Five on Friday!

{UNE}

I ran 8.2 KM straight last night! 

Lately, I'm not so worried about how fast I'm going - as long as it's below a 740

I just care about how long I can go for! 

I'm a little nervous about not having the motivation and drive that I have when Natalya is with me... 

Hopefully her recording her voice will make it feel like she's running with me! 

{DEUX} 

Hot Yoga! <3 #bless

I need this class tonight. I absolutely LOVE going on a Friday night - it completely de-stresses me and helps me get rid of the yuckies from the week! 

{TROIS}

I can still speak/write numbers in French! 

YAY! 

{QUARTRE} 

Penelope will be here tonight!!!! EEEEEPPPPP!
Nothing makes this girl smile more than this little pup. 

She's my favorite! 

{CINQ} 

I have everything I need. 

Right now. In this moment. 

I'm satisfied. 

How lovely! 

Happy Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle... yeahhhhhh

Hi guys, sorry I've been MIA.
I'm in a slump again for blogging topics...

Over the past few days, I've been somewhat struggling.
I seem to have a bit of negativity creepin in lately.
I've started to criticize myself again instead of focussing on my #successes.
I think this will just be something that I always battle.
I called myself fat again in the mirror this morning... something I haven't done in a very long time.

While fighting my mental devil, I've been fighting a bit of allergies/cold.
I LEGIT just rubbed vaseline under my nose... and then just kept going to my lips and around my eyes. (not sure why...but it seemed like a good idea.)
My eyes are watery, my throat is killing me, I'm blowing my nose every 5 seconds... instead of complaining about it today at work, I just sang "I'm sexy and I know it" after I blew my nose.
I know what you are all thinking... #thisiswhyshessingle

So, fighting allergies/cold, my mental devil && I'm moving.
Talk about overwhelming.

Fun fact: I've moved 15 times in my life. This will make 16.
I. HATE. MOVING.
It does have its positives - but I'm really ready to just settle somewhere and not have to move anymore.
I'm downsizing, which means I have a lot of organizing and "purging" that I need to do.
I'm overwhelmed at the thought that I can't keep all my Cosmo magazines.
Cause I need them. All.
#hoarder

So over the next little bit, I might be MIA.
But I still love you all for reading... even if it is boring and somewhat a waste of your time.

Have you noticed a trend?
Watch this funny video:

http://gizmodo.com/justin-timberlake-show-us-how-dumb-we-sound-when-we-use-1382465357

#Loveya!

Cricket...Cricket...

So... we had this "exciting" little "Build a Team Charter" thing today at work...
All I can say is, it started at 8:15 and ended at 11:45.
Can anyone else say SCORE?!

I enjoy these things - I realize not everyone does.
But the way I look at it, I didn't really have to work this morning and still got paid for it...
AmIRight?!

Anywho, to explain the title... this building a team charter business was all about creating a positive, supportive and honest team, so that we all felt comfortable working towards the common goal.
**YAHOOO!!!!!
A bit of background information... team meetings mean silence while the boss talks.
... keyword? silence.
I don't think I know what that is? Silence.
Huh?

I've come to terms with the fact that I'm outgoing (I used to think it was negative), I'm also friendly, don't mind speaking in front of people and would WAY rather be talking or making a joke then have 18 other people just blankly staring, with stone cold looks on their face in... silence.
NOT COOL.
I first learnt this at my first team meeting... I was asked to speak on behalf of the Social Club about an upcoming BBQ.
Upon making some, what I found giggle worthy, jokes... I looked up to see all of my co-workers staring blankly back at me.
Crickets, does not cut it.

I realize that some people just wanted to get out of the meeting... BUT COME ON PEOPLE.
Can I just have a smile of acknowledgment that you heard me?
Sheesh.

Back to this charter bullshit.
Here I am, in this room full of people - who would rather slit their wrists - and it's silent.
So I start making jokes.
Thank GOD, my table finds me funny.
I told some stories about how I've made a complete fool of myself - knowingly - and that seemed to ease the tension.
By this time though, it was only 8:30. Efffffffff.
I gotta make it through to 11:45? HOW?

We did an exercise with a big tarp with holes cut all over it.
We all stood around it, and the objective was, when the trainer put a ball on top of the tarp... you could not let in fall through the holes.
Here's an example of when I find myself funny... but no one else does.

Trainer: Alright everyone, get on the tarp.
Me: Okay Rhonda, *pretending to literally get on the tarp* but I really don't see how this tarp is going to hold us all.

I look up.
Nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch.
No smiles. Aca-ackward.
Shit this tarp business is fo reals with these peeps...


Needless to say, I made more jokes for the rest of the morning.
Sarcastic ones. (When asked what my purpose is in my job... "Make Money, Get Bitches!")
I talked a lot.
To the point of the Trainer saying "Boy, you sure have lots to say..." (Yeah, Rhonda... I do. What's it to ya?)
But best of all...
I made some people on my team ACTUALLY laugh.
WINNING.

I realize that sometimes this kinda behaviour is inappropriate.
And I do know that there is a place and a time - I'm pretty good at not being obnoxious about it.
But man, I love to laugh. I love to make other people laugh.
I can't get through a day without laughing.
And why should you?
Stop and Laugh people... Life is toooo short to stare blankly at someone as hilarious as me.

Updates & Warm Scarves

EYO!

I'm writing a quick little tike of a post today...
First...

HUMMMMPPP DAAAYYY!

Second...

WARM SCARVES! I <3 Fall and not feeling like I'm a drippy mess after walking to work!
I'm dying for this Kiki La Rue scarf... LOVE!

Third....

In the past two weeks, I've lost 6.9 lbs! Go me! I burst through a little plateau I was having and had success! My secret was eating more of the points I gained back through exercise, and trying something new!
I added more variety in my exercise and BAM... it's coming off!

Fourth...
ME time.
Me time is SOOOO important to me.
I almost forget about it sometimes, until my body goes HELLLLOOO! How bout eff you?
Last night, I fought the guilt of not doing a work out.
But, in the end, I needed a night to just clean up around my place, make some meals and veg!
Remember to schedule in some time for just you!
It's important to stop and take some time to reflect on yourself and how things have been going.
Last night, was the first time in a long time, that I actively decided NOT to judge myself for my decision.
HUGE improvement!


Love Yourself.
Forgive Yourself.
&& Treasure Yourself.
Cause I love, forgive and treasure you all!
XO
L

Partner in Crime, Bestie, Ty, Auntie Telle

As you can see from this title, this post is dedicated to my unbelievable best friend.
(Names may vary in this post... Natty, Ty, Natalya, or Bestie!)

Some of you have the absolute pleasure of knowing this sweet soul, and for those of you who don't... I'm really sorry, You are missing out.
Natalya and I first met in school, during our Drama rehearsals for different plays.
We hung out in the same circle of friends and what I most remember is her sweet demeanour and ability to make everyone laugh out loud.
Natalya and I got really close during our time in the same cast for Take 5.
This was our pride and joy (as well as Music Man) and we both LOVED being in this one act.
We went on to win a few awards as a cast, and we were all so so proud of ourselves!
Natalya was Sharon and I was Gladys... how could we not bond over those names?
She was my pregnant sister, and I was the "old" - my biological clock is ticking - wanna get married asap - crazy ass sister!

Natalya was a grade younger than me, so when I graduated we somewhat lost touch.
We truly started to develop a relationship over the past two years.
We're now okay to say... We're completely inseparable. If we don't see each other for a few days, somethings off.

When Guy and I broke up - Natalya was the ONE constant for me.
She understood what I said, how I was feeling and knew exactly what to say.
Ty would do sweet little things for me, like seeing "Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake" and buy it for me.
Or, more recently... She saw a pink ice cream spoon, and knew I'd love it!
Low and behold, it's in my drawer.

Natalya is ALWAYS thinking of other people before herself.
She loves her family more than anything, her sister especially.
Natalya's boyfriend means the world to her and it's easy to see that Natalya loves without holding back.
This is exactly what I love about her.
Ty's ability to put other people before herself is astounding. She is selfless, giving, open and honest, confident, compassionate and absolutely beautiful.
Lucky me, this gal is my best friend.

Throughout my whole weight loss journey... yup you guessed it, Ty has been right beside me.
We both know just how bad each other wants this. BAD.
We push, we cry and we indulge together.
My run's are always better with her right there (no idea how I'm going to do my half marathon without her... ; ( ) My Saturday night's are made better with Gilmore Girls and bowls of fruit with her. My Thursday dinner's of shrimp and rice taste delicious because I get to share them with her.
**Am I starting to sound in love?**
It's cause I am! I LOVE MY BEST FRIEND.
There's absolutely nothing I keep from her, she knows it all. Even the nasty.
And she still loves me.

Partner in Crime, Bestie, Ty, Auntie Telle:
Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for loving me for me.
For running beside me, for lifting me up and out of the gutter when I'm there.
For laughing your ass off with me.
For finishing bottles of wine with me.
For sharing the love of Menchie's and Coffee with me.
Most of all, thank you for the moments that you silently support me.
I could never have gotten through these past two years without you.
And I hope to never have any years without you in the future!
So much love and gratitude... inner peace and Miley Tongues!
XOXOXOXOXO

Pay it Forward

Y'all! Mama Laughlin has a very touching story on her blog today relating to paying it forward.
Go check that out here... http://www.mamalaughlin.com/2013/09/pay-it-forward-mighty-warrior-gideon.html

While you are here though...
I've got one of my own!

I work with a lady, Tammy, whom I adore. I know I haven't been in this job very long, but she is sweet, hilarious, and so warm and welcoming!
She is a really kind soul and I always here of her giving to others when they need it.
Tammy just told me this afternoon, that her sister has Ovarian Cancer.
Tammy has 5 children, and on a daily basis comes into work at 6 am, works full time (and HARD! at that!) Her sister, as well has teenage kids, her husband works full time and they are all battling this difficult disease with Tammy's sister.

When Tammy came to me today, she told me that about 2 weeks ago, they received news that it was not going to end well.
This was the same result Tammy and her sister had with their Mom.
She told me she hasn't given up hope!! They are going to fightt to the very end.

My heart is breaking for this family.
While I don't know all the circumstances or details... I feel like I can help.
And hopefully, some of you guys can too!
So here's the deal:

I am looking for support in the following ways:
1. Send positive thoughts, love and light, and a ton of gratitude to Tammy, her sister and their Families! This is just as important of any of the below!
2. If you can, I'm going to try and organize a few meals to give to Tammy as well as her sister's family. If this interests you and you can, please let me know!
3. If you don't cook/don't like cooking/are scared of your cooking, I will be setting up a little fund for Tammy to give to her sister for house cleaning, meals or whatever they might need!
4. If you pray, pray! This is just as important as any of the above.

**UPDATE:
Tammy thinks the best things for her sister, husband and boys would be the basics.
Lasagna, Chili, Soups - any sort of freezer meals!
Also, money towards a Molly Maid gift card, or a grocery gift card is another idea!

Lets make this awesome!
I can't wait for Tammy to surprise her sister and family!

Pass this on people!

linkin' up !

My happy place... chocolate + coffee + Real Housewives of Orange County *hangs head in shame*

Whatever happened to.... The Jetson's! Bring that shit back!!!!! 

So what if I.... totes ate M&M Pretzels and fell asleep with my hand in the bag!

E! needs a reality show about... Natalya and I. 

My go-to fast food meal is... Subway or Extreme Pita 

You might not know that I... touch my nose with my tongue... Holla at me Gene Simmons! 

The hottest quarterback in the NFL is...What's NFL? *Tim's going to be so proud!*

If I could... walk 500 miles... 

My personality is awesome because... I'm built out of Awesome.

Twerking is.... surprisingly difficult 

I think it's super gross when... you have to walk on the pool tiles and there's hair and bandaids stuck to it... I know you are getting this nasty face on right now just THINKING about it! 

Someone needs to tell Miley Cyrus... keep it up! I'm lovin it! 

Canmore Rocky Mountain 5k, 10k, && half marathon

The last few weeks, my weigh in's haven't been the greatest.
I've been struggling with temptations, but consistent in my work-outs.
To say I was frustrated, is an understatement.
But, Saturday morning, I broke that streak.
I lost 4.0 lbs!
I'm so proud of myself for not giving up... for still trying to reach what I want!

In a previous post, I talked about my little man, Gavin!
Sunday was run day... I woke up at 3:45, stumbled to the bathroom to brush my teeth and throw up my hair.
I got all my bags ready to go, only to find that my Dad was showered and ready to go with me!
It was a nice surprise.
Both of my parents have always made sure to be our biggest cheerleaders!
My mom couldn't quite make it, but it was really great to have someone there to watch me finish.

The Canmore Rocky Mountain Half Marathon is such a great race!
There were thousands of people lined up to run on Sunday.
The place was packed, from runners, to volunteers, to massage therapists!
It was awesome!
Suddenly, being awake at 3:45 didn't matter anymore!
I was ready to kick some butt. The run wasn't my best, and it wasn't what I had hoped.
But, everyone has bad runs.
I was just really proud of myself for even running.
A few months ago, I would have never thought I would be here... pounding pavement and actually enjoying it.
I thought about G the whole time looking at the gorgeous scenery around me.
I'm pretty damn lucky.

Here's some photos from my weekend!
This week is going to be surprise posts... : )

Getting a little nervous for the run... 

beautiful scene on the drive there

Juls and I before the race

The Cheerleader and I

After the race... like a boss!

Exercise choices this week

This week, I'm hitting up a new Wednesday night Zumba class (technically not new, just new location and time!)

On Thursday I'm running as usual with Natalya! 

Friday we're going to hit up a Hot Yoga class, instead of drinking the toxins we'll be sweating em... Anyone wanna join? *cricket* no? Okay! 

Saturday I'm going to hit the pool early am for a few laps, and Sunday, I'm off to Canmore to run the 5K. 

Jammed with action and workouts, this week is going to be a success! 

I've upped my fibre and protein intake, started to try and fit more in during my day. 

The scale is gunna budge this week... And if it doesn't, the tape measure will! 

I'll let ya know how it all works out!

Alright, so if I'm doing all that.. What are ya'll doin?? 

Get up! 

No excuses! 

Even a walk around the cul-de-sac (Stephenson's I hope you laughed) will be better than an extra 5 minutes on the couch! 

Move it!!!!! 

Just DO it... *post not sponsored by Nike.*

Happy Tuesday!!!!!!! How great it is that it's already Tuesday?

So great, cause I didn't have to sort through "ugh Monday..." posts on Facebook. 

Seriously peeps, take a happy pill... 

Anywho'dler! 

This long weekend was STELLAR. 

I had Friday off from work, so it made it extra amazeballs/vag (no sexism here!) 

Natalya and I packed up the car Friday morning and headed North. 

Last year, we went to deliver a precious package, back to her home... 

This sweet face! 

So when the weekend rolled around again, Bestie and I decided that we would do it all over again. 

I LOVE going to Fort Mac. 

It's not the greatest place on earth (duh, Disney.) 

But, it's relaxing, it's not stressful, my dad normally cooks something delicious and my mom packs wicked road trip snacks for our drive home! 

There's always insiders and something goin' on! 

I love it! 

This weekend wasn't any different. 

We had a fish fry, we did hot yoga, we fit bitted the shit out of our fit bits, we got stock in Menchie's, we drank a lot of wine (didn't know my bed spun...), we went boating, we coloured, we ran, we taste tested pickles... annnd, we have No Ragrets (not even one letter). 

Needless to say, we had a blast! 

Thanks Mom & Dad for the hospitality and love you guys gave us over the weekend! 

The Sandhill Resort & Spa is 5-stars!!!!! 

I do love long weekends, but I especially love this one. 

Some people might find this weird, but here's my take. 

5 years ago Sept. 2, I lost my little engine that could. 

Gavin was taken from my life way too soon, and I will never forget his sweet, sweet face. 

Although tears flow from my eyes, and my heart aches when I think about what happened, I always get a little reminder. 

Enjoy life. Live it. 

Just DO it. 

Go for it. Sip slowly, laugh loudly, speak boldly. 

I am so blessed in my life to be surrounded by wonderful people.

& Gavin helps me to remember that. So every year, instead of lowering my head, I lift it.

I thank Gavin silently for his love and reminders to live it up. To dream, cause it's free. To love without judgement, and to go for what I want. 

So Monday morning, when Julia told me she was running a 5K in Canmore this weekend... I signed up. I swear, I just had the "reminder" moment earlier that morning... and knew I was proud that I've been reaching for what I want. 

So I went for it, I'm so grateful and so happy that I have the ability to get up and run. 

To just sign up for a 5K cause I can do it. 

I'll be thinking of G the whole run, I know it. 

XOXO RIP Sept. 2/2008

Here's some photos of my lovely long weekend getaway... 

Start the week off with healthy choices and exercise plans! 

XO