Christmas is done. It was nice. A lot of details I will not bore you with (or let you too far into my intimate life), but I gave meaningful gifts, received many generous ones that were very appreciated, and had lots of memorable moments with my family and that of my better half.
I am fat though. well, relatively speaking. I am NOT fat, but I am bulging out of my clothes a little more than I'd like, and crossed my weight threshold (the number I set for myself to always maintain as a maximum). So I am working on getting those numbers down and coming up with my game plan. I am just waiting to sort out if soccer is in the cards for winter. If not, I'll play vball twice weekly, then probably hit a gym.
I am loving work this week with no one around. It's so calm and there's barely anyone in the city. The muffled tranquility of inside my winter coat's hood and scarf make walking to the metro in the morning all the more enjoyable too.
For new year's eve, I'll be doing exactly what I did last year: spending the evening with my boyfriend at a place we're housesitting that is amazing, and he'll be cooking dinner, as usual. We'll most likely spend it watching a movie or the show Community, the Season 1 episodes of which we're watching one after the other.
Alright, I am off to meet my namorado for dinner and coffee with a friend.
I wish you all a very sloppy and love-filled New Year's celebration, whatever it is you do. I hope that the next time I write, I'll be talking about my having started working out again and getting uber fit. Oh and my boyfriend and I are supposed to go to drop-in circus school sometime in January to learn handstands properly, among other things, and this is SO VERY VERY EXCITING to me.
Talk soon.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Baby did a bad, bad thing...
This is a post about gifts, since I am not in the mood to discuss how very, very indulgent and lazy I've been. I'll say this though, having my hip out and my team sports being cut short early... well that would be my excuse, but really, I'm just being bad. The result is me craving energy in the form of every form of sugar imaginable, but mainly cupcakes and ice cream. In any case, I'm not here to self-flagellate, because I know that does absolutely nada. I will touch on a completely unrelated topic instead, that of gift giving.
I would like to call this little ditty "Love, don't sell it to me, mine is free."
Once upon a time...wait, no, scratch that, ALL THE TIME, I am ripping my hair out to come up with ideas for this gift or that, for this birthday or that Christmas do or any number of events for which there is a now-standard gift-giving protocol to which one must abide at the risk of losing face. It has caused me stress to the point of tears, to the point that trying to come up with ideas for just one person takes days, let alone for a list of my nearest and dearest. Anxiety has now formed around this issue.
The other day, faced with the fear of not giving something suitable to my significant other for our anniversary (since my birthday gift efforts constituted what I would call an EPIC FAIL, and Christmas is looking to be the same), I was in a state of panic. I couldn't move, figuratively speaking. But move I did. I decided to spend lunch after lunch (usually reserved for my calming walks that get me through the day), to do what everybody else does and shop, that's right, in stores, with people and all, at Christmas time, downtown. I would pick one or two stores, since my lunch is only 30 minutes, and try to brainstorm. For weeks this went on, and guess what I ended up getting after every single other idea fell through for various reasons beyond my control: the game of Battleship.
Meanwhile, in the land of the affluent, I heard talks of gifts in the hundreds of dollars not being suitable enough, and of leaving out hints for gift ideas such as jewellery and purse makers, so a girl could have "things that girls love." Ahem! I thought to myself, is that really all it boils down to nowadays, people not wanting to be perceived as 'cheap' by any means, and resorting to cliches with absolutely no meaning or depth? What girl defines the degree to which she is loved by the price of the gifts thrown at her? I, for one, do not. In fact, call me strange, but I get proportionately more excited for a small token than I do for a gift heftier in the status department.
I started to feel proud of myself for Battleship and all it represents. I felt safe in the knowledge that my significant other would not only understand that obligatory gift giving really isn't my forte, but that even if he might expect something bigger or better, he would "get" that this meant some silly time we could spend together, because THAT is what I really want, and what I really love to give.
Call me vain, cheap, or what have you, but the time people spend with me, and the time I give them, is the greatest gift.
I spent years in a relationship defined, very much against my will, by our ability to come up with distractions, things to play with. Now, I prize my current relationship, and my friendships, for the care people give me.
But I will play the game nonetheless, because I DO love those around me, and I DO wish I could give them everything. But now I am looking at things in a whole new light and trying to find my inner inspiration to get back to the simpler things.
I wish you all a sane, courteous and pleasant (if at all possible) shopping experience. Remember that the attitude you convey in such unpleasant situations will usually radiate to your fellow citizens, so be nice, even to strangers. If someone is disagreeable, show what a big person you are and quietly and discreetly proceed to kick their shins, steal their stuff and run. :)
Have a great evening kiddos!
I would like to call this little ditty "Love, don't sell it to me, mine is free."
Once upon a time...wait, no, scratch that, ALL THE TIME, I am ripping my hair out to come up with ideas for this gift or that, for this birthday or that Christmas do or any number of events for which there is a now-standard gift-giving protocol to which one must abide at the risk of losing face. It has caused me stress to the point of tears, to the point that trying to come up with ideas for just one person takes days, let alone for a list of my nearest and dearest. Anxiety has now formed around this issue.
The other day, faced with the fear of not giving something suitable to my significant other for our anniversary (since my birthday gift efforts constituted what I would call an EPIC FAIL, and Christmas is looking to be the same), I was in a state of panic. I couldn't move, figuratively speaking. But move I did. I decided to spend lunch after lunch (usually reserved for my calming walks that get me through the day), to do what everybody else does and shop, that's right, in stores, with people and all, at Christmas time, downtown. I would pick one or two stores, since my lunch is only 30 minutes, and try to brainstorm. For weeks this went on, and guess what I ended up getting after every single other idea fell through for various reasons beyond my control: the game of Battleship.
Meanwhile, in the land of the affluent, I heard talks of gifts in the hundreds of dollars not being suitable enough, and of leaving out hints for gift ideas such as jewellery and purse makers, so a girl could have "things that girls love." Ahem! I thought to myself, is that really all it boils down to nowadays, people not wanting to be perceived as 'cheap' by any means, and resorting to cliches with absolutely no meaning or depth? What girl defines the degree to which she is loved by the price of the gifts thrown at her? I, for one, do not. In fact, call me strange, but I get proportionately more excited for a small token than I do for a gift heftier in the status department.
I started to feel proud of myself for Battleship and all it represents. I felt safe in the knowledge that my significant other would not only understand that obligatory gift giving really isn't my forte, but that even if he might expect something bigger or better, he would "get" that this meant some silly time we could spend together, because THAT is what I really want, and what I really love to give.
Call me vain, cheap, or what have you, but the time people spend with me, and the time I give them, is the greatest gift.
I spent years in a relationship defined, very much against my will, by our ability to come up with distractions, things to play with. Now, I prize my current relationship, and my friendships, for the care people give me.
But I will play the game nonetheless, because I DO love those around me, and I DO wish I could give them everything. But now I am looking at things in a whole new light and trying to find my inner inspiration to get back to the simpler things.
I wish you all a sane, courteous and pleasant (if at all possible) shopping experience. Remember that the attitude you convey in such unpleasant situations will usually radiate to your fellow citizens, so be nice, even to strangers. If someone is disagreeable, show what a big person you are and quietly and discreetly proceed to kick their shins, steal their stuff and run. :)
Have a great evening kiddos!
Monday, December 5, 2011
I should feel bad...
I should feel bad (not guilty, but at least VERY responsible for and aware of my actions) because I am being a baaad girl. Not only am I officially out of sports for the next few weeks because of a hip injury, but I am eating way more junk than I'd like to admit. High quality junk, but junk nonetheless.
Some of it I don't mind. Like the red velvet cupcake I was generously offered today that rocked my world. But some of the little things I've been eating here and there, when I originally tell myself no, is what will do me in if it doesn't stop.
So I think that this weekend I should come up with a game plan, some sort of structured approach to get me through the next month. In January, I should be completely recovered and will be playing team sports three nights weekly, in addition to my Portugese classes. For now, though, I need ideas, strokes of genius to fit in exercise while I have a limp and cannot push myself too hard.
Onto another subject before I head off to my second-to-last Level 1 class, did I mention I've rediscovered my love for Christmas. Well only time will tell really (once the day itself has passed, when I invariably declare that I hate this holiday and want to escape to the woods alone), but I have high hopes. The main reason is that I have a certain someone in the house whose child-like love of all things yuletide is infectious. That's right, I caught Christmas fever, aka influenza XMAS2011.
Okay, gotta run, take care munchkins!
Some of it I don't mind. Like the red velvet cupcake I was generously offered today that rocked my world. But some of the little things I've been eating here and there, when I originally tell myself no, is what will do me in if it doesn't stop.
So I think that this weekend I should come up with a game plan, some sort of structured approach to get me through the next month. In January, I should be completely recovered and will be playing team sports three nights weekly, in addition to my Portugese classes. For now, though, I need ideas, strokes of genius to fit in exercise while I have a limp and cannot push myself too hard.
Onto another subject before I head off to my second-to-last Level 1 class, did I mention I've rediscovered my love for Christmas. Well only time will tell really (once the day itself has passed, when I invariably declare that I hate this holiday and want to escape to the woods alone), but I have high hopes. The main reason is that I have a certain someone in the house whose child-like love of all things yuletide is infectious. That's right, I caught Christmas fever, aka influenza XMAS2011.
Okay, gotta run, take care munchkins!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
BEFORE AND AFTER
Excuse me if I have posted before-and-afters in the past, but this one goes to Big C, who asked me for some. The problem is that I absolutely don't want to post really unflattering photos of myself, out of respect for my chunkier self, but these ones don't quite capture how "bulky" I think I'd become. In any case, I've provided two face shots and two full-length photos, so you get an idea. I send huge props to my fellow bloggers trying to lose four times the amount of weight I lost. As we say in French, courage!
 |
| Me at a wedding in 2009 I think, immediately after a breakup. |
 |
| My face in 2006 in Chennai, India. |
 |
| Me at a wedding in May 2011, with my new man and looking and feeling so much better than the year prior. |
 |
| Me in October 2011, now having reached my goal of 50 lbs, and able to indulge in such delicious meals without stress. |
a reminder, and some SMART tidbits
Hey folks!
I have some good news and also a refresher course on goal-setting at the end. As I mentioned in my last post or so, I asked all those of you who may be undertaking a project--weight loss or otherwise--to look at my post on the SMART approach. It is widely advocated and used in a number of fields, but when it comes to your health, I think it is a completely valid first step (and something all of us should brush up on every now and again to make sure we continue to set reasonable, achievable goals for ourselves).
As for me, well I've signed up for two court volleyball teams for late January, I'll be moving on to level 2 Portugese then as well, and I have decided to stick with my indoor soccer team too, even though I was afraid the better guys on the team wanted to move us up to a new, more competitve level. Now that all's said and done, I have warmed up to the notion of being on a team that wins, as long as I get to keep playing with a friend of mine. I'm also excited because I'll be reuniting with my beach volleyball team on the hard floor. After playing with them for two years, you do build quite a rapport, and it will be nice to be in touch again.
In other news, I picked up all of JD Salinger's works of genius at a used book store today. I also enjoyed a burger, and with great restraint, did NOT take a pop or fries. Instead, I savoured the juicy beef, whole wheat bun and condiments with a side of water. After weeks of eating in restaurants, I am struggling to once again (my eternal problem) get back into a routine of preparing meals at home consistently.
My friend asked if I had ever posted before and after photos on here. I believe I did, but since I don't have the time or desire to sift through old posts to check, I will post again immediately following this one, with some eye candy for you ha!
I'll have more to say soon, perhaps on the weekend, about my mood lately. For now I can say I am generally feeling good. Oh, and if you genuinely need an overdose of happy, go see the latest Muppets movie. You may be in for a deeply pleasant surprise.
Have a great evening! I am off to soccer, but I leave you with the SMART steps below, and will re-post shortly.
****
Specific: Specify the behavior you wish to change. Instead of saying, for example, "I will be healthier," determine a particular healthy behavior you will work toward integrating into your life. "I will exercise 3 days a week," or "I will floss my teeth every other day," or "I will eat a piece of fruit every day" are examples.
Measurable: means you can evaluate your progress. So instead of saying "I will increase my exercise," identify the number of days you will be active and/or the amount of time you will put into your regimen. "I will do cardio two days a week for half an hour and lift weights two days a week for twenty minutes" is a measurable goal.
Achievable and Realistic take into account your ability and lifestyle, as well as the rationality of your goal. Saying you're going to do something like exercise "every day" is probably unrealistic, as is setting a goal to "never" do something else like eat chocolate. Do previous injuries prevent you from running a marathon? Will you really be able to maintain 110 pounds? Set goals that are not too easy, but are within your reach.
Time Frame your goals whether it be by the day, week, month, or year, and reassess as necessary. "I will work out 3 days a week for half an hour in the month of January" is a time-framed goal. At the end of the month, I can see if I accomplished my goal and if there are changes I would like to make for the following month.
I have some good news and also a refresher course on goal-setting at the end. As I mentioned in my last post or so, I asked all those of you who may be undertaking a project--weight loss or otherwise--to look at my post on the SMART approach. It is widely advocated and used in a number of fields, but when it comes to your health, I think it is a completely valid first step (and something all of us should brush up on every now and again to make sure we continue to set reasonable, achievable goals for ourselves).
As for me, well I've signed up for two court volleyball teams for late January, I'll be moving on to level 2 Portugese then as well, and I have decided to stick with my indoor soccer team too, even though I was afraid the better guys on the team wanted to move us up to a new, more competitve level. Now that all's said and done, I have warmed up to the notion of being on a team that wins, as long as I get to keep playing with a friend of mine. I'm also excited because I'll be reuniting with my beach volleyball team on the hard floor. After playing with them for two years, you do build quite a rapport, and it will be nice to be in touch again.
In other news, I picked up all of JD Salinger's works of genius at a used book store today. I also enjoyed a burger, and with great restraint, did NOT take a pop or fries. Instead, I savoured the juicy beef, whole wheat bun and condiments with a side of water. After weeks of eating in restaurants, I am struggling to once again (my eternal problem) get back into a routine of preparing meals at home consistently.
My friend asked if I had ever posted before and after photos on here. I believe I did, but since I don't have the time or desire to sift through old posts to check, I will post again immediately following this one, with some eye candy for you ha!
I'll have more to say soon, perhaps on the weekend, about my mood lately. For now I can say I am generally feeling good. Oh, and if you genuinely need an overdose of happy, go see the latest Muppets movie. You may be in for a deeply pleasant surprise.
Have a great evening! I am off to soccer, but I leave you with the SMART steps below, and will re-post shortly.
****
Specific: Specify the behavior you wish to change. Instead of saying, for example, "I will be healthier," determine a particular healthy behavior you will work toward integrating into your life. "I will exercise 3 days a week," or "I will floss my teeth every other day," or "I will eat a piece of fruit every day" are examples.
Measurable: means you can evaluate your progress. So instead of saying "I will increase my exercise," identify the number of days you will be active and/or the amount of time you will put into your regimen. "I will do cardio two days a week for half an hour and lift weights two days a week for twenty minutes" is a measurable goal.
Achievable and Realistic take into account your ability and lifestyle, as well as the rationality of your goal. Saying you're going to do something like exercise "every day" is probably unrealistic, as is setting a goal to "never" do something else like eat chocolate. Do previous injuries prevent you from running a marathon? Will you really be able to maintain 110 pounds? Set goals that are not too easy, but are within your reach.
Time Frame your goals whether it be by the day, week, month, or year, and reassess as necessary. "I will work out 3 days a week for half an hour in the month of January" is a time-framed goal. At the end of the month, I can see if I accomplished my goal and if there are changes I would like to make for the following month.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)