Canadian SPRING has SPRUNG thread! :)
 

:flow1::sunny::rain::sunny::rain::flow1:

I don't think I've ever started a thread. So here it is. I hope it is appropriately spring-like.

Happy Friday Ladies - I am at my desk and happily in-between supervising drama students for today. I just about ran off to Tim's for a large coffee and yogurt, but decided --a litre of water before I go anywhere. I know that coffee is my goal but usually turns into some baked delight, so there's one good decision. ALSO: Did not smoke on my drive into work so can I get a WOOT for that? woot!! Lol.
In other happy news I have discovered CBC music. OMG is it good. I'm listening to Canadian songwriters and I feel all tapped into the cultural side of my days. I'm off to finish a painting and maybe a walk later!! I hope you all have a GREAT weekend and here's to a lovely Spring!! Cheers!!
Tam

TAM ~ thanks for starting our new spring thread; I just realized that officially spring is supposed to start on the 20/21st (I think) ... :shrug:

Congrats on cutting down on that smoking; that's exactly what DH and I did over 9 years ago (March 20, 2003 was our official quit day).

We cut back first, making rules about where we could and couldn't smoke -- for instance, first big rule was NO SMOKING in the bathroom or bedrooms (we never smoked in our sleeping bedroom; I mean, our spare rooms like the office/PC & utility rooms). Smoking was only allowed in the kitchen/livingroom at that point.

Then DH couldn't smoke in his workshop; and eventually the car either, esp if I :drill: was with him. ;) If he was alone, he had to open the windows and could only take 1-2 ciggies with him; eventually, he stopped taking any and would wait until he got home. He smoked a lot more than me so that was really good of him. BTW, we both agreed to these rules and DH set his own pace (I'm just teasing about the drill sergeant thing).

DH made me homemade substitute ciggies from dowels (I still have a jar of them as a reminder), but you can buy them now. I also chewed sugar-free gum and DH sucked on NSA candies (so we wouldn't gain weight). Plus, DH took long, long walks to help his nerves; eventually going a few times a day. This is actually how he started his "scrapping" hobby ...

Then, we started rolling our own ciggies (I mean the kind with the tubes). Some people wouldn't like to do that, but not only did that save us more money but it took more time and bother, which worked as a great delaying technique too. Just before we quit, we had our ciggie costs down to $50.00 a month for both of us, then we took the plunge and quit for good.

We really believe this gradual cessation process enabled us to be successful. We had tried all-out cold turkey without cessation before that, but DH found it too hard. The gradual process got his body more accustom to less ciggies & nicotine well ahead of time (at one point, he had been smoking 2-3 packs a day at work).

It was the best thing we ever did -- we not only have more cash at our disposal (here ciggies cost $7-$9 a pack depending on where you shop), but all DH's coughing & hacking, allergies & asthma, and breathing issues went away completely; no more pumps and trips to the hospital for oxygen. :D

We now ask friends & relatives not to smoke here, but they have 2 porches to smoke in, and the basement in the wintertime. To me, it is a matter of respect for people who have worked so hard to quit. I'm not trying to preach here, just sharing becuz March is STOP SMOKING MONTH for a lot of people, just like us. :D

GOOD LUCK to all those who "GO FOR IT" this month -- and for those who succeed and to you, TAM ... :bravo:


BTW, I enjoy listening to CBC as well, esp to the music programs ... :)

Hey Ladies! Yay for spring!!:yay: I'm glad you like my avatar Rosebud, if only it were that easy to get rid of the fat eh? lol.

Grats Tam on cutting back! Keep it up! I It's all about small steps

We are heading back to normal seasonal temperatures :( (too bad I did enjoy the early summer!) Hope everyone has a good weekend!

LYRICAL ~ oh, how I wish it were so ... DEAR FAT, GET OUT & STAY OUT!!! :lol:

Our temps are a bit colder here too, but so far we've only had :rain: which isn't so bad -- very spring-like weather, just cooler. We'll see if that holds, but since all the snow is gone, nothing that falls would stay long anyways. My Lilies and Rhubarb are poking up from the garden beds already; they think it's spring ... ;)

Well, I did really good on my food this week, stayed under my calorie goals every day, but one night had the munchies and ended up having a slice of wg bread with peanut butter, but hey -- it could have been a lot worse, so I'm OK with that. It was just one of those carb craving days; but last night was much better, and I just had some cheeze (my planned snack).

:carrot::D:carrot:

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend ... :flow1:

Hi guys,
long time no see. I am still here but way less since I focus more on working out than losing weight now.

We are in for some snow here today. They forecast 10-20cm for Calgary. UGHH! I am so done with winter. Though I don't think I can complain, this winter was balmy and fairly ok.

I am busy, busy at work and with workouts too. I had a fun workout on Friday. We have a pro lacrosse team here in Calgary and once a year they offer a ladycrosse night where you can play lacrosse with the team. I finally dared to sign up this year! SO. MUCH. FUN!!!

I also do yoga and zumba now. And of course the ever exhausting capoeira. LOVE capoeira though! It is a dream come true!

Have a great week ladies!

WOW, JOSEY ~ did we miss you reaching goal? Forgive us for that!!!

:carrot::dance::broc::dancer::cb::dance::carrot:

:congrat: to you ... and really, maintaining is just as important as losing IMHO -- I think the effort must be 50-50; and we must continue doing what we did to lose weight to keep it off (thanks to Bargoo for that piece of wisdom).

Glad you are doing so well; that dancing sounds fun, will have to look that up on the net. My brother used to play lacrosse and we would watch him sometimes; it is a fast moving game and you can sure burn the calories playing it. I used to play floor hockey, road hockey & ice hockey with my brothers & friends -- when I was much slimmer and much younger, that is. ;)

We had a bit of the white stuff fall last night and it is cooler for sure, but we've had :sunny: all day and it has all but melted now. Of course, we can't really complain since we have had unbelievable weather this year. Hope you and all our fellow Canucks have a wonderful week ... :flow1:

Thanks :o It feels great to be at goal weight.

Dancing? Are you talking Zumba? It is surprisingly fun. Don't sweat much but I was wearing my heart rate monitor last time and it does burn quite the calories. Must be at a lower but steady rate.

Just came back from yoga. So nice and relaxing. Perfect for Monday lunch breaks. And it stretches sore muscles :-)

:carrot:Josey !! Congrats!!! Goal!!:carrot:
Nothin says congrats like a dancing carrot!

I must re-try that zumba! I really enjoyed it. Note to self: You enjoy Zumba. Do it!

Rosebud : Thanks for the kind words and advice about smoking!! I'm sure it will make a difference!!

I hope everyone had a GREAT weekend!! Mine was busy busy but hopefully we will have time to unwind at easter. Went for a walk today at noon and am curling tonight! Yay!
Gawd I hope it doesn't snow tonight. I would like a little more spring!
Anyways everyone take care!
Tam

JOSEY ~ I looked up some Zumba and Capoeira videos on YouTube; that Zumba looks like so much fun and can those girls shake it or what? Then I watched some Capoeira videos; boy, you have to be in shape for that -- a cross between karate & dance & gymnastics. No wonder you hit goal so fast -- wholly moly!!! The Capoeira is way beyond my physical challenges, but I think I could do a partial version of the Zumba; will try that first cuz, one thing I do have and that's rhythm baby! ... ;)


Here's one that's particularly fun ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf0q6qtThF4

Zumba is for everybody no matter what you weigh. It is lots of fun but mostly cardio. I absolutely recommend it for weight loss since it is rather fun than feeling like working out. There are tons of instructors all over the place, you will probably find classes close by. Though they fill up quickly. Check here http://www.zumba.com/en-US/parties/search/ or for instructors here http://www.zumba.com/en-US/instructors/search/
There is also a DVD set you can buy if you rather try it at home.
You will sweat and burn lots of calories guaranteed. We also laugh a lot while hopping around like some crazy chicks.

Capoeira is indeed very, very tough. It is a lot of strength, flexibility, cardio and burns tons of fat. I just started in January and I am a total beginner. Nothing like those guys in the videos. It is a super hard training but sooooo much fun. I always wanted to do that but never ever believed it is possible. It is! It takes years to get really, really good but that doesn't matter.
What I really like is that it is a no contact/no violence martial art. But don't even think it can't be lethal.
And...Don't those guys look super cool?

I totally got into the whole bodyweight thing. I want to be able to do pull ups, handstand, bridge, cart wheel, etc. I think it is the ultimate body control thing that makes it so tempting for me. I finally found something that is really worth working for.
That used to be my biggest problem. How do you get motivated when you are not into sports? Well, you seriously need to search and find something that you want to do. Soooo much easier to get off the couch when you have found something you like and a goal to work for.

Well that does it for me! I am going to have to look up the capoeira! Sounds like fun!

Gosh we're almost to the end of the month already? Where did March go? I am going on a choir trip with thirty kids this weekend to Winnepeg. Here is a conversation with a colleague: (Facial expressions included for your reading pleasure)
Me: :rolleyes: :"ugh...I have to plan for a sub to go on the choir trip this weekend."
Colleague: :?: "So What?! It's CHOIRkids...How bad can they be?
Me: :dz: "I went on the choir trip in high school."
Colleague: :eek:

So there it is. My weekend. I had the thought that we would likely stay in a hotel that has a gym. I wonder if I should bring some runners and get on a treadmill? I will think about it.

Actually--with all this Zumba talk, I should mention that our little community hall in the middle of nowhere has Zumba Wednesday nights. Maybe I should go and check it out? I'll make it the thing I plan to do and then I'll have to do it. --I'll report tomorrow!

Have a Lovely Wednesday Ladies!!
Tam

Where are you Tam??? That's exactly why I went. Our little community hall out in the nowhere has Zumba classes Wednesday night! That's why I signed up. I had to support whatever fitness they offer!

Hi again everyone :wave:

I want to try zumba too... my step-d bought a zumba game for the wii but I haven't had a chance to try it out yet. Have any of you done that one? I'll have to google Capoeira.... I've never even heard of it.

We had another snow storm too but it's finally melting again... I am also DONE with winter :sigh: Even though it's been a nice one... I am done done done!

Tam - Take your runners! You'll be able to deal with the kids better if you've had a run.

Josey - Congrats at being at your goal!!!!!! :D

Or, so that you can run ... away from them; or, so that you can chase them ... :lol: Just kidding. Ya, she knows how they'll be becuz she was a choirgirl once upon a day ... ;)

:wave: HI AUNTY ~ let us know how you like that WII fit Zumba.


:snowglo: We had a big ***** fall during the night; Dh had to do a lot of shovelling this am, but it will likely melt if we get the :sunny: they are promising for the rest of the week. It's a bit colder here right now too. :brr:

I can't complain my eating has been very good this month; I'm happy about that. Had a few carb craving days but found ways to deal with them; kept things in line though. Have a great week everyone ... :coolsnow:

Hey Josie - We are pretty close to Saskatoon! And for the record - I didn't go. Marital discord stopped any Zumba in my corner of the world! (I hate money and all its evils- actually just a lack of it seems to be the point of the argument--I hate budgeting!):snooty: Are you in Alberta?
Good to see you AuntyJam! - I am bringing my runners for sure!!
Rosebud! - You're totally on to me! - lol I know what to look for because if it was bad I was into it!! I hope all your **** melts and we can all actually enjoy spring!

Okay ommmmmmmmm.

It is going to be one great weekend! I am going to nix the negative talk--and enjoy myself and the kids' company. So there negative Tam - It is going to be awesome and I will enjoy myself and the kids company. I am going to tell myself until we all crawl onto the bus tomorrow at 7a.m. lol

JOSEY - Where in Calgary do you take capoeira lessons? I always thought it would be a cool thing to check out, but am quite intimidated by all those guys that look like they could take your head off if they wanted, haha. It would be good to check out a place with some beginners.

Yay for Spring. After our somewhat of a snowstorm a few days ago, the weather is finally really nice! That means hiking soon near Canmore which is a huge favorite of mine! Lets hope I am not crazy out of shape because I like to hike up massive mountains lol!

Good Morning Beautiful Canadian Ladies!!
MONDAY!!! And I can safely say that we are back from the Peg with all the students in tow. I can also safely say that I do love Winnipeg. I think it gets a bad rap sometimes. Anyways Aunty Jam--I did take my runners AND use them Saturday morning so that's a good thing!
I am at my desk taking a break from report cards so I thought I'd log in to keep myself honest. I've been down to the cafeteria once and avoided cookies and muffins! Woot! And I will go for that mid-day walk once I get my day in order.
Have your lovely selves a good monday!
Tam

:wave: G-R-E-A-T- NEWS ~ Well, April is turning out to be my month for sure. I decided to brave the scale yesterday (I usually weigh-in on the 7th) to see how I did over the winter becuz I made some changes to shake things up a bit. I upped my calories, and starting cycling them (between 1500-1900). Well, it paid off big time ... :D

Since last fall when our local dietician weighed me, I am down 23 lbs -- now some of that was water & clothes becuz she weighed me late afternoon with my clothes, vest, and boots on. I have a water retention issue in my legs and that can bounce up & down 5-10 lbs. So, my real loss looks about 10 lbs and that's great! :dancer: :dance: :dancer:

I decided to check that for 3 days running to make sure it's not a fluke cuz last time 4 lbs of water came back on and stayed. So this AM, I weighed again and am down another 1.5 lbs -- yahoo! Now, just one more day ... tomorrow and I'll change my signature.

EVEN MORE GOOD NEWS: I also had many other NSV's over the winter: thinner fingers, face, arms, looser clothes, and 2" off my tummy too! Plus, I am sneaking up on my 100 lb goal; hope to reach that by summer ... :^:

We are starting this month off with lots of :sunny: too and temps in the mid-40's as well. That is melting all that snow we got last week. Have a great week everyone ... :flow1:

So, it's official as of the AM -- weighed exactly the same as yesterday, so that 4 lbs of water came back off, and 11 more of fat, we'll say ...

Changed my signature and gained another dragonfly too. Wow, am really sneakin' up on that 100 lbs, only 3 to go ... :dancer:

:welcome: ERICANNE ~ glad you found us over here. That Capoiera looks daunting, but I'm sure they must have classes for beginners somewhere.

Well, we had a bit more ***** fall today, but it all melted right after; and we had :sunny: right up until dusk tonight. The temps have been in the 50's mostly, which isn't too bad; and some of the spring birdies have returned. I can hear them singing in my lilac bush just outside this room.

Eating has been going really well. Today, DH & I did the floors in the house really well. I did whizzing while he did washing; and boy, that's good exercise for sure. Hope you all had a nice Easter weekend.

Take care, and have a great week ... :flow1:

I agree with you 100% on this :( We also have a chronic lack of funds and it leads to all sorts of stress and fighting. I'm glad you took your runners and used them :)

Josey - In Calgary? I'm just 3 hours north of you... ;) You know where.

Rosebud - So close to your next goal!!!! Go girl go!!!

For the record... I didn't like the wii zumba. I knew it was going to be hip hop songs and everything.. but it was so targeted towards kids, not serious at all. I just didn't care for it at all and it didn't feel like a work out, just me flailing about. A lot of it was hard to do on the carpet too.

It's 15°c outside right now!!! I'm going to go stand outside for a few minutes ;)

THANKS, AUNTY ~ ya, I'm working on that 3-4 lbs; will not weigh until next month though becuz I am a very, s-l-o-w loser ... :lol: I think I may be able to get over the top by the end of May though. :crossed: ... ^:angel:^



I'm sorry to hear that this is such an issue for both you ladies, esp since you both work. I took a business/accounting course in college (the second time around), and have been using budgeting strategies to keep our finances in line.

DH & I each get a PA: a personal allowance each month -- it is in our budget just like our household bills & savings each month. It comes off the top, then we work around the rest. I find that people that don't take a PA, often end up angry & bitter; and I think everyone should have their own personal spending money.

I put half of our allowances away in our savings accounts now, so we can save up for those things that we really want. We save our coins up for Christmas gifts & other stuff too (I save the toonies, and DH saves the rest). I shop around for the best deals each month & any money that I save off the groceries, household, laundry, and utilities, I put away in savings too. It has become like a challenging game for me now ... ;)

We have a lower income compared to many people we know, but we have no debt; and we bought a home last year. We decided to nix the cable/satellite TV and just buy movies on sale, and we use/save that $100.00 a month for other things we want instead (like the internet). I don't use our dishwasher when there is only two of us here becuz it takes only minutes to do dishes for two people.

I bought a portable dryer rack on sale (which holds an entire load of clothes). I used that & my clothes line to save more money. I only used my dryer once this winter. Our hydro bill is half of what our last place was. We kept the heat at 67-68 degrees all winter -- we just put another fleece blanket on the bed, and were fine; I don't like it too hot anyways.

A lot of people could have more discretionary funds if they put away some money each month, bought less on credit, hunted down sales, and just did without until they saved up for things. We had two friends that were in debt and broke before month end, and I helped them see where they were wasting money. They moved to a lower priced place & sold their vehicle -- they both bought bikes, use public transit, and walk more. They paid off their debts, and now save for trips, gifts, wants, etc.

The other couple just learned how to buy & spend better; that's all they needed to do. One couple we know had two vehicles & cut back to sharing one; taking turns driving each other to work each week (alternating).

One of my friends took cooking & budgeting classes; and they lived off the highest household wage (her husbands); and saved hers for vacations, gifts, and the home they were planning to buy. She saved up the entire price of their first home & paid cash for it.

Sorry, I didn't mean to rant or preach; but I see this all the time. Everybody's different, but many people could save more than they think they can. I have seen people that make 5 times as much as us, and they are broke all the time, simply becuz they live way beyond their means, carry too much debt, and refuse to save anything.

A lot of fighting over money could be prevented if people just learned how to manage their money better. I have always thought that there should be manditory finance & budgeting courses in every high school; and, no diploma without it.

OK, I'll get off my :soap: now ... have a wonderful weekend!!! :flow2:

Rosebud - thanks for the advice. It's no soapbox. Not for me anyways. and By the way ....
:bravo::congrat::balloons:
It sounds like everything is going VERY well for you. Excellent work.

I have come to the decision that I really need to visit here more often than I have been. I tend to avoid coming around if I haven't been exercising or watching what I eat. So regardless of whether I am munching on a cookie or heading out for a walk, I will check in to try to keep myself more accountable.

And now I am off to plan for the afternoon and then after teaching to hit the books. I can't believe they have an emoticon for that.
:book2:

ok...okok....ok... here it is.... (drumroll) I am going to attempt zumba. again. tonight.
I've gone for a wee walk and picked up some broccoli and a pear for a snack and enjoying the sun. woot! I hope everyone is doing well and loving life!
xxtam

TAM ~ that' great -- I am so happy for you. Let us know how it goes. One lady here taking it, says her knees hurt at first, so when they start to hurt, rest them a bit then continue on with other moves. I know it looks easy, but I bet at first, it is a bit taxing ... have lots & lots of fun!!!:D

@Tam - Noooooo! Do or do not, there is no try!!!!!! I don't want to here "attempt" Zumba. Go and rock that place!!!

Crud. I stayed at work until five and didn't get home in time. I did not do. As a result of not planning.

@Aunty Jam - going up there tomorrow!!! Gotta cheer on my boys again the Rush (Calgary Roughnecks for the win!) I am actually outside of Calgary, rural but close to the city is how I like it :-) Lots of space to hang and workout.

Next time eh? :D It's lots of fun!

Ahhh, TAM ~ that's too bad; let us know when you do go though. I'm sure it will be a lot of fun ...

HI JOSEY ~ we used to live in the country; now moved into town. It's better for us, esp now that we have no wheels. Both place have their advantages, but I am glad to be back in town.


MORE GOOD NEWS ~ a big NSV for me this month. I decided to measure myself today; as it's been a long while since I did. Well, drum roll for me ...... ta-da -- 26" total off my whole body. Really lost a lot off my upper arms, chest (boohoo), and my thighs of all places; only 3" off my tummy, but I'll take it. I know I lost off other places becuz I can see it, so this time I also measured my forearms, wrists, etc to get a more accurate idea of how much I'm losing everywhere. This is a great incentive to work even harder ... :cheer2:


Well, we had a bit of :sunny: today so I hung out some laundry to dry; love doing that -- it always smells so fresh, esp the blankets, comforters, and linens. We're supposed to get even more sun over the weekend; sure hope they are right.

Have a wonderful weekend ladies ... :flow1:

Woohooo! Great job! 26" is amazing! :carrot:

Well, see hanging laundry out to dry is not allowed in Calgary. Bylaws... Nobody cares where we live though!

What? You've got to be kidding ... I've never heard of that -- a bylaw against hanging laundry out. What is their reason for that?

Yup, in Calgary. Not sure what the reasoning is. Looks?
No chickens in the city either. And I want chickens!!! :-)
Oh and did I mention no gardens in the front yard? No edibles allowed. Stupid really! Growing food should never be restricted by law.

WHAT -- no food gardens? Really, and I can't even imagine a good reason for that. That sounds like "control" gone mad!!! :?:

TAM ~ Thanks for the encouragement; but I wanted to share with you that -- yes, I am finally getting a handle on my emotions and my eating has been very good over this winter. I had to find ways to curb hunger pangs by increasing my lean protein intake, etc. Every week isn't perfect, but I am getting much, much better at this.

BUT, and there's always a "but" -- I have challenges that others do not have in their lives. I have physical challenges to deal with on a daily basis -- two bad knees (from injuries that are slowly getting better), a bad back from Spina Bifida, I walk with two canes; and, I still have a long, long way to go in my weightloss journey.

My DH has Asperger's Syndrome, and was diagnosed with Alzheimers last year on top of that. He has a hearing problem, a comprehension problem & a memory problem, that are very troublesome for him on a regular basis. He gets very agitated and frustrated about all of this, needless to say. It causes problems that people cannot imagine unless they've been through it. Just getting dressed, finding things, and making a snack or a coffee can be a challenge for him, but he still wants to do things for himself, and I can understand that.

I always tell people, "Don't envy others too much, because everyone has challenges in this life!"

So, while many things are going great for us, we have these extra daily issues to deal with, and that adds a lot of stress into my life. I am very thankful that I don't eat in response to them as much anymore. I am very aware of that now, and have found strategies to deal with it that are very helpful to me.

I'm not complaining, just explaining. My faith has carried me through thus far, and I'll rely on it as I continue on this "back to good health journey" that I'm on. Some people don't like the word "journey" but I think it is so appropriate and necessary, becuz I am changing my lifestyle habits for good this time.

If I make a mistake, I don't get so upset anymore; I forgive myself becuz that's a part of this learning experience. I still enjoy what I eat -- I'm not fanatical about it all. I've created a plan that I can stick to long-term; and so it has to be realistic too. So whether you are eating a cookie or an apple, it doesn't matter. Please do continue to come back. We enjoy your company very much ... :D

Rosebud - You're very kind. I certainly hope I haven't minimized your experiences to a single sentence. I'm sorry if it sounded like that. I have much respect for the challenges you face and now a little more understanding.

Addendum:
SO excited... went to pay my soccer fees for the summer. Woot! Yeah! Time to get out the cleats and ...wait. Those soccer shorts don't fit any more. LOL. First on the list---
Time to get back to some cardio. That coach we have insists on practices. So time to shake the dust off the ...um. the gym card, the runners, the sports bra --you get the point. Love this season. I hope others are enjoying this lovely weather and having a great weekend!

That's great: have fun at your soccer games. When I was younger and in better health, I used to play intramural soccer in our breaks and at lunch time -- now there's a good exercise to get & keep you in shape, for sure. :D

Hello All,

I hope I'm not too late to the game here, but I'm really enjoying being able to get outside this spring, and would love to connect with fellow Canadians! :)