The post about why maintenance stuck this time and an awesome doctor visit...

• Meanwhile, yesterday on Instagram...
• Good morning friends. It's #coffeetime and last night I slept in the exact same position from 10pm until 7am this morning. I haven't kept sleeping hours like this since I was a toddler. I did wake just after 3am and contemplated going to the washroom but fell asleep again. I am spoiling myself here. I'm used to 5 hrs a night maximum. Now I'm sleeping a lot and I'm lacking energy. The more you rest, the more you need. 
• A couple of important observations. I believe my rotator cuff is completely healed. And I've not noticed my aching hamstring in a while either. But to be fair about the hamstring, my thighs feel like they've been beaten by a crow bar so that may be covering up my aching hamstring. While I separated my laundry yesterday I was able to do some pretty deep squats completely pain free. That was exciting for me. Gonna do some work this morning, then I've an appointment with Dr Patterson in the afternoon. He'll tell me today when my stitches are coming out. All in all I feel pretty good. It's just hard to be resting for so long. But before long I'll be all achy from the gym again. Can't wait for that day...

• It's #transformationtuesday and look at me wearing cap sleeves. I'm actually going out in public like this. On the left I was 25 and approximately 330 pounds. On the right I'm 45 and pretty much half my biggest size. I got better with age. 
• What made maintenance stick this time where it failed so many other times is because I changed my lifestyle for good, not just for now. I'm never going to be able to eat like I used to again. Not if I want to maintain my weight loss results. Maintenance is a lot of work but it's totally worth it to me. And I had to get honest with myself about what certain foods did to me. Processed carbs and grains are my addiction. Although I was adamant I would never give them up forever, life is much easier with them out of my life. And I feel completely in control and empowered.

• Today's last word is with Smitty. How I've missed our time together. It rained and was dreary all day. It started out warm and humid and by the time I was in Dr Patterson's office, I was freezing. My appointment with the good doctor went well. I was instructed to do the following.

• Drop my pants so my lipo sutures could be removed.
• Begin applying lotion to my outer thighs daily.
• Continue wearing my compression garment for another 4-6 weeks.
• Continue to dress my arm sutures for another week.
• If my arm sutures don't dissolve completely in 1 week, go back to see him.
• In one week, begin applying scar cream to my arm scars daily.
• If all goes well, I don't need to see him for 2 more months.

• He was very pleased with my progress. He said my thighs were fine and I could start running again. Like tomorrow! Insert happy dance emoji here. I need to start off slow, but I can run:-) I still have to lay off the arm stuff for a while longer and I still can't drive for the rest of the week, but I confirmed leg day with Tony on Tuesday of next week. Upper body in a few weeks time. Hence my celebratory glass of wine tonight. Eating was good today. Got some work mileage done today and touched base with clients. My doctor's appointment was definitely the highlight of my day. I'm off to catch some zzzzz's 'cos guess what I'm doing in the morning...

The post about a productive work day and why processed carb free works for me...

• Meanwhile, yesterday on Instagram...
• It's #coffeetime and I'm feeling surprisingly high spirited today. I'm gonna situate myself on my bed with my laptop and do some work. Got emails to read and reports to write. At least it will keep my mind occupied for a bit. I'm off the painkillers today. And I took my last round of antibiotics. I'm back in to see Dr Patterson tomorrow afternoon. My sutures should be coming out in a week. That will be exciting. I hate the pulling feeling they give me right now. 
• Along with doing some work today, I need to do laundry. I'm outta yoga pants and leggings to wear. And my compression garment needs to be laundered. Boy I'm sharing some juicy stuff here. Life is pretty basic when you're all holed up in bed. This just in. I had a mediocre BM this morning. Pathetic really. Still bloated with a hard belly. Another dose of laxatives was had. With that kernel of information you can get on with your Monday. At least be thankful you're not me this morning:-)

• Such a boring picture post. But this is what happened today. My POV for the afternoon. Sorted through my work email and texted several clients. Also read contact logs on line to catch up on cases. Real fun stuff that I got to do from the comfort of my bed. For lunch I had a pineapple banana protein smoothie with an extra shot of protein. 
• My thighs and arms are the same. Bruised and swollen. But today I did not dress my lipo sight. It has simply scabbed over nicely. And I'm not wearing my compression garment right now because it's being laundered. But I am wearing my winter running compression pants. Oddly, they are lose on me. Especially around the waist. 
• Someone asked via email what my current eating plan was and what my percentages of macros were. That sounds like math to me. I just record everything into My Fitness Pal and it does all the math for me. Having dyscalculia is no joke yo! But seriously, I follow Paleo the majority of the time. I do use My Fitness Pal, but more to know that I'm eating enough. Especially when I'm training a lot. Right now I need to make sure I'm eating enough to heal properly and protein is my focus. But normally, I naturally eat low carb, high protein, and high fat because I eat all the eggs, avocado and olive oil. 
• I've not been great at responding to comments on IG this past week and I apologize. I'm trying to limit my phone time because my arms go numb when I hold it for too long. And I always respond to blog emails. Although sometimes it takes a while. Please be patient with me. And because I know you're all waiting with baited breath. Still no BM.

• No winetime tonight. It was #watertime instead. I love my sparkling water with lemon juice. Not a whole lot happened tonight. I talked to my dad on the phone and ate a ton of chicken breast and cauliflower broccoli medley for dinner. And my eating was on point today. Lots of protein, lots of pineapple, lots of water. 
• I can definitely feel my incisions more without the painkillers, but it's not horrible. I just wish the clear yellow puss would stop already. It's only on my right arm. And I only notice it in the morning when I apply the Polysporin but it always leaves stains on my gauze and I forget about them then do stuff like, oh I don't know, chat with my neighbors. 
• I got some messages asking if I've had weight loss surgery because I mentioned it some posts back a couple days ago when discussing what our universal health care system pays for. I have not. I considered it when I began my lifestyle journey and was on the wait list for the surgery, but decided against it when I started having such success following Dr. Poon's Metabolic Diet. I don't believe that any one way to lose weight is better than another. Whether you're successful with low carb, Weight Watchers, weight loss surgery, pre-made meals, whatever. You have to find what's the best fit for you. 
• Restriction and strict rules is what's best for me because I'm a binge eater and cutting out the foods that I binged on was key to my success. I can have none of something but I can't have just one. And processed carbs was my binge food of choice. That's why Dr Poon's diet worked for me then and Paleo works so well for me now. Both are processed carb/grain free. Usually when I tell people this they give me side eye and say they could never give up carbs like that. I'm here to tell you that you can do whatever you need to do if you want something badly enough. This coming from a former carbaholic who cried when I was told Dr. Poon's Diet was grain free. True story...

The post about a much better eating day and my 1st winetime in over a week...

• It's #coffeetime and it was easier to get out of bed this morning. That must be progress right? I was definitely less stiff and sore. Today I mindfully eat more protein and pineapple. I forgot to eat pineapple yesterday. This is my favorite time of the day because I take my dressings off and let my incisions just be. The bruising is pretty bad looking right now. I have affectionately dubbed my arms Frankenarms. They may look scary now but this time next year I'm going to have the sexiest, sickest arms ever. Ok, maybe not in the whole world, but damn good for me.
• You just can't please everyone and I know that. Someone messaged me and said I was a fraud because I never showed my arms and suddenly I got an upper arm lift. Now that's just crazy talk. I didn't show my arms because I was self conscious of them. But if you've been reading my blog from the beginning, I've never hidden the fact that I had lots of lose skin under my arms. I've always talked about it openly and said that I'd be getting them done when the time was right. The time was now and it's the best decision I've made for myself since being on maintenance. 
• Even after losing all the weight I did, self confidence does not come easy for me. This was much needed for me to gain some confidence and continue to work towards healing my mind. And my scars will always be something I'll be proud of. I'll get tattooed but they'll still be there. They will always be a reminder of the woman I once was. She's always going to be a huge part of me. And she was someone I'll always be thankful to. Without her and the lessons she taught me, I wouldn't be who I am today. And I'm proud of her for never giving up...

• Today's progress. Doesn't actually look like much. My arms are bruised up and swollen. I think the swelling is from laying down and holding my phone over my head. It cuts off circulation when I do it for too long. So I'm trying to stay off my phone today:-( FFS! That's all I had. Winetime didn't happen with Elin, but I did lay off the painkillers and I may just have my own winetime later. 
• Although my incisions look like ass, much less oozing happened today and they are 100% itchy. Only one day of antibiotics left. Yay! My food pic depicts my breakfast this morning. Left over Bolognese with two fried eggs and pineapple. Lunch was a protein smoothie made with pineapple and a double shot of protein. Still no bowel movement. I know you're all stoked to hear that. Finally caved and bought Senokot. It worked like a charm after my c-section. And Facebook told me that the pic on the right was taken 5 years ago today. How adorbs is that boy? 

• I had a much better day eating wise today. Look at all of that protein! And I had 2 cups of pineapple today. I'm not gonna lie though. My tummy is bloated and hard. Hopefully the Senokot will take effect by morning. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed. And keeping it real. That's the glam life of painkillers for ya.
• I laid off the painkillers today so I could have #winetime. Not sure if it was worth it. I know, I know. Wash my mouth out with soap. Saying something so negative about wine. But I couldn't sit for long on my porch to enjoy it. My bum hurts:-)
• My sister-in-law called today to check on me. And we talked about the discomfort of the incisions because of the pulling and itching, but I made it clear to her that regardless of that, I'm good. I paid for this. I signed up for this surgery and honestly, all this discomfort is 100% worth it to me. And I'm healing. Not as quickly as I'd like because I'm impatient, but I'm right where I should be. Sometimes I wonder if I come across as a whiner and I just want it to be known that at this moment in my life, I'd rather be nowhere else but bored in my house healing from an arm lift. Because even with all the swelling and bruising, I never dreamed I'd have arms that look like they do right now. Can't wait to see how they'll look in 3 months...

The post about a busy day and the orientation for the Fight to End Cancer...

• It's #coffeetime and I couldn't wait to take my dressings off this morning. Gonna let my incisions breathe for an hour before I shower and do it all over again. I'm itchy at the incision site and where the tape sticks. Don't like this tape I'm using. It's too sharp. I need some soft fabric kind for my delicate girl skin. I'll venture out while I'm out today. 
• Exciting times. I'm going to the orientation for the Fight to End Cancer. I'm gonna be partnered up and hear about the rigorous training schedule. This is what I've been training for the past few months. Just to get strong enough so I don't expire when I begin boxing training. Obviously I'm still out for another 3-4 weeks, but as soon as Dr. Patterson says, I'm gonna start running and working legs again. He said about 2 weeks for my lower body. Can't wait. Upper body will take a bit longer. He said 1 month max tho so I'm holding him to it! 
• Today I eat more. And more protein. If I'm low on calories later, I'm gonna make a protein shake. Duh! Why didn't I think of that yesterday? My current situation? A very bloated tummy. Looks like I'm gonna have to purchase the Senokot. Worked like a dream the last time I was on pain killers. Constipation is no joke yo...

A recap for new readers, I want to fight for my mom who lost her fight
to cancer in August 2003...

• This is where I spent the earlier part of my day. The orientation for the Fight to End Cancer. About 40 hopefuls showed up. They will do selection within the next month. There's only 10-12 spots but they take many things into consideration. Not just physical ability but their ability to pair you up with an opponent. There are weight and age rules that must be followed. I can only be paired with another woman between the ages of 44 and 56. And there can only be a 13 pound difference between us. I think there's only one other woman who looked to be over 40, and we're not the same weight. But honestly, with the intensity of this training, I think building muscle is inevitable and it all evens out. 
• I've not boxed or done fundraising before but once I commit to something, I give it 110%. I'm confident that if I'm chosen, I'll be able to raise lots of funds for cancer research. Although I couldn't participate in the workout today, I got to meet and speak to many awesome people. Past fighters and the founders of the charity and owners of the boxing club. Jennifer was awesome and gave me a warm hug when I left. She knew my circumstances and was impressed that I still showed up today. It took a lot out of me and I'm extra sore right now. But I got home and rested. I'm going to eat something right now. Some hard boiled eggs and a protein smoothie. Gotta get some nutrients into me. Having to force eat is no joke yo...

• Today I ate better. It was touch and go at lunch time. We ate out at the Sunset Grill after I went to the boxing orientation. I had chef salad with chicken breast, 3 breakfast sausages and Julien's left over home fries and thought I was going to be sick. Luckily my stomach settled and I was able to choke down a protein smoothie tonight to bring my calories up. 
• Today while I was checking out my thighs in the mirror minus my compression garment I thought I looked scrawny. So I hopped on the scale. I didn't weigh myself on the morning of my surgery like I planned to, I think I weighed myself about 3 weeks ago. Needless to say my weight is down 7 pounds. Scrawny is not the look I'm hoping to achieve. I never want to be skinny and I cringe when someone calls me that. I want to be fit and strong. Right now I feel like everyday I'm getting weaker and losing muscle. 
• And I'm going crazier. Nothing is worse than needing to scratch yourself good and not being able to. My incisions are so itchy. And I forgot to mention that my voice has been raspy and my throat sore. They stuck a tube down my throat during the surgery and it's been bugging me ever since. Not sure if I'm getting sick or it's just irritated. I'm nothing but a whining whiner who whines tonight. Tomorrow I think I'm gonna break away for a couple hours in the afternoon and go see Elin. She's close by and I may lay off painkillers all together and have winetime with her...

The post about pictures of my bum, weaning off of pain killers and the cost of my procedures...

• It's #coffeetime and I'm weaning myself off of the painkillers starting now. This is a good thing. I hate being dependent on anything. Even though I'm bored and sore, there are some real perks to being house bound. Yoga pants, leggings and tank tops 24/7. I haven't had to pluck my eyebrows all week (and it shows). I haven't blow dried or styled my hair all week. And I've not had to plan outfits at all. I bought some sleeveless tops in prep for having good arms and I'm hoping that the temps stay nice for a few more weeks. I'd like to wear at least one this year before the really cold weather sets in. Can't wait to show off my scars. And I promised Tony that the first time I come back to the gym, I'm rocking a singlet. Funny how such simple things mean so much...

• So here's today's progress. Swollen and bruised arms. But the incisions look good. They're not painful to touch when I put the Polysporin on them. The do ooze a bit initially but not for long. And here's my bum. I didn't take before pics of my saddle bags but even with the swelling, they're gone! Just like that! Not the best angle or the sexiest picture but it's only been a few days. My naked thighs look scary right now. That I won't show. I can't even look at them. But they're healing. Dr Patterson took before pics of my thighs. I'll share that when he takes the after photos in a few months. 
• I'm weaning myself off of the pain killers. It's going okay. I'm definitely more alert. Today I showered, changed my dressings, plucked my eyebrows, ate breakfast and lunch, put dinner in my slow cooker, answered all my blog emails and texted with some friends. That's the most I've done post surgery. I may just have to nap now. But first I'll call my dad...

• I really, really tried but today was an eating fail. My stomach just felt off. Love the message that My Fitness Pal gave because that's 100% true. Something I learned from losing weight is that I had to eat to lose. Bodes true for right now as well. I notice my body gets leaner when I eat lots of good quality calories and train hard. I will strive to do better tomorrow. 
• I've been getting lots of questions about the cost of my procedures as well as whether or not they were covered by our universal health care system. I'll address that first. My procedures are considered cosmetic. Therefore they were not covered by OHIP. OHIP does cover bariatric surgery (wls) if you qualify and removal of the pannis if it is medically cumbersome (rashes, skin conditions, hangs below pubic symphysis etc). You have to have lost 100 pounds and maintained the loss for 2 years. 
• I waited several years to have my procedures done because I wanted to be sure the circumstances wouldn't change on their own with training and I wanted to be sure that I wouldn't regain before hand. If you know me at all, you know I'm frugal and it kills me to waste money. I needed to ensure that I had maintenance down pat because I'm not throwing my money away! The brachioplasty cost $5500 and the liposuction on my outer thighs cost $3800, plus tax of course. Worth every penny if you ask me. I'm only 4 days post op and I'm already thrilled with the results. I can't wait to see what it will look like when all the bruising and swelling goes down. 
• An exciting day tomorrow. I go to my orientation session for the Fight to End Cancer. I'm not trying out but I can sit there and listen. And I get to hear about the training schedule. This should be good and scary. But a good kinda scary. Goals aren't worth making unless they scare the shit out of you...

The post about bruising, itching and tattoo planning...

• Meanwhile, yesterday on Instagram...
• Oi! Just dragging myself outta bed. It's so late I'm doing #coffeetime with Julien. So stiff. You'd think with all the sleep I'm getting I'd be wide awake most of the time. But the painkillers do me in. And I need them to lie down because my back end is swollen and black and blue. Sounds super sexy huh? Maybe today after I shower I'll venture out for some surgical tape. I know. Sounds so exciting. I think I'll make Bolognase sauce in my slow cooker too. That with some zucchini noodles for dinner will be awesome. Quick note about my eating. I'm eating probiotic yogurt and pineapple. The yogurt to soothe my stomach from the antibiotics and the pineapple for its healing qualities. I'm force feeding myself the rest of the day. I've got no appetite. But I'm doing my best. Gotta keep my muscles...

• Thus far today. I managed to shower and change my dressings. Still swollen (of course) and now the bruising sets in. Looks worse than it feels. My thighs are much worse. Looked at them in the mirror and just about died. Looks like someone beat my outer thighs with a baseball bat. Really not pretty. Talked to my aunt Dolly on the phone then slept all afternoon. I think tomorrow I'll start weaning myself off of the pain killers. Time to just man up and suck it up. Can't spend my whole life in a hazy cloud...

• I mentioned a while ago that I would be getting tattoos over my scars in about a year. After they've faded. And a follower asked about it, and I have been looking on Pinterest. Although I've not come close to making a decision yet, I do like these three. The placement of the bottom right is exactly what I want. The one on my right arm will be for Julien and will simply be his name and birth date in script. The one on my left arm will be about my journey. Again, these are not my final choices, but I do like what they say.

• Top: Don't dream your life, live your dream
• Bottom left: I myself am made entirely of flaws, stitched together with good intentions. (my fave)
• Bottom right: I could no more stop dreaming than I could make them all come true.

• I know that tattoos are not for everyone but I love them and have been thinking about placement for a while. Now I've the perfect location. I just need to pick my saying. Don't tell my dad...

• Today I managed to feed myself almost 1500 calories. It wasn't easy. And I managed to eat a ton of fat. Twas the 2 Italian sausages, avocado and 3 eggs. I also ate chicken breast so I think I got enough protein into me. If given the choice right now, I'd not eat at all. My appetite is non existent. But that's not going to help me heal. So my goal is to get 1500 calories in per day. And I'm drinking all the water, as per Dr Patterson's instruction. Lots of bathroom breaks which is my only exercise right now. 
• Laying down with my knees bent and my arms over my head is the most comfortable position I can be in. Tomorrow I'm starting the weaning of the painkillers. And this is new. I'm itchy where my incisions are. My arms but especially my lipo incisions and all over my outer thighs. Can't scratch because it aches too much. Drives me batty tho. Hard to distract myself since I can't even hold a book up to read. Maybe that will happen tomorrow. A girl can hope...

The post about the day after surgery (boring title because nothing's going on)...

• It's #coffeetime and I'm stiff and sore. But where did my batwings and saddle bags go? Stiff and sore but happy. I will heal. I've never slept so much my entire life that's for sure. But I get sore from lying in the same position. My little man is so adorable. Checking on me every 15 minutes and wanting to help however he can. He's such a sweetheart. I'm off to the doctor this morning to get my dressings off. I know it's gonna hurt. They're on with crazy glue or something. Hope you're all doing well. Again thank you for all your wonderful and caring messages. You guys are awesome...

• Sorry for the graphic pic. But it's not as bad as it looks. I stopped bleeding over night which was much welcome. I bled mostly from my incisions for the liposuction. Which incidentally are right below my bum cheeks. I thought they were in my outer thighs. But they're just one small hole under each cheek. I bleed a lot yesterday. I went to see Dr Patterson today and he's very happy with how my incisions look. He told me to shower and redress everything. So I did. And I'm washing my compression garment as I type this. It was a bloody mess. I feel much better getting clean. And I don't smell like surgery anymore. You know that iodine hospital smell. My right arm is more painful than my left and that's true for my lipo site as well. At least I'm consistent. Even though I'm swollen and no where near what my arms will look like once they're healed, I'm so happy. Putting on my hoodie that was tight in the arms yesterday morning, it's now big in the arms. So strange. Welcome but strange...

• My biggest dilemma right now? Boredom. But I'll not complain. I've not rested like this since I can't even remember. The pain pills knock me right out. Like for hours at a time. And my lower body feels surprisingly worse than my arms. For 2 tiny incisions, lipo causes a lot of discomfort afterwards. My girlfriend Elin said it's like they use the motion of whipping eggs. So graphic and gross but entirely true. I've seen lipo on TV. It's so aggressively done. But when Julien saw me stand for the first time yesterday he said, "Mommy, where did your leg lumps go"? Where indeed. Sayonara leg lumps. 
• Today was spent with Baby. She's hanging around me more than usual. I've finished eating for the day and I've one more round of meds to take around midnight. I may just give in and start watching TV again. I haven't watched TV for many years. I can't read because I can't hold a book up for long. My arms get too stiff and sore. Or maybe I'll sleep more. Smitty's with me now and her purr is like a soothing lullaby...

The post about an upper arm lift and liposuction...

• Meanwhile, Monday and Tuesday on Instagram...
• It wasn't an easy night. Nerves are beginning to get the best of me and I had a very restless sleep. I was tossing and turning till 3 am then slept till 6:40 am. Missed my run and was 1/2 an hour late for a unit meeting. Today is already off to a sucky start. And now I have to do a team building exercise. My favorite:-( Happy Monday everyone...

• Today's last word comes with my boy. I was busy today and preoccupied with thoughts of my surgery. I spent the day working and the evening with my dad. I've not been on Instagram all day. So I'm completely out of the loop with you all. I'd be a lying liar who lies if I said that I wasn't anxious about tomorrow. But it's the uncertainty that makes me nervous. Being put under with the risk of not waking up. A very small risk, but a risk all the same. Anyway, enough with the morbid. 
• Tomorrow at this time I'll have new arms. I must weigh myself first thing in the morning to see if there's a difference. Just out of curiosity. And I will take before and after photos to share. I signed a release so Dr. Patterson could use my images on his website. If it will help others, why not? 
• I had a visit with my dad today. I brought him to the eye doctor and he's being referred to a specialist. His diminishing eye sight is not correctable with glasses. Not the news I wanted to hear but the optometrist wants a specialist to see him to determine if there's anything he can do. I played down the seriousness of it so my dad won't worry. 
• We had a ton of laughs. My dad has no filter. We went to Swiss Chalet for dinner and the hostess said, "Hi there. Table for two?" My dad replies, "I wish I was high". Nervous laughter ensued. Then while we're eating my dad says about the man sitting across from us, "He's looking at you". So I shush him and my dad looks at the man and says, "My daughter is beautiful". The man says, "Um, okay". Awkward silence ensued. He made me laugh a whole lot tonight and hugged me extra hard when I left. It was just what I needed...

• Well it Is #transformationtuesday and this is the best I can do. I'm uncomfortable but it's not horrible. My thighs have fared slightly worse. It's messy down there. Seeing my arms, even like this made me burst into tears. I can't believe how small they are. I arrived at Dr Patterson's office for 7am. The staff there was just amazing. So incredibly kind and compassionate. Made me feel right at ease. Dr Patterson took photos of me, then marked his pattern on me. It looked like a sewing pattern. 
• The only hiccup was that they wanted to put the IV in my foot because my arms were being done and the location would have been easier. After 3 tries, no dice. And just for the record? Trying to tap a vein in the foot fecken hurts! So they ended up having to do my hand. My anesthesiologist and OR nurse were awesome. He talked to me the whole time about Julien and she held my hand and rubbed my wrist while I fell asleep.
• I'm wearing a compression garment on my lower half and there's a lot of oozing happening. Real yucky stuff. I'm back in Dr Patterson's office tomorrow morning at 10:30 am. Can't do anything but take my narcotics and sleep. It seems so strange to have such a huge part of me missing. Just like that! Thank you everyone for your wonderful messages and well wishes. I've the most awesome followers and friends ever. Likely my only post today. I'm surprisingly weary. Pain killers are kicking in...

The post about a busy, busy day...

• Meanwhile, yesterday on Instagram...
• The hardest part of any gym workout for me is choking down the protein smoothie before hand. I tried a fasting workout and it doesn't work well for me. Fasting runs are fine and the only way I run but I need the energy of the smoothie to do strength training. I'm light headed without it. Therefore it's #smoothietime. And ab check time. No ab definition unless I lie down. They're still soft. This will be my last gym visit for a few weeks likely. Or until my stitches come out. Today I have to prep my house. I need food and my prescriptions filled and gauze and polysporin. I'll pick that up on my way home from meeting my girlfriend for lunch. Haven't seen her in many, many months. It's time to catch up...

• It's finally that time. The best part of any gym workout is the recovery #coffeetime that follows. I went off with a bang today. My magic numbers were 12 and 4. That's 12 reps of 4 sets. Pushed a little harder than usual. And I completely obliterated my glutes in the process.

• 20 mins of HIIT ✔ 
• Legs and glutes✔
• Upper body✔
• Core, core and more core✔

• I feel accomplished and now I must hit the shower and get my ass in gear. Meeting my girlfriend for lunch at 12:30. Should be an interesting drive to the T-Dot. My bum aches...

• Today has just been a whirl wind of activity. After the gym I met my childhood girlfriend for lunch in Etobicoke. It's half way between our homes and we usually lunch at the Pickle Barrel. I did not log my food today but I can tell you exactly what I ate.

• Protein smoothie
• Almond butter and an apple
• Bunless Big Blue burger w sweet potato fries
• Glass of Shiraz
• Another glass of Shiraz (at home)
• Pork tenderloin
• Baby carrots
• Green beans
• Orange

• I don't think I'm low on calories today. My lunch was easily over 1000 without the bun! Meh. Haven't had a bunless burger or sweet potato fries in ages! 
• Anywho. I got my prescriptions filled, made dinner, started the laundry, did a big grocery shop, blogged and I'm still doing laundry. Tomorrow is my last office workday for a couple weeks. Until I get my stitches out anyway. But I will be working from home the week of the 28th. Lots of stuff I can do to keep me busy. Mileage for one! 
• I'm not gonna lie. I'm starting to get anxious. I have to start taking my antibiotics tomorrow. And today I stocked up on gauze and polysporin. I'm gonna try and sleep now. I'm hoping to run 7k in the morning. It's only supposed to be 8C at 5:30 am...

The post about a feel good run, a CAA guy and drinks with Tanya...

• Slow start this morning. That means I run today and go to the gym tomorrow. Gotta be outta here by 11am to get to my dad's place for noon. Then I'm back to see my boy for a bit and I'm meeting Tanya for adult drinks later. Looking forward to that. We haven't seen each other while not wearing running gear for ages.
• I slept in this morning and I'm not sorry. Sometimes I just need to sleep like a normal person. I also woke in the middle of the night from a bad dream. But I can't remember what it was about. I never remember what I dream about. #Coffeetime brings with it overcast skies and a cool breeze. I think today I can wear my brand spanking new $5 jeans. And a sweater. I'll need a sweater...

• Today I ran 8k. It worked out better for me than going to the gym because my legs felt great and they don't feel so limber after strength training and HIIT. What sucked was that I'm sure I ran my best pace in months. I just felt strong and like I was flying. But Strava stopped recording my run 3k in. My phone went into power saving mode which means my gps turned off. Oh well. I ran and I felt good. Something I haven't been able to say in a while. I ate salad and sausages for breakfast. That was supposed to be my dinner last night, but I wasn't hungry. I'm starving right now. We're going into hour number 2 of waiting at the walk-in clinic. I'm with my dad...

• What a busy day. Spent the majority of it with my dad. Took him to the doctor because when I saw him this past week, I could tell he was still stiff and uncomfortable from the fall he had at my place a couple weeks ago. I can't believe he didn't tell me. The doctor thinks he may have fractured a rib but since there's nothing you can do for that but rest, it was the only prescription he got. Which was fine. I felt better having the doctor look at him even though we had to wait for almost 2 hours. Afterwards we went for a late lunch to Swiss Chalet. 
• When we got back to my dad's, I called CAA because my dad said his car wouldn't start and we thought he might need a boost. Turns out the connection to the battery was loose and the mechanic didn't have the right part to fix it but he showed my dad exactly what needs to be done. It's an easy fix at the mechanic Monday morning. The CAA guy was hot. He had the prettiest eyes I've ever seen on a man. I came home, ate a quick dinner then headed to Dundas to have late #winetime with Tanya. I didn't eat enough today. I left almost 900 calories uneaten. But that's okay. I'm confident I'll do better tomorrow. Gym in the morning for realz...