Two Fold Purpose....

This blog will now have a two fold purpose. Travel blog and of course, weight loss blog.

It comes as no surprise that I am at my highest weight for a while. Not good. That and I am continually inspired by the amazing weight loss success of my friends - 25 pounds, 15 pounds and another 25 pounds amongst three wonderful ladies. And let us not forget all those friends who are losing baby weight!

Im pretty physically active and have been making a point of working out for health reasons for a long time. That does not mean, however, that I have been any good at stopping the food from launching out of the cupboard and fridge and into my gaping mouth.

In order to kick start my efforts in 2009 I bought a treadmill and started to monitor what I eat again. First week's weight loss - 3 pounds. Im hoping for two pounds this week which would take me to 5 pounds. Half way to my first goal.

Reward for my first goal: Ummmm, still working on that one.

Things that seemed to work for me this past week:

1. Eating every two to three hours.
2. This awesome protein splash drink
3. Working out five days a week.
4. Stopping eating after dinner.

Best musical choices for running this week:

For getting into a groove and cruising along: Las Ketchup Song!

For inspiration: Pocket Full of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield. I don't know why.

I will try and keep this up and use the blog as my own personal accountability mechanism. Then, one day, I can look a little more like this again...(sure I am VERY 1990s and young looking - but I was also two sizes smaller!!)

Too cute - had to share!

My Nilla being abused by my dear Jake...

Observations from Mexico: Part Four

1. Time to Go Home: Am sitting at the airport (aeropuerto for you spanish speakers) waiting to board a plane. A delayed plane due to a snowstorm in Toronto. Unfortunately they didnt allow us to wait on the beach. Am glad to go home as I miss my furry babies and am sick of buffet food. But I will miss the sun! And napping of course.

2. Duty Free is Still Dangerous: Two bottles of Agavero and one silver ring later and I am suitably out of cash.

3. Starbucks here I come!First stop in TO - Starbucks baby!!! Im in need of a venti mild blend with milk. Yummy yum yum yum!

Observations from Mexico: Part Three

1. Last day depression: And tomorrow we go home. I have been trying to convince Rob that we should immigrate to Mexico and set up a poutine shack for drunk Canadians. No luck. Although he seems tempted! I think the lack of access to hockey games is holding him back though.

2. Six days in and yep, I still hate rude people: My momma taught me well. After six days with exposure to strangers from the U.S., Canada, Europe and Latin America) and their ways of dealing with staff, and I am on manners patrol. A simple please and thank you goes a long way my friends. And anyone serving you deserves that at the very least!!!

Observations from Mexico: Part Two

Day Five in Mexico and a few more observations...

1. Xel-ha: A must see for those who come to Cancun. It is a huge ecological water park with logs of animals (dolphins, manitis, sting rays and of course, the ever present iguana).

We spent the afternoon there yesterday where I happily snorkeled most of the day away. I even came across a stingray - which I promptly named Mr. Stingray - swimming along the bottom of the ocean. I followed him for a while until he decided that I had made him uncomfortable enough that he turned around and began to chase me. Guess my future as a stalker is looking grim.

2. Finding the Perfect Drink: It seems to me that at all inclusives the challenge is to find the perfect drink. Here, it is a tie between the mudslide (99% al-ki-hol, 1% chocolate) and the margarita (99% al-ki-hol and 1% lime).

3. Speaking of alcohol: I have discovered that the game 'asshole' is still oodles of fun. Especially when you add alcohol!

4. Speaking of alcohol part deux: Oh how I have sinned. For almost a full year I have given up diet coke in all its form (diet pepsi, diet coke, coke zero) and for the past few months I have given up pork and beef (thanks Oprah!). One night of al-ki-hol and games of asshole and my belly is filled with a burger and diet coke. Sigh. Off to hell I go.

Observations from Mexico: Part One

I have decided to use this blog for what it was originally intended for - my travel observations. Unfortunately, I usually create such brilliance on my work trips and then run out of time to do anything more than send them in an email. Luckily, this time I am on vacation in beautiful Cancun, Mexico. So....here goes....

1. Jessica is to plan all of my future vacations: Jess chose the Grand Princess Riviera and my god it is a beautiful resort. Modern, clean rooms, good food and amazingly lovely grounds. And let us not forget the fantastic service!! Yep. Jessis officially promoted from best friend to best travel agent.
2. I am a news junky: I have been here three days with no newspaper or CNN. Out of desperation, I have begun to watch Fox news where I have learned the words for what will cause the world to end (at least according to Bill O'Reilly) - Barack Obama.

3. I am still a mosquito magnet: I have as of yet to actually SEE a mosquito, but they sure do find me! My legs are positively a feast, a buffet of blood for the little buggers. Stage One was noticing the red splotches on my legs. Stage two is when they swell and look like pimples. Now we are into the scratching stage which should lead shortly into scabbing over. Sexy.

4. All inclusives are made for more than 2 people: We are here with two other couples. Totally the way to go I say! Rob and I tend to run out of conversation by tday two and so we end up resorting to arguing over card game rules. Six people works much better - much more to talk about.l

5. I like this place: As I sit here in the sun drinking a yummy Mango daquiri - me thinks I want to come back next year. Who is in???

It's DONE!!!

We finally finished the hallway shortly after celebrating the New Year. New Year...newly painted hallway.

Et....VOILA!