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Deborah Servais
 

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MAY JOURNALS

Date:
05 May 2003
Time:
18:11:04

Todays Journal

It is Monday and I realize I haven't written in my journal since Friday. My email access is at the office and I don't always drag myself here on the weekend. I had a great workout Friday evening, a lot of cardio. I spent the last three periods of the hockey game on the EFX machine at the gym. It has audio so I was plugged in, watching the game and pumping the legs. I plan to do the same tonight and will work the weights in between periods and before and after the game as well. This works out well as I cancelled cable at home April 11th and haven't had the TV on since. I took Saturday off from the gym but worked out in the yard, cutting grass, weeding and all of that fun stuff. I also finished some other chores (like doing my income tax) that I had been putting off on Sunday and then as a treat for finishing them I went to the gym for a workout.

Date:
07 May 2003
Time:
17:02:16

Todays Journal

Yesterday was such a gorgeous day that I talked myself out of doing my cardio at the gym and walked the dogs for almost 2 hours. The pace was not speedy enough to get my heart rate up to where it should be but it sure was good for the dogs and my spirits. Tonight I will make up for it at the gym, hopefully watching the Canucks win while I pump away on the EFX. It is legs night for me, my favourite.

Date:
08 May 2003
Time:
17:56:43

Todays Journal

What a beautiful day! I have one great very positive thing that has happened in the past couple of weeks. I am sleeping so much better it is unbelievable. Instead of waking up 4 or 5 times during the night I am down to one and last night I slept right through the night. I am so much happier in the morning after having only 5/2 to 6 hours of solid sleep. Life is great.

Date:
12 May 2003
Time:
14:59:53

Todays Journal

I have been linkless for a few days as my link was deleted but I am now back in business, thanks John for hooking me back up. I believe I probably accidently deleted it myself and don't know where to look for it on the computer, just adequate with one of these things not literate. I had big plans for the weekend(yard work, nothing exciting) but my energy was so low I didn't accomplish much, even missed the support group meeting Saturday night. I know I don't always eat enough on the weekends so this would account for the mental fog and lack of energy. I then seem to spend my time running around in circles and accomplishing little. It is Monday, back to work and easier to stay focused. I'll be back in the gym tonight and glad to be there.

Date:
13 May 2003
Time:
14:26:08

Todays Journal

I never did make it to the gym, took a long walk with the dogs and let them socialize with their human friends. I decided to get the lawn mowed before it starts to rain again and then gets too long. My lawn mower is a relic and it takes a lot of work to get the job done. It was a beautiful evening tho and ejoyed every moment being outside.

Date:
15 May 2003
Time:
17:44:13

Todays Journal

I had a great workout last night, ran into Robert at the gym. I seem to have a better workout when I run into someone from the team. Loooking forward to the evening at Serge's tonight, see you all there.

Date:
20 May 2003
Time:
14:38:04

Todays Journal

It is great to be back at work, much easier than shovelling dirt etc. I find long weekends quite difficult at times and was not up to speed with my program. I had my assessment with Neaghn yesterday and I must work harder at everything, eating more, exercising more and thinking less.

Date:
21 May 2003
Time:
14:05:10

Todays Journal

Something strange is going on with this computer today. I lost everything earlier in my outlook express, address files, emails everthing. I somehow managed to retrieve it so will dash off this journal before something happens again. I don't know if it is the operator or gremlins or what? I am trying to eat more protein and back off a little on the refined carbs, hopefully this will help with my mental clarity. Have a great day everyone.

Date:
23 May 2003
Time:
14:27:03

Todays Journal

Another weekend coming up and it is supposed to be a wet one, will be a good time to be in the gym. I am looking forward to receiving my new plan on Monday. Have a great weekend everyone.

Date:
26 May 2003
Time:
17:28:56

Todays Journal

My journal is sooo boring, sorry. I had a mundane weekend but did a light upper and lower body workout last night. I am off to Max after work to pick up my new program from Neaghn.

Date:
27 May 2003
Time:
14:27:23

Todays Journal

I picked up my new program last night and am looking forward to doing it, sounds like fun. My body fat level has dropped so that is very encouraging and gives me the goal to drop it even more.

Date:
29 May 2003
Time:
10:40:36

Todays Journal

I had a good workout last night but found it very frustrating to try to do a circuit at the gym I go to. There are not enough benches and too many people. I must get up the courage to go to Max where the equipment and atmosphere is much better. Looking forward to the meeting tonight.

Date:
30 May 2003
Time:
14:40:37

Todays Journal

Friday, at long last, it has been a busy tiring week. It was great to see everyone at the meeting last night. John was inspiring as usual and it always gives me a boost to see him. I am planning to go to the gym tonight if I can keep my eyes open long enough to drive there. I am counting on my walk with Charlie and Sadie to pick me up after this hectic day. Have a great weekend everyone!

Date:
03 Jun 2003
Time:
14:22:07

Todays Journal

I am back to work today after three days off. I don't seem to have accomplished much upon reflection, did some heavy yard work and a workout at the gym last night.

Date:
05 Jun 2003
Time:
14:39:06

Todays Journal

I had a good workout last night, great to be in an air-conditioned gym in this hot weather. I ran for the first time in awhile and it felt great but I need a new pair of shoes for running. I tried on at least a dozen pair and couldn't make a decision so will have to go back and try again. I envy people who can walk out of the store with the first pair of shoes that they tried on. On the other hand it is great to have two healthy feet to put shoes on so this is really not a problem just a small inconvenience. I have a pile of rocks in my front yard that need to be placed so will probably take a day or two holiday to do some yard work. Have a great weekend.

Date:
10 Jun 2003
Time:
17:37:38

Todays Journal

I have been off work for four days so therefore no journal entries. I confess that I haven't been to the gym for almost a week to work out, although I have been there a couple of times to sit in the sauna. I have been working in the yard shovelling dirt and rocks and painting the house so at the end of the day I believe every muscle in my body has been worked over. I do plan to make an appearance there tonight tho. I know I haven't been eating enough the past while with the heat etc. will try to get back on track now that I am back to work.

Date:
11 Jun 2003
Time:
14:35:54

Todays Journal

I did make it to the gym last night and did an hour workout, a little light on the weights but figured my body needed a break. Tonight I am hoping to get an appointment with the chiropractor, really need a tune-up, and then hopefully clean up my messy house and walk the dogs and rest a little.

Date:
16 Jun 2003
Time:
14:48:19

Todays Journal

I had a very unproductive weekend so must get back on track. My chiro appt. on Wednesday didn't help with this migrain type headache so will finish shovelling the pile of rocks tonight and try an adjustment again tomorrow.

Date:
23 Jun 2003
Time:
14:38:06

Todays Journal

I am guilty for non-journalling lately. The main reason for this would be that I do not have anything positive to say about myself. I have been missing workouts and not eating properly. Sorry I missed the meeting on Friday, I have a sick dog who has started having seizures. She had one Friday after work so I didn't want to leave her alone. I am going to the gym tonight, no excuses.

Date:
25 Jun 2003
Time:
14:11:59

Todays Journal

I made it to the gym last night and felt so much better afterward. I did upper body and 1/2 hour cardio. Rob was there so that inspired me to work harder. He looks awesome and has such a great outlook. Tonight will be lower body and cardio.

Date:
27 Jun 2003
Time:
14:31:32

Todays Journal

Today is the big day, assessment time. I don't know why but yesterday I was just an eating machine, couldn't stop. I had my first fix of the season of cherries, couldn't stop until the bag was empty, good thing I didn't buy too much. Why is it that discipline goes out the door just before an assessment? I went to the gym last night, bought a new pair of shoes and wanted to test drive them on the treadmill. To make a long story short they didn't work out so left to exchange them for another pair but the store closed early so didn't get the job done. Well by now I was discouraged and tired so went home instead of back to the gym to finish my workout. Took the dogs for their last walk of the night and then took my frustration out with the hedge clippers. It was dark when I quit so there is a mess all over the lawn to clean up tonight. So many projects, so little time.

Date:
30 Jun 2003
Time:
14:32:22

Todays Journal

It is another beautiful day, I hope everyone with a long weekend is enjoying it. I had a productive short weekend starting with my assessment Friday evening. It is always very motivating to see Neaghn. I made it to the gym both Saturday and Sunday and was happy to be there. It felt really good to work out not to mention the added bonus of air conditioning on such hot days. Happy Canada Day to everyone!

Date:
02 Jul 2003
Time:
14:18:02

Todays Journal

I had a great workout yesterday with Neaghn, so tonight will just be cardio, abs and of course dogs.

Date:
03 Jul 2003
Time:
14:15:32

Todays Journal

I went to the gym last night and did cardio and abs, still hurting from my workout with Neaghn on Monday. I pick up my new program tonight so will give it a whirl later.

Date:
04 Jul 2003
Time:
14:21:43

Todays Journal

I went to the gym last night and did cardio and abs. Tried some turkey pepperoni, tasted great but not worth the heartburn afterwards. Tonight should be a full workout but have an appointment with my chiropractor this afternoon (headaches) so might have to do something light until tomorrow.

Date:
17 Jul 2003
Time:
13:58:58

Todays Journal

I haven't made an entry for some time, haven't been accomplishing much. I am doing OK with the diet part but haven't been exercising much. Everything that I do seems to trigger my headaches. I managed to go for a run last Saturday which triggered old problems and did a light workout at the gym last night which was so easy I probably wasted my time. I am going for some bodywork tonight to work on this left shoulder, just falling apart at the seams.

Date:
22 Jul 2003
Time:
14:38:39

Todays Journal

It seems that I only journal when I have something positive to say, much better than whining I suppose. I have no idea where I will come up with a 1000 words for an essay. Yesterday was great. I started off the morning walking the dogs and then went for a 45 minute run and after that went down to the beach and walked to the pier. My access route to the beach was down and back up Oxford Street. In the afternoon I spent 2 hours in the gym working out and then took the dogs to Crescent Park to walk in the shade. Finished up the day with a late walk at 10:00 pm, great day, good energy, wish I had this energy every day. It was the first day in a very long time that I didn't have a headache, they totally drain you and leave little reserve for anything else. Life is great!

May 1
 

I had a great lower body workout last night and plan to go to the gym tonight for at least cardio and abs.  I can watch the hockey game from the cardio section, not a bad way to spend a Friday evening.  There will be no temptation for nachos and beer from that seat at the game. Have a great weekend everyone.

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APRIL JOURNALS


 
April 30
 
The weather was so awesome tonight that I skipped the gym and took the dogs to Crescent Beach. We walked for a couple of hours and they loved every minute of it, the waves, sea breeze, sunshine and mountains. It was great!
I will get my workout in tomorrow night while everyone is
home watching the hockey game.

April 29 

I had a good upper body workout at the gym tonight, it was great. Most people were at home watching the hockey game so I timed my workout more or less so that I did my cardio when the last period was on and got to see the end of the game. 

April 28 

The weekend was busy, finally got the grass cut again on Saturday, took forever with my old electric B&D mower that must have come over on the ark. I spent Sunday weeding and walking dogs, didn't make it to the gym. Tonight was the chiropractor so I should be whipped into shape for a good workout tomorrow night. 

April 24

I had planned to go to the gym and do an upper body workout tonight but was exhausted, don't know what is wrong with me but my food is not energizing me. I might have to change or eliminate the protein powder to a lactose free one as well as add some digestive enzymes. 

April 23 

Today was a rest day for weights so I went to the gym, did my cardio and abs and then sat in the sauna for !/2 hr and just relaxed. It felt great after a wet day. I am still feeling a huge energy slump after lunch so tomorrow will omit the rice and up the veg to see if it makes a difference.  

April 21 

Back to work today, and what a beautiful day it was. We took a really nice long walk after work and then I went to the gym and did my lower body workout, watched part of the first period of the hockey game and then went home to walk the dogs and crash, still low energy but better than the weekend. 

April 20 

Upper body workout today, at least I had some of my energy back.

April 18, 19 

I had a quiet Easter weekend, was totally exhausted, no energy at all. I took these days off from training, did my best to eat well but otherwise didn't accomplish much of anything.  

April 17 

I started my day with a nice long walk with the dogs only to return home to find that I had locked myself out. The dogs ended up getting a really long walk after that as I hiked to the office to see if someone was there so I could retrieve a spare key in my desk, no luck. This was even more stressful due to the fact I had an appointment with Neaghn at Max Muscle at 11:00.To make a long story short I ended up climbing fences and scaling a wall but managed to break into the house by climbing through a window that I forced open. My workout with Neaghn was great, ate well, rest of the day was good. 

April 16

I had my second training session with Neaghn tonight and am already looking forward to my next one on Friday. My eating was right on, long walk with the dogs, great day! 

April 15

I must apologize for an error in my journal on April 13th. I mentioned Heather's name twice (which is OK) but missed Neaghn. This was not an oversight but a case of my brain not connecting with my typing fingers. I was being interrupted continuously as well. Neaghn was awesome in the competition on Saturday. Today was a great day, ate properly, took the dogs for a long walk and then went to the gym to do cardio and abs.

April 14 

Today was my first training session with Neaghn and it was great. The hour was over before I knew it. For any of you out there who are struggling with your routines and form (as I was) or just lagging a little in your enthusiasm and commitment to yourself and the challenge highly recommend hiring Neaghn as a trainer to get you moving in the right direction. I can hardly wait until my next session on Wednesday, I am inspired.  

April 13 

I went to the potluck dinner for the girls this afternoon. It was fun and enjoyed meeting some of the other challengers.  Congratulations again to Phyllis, Heather, Pauline, Heather and of course their amazing coach John. They are all truly an inspiration to  stretch further and reach higher.  

April 12 

Competition Day. I had tickets for the morning show and while standing in line to pick them up was offered a deal I couldn't refuse. I scored a ticket for the evening show for $10.  The girls, Neaghn, Phyllis, Pauline and Heather were AMAZING! They all did an outstanding job. Needless, to say I didn't make it to the gym, it was a long day and I didn't get home until midnight. 

April 11 

Today was my weight training day but skipped it due to an appointment with the chiropractor.  I usually go once a month or so for adjustments, it helps with the headaches. My chiropractor recommends rest until the next day after an adjustment. I'll do the weights tomorrow evening, which will give me a rest period before meeting Neaghn on Monday. 

April 10 

Today was a rest day, took a long walk with the dogs after work and ate well. 

April 9

 
Cardio day, ran on the treadmill after work, still way too tired in the morning to do it then. Went to yoga, ran home to feed the dogs and have a shake then went back to the pool to do the aquasize. I met up with Karen there and we had a nice visit splashing around in the pool, nothing very intensive. She brought me an aromatherapy mixture that is supposed to help with sleep, sure hope it works.

April 8

 
I had a great day, stuck to my eating plan, no cheating, I was planning to workout at Max Muscle but had such a headache that the thought of driving up there was a little too much so I worked out at my local gym.  I wish I had taken the drive as it was crowded and full of teenagers trolling but had a great workout anyway and the headache wasn't as bad afterwards. I am waiting for a new contact lens prescription and hope this will help with the headaches also not eating any candy or sugar so part is probably withdrawals. Focusing on the muscle being worked really helps, thanks Neaghn.

April 7

 
Well I didn't make it to the gym for cardio this morning, just way too tired. I walked the dogs as usual and am an early riser but the old body isn't ready for bouncing that early in the day. Karen is going to give me an aromatherapy potion to help with sleep so will let you know how that works out. I don't have any problem falling asleep, but keep waking up every hour or so,  this is not something new though or related to our new habits. My assessment tonight was great, very inspiring. I knew I had gained weight and of course was right. The good news is that the gain is muscle, the bad news is that my fat levels didn't change but that of course is due to the cheating on my meal plan. The meals are great, it's the chocolate that is doing me in. I thought this news would be depressing, but just the opposite, it motivates me to do better. I have also made arrangements to train with Neaghn and believe that will motivate me even more, can't wait to get started. All in all a great day

April 6
 
I spent a lot of time outside with the dogs today, which they thoroughly enjoyed.  I spoke with Neaghn and have an appointment tomorrow night for my second assessment. I know I have not been doing as well I as should be so have arranged to have some personal training sessions with Neaghn after the competition. I was going to go to the gym and do some extra cardio tonight, but never made it. I watched the beginning of the Juno Awards and decided I would like a stomach like Shania Twain, realistic?,,, sure why not. 

April 5
 
Another good day, went to the gym early to do my cardio and planned to go back later for my lower body workout.  It was so nice and peaceful I stayed and did my complete workout before the crowds arrived. I must be way too easy on myself though as I don't have the same problems walking after doing legs the way some of you that are working with John and Neaghn do. My goal for Monday is to get to the gym for my cardio in the morning before work.  I find it difficult to do at home and the minute I get on the floor to do abs or anything  I have two little dogs on top of me thinking it is play time. I also have to probably starve this week as I had a call from Phyllis to come in for my next assessment and I know my results will be terrible at this point. I believe I am in worse shape than when I started, of course all my own doing and nothing to do with John's excellent program. Will go to the gym tomorrow and do some cardio, must make it part of my routine to show up there every day to do something.
 
 
April 4
 
Today was great! The cloud has lifted. Spent the evening in the gym, did 1/2hour run on the treadmill and then an upper body workout. Next step is to get back on track with the eating, don't have a problem with the meals it is the chocolate sugar devil I have to beat. 
 
April 3
 
Well today was another bust as far as the gym was concerned. I went home and took the dogs for a long  walk and then changed to go to my yoga class.  My gym pants were so tight (think I am probably the only one in this challenge that has gained weight, not my intention though) that I became depressed. changed back  into my jeans and went grocery shopping. 
 

 

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MARCH JOURNALS

March 1
 
The first day of our journey!  I have not had my consultation with John yet so I am winging it at the moment. I don't have my official diet and exercise plan so I will make some small changes on my own to prepare for the bigger ones. I have given up coffee (what a headache!) and alcohol for a start. Had good intentions of hitting the gym today but never made it there. I have two miniature Schnauzers so we went for several long walks (longer than our workday ones),  This is activity that I do every day but do not count it as exercise for myself. Stopping and starting at every second tree hardly gets the heart pumping.
 
March 2
My plans to go to the gym were never carried through today either. I really enjoy it once I am there but seem to find other things to do and by the end of the day I run out of steam. I did manage to get the house cleaned, floor washed etc., so that will leave me with free evenings next week, no excuses for not exercising. As far as eating goes I tend to not have much of a routine on weekends and then grab something sweet to give me an energy boost.  Of course it is false energy and then I crash and of course repeat the action. My number one enemy, sugar.  I must start to eliminate it from my life. Charlie and Sadie had their usual long weekend walks.
 
March 3
 
Monday, the favorite day to start a diet.  Of course what we are striving for is not a diet but a new way of thinking and eating.  I made my best attempt at eating nutritious meals and feel I was fairly successful at that, but that candy dish on the counter at work just won't leave me alone. Sugar is a very addictive drug, one taste and you are hooked. I really won't feel as though I am cheating until I have my official plan (I know Deb, where is your self discipline?) The dogs of course had their 4 daily walks, a ritual that I won't bore you with again. I did go to the gym this evening, spent 20 minutes running on the treadmill and then did an hour yoga class, feel better for it.
March 4
I spoke with Phyllis today and have made an appointment for my consultation on Saturday with John. I am looking forward to getting my eating and exercise plans. I managed to get a 45 minute workout in at the gym before
going out to my spiritual meditation discussion group tonight. The group is something new to me that I started going to in January. I rushed home and had some supper before going out but it didn't sit well, it is very hard for me to eat before or after exercising so I don't know how I am going to manage eating more than I normally do. It will be a challenge to schedule meals around my activities.

March 5

Today was a good day.  I managed to eat healthy meals but am still dealing with the sugar demon.  have a feeling that that will drastically change tomorrow as I have a dental appointment and believe the incentive to lay off of the sweets will come from that encounter. I didn't work out in the gym, opted to sit in the sauna for 1/2 hour to  help work out some of the kinks in my back before doing my hour yoga class.  I finished the evening off with the last walk of the day for the dogs.  Really looking forward to meeting with John on Saturday, excited to get officially started.

March 6

As I predicted my dental appointment this morning has given me the incentive to leave the candy dish at work alone. Two cavities and a crown required (ouch to the pocket book). I didn't touch a candy all day. I had too many carbs today though and sure feel the energy slump afterwards, bagels for breakfast just don't work for me. Of course there are those Nanaimo bars in the freezer that I still have to get rid of, not candy but sugar and fat overload. I went to yoga again tonight, must loosen up the old bod for the weight training.  I have my appointment with John at 8:00 am tomorrow morning, a little nervous but very excited to get started. No more excuses for self destructive habits. My journal tomorrow should be a little more interesting I'm sure.


March 7

Today is the beginning of an awesome year, I can just feel it. It is my birthday and my day started out with a great birthday email greeting from Phyllis.  It was so thoughtful other to find the time to do this in her very hectic schedule.  Thank you!  I went out for lunch and had a very healthy meal, grilled salmon and veggies with a little rice, but... I was talked into dessert (it wasn't hard to do) and blew it all there. Of course the energy I felt from the healthy food didn't last and I had a huge energy slump after the sugar high wore off. The good news is that I haven't touched the candy dish at work for two days now.  My appointment tomorrow morning with John is fast approaching and I am looking forward to getting started. I did a 45 minute workout at the gym this evening, probably doing all the wrong things but it felt good to be moving and eased some of the guilt over the decadent dessert at lunch. Tomorrow is the beginning of a new chapter. 

March 19 

I didn't have to train today, felt a few muscles had been worked after yesterdays session. It sure makes a difference when you concentrate on the muscle you are working. Spring break, the gym was quite empty, really enjoyed that, no waiting or kids lounging on machines.

March 20
 
The site was down today. I missed tuning in to see how everyone was doing.
 
March 21
 
One of the men I work with came into the office at noon with a bucket of Kentucky
Fried chicken.  This is not something I eat at the best of times but when he offered me
a piece I ate it without really thinking first, of course pulled off most of the skin but was
it so greasy and chemical laden, gave me an instant headache, not worth it at all.
 
March 22
 
Sticking to a schedule on weekends is a challenge for me, I get spiny and forget to eat.
Took the dogs out to Aldergrove for grooming and then killed time shopping while waiting for
them. I ended up at Costco in Abbotsford and ate junk from the sample ladies. All in all
a wasted day for me.
 
 
March 23
 
Never made it to the gym today either, took the dogs for some long walks and then wasted my
evening watching the Oscars on TV. I think I will cancel my cable at the end of the month. I have
no excuses for not exercising.
 
 
March 24
 
Back to work and a schedule of sorts, yoga tonight and then I'll hit the weight room, must repent
for my weekend.

March 25

 What a beautiful day!  Went for a long walk after work with the dogs but ditched my evening plans. Having a difficult time with motivation, maybe I need to get up to Max Muscle instead of my local gym

March 26 

I went to the eye doctor today, had two different types of eye drops put in my eyes so needless to say my vision was a little distorted most of the day. Took a long walk with the dogs but never made it to the gym. 

March 27 

I had a nice encouraging email today and am really looking forward to meeting the faces that I check out every day. Went to yoga tonight.