too much money on cabs and were GOUGED on the way to the hotel for $25 when it should have been no more then $10.

Treasure Island or TI hosts one of the most popular show and its no wonder with its gorgeous sirens dressed in pirate booty shorts, swash buckling hunky pirates, pyrotechnics, acrobatics and a sinking of a ship. Not to mention dance numbers to add to the cheese. All very entertaining.

One evening we went to Fremont Street for the fantastic overhead light show and a glimpse at real Las Vegas. Hold onto your wallet and be aware that pickpockets are around. That evening, one hour after we left we were talking to a fellow from Illinois that was robbed and the thug got off with $900. He admitted he was stupid to carry that much cash and has about 9 beer so he was easy pickings. I would go to Fremont Street during the day or early evening. Make sure you stay with your group and you'll be just fine!

Lots of interesting characters from not only Vegas but around the world. I chatted for an hour to a couple while waiting in lineup for an hour who were visiting from Ontario and they were all too happy to tell me the Do's and Don'ts of Las Vegas.

Stop by Bellagio to see the amazing chocolate fountain, dancing water, glass flowered ceiling and beauty of this grand hotel. The newer Wynn is gorgeous and I understand they have a fantastic water wall show of their own. Very luxurious hotels.

Join the Player's Clubs and you will recieve lots of complimentary goodies. Free slot play, cheap drinks, etc. Bally's gave us a long sleeved shirt from the Paris hotel! We were there one week and spent NONE of our own money on gambling!

Stay away from the guys in yellow tshirt clicking their girlie cards that promise a girl to your room in 20 mins. unless you're into that.


Ah shopping. We had intended to spend three hours at the Outlet Center and ended up spending the whole day there. Me, I didn't buy any clothing except for boots, gifts and lingerie. Oh, and then there was the Coach handbag! We spent some time also in the shops along the strip and dreamed of shopping in exclusive shops like the Canal Shops, Forum or Ventian. If you like mainstream shopping then the Fashion Show Mall is an amazing place and it has four department stores including Macy's, Dillards, etc..

There just isn't enough time! This is only a glimpse of what awaits you in the city that never sleeps.

I'm now doing a two day cleanse and ravenous....

Isagenix and Holidays.

I wanted to share my personal Vision Board. I believe that if you can truly see what you desire you can make it happen. Some of my personal goals aren't as lofty as becoming a millionaire, owning a hot car.. but these are what I want and will enrich my life as I see it!

This will be my last blog entry for a week. My husband and I are off to Las Vegas for holidays. Las Vegas was one of the last places on earth I thought I would want to see until my brother got married in May and here I am, less then five months going again. But, this time not four days but a whole week!

I have to admit my mind has been on finishing up some projects at work and getting ready for the trip so I haven't totally focused on Isagenix. However, my huband has started on the men's program to build muscle and body weight so we have made a pact that we will have two shake meals and one "real" meal. I've also packed all my Isagenix for each day and have had my own revelation. Slimcakes ROCK! If you haven't tried them, you HAVE to. Those small cookies are filling and tasty! Well, worth the money. They can act as a meal replacement or a great alternative to eating junk food. I am bringing one for the plan trip and a few for snacks along the week. As well, I've packed a bathing suit and their is a fitness room in the hotel. I know we will be doing LOTS of walking because everyday is jammed packed with activity.

We leave Saturday night so I am cleansing that day and the next morning I have booked us at the House of Blues, Gospel Revival Brunch. (I did opt out of the all you can drink Mimosas and Bloody Mary's for another ten dollars! ) It should be an amazing way to begin our holidays!

Stairs.

No, we don't have snow! This is an old picture but you get the idea of the ... stairs. :-)


Yesterday our plan was to go to the River Valley workout at 10:00 AM. Just as we are about to go out the door I heard the washing machine make a strange noise and it turned out that it was leaking and flooded the floor! In a panic, we cleaned it up and were concerned about the flooring getting damaged but all appears well. So, we headed off to the workout.

Ninety minutes of pushups, pullups, crunches and the dreaded stairs. I do great in the beginning and then half way through my legs become lead weights. Last time my time was 3:20 and this time I did it in.. 2:45! Whoo! Whoo!

What did I learn? I hadn't been to the gym for a week. I was not drinking enough water and perhaps the beer and pizza at the game weren't such a great idea! Right now, my muscles going into my armpits are killing me, my upper legs burn and my feet even ache!

Hey, but I did it. My plan is the gym on Wed. and Friday night after work. I'm cleaning on Saturday and then I fly out to Vegas for our trip Saturday night. We started packing yesterday and pick up Mike's passport tomorrow morning!

Beer and Pizza.

Last night we planned to go to the Edmonton against Calgary football game.I packed clothes to change into, gloves, fleece, etc because I knew it would be cold and they were forecasting rain so we brought rain ponchos.

I ate my morning shake and brought along my prepared lunch which was lentil loaf and sauteed zucchini with mushrooms and tomatoes. At coffee break, I drank a bottle of water and ate two Isasnacks.

Later that morning one of my employees came up to me to tell me she has brought me Bryani (spelling?!)which is Indian food for my lunch. Chicken and rice.. SO now, I'm confronted with two lunches. I opt for half of the container of Indian food and enjoy that. I drink two large tumblers of water.

In the afternoon, I drank a bottle of water and snacked on unsalted raw almonds.

The group of us leave from work and head to the game on the bus. Then, we get to the stadium at its 630 ish and my head is spinning. I'm hungry. I had planned on putting some shake into my water bottle and having that before I carried on with the night. That didn't happen.

Before I know it, all 20 of us are circled around and I have a beer in my hand. I have never had beer. I drank my first beer and we headed to the stands which were up MANY stairs. I plopped myself in the seat, zipped up my fleece and watched the game. Beer was gone. Whoa. Light headed.

I ate a handful of popcorn someone offered and was essentially overloaded my sensories. Then, someone next to me and we shared a piece of pizza. The dough soaked up the beer. Someone realizing that this was my first beer brought me another beer and I finished that up with one mini doughnut.

Totally off plan for the night. The game was fun and the night was beautiful. Pretty crisp.. I was starting to get quite cold when it was time to leave.

Today I am back on plan. I've had my shake, Ionix and accelerators and will eat my meal today for lunch and have a shake for dinner. I feel a cold coming on so I'm heading to bed early tonight!

10 Days. The Results!

• I have released seven more pounds of fat! Now for a grand total of 22 pounds!

• I have released another six inches! Now for a grand total of 22 inches gone!

Recap of My Week. The Last Ten Days.

• What did I accomplish this week? I did a total of four total cleanse days out of 10 days using Isagenix. I followed the program and had a shake in the morning as well as in the evening. My main meal was at lunch while at work.
  

• I cooked my meals, measured and put all of my meals in container for the week so I would have them ready to go for work.
  

• The hardest time came when it was the evening of the second day. My body or should I say my mind told me that I was just about finished and I got a headache. So, I drank a glass of water with one teaspoon of Want More Energy. At dinner time tonight, my husband put a frozen pizza into the oven. All Dressed. I could smell it so I actually shut the door and put a towel under the door! Yes, it came to my mind that he was incredibly unaware of what I was doing, feeling and being unsupported. I got extremely agitated.

• My husband will be starting Isagenix to build muscle, gain energy and rid himself of unhealthy belly fat. I will be interested to see his results on the Men's Health and Wellness Package.

• I worked out three consecutive evenings after work for one hour eat time. This included circuit and cardio. I had to force myself to go. Throughout the week I pushed myself a little bit more to do more cardio. Another minute here, another minute there. I packed my gym bag with me and took it to the office. I changed and as soon as I got into the car, we drove to the gym. Experience tells me that if I went home, that would be it. Each of the ten days I went for a 30 mins. walk.

• I have shared Isagenix with two people in my life and will soon have two more join me in their own personal journeys.
  

• All week I ate brown rice, couscous, salads, veggies, turkey, chicken and salmon.

• I drank two litres of water each day and in some cases more.

• I have planned our action plan when we travel on our holiday to Las Vegas. Two out of three meals will be Isagenix Isalean shakes! I have planned each day of our trip.
  

• I will be celebrating a friend's birthday tomororw with a meal out and enjoy it without the guilt.

• I will be attending my first football game with a large group of people this Friday. Until now I've always tried to hide from public functions even though I work and see many people every day!
  

• Last night I took pictures of what I look like now. I am amazed at how much things have changed in two months.
  

• I have received compliments like Fantastic. Fabulous. Glowing. Beautiful. Great compliments from close friends and acquaintances. That feels great!

• I feel proud of my accomplishments this week and it inspires me to continue on my journey. I want to share with others this wonderful opportunity that I was given.... and by blogging I am doing that right now!
  

That's the way we do it!

~It's nine PM and I made it through today. I have to say that the hardest part of whole nine day cleanse was when my husband came home and cooked a pizza in the oven. Hey, I love pizza. Well, I don't love it but I do like the taste! I actually had to shut the door and stuff a towel underneath to keep the fragrance away. I know there is someone laughing out there.. I get a text from my coach telling me I'm not hungry. Yeah right, have you been inside my body? Naw...I was hungry. I got a large glass of water, added a teaspoon of Want More Energy and sucked on a Isadelight. It passed.

I'm thrilled to say that my husband has ordered his Isagenix. For him, it was to build muscle, lose belly fat and gain energy. His kit should arrive tomorrow...

I have our itinerary planned for Vegas and we are bringing Iagenix with us including our blender! I will be doing two out of three meal on the plan. How hardcore is that?! Considering Las Vegas is the land of indulgence and home of the buffet!

My smile is GENUINE!

This is what look like RIGHT now!!

Day 55! Almost two months.

This is what I looked like almost two months ago!!

Choice.

As I go into Day One of my Two Day Cleanse... I have a fondness for lemons and water...

I've been eating so well this week: Salmon, Tuna, Chicken, Fish, Brown Rice, Couscous, Veggies, oils...


I feel the need to write about the word choice.


If you look for a definition, it is summed up as:

Choice consists of the mental process of thinking involved with the process of judging the merits of multiple options and selecting one of them for action. Some simple examples include deciding whether to get up in the morning or go back to sleep, or selecting a given route for a journey. More complex examples (often decisions that affect what a person thinks or their core beliefs) include choosing a lifestyle, religious affiliation, or political position.

Most people regard having choices as a good thing, though a severely limited or artificially restricted choice can lead to discomfort with choosing and possibly, an unsatisfactory outcome. In contrast, unlimited choice may lead to confusion, regret of the alternatives not taken, and indifference in an unstructured existence; and the illusion that choosing an object or a course leads necessarily to control of that object or course can cause psychological problems.

In the last few days, its been my realization that there are people who do not choose to agree with my lifestyle choices and the evolution that I am going through. Just as they choose how to wear their hair, what religion they choose to believe in, or something as simple as deciding what they will have for dinner tonight; I am told that they do not agree with my choice.

Especially because my plan does not involve fast food, dining out three times a week, eating to excess, alcohol, etc.

"You have to eat three meals a day. You can't go a whole day without eating a meal. How come you can't come out for dinner with us? Why don't you try this (insert food here)? Why aren't you having a drink?"

At first, it made me upset and angry and then I let that go. It suddenly occurred to me that these were the same people who ate bags of chips after dinner, drank to excess, smoked, didn't eat breakfast, didn't exercise, etc.

(Hey, I've been there. I might not have been all of those people and I don't plead innocent.)

I also realized that their health was also something that they assumed would carry them through their life without investing in or any sort of energy of intervention. This made me more then anything confused.

Why do we do this to ourselves? Is it simply because we are lazy.. or want to remain ignorant....or simply don't question..


As you read this, what choices did you make consciously today?

I need your help!

Does anyone know how to embed video into my blog. I tried it once and it didn't work.. Help. I would love to try it out to see if it could enhance the blog entries.

Day Eight. Coming Around the Bend.

I work today so instead of doing my cleanse day today and tomorrow, I am on shakes and meal today. Then, cleanse the next two days.

I was hungry last night so I had an extra shake. Much better then whoofing back a whole pizza or a LARGE Dairy Milk. :-) I was tired so I went to be around 9:30 PM. Took a shot of Ionix Supreme and had wonderful sleep!