Ready or not, here I come, (to quote H.) Fun-couver! All packed (twice...had to purge - how long do I think I'm going for?!), kitchen is clean, garbage hauled, litter about to be changed (Auntie Leah and Uncle Taylor from down the hall are kitty-sitting) and then it's time for bed. Picking H. up at 7, so we can go to weigh in on our way to the airport. Man, we are dedicated!
Okay, it's almost bed time for me (I just don't know how to go to bed before midnight, I swear!). We'll try to keep you all posted on our results.
Have a great weekend, everyone.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Here it comes
Wow...one more day of work, and then Vancouver. I'm getting nervous, but that's more about the unknown...I don't know the route, I don't know what to expect from the crowds, roads, marshalls, etc. I don't really like the unknown. Been watching the weather network (oh, please...no rain...I hate rain...), and deciding what stays and what goes. I hate over-packing. I did that for a month-long trip that started in Toronto, went to Australia and ended in Hawaii before the return home to snowy, cold Calgary. I used maybe a third of what I took, but got to haul it all everywhere! Never, ever again... I went to California for 4 days years later with just a carry-on, and had to argue with the security dude that I did indeed have more than enough stuff for 4 days. I won! Needless to say, I'm making and checking the list twice. Didn't run today (didn't get to sleep until around 2 last night...) but I feel okay in that department. Found my official time for the 12k on Saturday (which is odd, since it wasn't a timed event...) and I was just 1 minute over my initial goal. Still 3rd last (they listed the two 20 year olds after me...hehehe), but what the heck. Someone has to be last, otherwise they don't know it's over.
Finished the really big, complicated (compare month over month the installation activity and rates versus gross ads for all our systems and products as well as a larger, overall picture, encompassing 74 pages of data and 237 different graphs!!). Took me the last two weeks of working at it every day to get it done to this point, and the manager now has one day left to get me to change anything before I'm gone for the week. But I think it's all good...things make sense, I caught my own flub and I am excited to see what the other managers and VP's think of it. After all, it's morphed itself since I started it (officially) in November (as a 3 page, 9 graph report)...it's been quite a task, but I enjoy the challenge. Even my coworker doesn't seem so stressed that she's going to be on her own for month end, but as I've pointed out...a) it's actually HER job to do month end - it's my job to analyse afterwards, and b) she's been doing the job for over a year now...she should know how to do it.
Think that's about it today...hope you all have a good week, and here's to hoping that our snow is done for the year. I've really had enough!
Finished the really big, complicated (compare month over month the installation activity and rates versus gross ads for all our systems and products as well as a larger, overall picture, encompassing 74 pages of data and 237 different graphs!!). Took me the last two weeks of working at it every day to get it done to this point, and the manager now has one day left to get me to change anything before I'm gone for the week. But I think it's all good...things make sense, I caught my own flub and I am excited to see what the other managers and VP's think of it. After all, it's morphed itself since I started it (officially) in November (as a 3 page, 9 graph report)...it's been quite a task, but I enjoy the challenge. Even my coworker doesn't seem so stressed that she's going to be on her own for month end, but as I've pointed out...a) it's actually HER job to do month end - it's my job to analyse afterwards, and b) she's been doing the job for over a year now...she should know how to do it.
Think that's about it today...hope you all have a good week, and here's to hoping that our snow is done for the year. I've really had enough!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Weekend recap
And what a lovely weekend it was. Spent it in Canmore, just east of Banff, in the Rockies. This lovely couple I know own a condo up there, in the Three Sisters area, and they lent us the place for the weekend. Little do they know that H. and I have no intention of giving it back! Muu-wa-a-a (not sure how to spell an evil laugh!). OMG, the place was amazing...tastefully yet comfortably decorated, stocked with pretty much everything you'd need (save for fresh food and booze) and only a 6k walk into town.
Headed up Friday and had a great pasta dinner (one of my 'go to' faves for pre-races: toss sliced onions, garlic, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts (and whatever else floats your boat) with some lemon zest, juice, wine, capers, basil, rosemary, oregano and thyme, tuna (I use a smoked, packed in water variety), and then toss that with cooked whole wheat pasta. Top with some feta cheese and parm, and it's go time!!! Enjoyed a lovely bottle of wine and then hit the sack. So that's what a pillow top mattress feels like...wow...
Got up Saturday, and enjoyed the morning as this race was organized by my people...start time was 11 am! So very civilized... Still completely disorganized and chaotic, but soon we were all off. The run was either a 6 or 12K, but not officially timed. I decided I would be happy with 90 minutes. The trouble with the 12k is it was just a repeat of the 6k route...run out once, return and run out again. I wondered what the route would be like, and H. said (she was a volunteer, because the race was full by the time she went to sign up) she was told it was undulating hills. Undulating my ass!!!!! It was one long hill up, one longer hill down - which was great, until you realized you had to turn around and run up that longer hill again! Return to the start and do it all over again. I was crabby, my feet hurt and I finished dead last with a lovely pair of young ladies from Central Alberta, but still managed a time of 1:33. I'll take it!!! I am a little worried about Vancouver next week, as it's almost 4 times that distance, but at least it's not just a repeat of the 22 k route!
The rest of the party was too wild and crowded, so H. and I headed back to the safety of the condo, where I had a long hot shower and waited for her boy to arrive. We all went into Canmore (drove), had dinner and drinks, met up with some more friends of H. who just happened to be in town for the run, a great visit and shared some good belly laughs. Then back to the condo and the most comfortable couches ever, watched a little TV and drank some more and then off to bed.
Got up this morning, and was the only one not hung over...which was odd. But after some breakfast, we bundled up and decided to walk into town. There are awesome pathways everywhere, so we just followed the one in...6k from door to main street Canmore. Passed amazing houses (okay, mansions) and condos, some elk and tons of people. Wandered some more (my feet were starting to ache, but I sucked it up), had some so-so lunch, and then walked back to the condo, just narrowly beating the snowstorm that blew in! The boy left for Calgary (totally beating the storm) while H. and I finished packing up, tidying up the condo and stopping for gas. We were not so lucky!!! White-out conditions on the highway from just east of Canmore right through to Calgary. Luckily it's only an hour drive, but still...it's the end of April...I am officially tired of snow!!! There is an inch or more of solid ice on the front of my car, but we made it back.
Now I am exhausted and going to lay down and chillax.
Here's to no more snow!
Headed up Friday and had a great pasta dinner (one of my 'go to' faves for pre-races: toss sliced onions, garlic, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts (and whatever else floats your boat) with some lemon zest, juice, wine, capers, basil, rosemary, oregano and thyme, tuna (I use a smoked, packed in water variety), and then toss that with cooked whole wheat pasta. Top with some feta cheese and parm, and it's go time!!! Enjoyed a lovely bottle of wine and then hit the sack. So that's what a pillow top mattress feels like...wow...
Got up Saturday, and enjoyed the morning as this race was organized by my people...start time was 11 am! So very civilized... Still completely disorganized and chaotic, but soon we were all off. The run was either a 6 or 12K, but not officially timed. I decided I would be happy with 90 minutes. The trouble with the 12k is it was just a repeat of the 6k route...run out once, return and run out again. I wondered what the route would be like, and H. said (she was a volunteer, because the race was full by the time she went to sign up) she was told it was undulating hills. Undulating my ass!!!!! It was one long hill up, one longer hill down - which was great, until you realized you had to turn around and run up that longer hill again! Return to the start and do it all over again. I was crabby, my feet hurt and I finished dead last with a lovely pair of young ladies from Central Alberta, but still managed a time of 1:33. I'll take it!!! I am a little worried about Vancouver next week, as it's almost 4 times that distance, but at least it's not just a repeat of the 22 k route!
The rest of the party was too wild and crowded, so H. and I headed back to the safety of the condo, where I had a long hot shower and waited for her boy to arrive. We all went into Canmore (drove), had dinner and drinks, met up with some more friends of H. who just happened to be in town for the run, a great visit and shared some good belly laughs. Then back to the condo and the most comfortable couches ever, watched a little TV and drank some more and then off to bed.
Got up this morning, and was the only one not hung over...which was odd. But after some breakfast, we bundled up and decided to walk into town. There are awesome pathways everywhere, so we just followed the one in...6k from door to main street Canmore. Passed amazing houses (okay, mansions) and condos, some elk and tons of people. Wandered some more (my feet were starting to ache, but I sucked it up), had some so-so lunch, and then walked back to the condo, just narrowly beating the snowstorm that blew in! The boy left for Calgary (totally beating the storm) while H. and I finished packing up, tidying up the condo and stopping for gas. We were not so lucky!!! White-out conditions on the highway from just east of Canmore right through to Calgary. Luckily it's only an hour drive, but still...it's the end of April...I am officially tired of snow!!! There is an inch or more of solid ice on the front of my car, but we made it back.
Now I am exhausted and going to lay down and chillax.
Here's to no more snow!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Happy Earth Day
Mother Nature is reminding Calgarians that we have not been so kind (the last city to recycle, land of oil, etc) by SNOWING on us...yet again. Okay, we get it...you're mad. Get over it!!!
I have a 12k on Saturday in Canmore, where even as we speak they are experiencing a heavy snowfall warning...10-20 cm expected over the next 24 hours. Now where did I put my snowshoes? Actually, I don't expect it to be bad by Saruday (fingers crossed), and heck, I survived the drive home from Edmonton during the last blizzard. A little spring snow ain't stoppin' us!
Crazy week at work is causing me to be very sleepy and not very weight-watchery (if it isn't a word, I so dub it one now). That being said, I don't think I've completely fallen off the wagon, and I did manage to make and take brekkie and lunch in to work today. I'm now waiting on some moussaka to heat in the oven (snow = comfort food) and then I think an early evening for me. Watch some top model, tidy up a bit (I will have someone in to take care of the babies while I am gone, so the house shouldn't be a complete disaster) and hit the sack nice and early. Getting more sleep was my goal for this week actually, and so far I've failed miserably. It'd be nice to say I accomplished it one night out of the 7.
Later,
I have a 12k on Saturday in Canmore, where even as we speak they are experiencing a heavy snowfall warning...10-20 cm expected over the next 24 hours. Now where did I put my snowshoes? Actually, I don't expect it to be bad by Saruday (fingers crossed), and heck, I survived the drive home from Edmonton during the last blizzard. A little spring snow ain't stoppin' us!
Crazy week at work is causing me to be very sleepy and not very weight-watchery (if it isn't a word, I so dub it one now). That being said, I don't think I've completely fallen off the wagon, and I did manage to make and take brekkie and lunch in to work today. I'm now waiting on some moussaka to heat in the oven (snow = comfort food) and then I think an early evening for me. Watch some top model, tidy up a bit (I will have someone in to take care of the babies while I am gone, so the house shouldn't be a complete disaster) and hit the sack nice and early. Getting more sleep was my goal for this week actually, and so far I've failed miserably. It'd be nice to say I accomplished it one night out of the 7.
Later,
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Yoga Virgin no more
Never did make it out for a run. Picked up H. and we went to the market. Both of us were very excited because the Buffalo hot dogs were finally in (we've been waiting for weeks and weeks and weeks), and I came home with 3 types of natural honey (cinnamon, cranberry and lemon). Some more tomatoes, edam cheese and assorted other goodies rounded out the take for the day.
H. was talking about going to a yoga class later to meet up with a friend (who teaches), so I thought I'd give it a whirl - we did walk over from here which was a nice 3.25km walk.
I've never been one for the spiritual side of yoga, and as an adult with ADD (not confirmed, but man, hang with me for 5 minutes...attention span of a gnat!) I always thought it would be too slow. It took a lot for me to concentrate and control my breathing. Compared to the others, I was practically hyperventilating, but none of the moves were too complicated for this old, very unbendy body! I did enjoy it though, which kind of surprised me. Although the heat was turned up for the next class, which for a naturally hot person who sweats brushing her teeth, made me uncomfortable towards the end of the class. That and it had been a long time since my latte and oatmeal, so I was getting a little shaky as well. But I think I'll try it again. Something different to mix things up.
Came home, had something to eat to get the blood sugars level, and then walked to the Community Health food store (another 3k walk) to see if they had this infamous Ezekial bread everyone keeps going on about. Came home $70 poorer, but did find the bread, some agave syrup, bulgar, home-made pyrogies and other assorted goodies.
Going to eat some dinner, make breakfast and lunch, watch Amazing Race and go to bed.
Hope everyone enjoyed their weekends as much as I did.
H. was talking about going to a yoga class later to meet up with a friend (who teaches), so I thought I'd give it a whirl - we did walk over from here which was a nice 3.25km walk.
I've never been one for the spiritual side of yoga, and as an adult with ADD (not confirmed, but man, hang with me for 5 minutes...attention span of a gnat!) I always thought it would be too slow. It took a lot for me to concentrate and control my breathing. Compared to the others, I was practically hyperventilating, but none of the moves were too complicated for this old, very unbendy body! I did enjoy it though, which kind of surprised me. Although the heat was turned up for the next class, which for a naturally hot person who sweats brushing her teeth, made me uncomfortable towards the end of the class. That and it had been a long time since my latte and oatmeal, so I was getting a little shaky as well. But I think I'll try it again. Something different to mix things up.
Came home, had something to eat to get the blood sugars level, and then walked to the Community Health food store (another 3k walk) to see if they had this infamous Ezekial bread everyone keeps going on about. Came home $70 poorer, but did find the bread, some agave syrup, bulgar, home-made pyrogies and other assorted goodies.
Going to eat some dinner, make breakfast and lunch, watch Amazing Race and go to bed.
Hope everyone enjoyed their weekends as much as I did.
Uh-oh...
This does not bode well...I am supposed to run 23k and as of right now, have absolutely NO desire to even put on my runners. Sigh... I got a good night's sleep, I've eaten a healthy energizing breakfast and here I sit. Just called H. to see if she made it out, and we're heading to the Farmer's market in about 45! Vancouver is in 14 days!!! But it's my first...I want to finish, upright, relatively injury free (nothing broken or the likes) and smiling. It's my first, so who cares what the time is. I'll be getting a feeling for the course and for the distance and that's that. So what if Oprah ran her first in 4:29...she had Bob waking her up and hauling her sorry butt out the door every morning at 6! I don't have a Bob!!! And I let the silliest reasons keep me here...I don't have a matching outfit to run in from home...or everything I do like to wear is at work with my gear there. Next weekend is Canmore, a 12 k, and then if the weather is nice, H. and I will go for a hike on Sunday. That'll help get us both prepared for Van. I think...
Down 3 pounds this week though...told you all that the cold was really good for your core! And while the number on the scale is no where near where I would like it, I'm getting many compliments again about my weight loss. A lady I haven't seen for several months actually grabbed my waist to find out where it went...needless to say, she found out quickly just how ticklish I am!!
So...Farmer's market, home and then I'll see if I have some oomph to run at least a 5k. I can do that...
Down 3 pounds this week though...told you all that the cold was really good for your core! And while the number on the scale is no where near where I would like it, I'm getting many compliments again about my weight loss. A lady I haven't seen for several months actually grabbed my waist to find out where it went...needless to say, she found out quickly just how ticklish I am!!
So...Farmer's market, home and then I'll see if I have some oomph to run at least a 5k. I can do that...
Saturday, April 18, 2009
My day today
Got up early, as usual, but it wasn't to go for coffee as usual. Nope...today was the spring/summer launch for Epicure Selections. I had to go see what goodies we were offering for the lazy days of summer. For those who don't know, Epicure Selections is a Canadian company the produces and sells, via home-based businesses (like Tupperware, Avon, etc), a vast array of spice blends, dip mixes, vinegars, rubs and grilling sauces and high-end kitchenware. I have been selling them for 4 years now, deciding I should do something to support my spice habit! Anyway...good stuff coming up (hey...if you want to book a party, you know who to call!) - and some shocking stats as well. 1 tbsp of Montreal steak spice has over 3,000 mg of sodium!! Wow Kazunga! Our TexMex rub as only 6% of that amount (you'd need 17 tbsp's to get the same amount)...our products are very low sodium/sugar. We also came out with a new program this spring "28 Days to a Healthier You"...includes tips and ideas, over 120 recipes for everything from breakfasts, snacks, sides, desserts, dinners, etc, a pedometer, journal/planner and grocery list and a perfect portion plate. I'm going to follow the plan when I get back from Vancouver (let the carbo-loading begin!) and see what results I can get in the 4 weeks. It's very similar to the logic behind Weight Watchers, which I like...everything from all the food groups, eat less/move more, portion control, etc.
Nice day out today, considering they were saying it was to be 'colder' than yesterday...after the launch, as I was wandering a little shopping area I've never been to before (Lakeview), I found the cutest summer dress at 50% off. Fit beautifully and I did vow this summer to be more of a girly-girl. Then maybe I'll find me a manly-man! LOL!! I do love impulse shopping. Then met up with H., wandered MEC (Mountain Equipment Coop) and then had a fabbo lunch at the Holy Grill. Chicken, roasted peppers, onion, artichokes in a panani with sweet potato chips - most excellent!
Dropped H. off and then headed south to check up on the parents (which I love...Dad complains about Mom, she complains about Dad, I'm in the middle wondering how and when I signed up for this nonsense!)...they are both alive and doing well, although I do need to get someone over there to clean. I won't...Dad made sure at a very young age that I openly despised cleaning, as he harped, nagged and hovered over everything I did. And now that he never (and I mean NEVER!!) leaves his lazy-boy, let alone the house, the hovering will be increased ten fold. That's why professionals were invented! No personal ties or feelings to be hurt.
Home now...feeling a tad sleepy, so a brief nap may be in order. Have to get up and run 23k tomorrow, and then maybe a trip to the farmer's market. And then back to the grind on Monday...but I'm not knocking it because I at least have a grind to go to!
Have a great weekend.
Nice day out today, considering they were saying it was to be 'colder' than yesterday...after the launch, as I was wandering a little shopping area I've never been to before (Lakeview), I found the cutest summer dress at 50% off. Fit beautifully and I did vow this summer to be more of a girly-girl. Then maybe I'll find me a manly-man! LOL!! I do love impulse shopping. Then met up with H., wandered MEC (Mountain Equipment Coop) and then had a fabbo lunch at the Holy Grill. Chicken, roasted peppers, onion, artichokes in a panani with sweet potato chips - most excellent!
Dropped H. off and then headed south to check up on the parents (which I love...Dad complains about Mom, she complains about Dad, I'm in the middle wondering how and when I signed up for this nonsense!)...they are both alive and doing well, although I do need to get someone over there to clean. I won't...Dad made sure at a very young age that I openly despised cleaning, as he harped, nagged and hovered over everything I did. And now that he never (and I mean NEVER!!) leaves his lazy-boy, let alone the house, the hovering will be increased ten fold. That's why professionals were invented! No personal ties or feelings to be hurt.
Home now...feeling a tad sleepy, so a brief nap may be in order. Have to get up and run 23k tomorrow, and then maybe a trip to the farmer's market. And then back to the grind on Monday...but I'm not knocking it because I at least have a grind to go to!
Have a great weekend.
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