One of our deck containers and a deck ornament blew over…and we’re a tad concerned about our little cypress tree, but there isn’t a whole lot we can do, so all we can do is hope for the best!

Unfortunately, I’m still a little under the weather, so it wasn’t too exciting a day.   I was hoping to get back to power yoga today, but snoozing and relaxing this morning seemed like a better idea.

I had an egg fold-it sandwich, a smoothie (with almond milk, a banana and frozen cherries) and an almond milk latte for breakfast.

You’ll notice that the “latte” is really just coffee with almond milk.  FAR from my usual froth.   Yesterday, I was shopping and the “in the dairy case – premium” almond milk was on sale, so I thought I’d give it a try while it was discounted.  It TASTES excellent, however, it doesn’t steam well at ALL.  I’ll absolutely go back to using my normal Blue Diamond when this carton is depleted.  Oh well, had to give it a try, and it’ll be really good in our chai tea this week.

Later this morning, I ventured out in the wind to go and get a BADLY needed haircut.  Thank you Patty for “sassifying” me once again – and yay for your recent marriage!!!!

When I got home, the wind was blowing clouds away and the mountain we can see from our deck was lit by sun.  It looked soooo pretty.  I took this from our deck, the wind VERY quickly de-sassified my hair, but who cares?  I’m home for the night!!

Late this afternoon, I had some blue menu white bean and roasted garlic dip with some rice crackers.

Dennis and I both had a small glass of white wine.  I decided to turn my glass into “art” and put it where our neighbors homes would reflect in it.  I admit, I like this photo a lot.

Dennis is out for the night, but because I’m not feeling 100%, I’ve opted to stay home.  We’ve also rescheduled a brunch that we’d planned at our place tomorrow to next Sunday.  R&R is on the agenda tonight and tomorrow.

Must admit, my appetite is REALLY off after I had the dip, so I’ll post before “dinner” because I’m not sure I’ll be eating at all.  I MAY have some toast in a little while, but I’ve just made some tea, I have my feet up, have battened down the hatches (it’s still blowing like CRAZY outside) and will be hitting the bed early.   I’m HOPING I’ll wake up a new woman tomorrow and be back to myself.  Hope everyone’s weekend is going well!!!

Thankfully the weekend is here and we can ALL just take it easy for a couple of days and hopefully shake whatever this is we’re sharing.

On a bright note though, I had a YUMMY breakfast this morning – an egg “fold it” with 1 oz ham, salsa and spinach.  I also had the standard chai with almond milk.

My morning snack was 1 cup of blueberries and a few pieces of pineapple.

WOW….mid morning, there was a CRAZY freak snowstorm here in Vancouver. It was like a blizzard all of a sudden for about an hour.  It stuck to sidewalks, trees and awnings, shortly after the snow started a MASSIVE wind blew in and threw it all around.  Yuck.  (I attempted photos out of our absent bosses’ windows….with pretty limited success as you can see.)

I was completely uninspired to make lunch this morning so decided I’d go out and grab something.  I WAS planning to earn an activity point and walk to my favorite soup/sandwich place which is a good walk away from my office, but given the hideous weather, decided to just duck into the Whole Paycheque Foods salad bar.  I loaded up on vegetables (cold and hot), a boiled egg, fat free balsamic all topped with nutritional yeast.   It was good – not great….but maybe that’s just me today.

Later this afternoon, I had an apple, a mini babybel light cheese and a few kale chips.

When I got home, Dennis and I toasted the weekend with a glass (actually 2) of red wine.

We also decided it was “stay in, stay warm and stay cozy” date night and sent out for sushi instead of cooking.  (We are VERY VERY lucky here in Vancouver – sushi restaurants are abundant, affordable and they deliver!!)   I had miso soup, appetizer sashimi tuna, a spicy tuna roll and a “mango paradise” roll.

Any big plans for the weekend?  Tomorrow, I’m planning on going to power yoga (if I can shake the ache – hey, that is almost poetic) and will be getting a very very overdue haircut….this is me today…

Lets hope we ALL have a better hair day tomorrow than I had today.   No joking, it was just wrong!!  :) Many may  have thought “wow, Roz’s hair is a total mess (and she’s looking a bit wan too)” but I was fortunate in that there was a windy snowstorm, and I could bluff and say (in a nonchalant way) “oh, I stepped out to grab and coffee – wow the wind was CRAZY, I couldn’t keep my umbrella up!” (wink) – nobody would think anything different.  :)   There wasn’t enough hairspray in the  world to help me today!!!

And hey, if that was the worst of my worries, I’m a pretty lucky woman!! Happy weekend everyone!!!!

Chef Dalmatian posed with my breakfast this morning, a bagel thin with 1 tbsp fig butter and a smoothie made with 1 cup almond milk, a banana and some frozen cherries.  (LOVE my new/used blender!!!!  It works beautifully, its so nice to have REAL smoothies, not “chunkies” anymore!!)

I also had chai tea with almond milk.

We’re still working on the chocolate bar (dark chocolate with caramel chips and sea salt) that was purchased yesterday…..I had half of this piece today.  I’m counting it as 3 points.

I had it alongside my morning snack, 1 cup blueberries and a bit of fresh pineapple.

Lunch will come as a huge shock…..I had KALE salad.  I KNOW!!!!!!  Shocking!!!  Not…  (the salad was topped with nutritional yeast, goat cheese, grapes and a hard-boiled egg.  I had an apple too.

During the afternoon, I snacked on some kale chips (more kale??  Yes…) and 2 mini cucumbers.

Dennis is out tonight, so it was dinner for one tonight.  I had big ideas of making myself a swanky dinner, but when I eventually got home, I went “nah” and had a few crunchmaster crackers with some blue menu white bean and garlic dip, then a pita with 1/2 can tuna, mayo, salsa and 1 oz cheese melted together.

Not a particularly creative, inspired or pretty meal, but it WAS tasty!   (and really, that’s all that counts sometimes!!)

It wasn’t a particularly creative, inspired or pretty day overall….but that said, wasn’t awful either.  Just an ordinary day.  All downhill to the weekend from here.

There isn’t just a new word today, there are new mascots.  SIX new mascots in fact.  I got these little glass ducks in a thrift store in Victoria last weekend…..and it broke the bank, the whole set was  $0.99.  Fun!   I specifically saved them until the day after weigh in to signify that I have all my ducks in a row, and I’m ready to get back on the point tracking groove.

Neva also had her best duck face on, and thought she could fool me.  No Neva, you cannot join the ducks in a row!!

I would like to apologize for that silliness, I’m such a balatron.…..and also apologize to my friend Michelle.  As regular readers know, Michelle and I meet for coffee before work every Wednesday.   I also had Monday off of work.  I got up this morning and took several photos of glass ducks, putzed around, made breakfast, and it suddenly hit me.  EEEK….it’s not Tuesday….it’s WEDNESDAY.  Oops!!!  Sorry I kept you waiting longer than usual Mi.  I hang my head.  (a bit!)   However, I eventually got there and Michelle’s celebrity hand attempted to steal my coffee.

Rewind to before I left, I had two pieces of weight watchers cinnamon raisin bread with 2 tbsp fig butter and chai tea with almond milk.

And my morning snack was 1 cup of blueberries.

One of my colleagues gave me a little taste of some dark chocolate with caramel chips and sea salt that she’d found.  Three words….BEST.CHOCOLATE.EVER.  I had it with coffee, and it was amazing.  I checked out the nutritional info, and think this little piece is probably 2 points, but I counted 3 just to be safe.

Lunch was a small kale salad (with nutritional yeast, goat cheese and grapes) and some leftover roasted cauliflower with 1 tbsp Bolthouse honey mustard dressing.  I also had an ambrosia apple. Kale salad, I’ve missed you!!  :)

Later in the afternoon, I had a mini cucumber and some kale chips.   Yup….kale overload!!

Dinner tonight was a “melange” from the freezer and the fridge, and wow…if I don’t say so myself…it was excellent.  I had some shrimp in the freezer, a red pepper and a mango that were beyond their best….some peas, some barley and some thai sweet chili sauce.  (I also threw in some garlic, a bit of fish sauce, the end of a jar of chutney and some sesame seeds)  This worked out to 11 points for the whole dinner.

That’s it for midweek.  All downhill to the weekend now.  YAY!!!  (Hate wishing my life away, but I cherish my weekends right now….bring it on!!!

I realized when I dumped today’s pictures onto the computer, that my camera lens is in dire need of cleaning.  It has now been cleaned, so hopefully tomorrow’s photos won’t look “misty”.  (thank you Google images)

I KNEW “step on” (aka: weight watchers) wouldn’t be pretty tonight.  I’ve had a couple of very indulgent and wonderful weeks (including some great events with people I love….that I wouldn’t have missed for the world.)  I did my “blind weigh” in because I’m liking not knowing the ACTUAL number…just my losses or gains.  I was up 3 lbs tonight.  Though nobody likes to hear a 3 lb gain, I REALLY expected worse.  So..YAY!!!!!  I’m all focused and ready to drop those 3, and more.

It’s pretty sad that the only member of the household working on her core today is the cat. Dennis and I are hanging our heads.  A bit…  Neva, you’ve put us to shame!

We normally have our weight watchers meeting in a church hall, but today, they moved us to the church itself.  The organ was VERY lovely and must sound amazing.   The stained glass windows were beautiful too, but I didn’t feel comfortable whipping out my camera when I walked by it.

I’ve made an appointment to go BACK to the podiatrist for my ongoing neuroma pain.  Plan a (meds), plan b (insoles) and plan c (cortisone shots) haven’t worked…..so plan d (surgery) is my only option.  I’ve been resisting because, well, nobody wants to have surgery, and I’m NOT thrilled about the idea of being laid up for a couple of weeks, and out of normal walking/workout commission for a couple of months, but better to go through that for a relatively speaking “short-term”, than be in denial any longer.  The pain isn’t getting better,  really does impact my life, my workouts, and my other muscles that are compensating for a changed walk…..I think the time has come.   sigh.  I’ll keep you posted.

Maybe I subconsciously knew step on would be in a church, which is why I chose the Monk for the day’s mascot.  Or maybe I’m giving myself too my psychic credit…..

This morning’s breakfast was a bagel thin with 1.5 oz light gouda cheese, a hard boiled egg and some salsa.  I also had my standard chai with almond milk.

My morning snack was berries.  (they were on sale)

I met my work buddy Sally for lunch today.  I opted for the grilled veggie wrap, but instead of the usual side of fries or green salad, I asked if I could just have a half serving of caesar salad and a half serving of yam fries.  It was delicious, and LOVE that you can portion control on the less than healthy choices.  (truth be told, the yam fries were UBER salty too, and this afternoon I felt like a puffer fish, so maybe that 3 lbs was actually closer to 2.5.  Whatever…..)

Great to see you as always Sally.  One of these days, I’ll get a picture of us on here!!!   Or maybe “the famous Sally” will remain a mystery….

During the afternoon, I snacked on some kale chips.  Oh kale, I’ve missed you over the last few days.  (Melisa and I stopped at the corner grocery on the way home from step on so I could grab some kale for tomorrow.  Yay)

When I got back from step on, Dennis and I toasted the end of the non-tracking week with a glass of rose.  I have actually loved this little tracking break, but feel ready to track again.

Then we had whole wheat ravioli with spinach and ricotta topped with light alfredo, 1 tsp parmesan and a piece of “special bun”.  (bread with light butter and bruchetta spice that I bought in Montreal and is in our freezer for longer shelf life.  When we next go to Montreal to see Dennis’ family, I’ll load up on some more.)

That’s it for rambling Tuesday.   I’d say the extraordinary thing in this ordinary day was the organ in the church.  It was beautiful, and made me wish I had musical talent so could actually play it.  Oh well…maybe one day!   Hope everyone’s week is going well.

And here is my own little photo birthday card to her!!!  Happy Birthday Mom, many happy returns of the day, and cheers to MANY more.  xo

We weren’t actually in Victoria celebrating with her in person, but my Dad took good care of the birthday girl today, and the triplicate celebrations continued!

Here at home, I tried out one of the “finds” my Mom and I found at a thrift store on Saturday, a new Braun blender.  (my current blender has seen better days….and smoothies lately have been more “chunkies” than “smoothies”)

Here was my breakfast, a smoothie (that was very smooth!) a bagel thin with fig butter and an almond milk latte.

Lunch was a toasted english muffin with a slice of light gouda.

Later on, Dennis and I snacked on some of these mini baked veggie samosas that I found in the grocery store a while ago, and that were in the freezer.  Each of these only has 21 calories…and we dipped them in a little mango chutney.

We also toasted the end of the four-day weekend with a Skinny Girl Margarita.

Dinner was roasted cauliflower and carrots with a blue menu chicken breast (stuffed with spinach and ricotta) all drizzled with some Bolthouse honey mustard dressing.

I’m a little in denial that my weekend has come to an end so quickly.  However, all good things do end…and back to work I go tomorrow.  Know what else I get back to tomorrow?  Weight watchers.   I have had a very social and event filled week this last week, so know “step on” won’t be too pretty.  I also can’t lie, I’ve REALLY enjoyed not tracking EVERYTHING I ate.  However, as I said above, good things come to an end and I’m psyched to get back on track and back on the program and get the scale moving down again.  I’ve come a long way, but still have a way to go, and it’s time to focus on the job at hand and get at it again.

Before there was any “consumption”, there was the checking out of the $2.95 “grab bag” I picked up at a thrift store yesterday.  Here is everything that was in the bag.  Necklaces, bracelets, pins, key chains, earrings, pendants, watches, and an assortment of other “bits and pieces”.  How fun!!!!!

Everyone got something.  My Mom took some costume jewelry, Dennis got a mini bass guitar clock and a guitar pick, I got all kinds of costume jewelery, and my Dad got a “chain” and pendant. He was officially the “Lord Mayor” of the family as a result!  Funny…  (we also sent a bunch right BACK to the thrift store as they were things none of us would use)

All hail!!!

We were having a special birthday brunch, but we were up really early and had a bit of toast with apple butter and some coffee to hold us over.

After our early breakfast, we had birthday present openings.  How “wrong” is this photo….if you know what I mean???  This gift was from my Dad…

OH….it’s a VASE!!!!  Who knew?????  (and wow…did the camera lens ever need cleaning??!)

It’s so fun to spoil my Mom, ’cause she spoils us ALL!!!  (and how cute are my Mom’s socks!!?)

After the prezzies, we had a special brunch.  Eggs Benedict (with lower fat hollandaise, thank you weight watchers), turkey sausages and a big ol’ fruit plate.

We also had, at my Mom’s request, a lime meringue pie and some little individual cake thingys.

I was REALLY excited to find some of our birthday cake decorations from DECADES ago.  These “ballerinas” were on my birthday cakes for YEARS in my childhood (yes, about 40 years ago…how “vintage” or “retro” are these candle holders?????????  They looked fun (and borderline inappropriate) in the meringue.)  Indulge me in the numbers of the photos below…..these remind me of being a kid!!!!!!

I had a mini cream puff and a little brownie thing (that I forgot to photograph!)  Happy Birthday MOM!!!!

I was really sad to have to leave….but alas, we did.  (yes, tears were shed on the way to the ferry). WOW…did we EVER luck out….we were the 4th last vehicle let on the sailing.  Here is our car SQUEEZING on the back of the boat.

And the back of the boat from our car.

I felt a bit sorry for this dog, that was in the next car to us.  Not because it’s owners went to a higher deck, but because it was “dressed” in a pretty silly looking outfit.  Aww…poor little pup.  (and awww….its little tail was SERIOUSLY wagging when I was talking to it through the window.  AWWW.  But omg…what a “fashion don’t” this poor little thing was.  AWWWW!!!!)

Here are a few other pictures of the voyage back.  It was MUCH MUCH smoother than the trip going over….

We had a snack on the ferry….a product I bought some “New Twistos” in Victoria.  17 crisps are only 90 calories.   (and they’re REALLY yummy)

Da plane boss….da plane.  (OMG…I’m SOOOO dating myself by writing that! )

When we got back, we drove through some farmland with unique cloud formations before we got to the city…..

…as well as going through a tunnel….

We toasted a lovely weekend and my Mom’s birthday when we got home (I had the glass of white, Dennis had the glass of red)  We also toasted the new show “Descending” (by my favorite Departures team Scott and Andre) as well as the new Amazing Race.

Dennis “cooked” tonight, we had a caesar salad and my half of the pizza was grilled veggie.

I hope everyone has had a nice weekend too.  I’m sooooo glad, I have the day off work tomorrow, so I can sleep in, continue on my quest for relaxation but still get a few things around home done. May we ALL have a great week ahead!!!!!

We often bring her with us, she’s a good little traveler, but decided it was a bit disruptive for her to come for one night, when our friend Anna volunteered to stay at our place and keep her company while we’re away.  Thank you Anna!!!

We were flying around this morning to get everything ready to go…..so didn’t have breakfast at home.  We did however, have an english muffin with an egg, ham and cheddar when we got to the ferry terminal.

It fogged up our window while I was photographing it.

During the crossing, we also split a piece of low fat banana bread.

As the weatherman predicted, there were high winds this morning.  Not high enough to cancel the sailing, but certainly enough to toss us around like a bath toy on the ocean.  It was actually like being in a plane going through high turbulence.  It is very rare that the Captain comes on the loud-speaker, asks you to only walk around if necessary, (I had two cups of coffee…it WAS necessary! ) tells you that all of the outside decks are closed, and that seasick bags are available upon request from any crew member.   Nice…

This shows the waves smacking against another ferry that was not moving.

And a couple of shots on our boat.

Not only was it windy, but it POURED with rain.  You can see the dark clouds in this shot…but it was also a reprieve from the tossing as we passed between two islands.

It’s pretty amazing that these birds were able to fly, because they were being tossed around in the wind and looked like they were unable to control themselves.   I guess nature equips them to fly even in the worst conditions.

However, all churning ocean aside, we made it to my parent’s place safe and sound.  We are here to celebrate my Mom’s 21st birthday.   Her ACTUAL birthday is Monday, so it is a three day celebration.   Today….day 1, as identified by the birthday girl herself.

We had lunch here, leek and potato soup with a bun and some coleslaw.  Note the bowls….this is one of a series that is the first birthday gift to my Mom.  (My Dad knew she liked these).

My Mom and I did a bit of thrift shopping, then went over to my friends Pat and Geri’s place.  Here are P & G (not Procter and Gamble….Pat and Geri)

They surprised my Mom with a little celebration, cheese, crackers, dip, tea and tada….a birthday cake.

Afterward, I zipped out to my favorite produce store “The Root Cellar” to load up on fruit and vegetables to take home with us  because after this week of elaborate meals and many celebrations, we are soooooo ready to get back on track and eat in a more normal and healthy pattern again.  By shopping today, it means we don’t have to rush out tomorrow night when we’re back, or even on Monday.  The Root Cellar ALWAYS has new and unusual produce and local food products.  Today, they had fresh jackfruit.  I’d seen canned jackfruit but never fresh.  It looks like a bumpy, bitter melon…….

….a HUGE mutant bitter melon.   I put my hand in this shot so you can see how massive these things are.  I swear, it is bigger than Neva.

Another thing that caught my eye was this WALL of “mixes” made by a local producer.  There were soups, pilafs, puddings….the display itself was incredible.

When we got home, the weather had cleared nicely.  I loved the color of the sky at sunset.  (this photo doesn’t do it justice, but it was pretty)

We then ventured out for a little family dinner.  Here are my folks.

And Dennis and I.

The wine we shared.  Cheers….

The hummus and pita we also shared.

I had steaming chicken fajitas for dinner.   (the menu actually just called them chicken fajitas – I added the steaming part!)

I also tried a bite of Dennis’ amazing bacon burger.  One bite….but had to take the photo and stay accountable.  :)

And as we left the restaurant, I photographed the owl that was on the counter for no apparent reason, and the basket of greek candies, because they just looked colorful.

So there you have it…..my very full Saturday.  I also have a very full belly right now.   One more day of hoopla, and then we are back in the land of points.  It’s been an unusual week, but a good one so far.  Day two of the celebration continues tomorrow.  And the new season of my beloved Amazing Race starts tomorrow too – for both reasons, I may not sleep tonight in anticipation.  Kidding, I’m really tired and will likely sleep like a baby.  I’ll give you a full report of Sunday tomorrow night!!

I didn’t realize quite how much I needed some rest, so today, that is just what I did.  Days when I can/want to do boom all are rare, so I listened to my body, slept in, did some reading, some fluffy tv watching and I even had a little nap.  Lucky me!!

I also witnessed first hand that Neva spends a lot of her day napping, looking out the window at her kingdom, but also perfecting her baby seal imitation.  Look below….she’s pretty much got it down!!  (even down to the left fin/paw)

When I got up, I made a boringly predictable bagel thin with fig butter and an almond milk latte.

Later on, I had some blueberries with greek yogurt and granola.

Lunch was a point friendly tuna melt (1/2 can tuna with 2 tsp light mayo and relish on a whole wheat pita topped with 1 oz light cheese).  I also had a few salt and pepper pop chips.

I had a pack of weight watchers cinnamon crisps too.

Tonight, I made the dinner we didn’t have on valentine’s day – one that we rarely have.  Steak (drizzled with bbq sauce) with roasted garlic mashed potato and cauliflower and steamed green beans.

We also had a glass of white wine.

Now, I’m gotta stop tapping into my inner lazy and get myself ready to go over to Victoria in the morning.  Hopefully we get there as planned…..the weatherman is predicting some serious winds in the next day or so.  It has to be REALLY windy to cancel ferries, but it does happen.  And even if they do run and its rough water, it can be a bit of a wavy ride – which can cause some people to be a bit green during the journey.  I’ll keep you posted.   Hope all of YOU enjoy the weekend, and whatever route you travel is smooth sailing!!!  (God, that’s corny!!!  I can’t believe a) I wrote that and b) didn’t delete it.  :) )

Today’s breakfast was the same as I’ve had all week, a bagel thin with TJ’s fig butter and chai tea with almond milk.

I had some blueberries and yogurt during the morning.

Lunch was a ham fold it, and an unphotographed apple.  (oops!)

I had a small lunch and skipped an afternoon snack because I knew tonight would be another feeding frenzy.  It’s been QUITE the week – and I’m just trying to make healthy choices or portion controlling.  Just so happens all of these food-centric events have fallen in the same week, and that’s fine.  Life is meant to be lived and next week will get back more to normal.

Tonight, Dennis and I were very fortunate to be guests of my cousin Helen at a fundraiser for Meals on Wheels.   Not just any fundraiser, a 9 course banquet and auction.  Soooo good.

Here is Helen and her dear friend Inge, who is Executive Director of the charity.

We were lucky table 18!

And Helen and I.

Also at our table, Judy and Doug.

Cathy and Chris.

Don’t ask…

Ed with Helen

Dennis with Helen

Yu-Jim and “other” Dennis, parents of Timothy and Tianna.

I was tempted to put Tianna into my purse and bring her home with me.  And don’t her little feet make you “awww”???  (well, they do that to me!)

Both of the kids are LOVELY!!!!

Brace yourselves….here are all the courses.  I bet you’ll be full after reading this!  :)

Prawn and fresh fruit salad.

Tofu and scallop wrapped with taro root paste.

Crispy skin chicken

Beef tenderloin in Cantonese style sweet and sour sauce.

Fillet of ling cod steamed with chinese mushrooms.

Peatip braised with crab meat.

Toy with a blogger 101….wave your hands in front of her dish.  Thank you Dennis and Cathy!!  Funny….

Seafood and meat fried rice wrapped in lotus leaf.

Shredded pork chow mein

Baked tapioca pudding.

I also had two glasses of white wine – which I forgot to photograph.  I was too busy yacking.  Oops again!!  :)

Points be damned…..dinners like this are once in a lifetime, and we not only enjoyed the food, but REALLY enjoyed the company.  Thank you Helen, it was a night to remember and was absolutely the extraordinary event of the day!!!!!!