Trip Report Day Four. The Beat Goes On and Hash House A Go Go

Sept. 29 Trip Report Day Four

Hash House A Go Go, Monte Carlo and Cher

Checked out of Hooters at 9:00 Am and hopped in a cab to Monte Carlo. Fare was $12.00. Left bags at Monte Carlo for later check in and decided to go to Hash House a Go Go at the Imperial for breakfast since it was served until 11:00 AM. Wow, the food is HUGE. The Chicken and Waffes is monster like. I chose the Scramble and partner chose Pancake Tractor Breakfast. After using certificate from restaurant.com the bill for two of us came to $24.00. Cool place. Solid food. Great service. World Famous!

Checked into Monte Carlo by 11:00 AM. Thrilled with room. Tasteful decor with great view of the roof! Maid service obviously takes pride in their work and we were greeted by "Welcome to the Monte Carlo. We are the best" Very sincere and pleasant! Loved the room, the atmosphere which was classy without being too snooty. There was so much to see at the hotel that two days just wasn't enough time to try the pool out, etc so we will return. There is a tram that runs from Monte Carlo - to City Center - to Bellagio. Very handy.


We took the Deuce to Fremont and got off at the Stratosphere to check the place out. Never having been there before it reminded me of Circus Circus. Nearby is the largest Souvenir Shop in Vegas and so it is. It is also located next to a large adult shop to if you are so inclined.


From there we got back on the bus and headed to Fremont to see what it was like during the day. Different vibe for sure and plenty of people! Played some slots at , ate a Deep Fried Twinkie and had a few cold beverages. No winnings but it was nice to hear quarters clink out of the machine like they used to. Wanted to check out Firefly but it was closed. Another reason to return to Vegas and make sure to take a trip there.

Apparently we went to BB King for 8:00 Blues Music the night before but so much happened that my memory isn't capturing things in correct order. Heh! Could have been the bevies or the heat. Not sure.. Anyways, the night before we headed to BB Kings at the Mirage for the 8:00 show and were seated up front. That night they charged $5/pp cover. Great band and vocals featuring music from Motown, Aretha, Tina Turner, etc. Got up and danced on the wooden floor. Very cool place. We tried the Fried Pickles which I loved and the partner didn't. We ordered the Shrimp Louie Salad and the Fried Chicken Salad. Nice to eat something healthy after some of the food we had eaten. The bill after the $25 coupon was $22.00

So, on Sept. 29th we DID go see Cher at Ceasas. Partner a big fan, me not so much but we both grew up watching Sonny and Cher show so it was cool to see some of her older stuff in video format. She did some of her songs as well as others songs which was cool because we've heard the others on the radio. Her song, Love Hurts was my highlight. Grand costumes meant costume changes and during that time there were great dancers performing Cirque type, ballet and hip hop moves. Fabulous show! Loved it! The great thing about Cher is that she knows she isn't the best singer or the best dancer but she does know how to work her assets and what does work. The girl worked it. Our seats were in the Mezzanine but a perfect view of the stage in the gorgeous theater. $50 a ticket each. I would suggest if you are thirsty, hydrate before hand because a small soda was $5.00. No cameras are allowed in an purses were subject to checks so allow yourself extra time. Mine was in there but they weren't that thorough. With everything happening and people around, don't even think of taking a picture to distract yourself from the show or others.

That night we got on the Duece and were packed tigher then sardines so got off to walk and have some space. I was chest to chest with random strangers. Literally!


We hadn't eaten since early morning so after the show we did more walking and decided to head back to the Monte Carlo. Opted for McD's and as I was eating a french fry I felt something not right. I broke my tooth. Yep, just like in the hangover but luckily it wasn't my front tooth. I had a sinking feeling of -- Oh crap. I'm in the US. This could suck. Coverage. Etc. No pain but I knew I had to make an appointment with my dentist ASAP. The next morning, I used the hotel internet which consisted of a joystick type keyboard trying to get my dentist's name. I see the dentist on Monday.


Day Five and into the home stretch! Thanks for reading. Hope it gives you some tips..

Las Vegas Trip Report: Day 3. I am the Elvette!

Day Three Sept. 27th

I am the Elvette and all we need is LOVE!



After last night's Purple Reign episode, we both slept in until 9 Am.




After doing lots and lots of walking, we decided to purchase the three day Duece/
Gold Line Pass. We planned for a cab to and from the airport. That was it. Besides, the heat was so intense and I recall someone saying that it was summer heat that hit on one day 110 degrees. I'm by no means a sun worshipper so I slapped on the highest sunblock I could find!




We took the Deuce along the strip and were enticed by O'Shea's 99 cent frozen Bailey's which packed a punch and oh so delighfully cheap!




Our plan was to get to Bill's Gambling Hall to catch the first show in the lounge. It was recommended we go 30 mins. early but 90 mins. early , it was packed. We managed to share a table with some folks from Great Britian. So, we chatted with the folks and proceeded to drink frozen Margaritas.. I believe there were five consumed and remember, also the Baileys. Folks, these are not full scale drinks. Merely litte sample sizes. Aloha from Las Vegas played on the back screens while Big Elvis' voice was dubbed. Big E arrived in a one piece jumpsuit and I was surprized at how good his voice was! He sang all the favourites and there must have been 500 people gathered around to hear the man with the big voice. He was very engaging, fun and very talented. Then, he asked for ladies from the aundience to come up and before I knew it, I was ready to be an Elvette! What a fun time!


Here is the link to the video
http://www.youtube.com/user/1smartcooky





We wandered throughout the strip and decided to get back to the hotel to freshen up for our dinner at the Border Grill. We purchased our certificate from www.restaurant.com. We were seated out on the patio with our reservations which looked over the beach at Mandalay Bay and a breeze came through the patio. It was lovely. Homemade tortillas and chips were given to us before ordering. I chose the Grilled Skirt Steak and my partner chose Chicken Adobe Quesadilla.The service was great and the food was tasty. Our bill for two of us came to $28.65 (with the certificate for $25.00. which cost me $2.00) This included 2 glasses Peach Lemonaid which was refreshing on a scorcher of a day. We would go back.. Check out their website. They have been featured on the Food Network.



After dinner we took the tram from Mandalay to Excalibur and walked to Monte Carlo. Took the tram to Bellagio and then walked to the Mirage for the 9:30 show of Love. The theater is in the round so I believe there is not a bad seat. Our seats were $50 each and at the top of the theater. Without revealing too much, lets say there were many surprizes through the show that caught us off guard. I love the Beatles music and it was my first Cirque show so it was a delight. The music, the visuals.. it was stunning! I would recommend it.


The rest of the evening we wandered through the strip and watch the Bellagio Fountains, a variety of impersonators, dealtainers, etc. I have lots of photos as well. Here is the link..

www.facebook.com/album.php…


Day Four.. coming up!

Las Vegas Trip Report. Day 2. : "Sin and Salvation|"

Trip Report Day 2
Sept. 26
Sunday

Salvation and Sin

$100 of Free Slot play signs were quite inviting so we signed up for their Players Card and picked up our tickets for Purple Reign that night. We were then directed to the promotional slot machines which were to be played. They were five dollar machines so it wasn’t long after the attended loaded our machine with a hundred dollar bill that we were done. NO winnings there. Well at least the beer as advertised was $1.00 a bottle!


Sunday morning we headed out and walked across to MGM to get an early start to the day. Our plans were to go see Purple Reign the Prince Tribute Show at Hooters for 10 PM and before we would go to dinner at the Border Grill which we had bought a $25 Gift Certificate on restaurant. com. We wandered through some of the hotels including the Tropicana which isn’t looking as tired and the renovations have certainly brightened it up from what we saw. We walked up the strip from the MGM to Planet Hollywood where we crossed over to the other side and back to Mandalay Bay to the House of Blues for the Gospel Brunch.




Two years ago, we went to the show and things have changed. It was in the basement and the buffet was a sea of long tables. This time, it was right in the restaurant and the stations were set up; mains, salads and dessert/fruit. There was a combination of foods but to note there was Jambalaya, shrimp, grits, chicken, turkey, salads and mostly home cooked Southern style food. I would say that the food quality was the same but the variety wasn’t what it 2 years ago. However, this time the setting is more intimate so you are more interactive with the performers and on that morning the choir that was on stage. Toss in some Lord Have Mercies and music that makes you want to get up and clap while singing the praises of the day. We are by no means religious but it is certainly a fun way to start your day! This time we chose to do the 1 PM brunch. The locals tell me that it’s a sell out so book your tables early. We booked five weeks in advance and got a table close to the stage. Tickets were $84.00 for two adults. We had bought the tickets and picked them up at House of Blues box office one hour before the show.




Afterwards we played some of the slot machines in the Mandalay but ended up donating instead of winning. While playing we were offered several complimentary cocktails. We then decided that we would hop on the Gold line in front of Mandalay Bay and head out to the Outlet Mall. The ticket vending machine outside of the Excalibur wasn’t working so we headed down to the Mandalay bus stop where we bought the three day pass to make use using the Deuce or the Gold line. We spent the afternoon and early evening at the Outlet shopping. I bought a Coach handbag for 50% off the regular price here in Canada along with other goodies there. This is the fourth time I have been to Vegas and the fourth Coach I have bought! As well, I checked out Dress Barn which we don’t have here in Canada and walked away with a shopping bag of clothes. Not on sale but selection like we don’t have here in Canada. Along the way we stopped at the food court for a hot dog and frozen lemon aid for $3.50. It filled the void. My partner was happy to get a pair of khaki Haggar pants for 75% off so he bought another pair and two shirts for under $80.00! There were some great shoe sales but I had to resist. A fraction of what I had spent. Time crept really fast so we knew there was no way we were going to make our dinner reservation at Border Grill so we cancelled it and rebooked for the next night before we were to see Love at the Mirage Theatre.





Purple Reign show was in the Night owl Lounge located to the side of the casino. While waiting in the line-up for general seating, the band was practicing so we got a glimpse of what was to come. A small and intimate lounge hosted a scattering of tables near a dance floor by the stage area and then ledge seating that sat up higher so once dancing started you could still see the stage. We chose that seating and Prince was at 12 o’clock in front of me. For anyone who wants a discount on this show, go see it full price or if you want to try and get a discount then grab a 24 coupon book and get in for $20.00. The band is talented musicians that play live. The backup dancer is very talented and is obviously skilled in hip hop, ballet and dance. Prince. What can I say? He is so talented that you will forget this is a tribute band and think you are watching Prince live! The costumes, the music and the choreography right down to the signature moves are amazing! They have performed on the David Letterman show and are THE tribute band. It’s a great time. They got us to raise our hands on who the Hooters guests were and its obvious that word of mouth gets around fast because people came to see the show from surrounding hotels and also the locals. All the songs you know: Raspberry Beret, Doves Cry, Get Off, Little Red Corvette, etc. As an added bonus, a tribute to Morris Day and the Time performing The Bird as well as other music. Loads of energy and lots of dancing. You can participate on the dance floor or look on while sitting in your seat. Afterwards, take the opportunity to meet Prince and get your picture with the band for $10.00.

The meet and greet went like this for me..

Prince: "Hey baby.. where are you from?"

Me: Uhm, Canada.

Prince: "Thanks for coming out to the show tonight."

Me: It was great. Realy enjoyed it.

Prince: Brushing his lips on my cheek and and a light kiss. "Make sure you come to the afterparty next door. See you there.. They sure have pretty girls in Canada"


Me: Blush. Swoon. Giggle. (LOL)

So we ended up at Dixie's Damn Bar ..next door. Me, I was a smitten kitten.

When we arrived at Dixie’s, the place was intense with lots of grinding going on to thumping dj beats and at points it was like a train wreck which I couldn’t turn away from to watch. Lol.. . I was sober at the time and as the place filled up with tourists the photographer came with pictures in hand. Some of the band trickled in through the doors. Prince, I have no idea.. But he was a sexy mother…




Once outside the door we realized that we hadn’t eaten more then a hotdog so we wandered over to Mad Onion and ate nachos and took advantage of the beer specials from the bar. Two adults in our early 40’s and it had been awhile since we got in at 2:30 Am. 3:30 in Canada!

 Good Night.


Watch Purple Reign

Vegas: Day One. "Hooters and a Naked Man"

Day One – Sept. 25, 2010






We left a bit early to make sure we went through security before the rush started. I picked our seats the night before and ended up having to sit at the back of the plane because the plane was full. But, hey, the trade-off was that we’d be in Vegas in three hours. Other then some turbulence, we had a great flight. A few drinks later and we soon arrived at McCarron Airport. We then took cab -- $13.00 to Hooters. Nice cabbie and great experience so handed the guy $20.00.


We arrived at front desk at Hooters to an overwhelming amount of noise. Yep, party time! Lots of orange and wood. I’ve never been to Hooters so had no idea what it or the hotel would be like! Great deals on beer - $1.00 bottles Bud and Bud Light. I’m not a beer drinker but when it’s hot, beer is good! I tried my first Bud Light with Lime Beer at Hooters. Signs reading $100 Free Slot Play.




We then got into line-up to be checked in. The line went quickly and received room key in 15 mins. I asked the check in person why she swiped my card because I had already paid. She muttered it was for security purposes. She then turned her back to me and commented to the person next to her that I was concerned I was going to be charged twice! Hmmm, discretion wasn’t part of the training apparently. She slid the pass key to me and with a miserable look on her face. She didn’t like her job or she was having a bad night. After taking the room key and feeling a bit light headed after a few drinks, turbulence and not having dinner I was a bit foggy. So, we walked through the seas of single men, Hooter girls and towards the neon orange signs. No directions given so we went to one of the security who was friendly and showed us to the elevator to our room.



I swiped the key and as I opened the door to what I believed as an empty room.. our room .. I saw a naked man lying on the bed! OMG. I quickly shut the door and had to laugh. My partner looked at me with a confused look on his face. I told him what I saw and he almost didn’t believe me. I said.. naked as in.. you know, all the bits with no clothes on! I looked at the room key and at the door. Yep, it was the right room. Then, the door opened and his woman came to the door with a towel wrapped around her. I apologized and told her we have been given this room. I told them I would go down and check with the desk.

Now, back to the desk with suitcases in tow through the casino. One hour in Vegas and one naked man seen.


By this time, getting really hungry and now, a bit grouchy.



We headed to security to tell them of our experience and they got on the phone. Tired of waiting I asked to speak to the supervisor on duty who apologized to us, comped the resort fee and upgraded our room to the room (apparently) stayed in by Mini Me/Verne which was amusing. I sure hope they changed the sheets!


So, off we went to the Bayview suite. The suite is itself was very big, clean, and airy complete with tropical theme. A King bed, walk in shower stall with spa shower, sitting desk, large screen tv and view of .. the parking lot! After dumping off all our stuff we wandered out to the casino and hotel looking for food. We chose the Mad Onion that had the dinner special of Prime Rib for $9.99 which included Prime Rib au jus, garlic mashed potato, corn on the cob, horseradish cream. Very tasty and filling! I was surprised by the quality of the beef actually.



We did a bit of walking around the hotel, packed it in and headed to bed since it was now about 12:30 AM. Tomorrow we had the Gospel Brunch at House of Blues and Purple Reign planned for the day!


The cost of room for three nights was $107.32. I signed up for Hooters emails and had a one time offer of 50% off their rooms. We took advantage of this..




I would recommend Hooters to anyone who has a vehicle because it isn’t as convenient as a strip hotel. You can walk through the MGM and take the cross walks across to the hotel. Otherwise, some of the sidewalks are sketchy and quite filled with garbage on a weekend! If you want to stay in Vegas for cheap and don’t care about the fancy extras it could be just what you are looking for! On the weekend, it was filled with single guys…. Hooter admirers no doubt.

The Climb

Friday and Saturday were great days of food planning while away and the fridge in the motel made my meal planning  a whole lot easier and effortless. Tons of hiking and sightseeing in Jasper and surrounding lakes. In good spirits considering it rained for most of those two days... not to mention increased energy.

Then, came Sunday. FREE DAY. Breakfast at Husky's. Afternoon treat of cheesecake and coffee. Dinner at the Elk and Oarsman for pizza. Yep, all very yummy.. but it didn't there. It ebbed over into Monday when I ate half of my leftover pizza from the pub. My last day off before heading back to work and in my mind I apparently wanted to go out with a bang and I did! Chocolate. A big bar of it. Later followed by chips and dip.

I have to stop right dead in my tracks and find alternatives for the treats. I could have fueled up with other food choices that wouldn't have left me with a feeling of guilt. I could have easily topped up my water but I choose to eat that crap.  

I'm now headed into week three and looking back at those things I acknowledge my errors and push forward. The ah ha moment was yesterday when I volunteered to take a whole day first aid course for work. As I had to do five sets of cpr over a manniquin crouched down on my knees I was tired and out of breath. Breath was an issue when we took our car to the parking at the foot of the Columbia Glacier and we set foot to climb up the glacier. The air was incredibly thin and health warnings were posted at the entry of the trail. My partner headed up the mountain and I was left behind.

I didn't like being left behind and don't want to miss out on life because I physically can't participate.  


.

Jasper Bound!

This weekend we are headed to Jasper and the Rocky Mountains. I have packed Body For Life meals for two days and will give myself one free meal instead of a Free Day. I will update on my progress when I return! Excited by apprehensive..

MIndful Eating.

I think the most important lesson I have learned while on Body for Life is mindful eating. Eating with intention and to fuel the body. So much so, it is Eating to Live not Living To Eat. 

Body for Life involves food journal ling all your meals for twelve weeks. This morning while thinking about my week and getting ready to put things on paper, I read through my daily entries. I noticed how quickly things started to slide the days I hadn't remembered to journal or in this case chose not to journal. Looking back at it now, I can't even remember what I ate at those meals!

Everything I eat, I own. That means if I consume it then I am accountable for that choice.  I realize that being honest with myself is the key to my success and ultimately my happiness. 

So by any entry that I have eaten off plan, I am recording my reasons for deviating from the plan. Ie, Stress, skipped meals. This helps me assess why I do what I do with regards to food. It also returns the power to me and not the food. This also help me realize what triggers, habits, or even certain foods that are connected to me with circumstances. 

Happy Heritage Day to me. Today is Free Day! 

 

Super Stoked!

Today's entry is brought to you by the number 11!

On Weds. night I bailed on my workout so I committed to going last night. Yes, I walked through the doors and was greeted by the Manager of the gym, Candy. She always smiles and greeted with me, "Hey how are you doing Christina" to which I replied,"Looking to do something different with my routine after two years" and after telling her that I was on Body for Life, what I wanted for my program I was brought a trainer by my side!

Long story short, I went through the weights, equiptment and cardio with the trainer.We wrote down my plans including reps, duration and equipment. What I was most excited about was to have someone show me and then show them what I do. To LEARN what I was to do and to correct any incorrect posture, form, etc. I am now using free weights as part of my routine. I have a much better understanding about the program and understand more of the terms used. Now, to go through my fitness books and understand what muscle groups work or rest while I am exercising.

I am excited and as my neice would say, "STOKED!" 

Trainers are something new to Spa Lady since they have been taken over by a new company. The trainer was familiar with Body for Life and told me how she had seen some people who had done it with amazing results. Of course I was given a bit of a sales pitch on how I could book sessions, etc which I said no to at this point but it is great I have options available to me.

I also managed to cut my gym membership in half!


Yay me! "

OSC



"Our body is…a vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care.” -- Buddha

Sushi, Meditation and Dealing With Stress

Today's eating plan was wobbly. The morning went well. Then, in the afternoon our meeting ended up being four and a half hours long so I didn't have an opportunity to eat my afternoon snack because there was no break. Throughout the meeting, gummy animals were being passed around and before I knew it I was indulging in two of the chewy critters. So, note to self:

Bring along something small and portable that I can gnaw on instead of gel-afied sugar!

I was mentally exhausted with all the information given to us at the meeting and did not leave work as planned at 5:30 to go to the gym. I chose to go directly home to re ground myself. Then, when we were on the way home from work I was incredibly hungry so I craved sushi big time! So, we stopped and grabbed sushi with a mixed vegetable bowl. After we got home I told myself, "Gee, that's a lot of food. I should divide it in half and put it into a container right away for a meal the next day. Into the fridge" That, did NOT happen so I ate the large California Rolls and Alberta Rolls made with white rice.  No evening snack.

 

I realize that the salty cravings were my body's way of reacting to the stress of the meeting events and sugar rush from the treats

.

Last night, I decided that I need to reground myself after the day and focused on meditation followed by an early night and extra sleep. I feel much better today. Today, I got up early and prepared my meals for the day so I am ready. Breakfast was made and as I type this I am optimistic. Even though I did not fufill my eating as planned I will not beat myself up for it. My gym bag is at work so I will go to my session that I had agreed to yesterday.

Focus on progression not perfection. Get back on .. quickly!

Blood Sugar Confusion

Today I worked late so I got up around 8:30 AM and did some things before work. I ate breakfast, 10:30 AM, which was later then usual in the morning so things started to snowball from there.

I didn't eat a morning snack or my lunch. So, by mid afternoon when a friend came to take me for coffee I thought, "Whoops.. I haven't been eating". So my in case of emergency bar was there and I ate it with a large cup of green tea. By that time, I should have been eating an afternoon snack but had already missed two meals! 

Dinner time was at 4:30 PM but I ignored that and ploughed on with my day. About 7:30 I felt absolutely ill so drank a shake which calmed things down. Work finished at 9:30 and in the car on the way home I was STARVING. Normally, I would be tempted to eat fast food but instead drank my water with lemon.

At home, I ended up eating a meal and a snack. You know what? I am still hungry! I am going to drink some water and settle down for bed. Its now 11:11 PM!

Looking at my day, not the best..

10:30 AM Breakfast

3:15 PM Snack

7:00 PM Shake

10:00 PM Meal

10:30 PM 2 Snacks

Today is done. Tomorrow is a new day!

Day 7. Thank you Lenny!

I would like to personally thank Lenny Kravitz for today's workout! lol.. If it hadn't been for that song, Are You Gonna Go My Way, I would have bailed because my legs were killing me. Today was leg workout and I completed it.

Today is Day Seven and I have to admit I am a bit bummed. I did a morning weigh in and the five pounds I had lost seemed to have resurfaced. Was it the salt or sugar from yesterday that caused the bloat? Now I realize that FREE DAY isn't truely that for me if I want results. Next week will be A Free Meal on the FREE MEAL Day. I have a food hangover today and admit I don't feel as good as yesterday.

So, tonight I have finished organized my meals for tomorrow and my treat for tonight was a pedicure with shiny red polish. It was wonderful!

What other rewards can I give myself when I work hard and complete what I intended to do? Normally it would be a dinner out, chocolate or other food reward. Time to re pattern my habits.

Lenny Kravitz "Are You Gonna Go My Way"

Body For Life

I have been on You Tube looking for videos and came across this for anyone who has no idea what the program I am on is about, Body For Life. Click on the link and it will take you to a snapshot in video format. Pretty simple, huh?

Body For Life

Pushing Past the Comfort Zone

When you overcome resistance, you create the power to continually reach higher

We decieded that after dinner we would go for a walk because it was incredibly hot inside our home and I didn't have an opportunity to get any exercise into today other then the 12,000 steps I put in at work.

Many times we had talked about going down the path along Blue Quill that had been recently cemented into biking trails but like many things, it was just talk. Instead we opted many times to do other things instead that would take less effort. We are fortunate to live in an area lush with trees, wildflowers, flowing water, birdlife and only a ten minute walk from our home.  How lucky am I!

The walk started off at 8:30 PM when the sun began setting. As the sun began on its slow decent, the air cooled and a light breeze came in. As we walked and took the time to drink in the trees, the flowers, the lushness that the rain had brought, the blue sky with its hints of pink and were surprized at how quiet it was this Saturday night in July.

How many times have I taken myself out of situations because I told myself it would take too much effort physically or because I told myself I couldn't do it! I was moving my body, it felt great and guess what.. I enjoyed it!

It had been two years since I had walked that path and at that time, I was more out of breath, more tired and bailed early on in. This time was very different. We walked along the path through steep inclines and at one point on an upward climb I thought to myself.. OMG! My heart pounded in my throat and I had a strong feeling of discomfort. Discomfort is something as a society we are told we need not endure but at that moment I realized that in life there will be some discomfort and in order to acheive my goals it must come. It will come and then it will go. Its that simple.

Comfort zones are often explanded through discomfort

Two years ago I had to have my inhaler with me and had to take many breaks. This time, as I looked up towards Mike who was well ahead of me, I was determined to make it to the top and rest on the fence ahead of me and I can do this I told myself. I made it to the top, no inhaler in hand and rested as I got to the top. I took several deep breaths and I saw the wooden sign. I made it. I did it!

The hill took us to the Rabbit Hill Road where we decided to walk along the pathway back to the condo. I was very tired by that point but pushed myself to make it back. I told Mike that I will keep going but be prepared to come back and pick me up in the car if I collapse. Just as I said that we saw two Ambulances drive by. If I continued to live my life the way I was, then was this not a message the Universe was sending me at that very moment?

Food - Doctor "Feelgood"

Yesterday and most of the week was crazy busy at work. Everyone in my immediate circle seemed to be stressed and anxious. The reason for this, CHANGE.

Normally, that's when things like chocolate, cheese, pizza or wine would beckon. Comfort. The euphoric, you are fine. Its ok. It is good. This time I stood my ground and stopped the process.

In the past, I have allowed myself to become a like a large sponge and absorb all around me which included nervous energies, anxiety, etc. This time I stepped back to observe and then asked myself, "What's going on here. Why do I have these cravings and where are these cravings coming from?" Also, I reminded myself that the stressors I was trying hard to detach myself from will too pass and just as they entered, they left.  I chose not to give them the power and to take my personal power away. The power to choose the best fuel for my body, the power to make decisions, and the power to think about the situations that arise instead of acting impulsively.

I am learning that the keeping of one's agreements, the changes my body is going through, the results, a healthy body that is strong feels much more incredible then the over indulgence and dissappointment of eating off plan would.

My lesson today is to not allow the stresses that come to me to keep me from my course.

Focus on progress not perfection

One day at a time...

Broken Agreements.

Isn't it interesting how we won't break agreements to others but suddenly we are breaking agreements to ourselves. In my case, the gym is one of those agreements.

Too busy. Too tired. I don't enjoy exercise. It hurts when I exercise. Sound familiar? Yep, sounds just like some of the excuses I have used or some of the stories I was telling! So instead of going to the gym which strengthened by body, I allowed myself to break promises to myself about.. exercising throughout the week and it didn't happen.

While reading  Body For Life, there are pages about Honouring Self Promises. This is a biggie for me! I would never tell someone I would be, do or help them if I wasn't going to do it! So, quite honestly, I developed a pattern of not honoring self promises. If I can't trust on my own personal word then perhaps this is why I have had and admitidly continue to have some challenges in my life. I have the tools to succeed, I have the rules, and I have the ability but I choose not to succeed by not honoring
my own word.

Do I keep my own word to myself? Answer this honestly.

Notice how differently you feel when you keep your word to yourself then when you do not. When you don't you suddenly become filled with uncertainty, anxiety, anger and your self confidence is lacking. When you honour the promises you made, you feel confident, satisfied, light and happy.

Today was an example of this for me. My personal agreement was to workout twice this week and when I made it to the gym I realized I hadn't been there since June! That certainly didn't support my goals.


Tonight, once I made it to the gym I was proud I made the effort and fufilled my personal agreement. After working out, I felt satisfied that I had fulfilled my agreement and happy with my results. So much so that after dinner we went for a walk..

Body For Life

Two weeks ago, a friend who I trust and who has experience in weight loss once again suggested I pick up the book Body For Life. Actually, he suggested it previous to that but because I was in resistance, I chose not to. I told myself stories that I didn't want to bulk up or that's for body builders! He suggested I pick it up for the exercises and strategies within. So, you can have things suggested to you that are for your own benefit but its you who CHOOSE whether or not do then, eh?

I had chosen to change my course of action because after nine months of being on another program it didn't provide my body with what it needed and I was not happy with the results. I wanted to lose more but wasn't there quite yet. Looking back at it now, it was my intention to lose the 25 pounds and I got what I believed I could get! Eighty pounds in my mind at that time was a very lofty target and seemed unreachable. I am very happy that I released 25 pounds and along the way learned more about my body, who I am, what I believe and learned lessons along the way. As I reflect back, it did benefit me.

No matter who you are, no matter what you do, you absolutely, positively have the power to change

This is my new mantra. It can apply to any facet of your life. I am creating mental and physical strength. This means, that along the way I will in fact be releasing old beliefs, thought process and open myself up for change. Kinda scary but also exciting at the same time!

I never want to hear myself say or think that I wouldn't do something because it took too much (physcial) effort or I was "too tired". The last two years were the first time in my adult life that I hadn't checked out of social situations, events, etc. because of those (excuses) reasons. Don't get me wrong, I certainly am not perfect but when this situation arises I ask myself why I really do not want to go out or be there.

There is a world of difference between knowing what to do and actually doing it.

After one month of deciding my course of action and getting back on the horse, I did indeed take his advice and buy the book, "Body for Life. 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strength". After only three days of implementing the food plan/eating plan I have released almost five pounds without special pills, high cost, and without altering my life! It is indeed early days but I am optimistic, happy and inspired.

You Can't Change What You Don't Acknowledge

September 15, 2009 I joined U Weight Loss and to date I am pleased with my results. I have not gotten the results that I had wanted but upon reflection I realize that it was my own doing that prevented me from achieving the results I had originally set down.

I was on track with the plan and getting results. Then, along came Christmas and New Year's. Life got busy and old habits resurfaced. Ie, Christmas goodies, wine, champagne, dining out.

My action plan is to journal my food 100% and not only food that I admit to eating. That is being completely honest and no deception. Accountability. Secondly, I need to get my body moving. So, today was my first day back at the gym after not being at the gym since summer! I wear a pedometer daily and can easily do 10,000 steps per day but it is important now that I get my heart rate increased.

2009 Health Changes

*Eating three times a day and two snacks. There was a time I made every excuse not to do it and that I couldn't but now this is becoming regular routine and I eat breakfast every day. No excuses.

*Prepping. I prep the night before for lunches and snacks. I have them ready to go and in case of emergencies. It saves me from slipping or using an excuse that there is nothing to eat!

* Eating right. Honestly, nothing was more apparent to me this year over the holidays then ever before. If I eat too much, drink too much or eat crap, I feel like crap! I don't feel good. My energy is zapped. It does not support me to eat badly!

*Vitamin D. I am taking 1,000 units of Vitamin D. This was suggested to me by my doctor and I have definitely seen the benefits since I have been taking it.

http://www.alternative-medicine-digest.com/benefits-of-vitamin-d.html

*Accountability. My body is my own. I have no one to blame and I make my own choices.