Gym goes under!!

So on Sunday, Joe & I went down to the gym to work out, to find the gates locked and everything closed up. We thought that was really weird but figured maybe and employee didn't show up for the opening shift or something. We didn't think too much of it, jogged around the waterfront and headed home.

The next day while I was at school Joe went down to the gym again. He texted me saying that it appears they have gone under!! There were big signs on the windows saying 'failure to pay rent' and that the locks had been changed. The parking lot was fully gated off.

I checked my bank account and my fees had come out THAT DAY, of - freaking - course.

So now I have to cancel all my checks. I called the bank and they can't claw back the money that has already been taken (ugh, oh well... they need it more than I do it seems)

I'm just glad they only got $34 of my dollars. I have a friend that is now out over $300 because she paid for a year up front, and those POOR PEOPLE who put out over $800 on the most recent Biggest Loser program!!! Oh my goodness!! I'm so glad I did the bootcamp and in September, and then opted out for the January program. I *almost* considered rejoining but I couldn't afford to do it twice in a row. PHEW!!

At this time we don't have a vehicle and this gym is suuuuuper close, (3-4 minute jog) from our house. The next closest gym is one that is on an awkward bus route and I don't know that I love the idea of bussing to and from the gym. (It would cancel out any spontaneous workouts, I feel. Also I wouldn't want to ride home sweaty and I hate showering at the gym).

Today Joe & I went down to the mall and bought a second yoga mat, balance ball, some more resistance bands, and a couple of weights. Thank GOODNESS he is a personal trainer and will keep our butts on track until we figure out a new gym plan. For now, we're going back to the idea of starting the P90X like we had talked about last month.

I'm frustrated and disappointed. I really liked this gym... the owner was great, the trainers were nice, the location was PERFECT!

Boo urns :(

All alone this summer :(

So it has been decided, and I don't like it!! haha

My boyfriend, who I live with, and who I have never been apart from for more than a few nights, and who I love with every fiber of my BEING... will be going away for THREE MONTHS!!

Who will cook for me, clean for me, and kick my arse to the gym??? haha.. just kidding. Kindof.

I am feeling like I'm going to miss him terribly, but it's for a good cause - getting an apprenticeship in sustainable farming... to come back here and hopefully be able to make some good $$. With me graduating in June and him getting this training, we will finally be set to pay off debt/buy a house/have kids... you know, all those things grown ups do :)

I know with technology it will be okay, Skype is a great tool to have... we'll have our phones and computers and whatnot.

Instead of being apprehensive about boredom eating and falling lazy, I'm trying to see it as 3 months to get my self in super-hot shape, so that when he returns he doesn't even recognize me!!

Blargh. I miss him already!!

Keeping on Track

I have been tracking diligently since New Years Day. I have been really doing well!
I was back up to 208.8 on New Years Day (all the Christmas happenings I am guessing), but as of this morning I am back down.

I'm now at 203.4... that's COMFORTABLY close to 200 lbs! hehe

Unfortunately I am going out for dinner not one, not two, but THREE times this week. Twice will be in restaurants and once will be at a friends house. I will have to make the best choices I can!

It is Joe's birthday tomorrow so I'm making vegan Reese Peanut Butter Cups for him in lieu of a cake. Thankfully, I am in charge of how much sugar goes in them, and I can make them into manageable sizes so they aren't KILLER on calories :)

I recently discovered the worlds most HEAVENLY ice-cream. It's Coconut Bliss Chocolate Hazelnut Fudge. It's a whopping 240 calories per HALF CUP!! But sooooooooo delicious *drool*

Joe and I have been taking about starting the couch to 5K. (Again, I swear I try it once a year haha) one day it will stick!! I think we decided to pass on the p90x because of the time commitment required. I will keep the videos on my laptop for if I get snowed in and need an at-home workout :)

I also rediscovered the amazingness that is... skipping!! My mp3 player froze at the gym and I despise doing cardio without good music. I went over to work on some weight/calisthenics when I saw it there in the corner... calling my name... a skipping rope!

I skipped for 10 minutes and it KICKED. MY. ASS.

I forgot how awesome it is! It works your abs and is amazing cardio at the same time. My heartrate was WAYYYY up, and I was sweating instantly. I need to get myself a skipping rope for at home... 10 minutes here, 10 minutes there... that would be awesome!

Here's to a lazy day of homework and laundry... I need it :)

New Year's Eve

Our plans have changed for New Year's Eve.

We have decided that we are DONE with the holidays and all of the eating, drinking, and excess that it brings. The thought of attending another party, having another hangover, or eating more unneeded high-cal food is extremely unappealing. We are both looking forward to a good, fresh start and want to start this health-kick off in style.

My boyfriend and I will be attending a silent, candlelight hot yoga class tonight! The yoga goes from 10:30 TO 11:30, followed by a long meditation. Then people gather in the lobby all sweaty and uplifted for refreshing snacks and drinks, and a toast to 2011.

I am REALLY looking forward to this. I am not even disappointed that I won't get to wear my new dress :) We will then be spending Saturday and Sunday on a fresh-juice fast, using the new juicer we got for Christmas. It's not for weight loss but for kicking all the processed junk from our systems. We will clean out the cupboards so that on Monday when we go back to eating solid foods there are only good choices in the house.

What is more relaxing, refreshing, and renewing than a hot yoga class and raw food/fresh juice fast?

So Happy New Year! This is the year of GOAL for me... Not only will I reach my weight loss goal this year (I will! Notice this is not "I might", or "I hope"), but I am also graduating university and reaching my goal of becoming a teacher. Both projects took 5 years to complete... I started my weight loss journey only a few weeks before entering first year university.

To all my friends who have helped me along the way - may 2011 bring health, happiness, peace, and see many goals achieved :)

DRUMROLL PLEASE!!!.....

This is what I woke up to this morning:

355 - 204.8 = 150.2 LBS LOST!!

Took long enough, didn't it?? haha...

But finally, I can say I did it! It is a very nice Christmas present to myself :) And what a motivator!! I feel like I could say no to any thing that is shoved in my face today, any fresh-baked treat, any sugary-goodness. Seeing that number was exactly what I needed to get through the holiday season!!

Here is the picture of my dress that I promised. KEEP IN MIND that it was taken after 4 hours of shopping. My hair is a mess, and hey - I'm not wearing any Spanx!! I will be wearing them on New Years so I will look even slimmer :)

I will put up a more polished photo, and maybe some before-after pictures to show the 150 lost as soon as I get a chance.

Now, on to kicking the 200's out of the picture...