Happy Halloween

October 31, 2013
Another Halloween is here and the weather man isn't cooperating, it 's calling for rain today, I hope it stops long enough for the kiddies to get out and enjoy.
I think this weight watcher's is starting to work, I kept to my count yesterday and stepped on the scales this morning and I was down a bit, I will do an actual weigh in next Monday, since that will be a week.
I did 75 minutes on the elliptical machine, I have been watching netflix while I work out, I have finished the first season of Homeland, very good series I would recommend it, I can't wait to see season 2.
Then I moved on to a series that is a bit lighter in the viewing department, well it was actually funny its called Happy Endings this show is allot like Friends, I had many chuckles watching this. Then today I started watching Life Unexpected. I find that watching something keeps me from watching the time that I have been working out. At least I am watching new shows.
Today's Quote:

Volunteer Wednesday

October 30, 2013
Today is my volunteer day, I missed last week because we had company. So the oldies will be very happy to see me today. I will miss next week as I have to go down to stay with my sister.
I was hoping to catch up with my grand daughters and paint some Christmas balls, but it seems they are to busy training, so no time for Grandma. Seems a bit of a shame, they were the reason we came back to Canada, I guess it makes our decision to go back to Australia that much easier. We will miss them but its easier than being turned down every time you want to spend time with them.
I was successful at my points count again yesterday and did 6 points in exercise.
I was at the gym this morning and enjoyed my morning work out, 30 minutes cardio and my weight routine.
Today's Quote:

I am so over these allergies

October 29, 2013
Well I have had another allergy problem, my shoulder was paining last night so I heated up a hot pack that was filled with grain of some sort and placed it on my shoulder, it wasn't long and I started to cough, after about 30 minutes I started to get very stuffy, so I had to find my inhalers again and use them and suffered all night sinus problems.  So I guess I can't use those anymore either.
I started my weight watchers points program yesterday, I was allowed 26 points and I used them all, I also counted my exercise and I did 10, so not bad for a start. 
I went to the gym this morning and did 45 minutes of cardio, so hoping to see some results next week.
I am off to have 2 ultra sounds this morning, one on my left arm and one on my chest since there is no need to do mammograms anymore I just have to go for ultrasounds.
Today's Quote:

Feeling much better,, and motivated

October 28, 2013
We enjoyed a great weekend, had breakfast on Saturday with some friends and did some shopping, we tried the Farm Boy store, not sure what all the hype is about, I didn't find the veggies that cheap.
I did go to the gym Sunday morning and did 30 minutes on the elliptical machine and then we went to the mall in Gatineau for a walk around and I needed to get some art supplies from Desserres. I also took a 20 minute walk and then spent the afternoon sorting through winter clothes and coats.
This morning I went to the gym and did 40 minutes of cardio and my weight routine, trying to change things up a bit and see if I can get back to losing weight, I know it's about diet, I would say mine is pretty good, it just seems I have plateaued and having a sluggish thyroid doesn't help, so maybe doing more cardio and weights 3xs a week will help. I am also trying to count points like in weight watchers. Time will tell.
Today's Quote:

Thinking of the fireman in Australia

October 25, 2013
Well today I made it to the gym I am feeling a bit better today. The symptoms of the food allergy have settled. I did do 45 minutes on the elliptical machine and then I came home and did a 20 minute work out with a weight watchers DVD.
This week I also arranged to send some money to a friend in Australia to purchase some much needed items to help the fire fighters. Things like water, power drinks and lollies. They were so thankful and couldn't believe that someone would do this from Canada. I am very proud to have citizenship in both countries and happy to make a donation. The fire season has hit early over there and they are in for a long summer.
I worked on a few paintings today and managed to finish 2. I thought I would share one here.

Serenity by the beach.

Today's Quote:

I know for sure that what we dwell on is who we become.

Oprah Winfrey

Feeling Blah

October 24, 2013
I didn't get to the gym yesterday or today I am having a bad allergy reaction to corn. Why would it be in soy sauce???
I will be so glad to try the new NEAT treatment for this. It is awful to wake up at 1;30 am not able to breath because of this. I still feel terrible today, it usually takes 4 days to get it out of my system completely. I have been better at reading labels, but missed this one.
Here is some info on Corn Allergies.

Definition of Corn Allergy

Corn allergy is the inability to fully digest the corn protein Zein. It is an enormous protein - like other grain proteins including Gluten from wheat, rye and others. Many people do not have the biological equipment to break down these proteins in the digestive tract. So the semi-broken down molecules end up in the small intestine and disrupt the digestive process. In some cases they actually damage the lining of the gut - a condition known as Leaky Gut.

What are the Symptoms of Corn Allergy?

Here are some of the symptoms suffered by people with corn allergy:

• Headache, migraine

• Skin rashes

• Breathing difficulties: sinusitis and sinus headache

• Aching muscles in the back, neck or legs

• Joint inflammation and stiffness

• Lethargy - extreme lack of energy

• All over feeling of ill health

However these symptoms are exactly the same as those for other intolerances like dairy and gluten. Luckily the Journal Method always pinpoints your intolerance accurately.

Today's Quote: 

Off to Gatineau, I must check the colors in the park

October 22, 2013
I am off to Gatineau hospital this morning to finally see someone about my shoulder, after I have paid for 2 injections already. Should be interesting.
I will stop at Deserres and pick up some art supplies. Then home for an art class this afternoon. There are to many in the class, so they are thinking of doing 2 classes next term. 
I was at the gym early today and did 45 minutes on the elliptical machine, I find its to warm in there now as they must have the heat on. I seem to over heat easily.
I am toying with the idea of following weight watchers points plan.
What do you think, have you tried the weight watchers plan?
Today's Quote: 

What a great sleep

October 21, 2013
We had a very busy weekend and house guests while we were away.
I didn't sleep on Saturday night, so last night I was exhausted, I slept 10 hours and feel like I could do it again tonight. Mom was happy to see hubby, he doesn't get up as often as I do. We had a great dinner with my sister and her husband. We came home to a great chicken dinner done by our house guests.
I didn't get to the gym at my usual time so got there at 10:30 and did 30 minutes of cardio and then did my weight routine.
Today's Quote: “Life is short, live it. Love is rare, grab it. Anger is bad, dump it. Fear is awful, face it. Memories are sweet, cherish it.” – Unknown

Thinking of the Fire Victims in Australia

October 18, 2013
We have many friends still living in Australia, some are sitting on the edge of the terrible fire storms. Please pray to keep them and all the firemen safe from harm. It's going to be a very long summer for them if this is just the beginning. In 2008 - 09 the fires were terrible, I was recovering from breast cancer and had the time and pleasure to sew squares together making blankets for the many that were left hopeless. I wish there was something we could do from here to help.
I went to the gym this morning and did 20 minutes of fat burning on the elliptical machine, then I did my weight routine and some stretching.
We are off to see the grand-daughters tomorrow to deliver 1 new bed for the eldest Trinity and then off to Keyra's hockey game. A visit with Mom and dinner with my sister, we will come back on Sunday and stop and have a visit with a new Aussie friend and his wife Sandy on our way home.
Today's Quote: We cannot live only for ourselves.  A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.  ~Herman Melville

A blanket I did in 2009

Another, so colorful and warm

This project gave me purpose when I needed it.

It's been said that these blankets become treasures as they are the first gift given after such a tragedy.

Love the Fall Weather

October 17, 2013
Today I went to the gym after reading an email from a friend to encourage me to continue on my journey and not get frustrated, I just need to change things up a bit, so I renewed my card for the town activities and I will start swimming next week, I also added an extra walk to my routine and will try to keep that up when I am not swimming as extra activity. I will also change up my diet and see if that helps.
I did an hour this morning on the elliptical machine. I am going to try and keep track of the calories I burn at the gym and outside of it, maybe I just need to add a bit more time to the routine now.
I am feeling a bit more positive today.
Do you have any ideas you could share with me?
Today's Quote:
I refuse to give up because I haven’t tried all possible ways.

Off to the Glebe today

October 16, 2013
It actually smelt like fall this morning. It may have been the rain, but it was nice. It is going to be pretty busy over the next week and a half, between a trip down home, Doctors appointments and visitors.  I am tired already. Also trying to figure out what is wrong with my work out plan, I have even asked for some help from other trainers.
Off to the Glebe center today to volunteer, love bringing smiles to their faces.
Did some cardio today and then did my weight routine. The gym was busy again today, there will be one less in a couple of weeks, he heads to Mexico for the winter in November, how nice.
Today's Quote:

Back at it

October 15, 2013
What a great weekend spent with family and friends. We had 10 for dinner, my daughter and her husband got back from Hawaii Sunday morning so they came out after a nap and my son-in-laws parent, Uncle and Granny arrived at 2pm. I also invited a friend from my Art class her and her daughter would have spent the day alone, so what's 2 more mouths to feed. Our neighbors were feeling under the weather so I took them each a meal. Their neighbors who I walk their dog on Wednesdays we home so I asked if they had been away earlier for dinner, they said no Brad had to work, I felt bad so I invited them in to help themselves to our lovely dinner. So all up we fed 14. Everyone brought something to contribute. How nice.
So this morning I was happy to get back to the gym, I did 30 minutes on the elliptical machine and 30 on the tread mill. I thought I would change things up a bit, I also plan on adding in some extra cardio here at home and see if it makes a difference.
Today's Quote:

TGIF

October 11, 2013
I am so happy to see the end of this week. I can't remember feeling so weary and tired to the point of being shaky. I picked up a bed for my oldest grand-daughter last night with a night stand and was able to get the exact same one for my youngest grand-daughter. These are part of their Christmas gift this year. 
On a good note I did go to the gym this morning and did 50 minutes on the elliptical machine, and after having a rant at Ken about being frustrated with my weight, I was actually down this morning, so maybe its starting to move again. 
We have people coming on Sunday for Thanksgiving dinner, last count was 10, could be 12. I am going to try and make gluten free pumpkin pie tomorrow and some home made dinner rolls. I hope they turn out.
Today's Quote are about being thankful:
“Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough”
― Oprah Winfrey
“Rest and be thankful.”
― William Wordsworth 
“We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction.”
― Harry A. Ironside
 
I am thankful for the love of family and friends, for the support I have had on my journey for the past 5 years while gaining strength each and every day, I am thankful for the understanding of my poor memory, I am so thankful for my wonderful Doctors in believing that I could beat this terrible disease. I am also very thankful to my wonderful husband Charles, I know life isn't always easy, but with your help and understanding we can make it together.

What are you thankful for?

Done with Physio and Massage Therapy

October 10, 2013
I went to the gym this morning and did some cardio and then my weight routine. I had a conversation with Ken the trainer about feeling frustrated with not losing any weight for a while, he says its all about the diet, I know that and I work really hard to keep mine under control. Yes I have a cheat here and there but over all I am doing what I am suppose to, still doing lots of cardio, maybe I need to do more, I am going to try and implement some things here at home and try to do them in the early afternoons. Hoping this will get the loss starting again.
I saw my massage therapist this morning and he is happy that the fluid has all drained away, so tha'ts great, he also spent some time helping me stretch out my taunt muscles and giving me ideas to try to keep them stretched, my ribs are feeling much better and so is my shoulder.
Today's Quote:
Some succeed because they are destined. Some succeed because they are determined.

Hoping the cortizone shot helps

October 09, 2013
I saw the Ortho yesterday and he gave me another couple of shots of cortisone in my shoulder again. We are hoping this will take care of the last of the inflammation, if it doesn't then we will try injecting the tendons. Time will tell, its pretty sore today and I didn't sleep very well.
I did go to the gym as it was my cardio day, I did 45 minutes on the elliptical machine and then I did some stretching for my physio. He says my muscles are very tight, probably from when I was sick 5 years ago, I walked allot then to keep my mind off things, but didn't stretch.
My weight has plateaued and I am not sure why, I will talk to Ken tomorrow about it, feeling a bit frustrated, my diet is really good, so not sure what is going on.
Today's Quote:

Back to see the Ortho today

October 8, 2013
I have an appointment about my shoulder today, its much better but not 100%. I'll see what he has to say today. I wanted to discuss the other painful joints I have with him and see if we can get some sort of pain management in place.
I went to the gym this morning and did my weight routine. Then came home and took Finnegan for a walk. I have to be in Orleans early this morning so not much time to waste this morning. 
I will chek in later, I also have my Art class today, so very busy one for me.
Today's Quote:

It's warmed up again

October 07, 2013
Well I took my daughter's dog down to visit my Mom on Thursday, we visited in the evening and again the next morning. One of the nurses had the dog get up on my Aunt's bed to awaken her. lol Mom enjoyed having him visit, and so did the seniors, he is big enough to just lay his head on their laps so they could pet him. I spent some one on one time with my gran-daughters a I did plenty of walking on Thursday afternoon and on Friday morning and headed home on Friday night, it's always good to sleep in your own bed.
I was very busy around the house on the weekend, blanching carrots for the freezer and cooking pumpkin for pies. 
I was at the gym this morning and discovered I can watch netflix on my tablet while working out, so today I did 55 minutes and watched an episode of Homeland. The time really flew by.
Today's Quote:

Off on a road trip with my little buddy

October 3, 2013
I picked up my daughter's dog yesterday and he will be here for a week and a half, I am sure I will be able to get in some extra walking. yipeee
I am taking him on a road trip to see my Mom, she feel in love with him and has called and asked for me to bring him down, so we will head down after lunch, she asked me to bring his treats with me so she can feed him something.
I went to the gym this morning and did 30 minutes on the elliptical machine and then did my weight routine.
Looking forward to seeing Mom, not the drive though. I'll try to post some pictures.
Today's Quote:

Knitting and Crocheting at the Glebe today

October 2, 2013
Wow the gym was busy this morning, I made the mistake of walking in at 6 am and saying how quiet it was. Well I think it opened the flood gates, cause there was people that even the owner didn't know. I saw how busy it was so I only did 35 minutes today and then got off so others could use the machine. I went into the gym and did some exercises to finish off my day along with some stretching. I will do plenty of walking this morning at the Glebe Center. I will try to get another walk in after dinner.
we were hoping to get up the Christmas lights outside this weekend, we are having a warm fall, but now its calling for rain, will have to see how that pans out. I am heading down to see Mom for a couple of days.
I found a neat calculator today, I thought I would share it with you.
http://www.globalrph.com/diet_calc.cgi
Today's Quote:

 

Where is our fall

October 1, 2013
Wow this year is 3/4 of the way gone, hard to believe. It has been so warm at nights, it only got down to 17c last night, I had to give in and turn on the air conditioning when I came home from the gym. I did my weight routine this morning and I used a small pillow to lie on when I do leg curls, I was finding the lay down area to hard on my chest, my ribs were really painful last week.
I am working on a painting this morning and have my Art class this afternoon.
I have many ideas for my next paintings. I am excited as I can have them done in time for presents for Christmas. I have been giving it a lot of thought, Christmas that is, we have company coming in December from Australia and they leave on the 23 of December for New York City. So I need to make sure I am organized well ahead of time.
Today's Quote: