Where has the time gone?

It's almost September 2023.

I feel like I blinked and 6 years passed.

Sure, there was a global pandemic that turned the world upside down for a good 2+ years, but still.

Big picture, I am lucky compared to others.

Day to day life, a bit of a struggle.

Trying to focus on the good and I think will be helpful if I take the time to sit and write it out!

I Miss My Blog

I think about this space often.

I miss writing.

I have to get back to it to keep my brain working.

I'll be back soon :)

My Mom

My Mom.  I love her.  Taken Aug 28'16 by my Dad during a walk in Port Credit.

I Am An Early Bird

Or, I should say I'm not a night owl.

I am enjoying walking more, getting my body moving, and being more active.

I have also over the last 18months become much more self aware and mindful.

When dealing with stress, I shut down, seek out potato chips, buy too much coffee from Starbucks (decaf non-fat latte with 1 sugar free vanilla shot is my current crutch), and fall asleep between 8-9pm.

The last month or so has been a high stress time, I'd say a good 9 out of 10.

Stress is part of life and I need to learn how to better cope with it, but what I have realized is that as far as working out goes, I need to do it in the morning. Get it done, get it out of the way, feel better, and let the benefit of it last throughout the day.

I know this is a real long time ago, but in grade 10 & 11 I had gym for homeroom.  I honestly contribute starting every school day with 1 hour of exercise as a major factor as to why I didn't put weight on back then.  I ate too much junk food, like I always did, but wow did I work it off.

As soon as I graduated high school and stopped being so active both with gym class, school sports, swimming, skating, etc, the weight slowly and faithfully started to go up.

I have a weekend routine that I'm not willing to change because of just how much joy it brings me, and that is taking Loki for our early morning walks. I'll have to figure out what to do and when on Saturdays to get a work out in, as Sunday will always be a my day off.

The good thing is I recognize these things and make the required adjustments rather than getting frustrated and just say "f*ck it" and give up.

Me and my sweet pup Loki with a derpy tongue at the end of our very long walk yesterday morning.

Time To Get Fit

In the gym downstairs.

I can no longer ignore that exercise and getting fit is a part of my long term health plan. The past 15 months have been very food focused. I think I have that component pretty much under control. I know what I need to do, and I just have to do it every day.

I am super proud of myself at where I am now weight wise.  Could I lose more? Yes. Should I lose more? Maybe. Have I maintained this weight I'm at now for a few months? Yes.  Do I feel good? Absolutely.

I'm 20lbs heavier now than I was when I was 18yrs old and  I turn 48 in October. I think that's amazing! The very last thing I want to do is lose too much weight because then, of course, the only thing to do is gain it back to get to a realistic, sustainable weight.

I have been more active in the last year than in the last decade, but it's still not enough. Walking is great and I love it, but I need strength.  Muscles burn fat. I have zero discernible muscles in my arms at all. Core strength? Ya, um, none. 

I went to the Y with my friend Nat last weekend, and she is my fitness hero.  She showed me what to do. I did a plank for 10 seconds. I didn't think I'd be able to do one at all. I shook all over and woke up muscles from hibernation. The next day I had muscle pain and it felt good.  I miss the feeling of moving my body.

What for me seems to be the most difficult aspect of doing anything worth doing is actually just doing it.  Make sense?  Truth is, I have no excuse.  I just have to love myself enough to know that this is for me and my health.

A Photo A Day - Happiness

Happiness. 

Don't much like that word. Happiness for me is something I feel in a moment, where I can say to myself, "right now, I am happy.", but it is not something I strive for.

I'm more comfortable with the terms: content, grateful, thankful, and blessed.

What consistently makes me happy and smile is Loki.

I'm so lucky we have a dog that loves to cuddle and be close to his humans :)

Photo A Day - Treat Yourself

It's Monday. Nothing too fancy. I treated myself by giving myself a manicure.

Photo A Day - My Favourite Shoes

It's been the same since I was 7, 27, and now 47. I love Mary Janes.

Photo A Day - What I'm Doing

What I have been doing this hot muggy Saturday night is colouring in my Game of Thrones Colouring Book.

Photo A Day - Growth

Not inspired at all by todays topic, so here's a picture of Loki where I pulled his lips back to look like Fire Marshall Bill.

This sweet dog puts up with me.