My Surprise Winter Wonderland

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Yesterday when my daughter and I made a run to Wally World, we noticed that it was trying to snow... By the time we headed home it was doing just that ... All day it was that sleety kind of snow, no big flakes and little gathered on the green lawn in front of my apt building. By 9 pm it was changed and a winter wonderland out there. This is unusual for where I live so for those of you who have a full winter season of snow this may not be a big deal for you. For here, it is... enjoy the pics, I tried to get unusual shots:





In the pic above, the first two windows on the side are my apartment ...



The above pic is our lilac tree - which really needs a good pruning - it never gets done so the fragrence is not as strong as it could be...





The pic above is Kartmen sniffing the air - he so wants to go outside but he is not allowed. That street is just to busy with the school at one corner and the community centre a couple of blocks down the road is constantly being used, so he is not allowed out. Thank goodness he has not learnt to push on that screen LOL



You know journey to health is not always about the ups and downs and in and outs, what works what is not, how we feel about ourselves an what not, sometimes its just about you and your furbaby watching out the window together - in this case me and Kartmen watching the snow!!!

Thanks for dropping by, and this next pic will show you what we are usually like !!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BUFFALOGAL1952 3/5/2011 1:55AM

Don't know how I missed this...but glad I finally caught up to it! Love the pics my friend! Report Inappropriate Comment

TBWELLS01 2/28/2011 8:44PM

So glad you got the snow instead of Ohio. Report Inappropriate Comment

JOLOVESRUM 2/27/2011 7:54PM

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VALBOY2010 2/27/2011 4:47PM

Beautiful pictures, Lindie. But I agree with Tekgirl33 - I am so sick of the stuff. I can hardly wait for spring - even though it means lots of flooding here. Our Muffin would like to go outside as well, but we don't allow it very often - only when someone has time to stay with her. She's just like your Kartmen - standing at the door loningly looking out at the outside world. Of course right now when she does that, we open the door and with the first breath of that cold world out there, she darts back into the warmth! Report Inappropriate Comment

RUFREE4T 2/27/2011 4:44PM

We have seen this a lot but it can be very beautiful under the right circumstances. Lilac tree are very hard to kill but you need to trim them just after they bloom or you will not have blooms the next year. They bloom on new wood. So after they bloom get those clippers out. I have cut them down to the ground and then they come back with vengeance. Report Inappropriate Comment

LECATES 2/27/2011 1:05PM

Glad you got to enjoy some snow. Why don't you buy some clippers and do a little trimmin on that tree----I don't think you will hurt it. Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGWOMAN07 2/27/2011 12:59PM

A little further in the valley, we got snow too Lindie - probably more than you did! It IS beautiful BUT I am supposed to go to work today,and I am snow phobic. Have two hours to decide what to do. I'm eagerly waiting for the scene in your last picture. Irene (also in BC) Report Inappropriate Comment

FENWAYGIRL18 2/27/2011 12:32PM

god am i sick of snow.... we got a surprise snow storm lastnight Report Inappropriate Comment

Monday Monday... Can't Trust That DAY !!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

www.youtube.com/watch?v=h81Ojd3d2rY

NOT today anyway.

Woke up at 6:50 and thought it was 5:50 and I could get some exercise in. When I realised it was so late, I went straight to the shower, ran the water and got in.

Now earlier in the week I received a gift of two cloth shower curtains and not knowing which to use first, I put them up one faceing out of the shower and one facing IN the shower, after all I like a lil scenery. NO PROBLEM... so there I am showering along and the inside curtain keep flashing up at me when I am trying to lather... so I turned the nozzle of the shower toward the curtain to keep it away from me, which worked. KINDA... it worked a little TOO good. When it was time to get out, I not only kept the shower curtain from flashing up at me, I kinda .... WATERED my bathroom floor. WELL I had to take 15 minutes to mop up the water. Then I had to rewash the water splash from the wring mop off me ... and then dry my hair, and get dressed.....

Now its 7:50 and I have not even had breakfat, no time to spark, no time for anything, well no biggie I'll pick up breakfast on the way to work, I can spark via the Iphone on my lunch break, sorta. I pack a lunch for my Meatless Monday and head off to work.

Everything seems to be going fine, till lunch. I had a bowl of instant noodles, now I don't eat these very often, but no msg and I have been wanting some, so I added some cooked peas to it rather then use their little packet of 3 peas and 2 corns and what looked liked shriveled carret.

I open up the flavour packet and guess what? I WIND UP WEARING HALF OF IT... Ughhhhhh well what could go wrong next ???

I get off work, walk up to Winners to buy a shower curtain liner, only to find they don't have any, walk over to London Drugs, buy what I think is the better quality one for 9.99 rather then the 3.99 - the packet seemed heavier, only to find out when I put it up, no magnets to keep it in place and prevent it from flashing up .... ughhhhhhhhhhh....

Anyway I pick up some Alfredo to bring home to have for dinner and getting home around 5:45, my son opens the door to his apt and says oh your home now. I go into my apt and there he has brought dinner - PIZZA and NAKED GRAPE wine, oh yeaaaaa Monday Monday .... then I looked at the counter, and sure enought the newly opened large container of cottage cheese was LEFT OUT all day ... well we know where that went.

Gene, my son took the bathroom mat and used his carpet cleaner to suck up all the moisture and the mat is no laying across my hand clothes dryer till its dry.... the glass of wine I am still working on....


So, how did your day go ?????

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

IRENEHARPS 2/15/2011 10:19PM

I'm sure that it seems a lot funnier to us than to you. Of course, looking at it in hindsight, you can probably laugh at yourself. Have a great Tuesday! Report Inappropriate Comment

MAURIZIA 2/15/2011 8:36AM

Hate those Mondays...but it's a NEW day...a TUESDAY...so it will be terrific!!! Hugs. Report Inappropriate Comment

MAKING0VERME 2/15/2011 7:39AM

Makes you appreciate the good days doesn't it? Report Inappropriate Comment

LECATES 2/15/2011 6:05AM

Guess you should have stayed in bed---LOL Report Inappropriate Comment

PANZEE 2/15/2011 2:43AM

LOL What a day!! I've had some of those days, but it's much funnier when it happens to someone else. LOL Report Inappropriate Comment

WEEZYB7881 2/15/2011 12:02AM

I hear you...what a miserable Monday Report Inappropriate Comment

One is The Loneliest Number ....

Sunday, February 13, 2011

This morning I looked on spark to find a challenge team that I could join. I was looking for weekly or daily challenges where I coul net work with people my own age and in my own area. I made a team, then deleted it, I don't really want to be a team leader in this but just want to be somewhere to get ideas for challenges.

I reviewd a lot of the teams, from Canada and the states an considered a couple, but saw people doing unrealistic challenges - or at least they were to me - so I decided that was not the team for me.

In the end I just reverted back to my own thread that I have on another team.

I was really hoping to find a group for challenges to help me reach and meet my weight loss goals this year, but I guess I will be doing this on my own.

One really is the loneliest number when your wanting someone to do challenges with who will actually suport you rather then ignore you..... back to me and my shadow...

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BOHEMIANCAT 2/15/2011 1:18PM

I had a Healthy Heart by Valentine's Day on my team. Now we are doing the shorter challenges because the participation started out strong but waned. I hope you don't end this team! Some great ladies here! I can relate to one is the loneliest number. I was hoping to meet some ladies in my area... there is no one except on Sparkpeople to share my health journey with. The dh is just not into it no matter what I do. I get ALL my inspiration from my Sparkfriends, like you! Hang in there. I am finding I am so busy I cannot join all the challenges, but I did the "me time". I think you have some good ideas. Keep it going! Linda Report Inappropriate Comment

TBWELLS01 2/14/2011 1:34PM

I have considered a Spark Buddie. Maybe it's just the ticket for you. I find it easier to relate to one or two people rather than an entire team. I understand because I feel alone sometimes but I know that too much is going on my life right now. My grandmother always said, "You must be a friend to have a friend." I'm really not very good at it. Most days the best I can do is pray for my friends and call them a few times a month or email. Keep your chin up. Even when things are looking very dark. . . a shining star points the way. I wish I could be a better friend to you. Please forgive me. Becky Report Inappropriate Comment

LECATES 2/13/2011 7:29PM

Have you checked out the challenge boards here on Spark? Kin d of a specialized area on Spark for this----know it has been on insider this past month. Report Inappropriate Comment

EMMANYC 2/13/2011 6:39PM

Have you considered maybe posting an entry in the message boards (where it's more likely to be seen than in the blogs) and outlining roughly a couple of the kinds of challenges you're thinking of? Then ask if anyone else is interested in creating a team along the same lines and ask them for ideas about challenges. Explain that you don't want to be the leader just now, but are looking for others with similar goals. I'll bet the result will be that you'll either get a group together (with someone else leading) or get some good suggestions for challenges. Report Inappropriate Comment

IMREITE 2/13/2011 6:22PM

If you keep looking, you may eventually find something your want to do. Report Inappropriate Comment

Setting Goals and Creating Challenges to Meet Goals

Saturday, January 29, 2011

That's Kartmen, he's playing HIDE and SEEK with me, right now he's peaking to see if I am paying attention. Now why Would that have anything to do with the title of my blog? LOL

I couldnt' find another pic that was not copy rite proteced on google... so KARTMEN it is.

I have several goals I want to meet this year. In order to do that I am creating or participating in several challenges to meet those goals. Challenges are a good way to help keep you on target, and keep you honest, but ONLY if you actually participate.

Here's my challenges so far:

1. 15 minutes of ME time - I can't tell you how many times I read in posts that people are over worked, over taxed with doing for others and although that's comendable, its also very selfish that they do this at their own expense, and all that, its also not healthy for them. While they are busy tending to this and that, they are neglecting the ONE person they should be putting NUMBER ONE -themselves. SO in an effort to ensure I come first - 15 minutes a day of ME time, devoted completely to me.

2. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day. I have a streak for this and I've reset it so it will show on my spark page because you just never know who will be PEAKING at me an my goals.

3. Track my foods - OK this one might get away from me because to be honest, I find tracking foods that I pretty well eat the same day in and day out to be a bit of a nuisence and a waste of my time, I already weight, measure follow portion control, and pretty well stay in caloric range. The problem is every time I change my fitness minutes and goals, my caloric range that spark thinks I should have changes too, so while I have no consistendy with the fitness minutes, ie if I am sick, I change it to 15 min a day or what have you, then my caloric numbers change and I loose what I had preset. SO I dislike using the tracker. It is the best online tracker there is, it could be better.

4. speaking of food, I've been enjoying too many of starbuck's buttermilk blue berry muffins lately so back to making my own and keeping the caloric count for that down.

5. This goal pertains to the Vancouver Sun Run ( I'll be walking with my poles) to get me in shape for the 10 k - the recommendation is 30 minutes of walking a day, and increasing at a steady pace weekly. I'll be doing that as well as riding the recombend, and time at the gym to get my muscles in shape for that.

Building strong muscle is important to me, strong healthy muscle burns calories, fat does nothing but make me sick. BUT in order to have strong healthy muscles, I need to eat the foods necessary to build those muscles. I'll be reviewing what I am eating as well.

It won't be easy, some will be easier to do then other's but I'll pull my biggie gurl pants up and just getter done !!

Thanks for peaking in on me an Kartment. Wishing you all a spark smart evening.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TBWELLS01 2/14/2011 1:44PM

Fifteen minutes of ME time. I'd love to have some ME time. I think I will follow suit and make it part of my goals too. I will speeak with hubby tonight and get back to you. I've never been in a Starbuck but hear people talking about it all the time. They must have some wonderful coffees, hot chocolates, and cakes. Must be expensive though and I'm too cheap to part with a dollar that could be used on more pressing needs. Some excellent goals here Lindie. I think people need to write them down and post them on the fridge, on the bathroom mirror, or keep the list on the dresser. Seeing the goals keeps you mindful. I'm gonna write mine out too. That way, everyone will know what I'm aiming to do. Thanks, Becky Report Inappropriate Comment

RUFREE4T 2/3/2011 8:14PM

I love the picture of Kartment. Cats can be so enjoyable. You have set some great goals. Take them one at a time one day at a time and you will be surprised where you are by the end of the year. Report Inappropriate Comment

KRICKET57 1/31/2011 8:54AM

You have some great goals, I especially like the first one. I agree, we never take enough "me time" so I may borrow that one for myself. Report Inappropriate Comment

IRENEHARPS 1/31/2011 7:41AM

Great goals Lindie! I can only wish to be as determined and motivated as you are. Report Inappropriate Comment

DAIRYNURSE 1/30/2011 9:01PM

CONGRATULATIONS LINDIE ON GETTING YOUR GOALS SET UP AND WROTE DOWN. I AM REALLY FEELING GOOD ABOUT THINGS THIS PAST WEEK AND WORKING REALLY HARD TO GET THINGS STRAIGHTENED UP SO I CAN BE ORGANIZED AND HAVE EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE SO I CAN FOCUS 100 PERCENT ON MY JOURNEY JUST HAVE TO WORK A LITTLE HARDER AT GETTING IT ALL DONE. YOU DID A NICE JOB WITH YOUR GOALS AND I NEED TO FOLLOW SOME OF THE SAME ONES. Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGWOMAN07 1/29/2011 10:38PM

Great blog (as usual) Lindie. Good goals too. I too have set goals for this year. I am determined that this be the year that I get off the roundabout. But the Sun Run thing - isn't it more than 30 minutes of walking a week? Not that I am keeping up with that, but I thought it was 3 times a week. Irene in BC Report Inappropriate Comment

TWISTEDSTEELE 1/29/2011 10:19PM

You sound like your having fun with this Report Inappropriate Comment

LECATES 1/29/2011 9:11PM

RAUCOUS HIDES BEHIND MY CLOSET CURTAIN AND TRIES TO GET MY FEET WHEN I AM WALKING IN THE MORNINGS IN THE HOUSE---LOL---SILLY KITTIES. SENSIBLE GOALS! Report Inappropriate Comment

One More Lesson Learnt ... The Hard Way ....

Sunday, January 23, 2011

That's me, with a gift from a very thoughtful spark sister. I cherish that gift as I cherish all gifts from special friends.

This week I lost one of my very special spark friend, Kathy, and the loss was harder to take then I thought possible.

I was all alone, no one here but the cat, no one to give me an actual hug, my son was working, my sister sleeping, and my daughter engaged elsewhere. No one was here, just the cat...and the cat could have cared less.

I found myself reaching for certain foods to eat, to comfort me, and then I remembered, food is for fuel not for comfort, so why am I turning to this food? I did so because I could. Because in my mind's eye I needed these foods. Or did I?

No I did not need these foods, foods, can't hug me, tell me its going to be ok, and hug me again. So that is not what I needed. What I needed was for someone to hug me, tell me it was going to be ok, that these things happen in life and will no doubt happen again. I just was not prepared for this. NO ONE WAS ....

I remember once she said she disliked spelling mistakes, and suggested I use the spell check. My response was that I was a phonetic speller and if I had to use the program, I might as well be at work because it was too much like work. She never said another word about it.

Kathy was a wonderful person, full of life, loved to travel, and sky dive when younger !! Kathy loved people and loved to help them and in the end, even in death she had something to teach me. She showed me an appreciation of why people turn to food for comfort, and why this journey can be so hard for them.

I won't be turning to food for comfort, but I certainly have a better understanding of why people do. Thank you Kathy, rest in peace, dear spark sista.

Thank you to those who drop in to read this blog, your comments are well appreciated. Lindie

PS Spell check done !

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

WALKINGWOMAN07 1/25/2011 2:22AM

I think that this loss is hard for all of us who have been on this team for a while, Lindie, but especially hard for you, because you met her in person - not just virtually - and you were co-leader with her for a while. She sure was a special person, and will be missed by many of us. Good for you for dealing with emotional eating issues in the middle of it. Sending you lots of hugs, even if it is long after the fact of hearing the shocking news. Irene in BC Report Inappropriate Comment

RUFREE4T 1/24/2011 7:59PM

Lindie - It is so hard to loose a friend. I hope the good memories help you over this rough spot. If it helps you stop emotional eating it is even better. Hugs to you. I wish I could deliver them in person. Report Inappropriate Comment

MAURIZIA 1/23/2011 7:49PM

LINDIE! MY SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS ON YOUR LOSS OF A FRIEND? SENDING YOU VIRTUAL HUGS. Report Inappropriate Comment

IRENEHARPS 1/23/2011 1:17PM

I can relate.......most definitely! Report Inappropriate Comment

KARRYB1 1/23/2011 1:03PM

Sorry for your loss. Sending a big hug your way. Report Inappropriate Comment

LECATES 1/23/2011 12:45PM

WE DO END UP MISSING PEOPLE WHEN THEY LEAVE SPARK---BUT THIS LOSS IS PARTICULARLY HARD SINCE THIS WAS NOT HER CHOICE AND SO SAD THAT THE DOCTORS DISMISSED HER SYMPTOMS. gOOD FOR YOU IN NOT TURNING TO THE COMFORT FOOD---AND HOPE YOU FOUND SOMEONE TO GIVE YOU A HUG AT ONE PAOINT. WISH I WAS THERE TO DO THAT---BUT SENDING YOU WARM HUGS BY OSMOSIS, GF! Report Inappropriate Comment