The dating world && a progress photo

When Guy and I broke up... I was super weirded out by the whole online dating thing...
WTF is it? How does it work? And will I end up dead in a ditch?
But then again, how else do you meet people?
You either leave it up to chance... which I realllllly suck at.
Or you go to a bar, and sift through all the losers who only want one thing! (Sorry Dad...)

I didn't like either choice.
But I didn't want to online date either.
The obvious free choices weren't really my thing...
So I decided to try a paid site...
So far... So NOT good...

I've been faced with a few special cases... some of my favorite have been:

"Yeah, I went on a date with a girl once, and she casually slid into conversation that she had herpes. Needless to say, I have herpes..."
Followed with, "Wanna go back to your place?"
----- OBVIOUS answer here, pal.
**SMACK MY HEAD**

Next up: Back story... met him twice...
Third conversation when I explained to him that I wasn't really feeling chemistry between us, he told me I was "stuck in high school" felt I had played mind games and said I needed to grow up. THEN:
"I hope I find someone like you. You are a great girl. I'm just so sad that you won't be Carter's mom."
~Que Adele getting stuck in your head...
PS. Carter's a dog.....

There have been a few other gems. Nothing story worthy.
I'm matched with REALLY random ass people.
Sometimes I feel compatible... and other times (*A guy in a fishing hat standing in Wal-Mart as his first photo.... **SMH again*) I REALLY wonder where they find these people.

{ps: if you thought the Wal-Mart photo may have been a joke... it wasn't. It was captioned "Out and About with Mom for groceries." Just No.}

All I'm saying is... COME ON UNIVERSE. Give a girl a break.
I want a large field with guys/girls who just want in your pants on one side, and guys/girls who want a relationship with you on the other.
All the "in your pants" peeps can get to it!
All the other peeps, can meet people who are like minded!
I mean, WHY... WHY would you PAY MONEY to get on a website... when you can get that on 118 ave?
WHY!?
This is how I feel about dating. #uhthankyoujlaw

--RANT OVER--

Progress:
I've been making some progress.
And I'm really freakin proud!
Left is May, Right is October:

I'm looking to get going on some ab toning and trying something new.
My bestie just tried out a 30 minute Hit class.
You get pink boxing gloves, which is mainly why I wanna go... just sayin'
I'm also doing Zumba Ab's Sundays... YOU SHOULD COME.
2G Fitness! DO it.

I'm taking tips from the famous Mama Laughlin with clean eating... this Sunday I'll be whipping up some yummy stuff! (Thank god for pay day!!) 

Happy Halloween!
XO
Love, Minnie

When you accomplish something you never thought you could...

Happy Monday, beauties!
I am Bruised, I am Exhausted, I am PROUD.

This weekend, I moved from my two-bedroom penthouse apartment, to a cozy, adorable humble abode.
I also ran my first 10km with my Best Friend in the world!
This weekend, I was brought to tears more than once.

Friday night, one of my dearest and greatest friends came over for a much over-due visit.
Miss Jana is one of my favourite people in my life.
Natalya and Jana share a lot of the same qualities... which is why I love them both SO much.
Jana grounds me, pushes me, enlightens me... and majority of the time, calls me on my shit.
She is honest, loving, compassionate, determined and unbelievably giving. I <3 Jana, and if you knew her, you would too!
I really needed this visit with her, we both are so similar. It's really neat to listen to her speak to me, because she knows exactly what's happening up in the old thinker! And vise-versa!

Saturday morning, I hit my weigh in... I told Pam I didn't want to weigh in.
I was so stressed and anxious about the move on the weekend that my eating wasn't very good.
And I can feel it. Even today.
I still exercised, but had very little energy to push myself during my work outs.
Turns out - I was still down 0.8.
Better than a gain! ; )

I went back to my apartment to start moving boxes to my new place.
Thankfully, my AMAZING-HANDSOME-LOVING-WONDERFUL-HOLYSHIT-YOU'RETHEBEST- brother came and put a major dent into moving with me.
We got A LOT done Saturday night... My lovely sister in law and Dad came and helped us out later in the afternoon. I could kiss their feet, I am so grateful!
My sis made a delicious pasta dinner for me to carb load on for my run.
Then... she did THE BEST thing possible... she ran me a bath!
I can't sing Hallelujah any louder!
She has a large bear-claw bathtub... and I was in HEAVEN.

I went home to a very empty (old) apartment and crashed FAST.
When I woke up the next morning, I ran to my other apartment (tough life huh? Two apartments ; )
I made myself some peanut butter toast, gulped down 24oz. of water and headed to the U to meet Natalya for my run.
It had snowed, so we were bundled up for it.
But what we hadn't anticipated were a few steep-tough hills...
But we conquered it!
1 hour and 12 minutes later, Natalya and I crossed the finish line after high-fiving each other!
My brother and Dad were standing there taking photos, and so was Natalya's Dad.
I could have cried - except I'd already had a little teary episode during the race.
It's indescribable. I can't ever explain the feeling.

But it is, emotional, empowering, motivational and inspiring when you kick your own ass into gear.
No one has gotten us here... except each other.

There is no one I would rather be with, than my best friend. 

We've come so far from where we were, and I couldn't have done any of it without her.

The rest of Sunday - was moving!
Once again, my family pulled through for me and got me all settled into my new place.
Later that night, James met me and we went to The National Elevator Project downtown.
Coolest theatre experience!!!
Part two is next year and I'm stoked!

My weekend reminded me that lately, I've been accomplishing things I never thought I would.
I'm working towards goals, I thought impossible.
I'm surrounded by love and support & goodness.
And I'm VERY grateful and blessed that you are all in my life!

That time I made a turkey...

Alright so, a lot of my posts are firsts.
The first time I could look in the mirror and love myself.
The first time I fit into a pair of jeans.

But this one... I something I'm REALLY proud of.
I'm your typical girly girl.
That's not to say that I don't like camping, or getting down and dirty when given the chance.
One thing about me, is that I don't particularly enjoy to cook meat for myself.
This has been a challenge since I've moved out.
I've come up with some creative ways to get my protein so that I don't need to touch fish, chicken, beef... or anything of the sort.

This year, when my Social Committee at work brought up the Thanksgiving lunch, they were unsure that there would be a turkey lunch!
I stepped up real quick and said I'd make the turkey.
*ahem... think before you speak* I'm still working on this one...
The day rolled around a lot faster that I wanted.
I somewhat knew from watching my parents cook them over the years what I was doing, but it didn't really hit me until a day or so before that I actually had to touch this thing.
My hand, needed to go into the body cavity of a turkey.
LAWD JESUS.

I started with a little pep talk.
To the turkey.
"Listen, I don't want to do this to you, and I know you don't particularly enjoy that you no longer have a neck or head, etc. But I'm going to make it quick and painless..."
I get it. The turkey doesn't have feelings... but it still bugs me. So just go with it. #stillsingle
This next part... was when I burst out laughing.
I opened up the turkey to find bread crumbs and a smell of yummy seasonings...
Not what I had expected from a naked bird.
Turns out, I bought a pre-stuffed turkey! Great if you needed the stuffing... which I did not.

I took a recipe by Gordon Ramsay (suggested by a co-worker) and went with it.
I made a lemon, garlic & parsley butter to slide under the turkey's skin, which warranted a "I'm sorry little buddy..."
The body cavity was stuffed with 2 yellow onions and 1 lemon, then I stuffed some bay leaves in the surrounding areas.
I drizzled olive oil over top so that the butter didn't burn the turkey's skin #spf60
I put that sucker in the fridge and headed to bed.

My alarm went off at 3:30, I turned the oven on to 220 and put the turkey in for 15 minutes.
It came out crackling and a lovely golden brown colour.
I then lined the top of the turkey with bacon.
You heard me.
I continued to baste the turkey juice over top of the bacon and turkey every hour, until 10:30 when the meat thermometer told me it was FINTO!

Turns out, I kicked ass at cookin Turkey!
My co-workers said it was the best turkey yet!
I've been voted as Turkey chef for years to come!
I am SO proud of myself.
So logically, I took a photo of myself. : )

When your body knows you better...

Thursdays are run days with Natalya.
We've been REALLY committed for a while know and I know we both push and motivate each other to keep going.
There are days where I wish we could just sit on the couch and watch KUWTK or Gilmore Girls instead, but we've never NOT gone.
I run 2 other times during the week. I also do Zumba and Hot Yoga.
Every day last week, and everyday this week, I've walked 3.6km including two sets of stairs during each walk.
I am tired... and my glutes HURT... but, I feel so successful.
I don't even care if I lose weight or not this week.
What's important to me, is that I am moving, so much more than I ever have been.
And I feel great.
Just cause I gotta show it off... these pants were purchased maybe two weeks ago... and they are now too big! BAZINGA!

Last night, was no different.
I drove out to Stony Plain, dressed in my fall run clothes (which might I add is so much better than summer running!) and Natalya and I set out on our run.
We have a 10km next weekend, so we've been slowly... just kidding - we've jumped from 6km to 9km pretty quick!
I'm SO proud of the both of us.
I knew last night, that we were in for a long run.
And I wasn't scared. I was excited, cause I know I can now.
My glutes were killing me from stairs so when I got home from work, I quickly foam rolled out my IT band and my glutes for a little lee way.
It felt amazing! I didn't feel ANY pain during my run.
Invest, peeps! They rock!
We finished strong at 1 hour and 10 minutes (including our walking warm up in the beginning) = 9.5km.
We stood in the kitchen making dinner together and I giggled out loud...
I told Natalya - it's crazy to me that we just go out and do 9.5km and then just make dinner as if nothing just happened.
There was a point in time where we struggled to move.
And, now... My body knows me better... my body knows I can do it...
Somedays, I just have to convince my mind!

Julia sent this to me last night.
I'm not sure if she knows how touched it makes me feel when other people can feel and see how I've changed over the past little while.
I LOVE this. Because it is me.
And it'll continue to be me!

DISNEYWORLD 2014

Move this weekend people, no matter how small.
Start with a 15 min walk, do a few extra flights of stairs... eat something new, cook something new!
Get your lifestyle healthy, cause I want you all around for WAYYYY longer!
MUAH! XO

So What Wednesday!!!

~ SO WHATTTT

~ I ate pretty off this weekend, and I'm feeling it. But I got right back on track and made sure I hydrated all day today. This body missed it's vegetable intake

~ I rocked three day hair today - BOO YEAH! There's no photo for a reason, just cause I rocked it doesn't mean it looked rockin'




~ I'm thinking of sending this out for my Christmas Card this year... whatcha think?

HAPPY HUMP DAY!!!!!!

Progress

I <3 Fall.
Happy Thanksgiving, from my fam jam to yours!
We're pretty thankful!

I rocked a 9.6k run on Sunday.
In 1 hour and 7 minutes... it took getting to 6k to finally get my groove going... which was frustrating to me. But I still stuck it out which is something I wouldn't have done before. #progress
I think I just might be able to do this whole half marathon thing.

There seems to be this moment during my runs lately, that I think "Just make it to that spot right there."
I hit that spot. And I just keep going.
Then I say it again, and I pass that point.
It's kinda like I keep surpassing my expectations of myself.
I'm inspiring myself to go further.
Even through the mental battle, which I used to melt into fairly easily, I make it to the end.
It's the most epic feeling, exceeding everything you thought you could be.

A late weekend recap, Happy Monday, Tuesday annnndddd HUMP DAY!

Hi friends :)
I'm a little behind on the blogging. (what else is new?)

HUMP DAY!!!!!!!!

This past weekend, I went to Hot Yoga! #namaste
I got kicked out of my apartment for an afternoon. #showingscansuckit
I went to one of the BEST birthday's... #minutetowinit
&&&
I participated in the CIBC Run for the Cure. #f*@!cancer

My sister in law turned 26!!! For about 3 years now, she has been trying to have a Minute to Win it themed birthday party... for the past 2 years, she has gotten very sick and had to cancel.
This year, it happened!
It was such a blast, and I think every party I go to from now on MUST have a task for people to complete in order to be allowed into the party.
That's Legit!

{Minute to Win it, Mrs. Stephenson style}

Sunday was the annual CIBC Run for the Cure... every year I'm just so disappointed in the fact that I own NOTHING pink. I need to get my shit together.
This year, we ran it! Like true runners!
I was super disappointed in the warm up that was put on... Grams could do a better warm up than these Body by Bennett people #lamesauce #loveyagrams
I finished somewhere around 31 minutes! Kick Ass! That's my fastest yet.
I LOVE this run. It's always so amazing to look around and see so many people around running for the same thing.
I somehow held myself together this year and didn't cry like I normally do... don't worry, I'm going to the doctor for a check up on Thursday.

{Best Friends & Sisters LOVE Boobs!}

Monday night was a pretty emotional one for me.
Every now and again, I feel like something slaps me or pinches me and I realize how far I've come.
I sometimes re-read journals and can't believe that I ever felt so empty and lost.
Monday, all day, I knew I needed to hit the pavement. And I actually wanted to.
I did come home, second guess my motivation and almost had myself convinced... but I went anyways.
I thought "Just a little one... who cares how far, just go."
I can distinctly remember (plus I've written about it in a journal...) about this one time that I went for a run. I came home (quickly...) collapsed on the floor (10 minutes of running will do that to ya) and sobbed. I laid in my kitchen, sobbing for quite a while.
I wanted so badly to run from my apartment, across the high level bridge & back.
But I couldn't.
I was so mad. Everything jiggled, everything hurt, and I could barely breathe.
I was mad that I was like that.
That I ran by a mirror and saw what other people were seeing... A fat girl.
Monday night... I got dressed, put on my runners and ran out the door.
I started out towards the high level bridge... I ran across it. I ran past it, I ran to a beautiful spot across the river that you can see Downtown lit up at night. Then I ran back.
And I cried.
6.64km's. A random Monday night. "Just a little one..."

I didn't believe in myself.
I used to self sabotage.
I used to believe that I was unworthy.
Like I deserved nothing.
I treated myself like the dirt on the bottom of a shoe.
Now?
Now I am stronger.
I speak gently and gracefully. (most times)
I am worthy.
I deserve everything I work for.
I treat myself, like my beautiful best friend.
And I, refuse to give up on myself.

{Believe & You'll Succeed} 

{5} On Friday!!

... I feel like I'm dragging across the finish line this week.
Moses, that was a tough one. Betcha it's going to show in my weigh in too ; (

Positivity time!

{ONE}
My brother sent me this: hilarious. #thatsall

{TWO}
I made these for my sister in law's Birthday surprise!
4 points total! WINNING.
{total credit to skinny taste for the recipe... the Caramilk was an added topping on my part!}

{THREE}
I'm feeling less overwhelmed about packing... which is weird, cause I haven't really done much but organize what I need to pack/purge! I also took majority of my photos down.
They have been showing my place all week... and I just find it awkward that someone is walking around in there.


{FOUR}
I get to see this turkey and my momma AGAIN this weekend! <3
I had an awful dream that she was hurt and it was horrifying... so she'll be getting a good squeeze when I first see her.

{FIVE}
This is the biggie. For the FIRST time in my entire 22 years of life... I internally stated:
"My stomach doesn't look that bad." ...........................................
It's taken me YEARS to get here. It happened. I said it.
And then in the shower I went... hold up?! Did you really just say that?
Yup. I did... I also got dressed in a t-shirt that normally clings in places it shouldn't... but not today!!!!!!!!!!!!
That deserves a smile from this girl... Things can change!
This, for me, is better than fitting into jeans, better than a before and after photo...

I'm still learning.
Every. single. day. I learn another lesson. Which I LOVE.
I love that this adventure is ever changing.
Some days are harder than ever.
But one of my favorite lessons of all, is learning to love myself.
Waking up to myself in the morning, is the best.
Cause I know who I am, and I love myself.

{Forgive} {Love} {Laugh} {Hope} 

Helpful Hints & My go to's

Hi Friends!
I hope y'all had a great weekend! I had my parents down from FM and we had a great visit, including a family friends wedding.
We had a blast! We also officially all booked our plane tickets to Orlando for my Half Marathon.
Que shitting my pants. {EFF}

Today I'm writing about some of my favourite go-to's, and helpful hints that I've learned over the past little while through weight watchers & picking up advice.
{Some of this may work for you, some of it may not...}

Fall/Winter are my favourite seasons! I love to be cozy in bed with tea & movies or a good book.
This year, I have a slight change... although I love to be cozy in bed, I also have this enormous desire to run in the mornings. A cool run is my favourite! Which is why I love to run in the rain.
I've been feeling a little under the weather with cold/allergies, but as soon as I'm back to 100%, I'll be taking advantage of the brisk downtown mornings! YAY Long sleeves!!!!

First up:

{Crock Pot Three Bean Turkey Chili!}
Skinnytaste.com is one of my favourite sites for WW recipes!
It has such a good variety of things to make - super simple and easy for non-cookers like myself.
Last night, I browned up the turkey with some onions in the pan.
Chucked it all together with the other ingredients, and set the slow cooker for 6 hours and 30 mins.
VOILA.
I have Chili! Perfect for fall weather and a hearty meal to have when you just don't feel like cooking!
This meal freezes great, too!

My other go to for Sunday night meal prepping, is {Eating Right Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna!}
I buy mine when they go on sale at Safeway. This is pretty much a staple in my freezer during the fall and winter.
I'm a huge fan of lasagna... and yes, this is vegetarian... but its down right delicious!
I throw it in the oven when I know I'm not going to have a lot of time for dinner's during the week.
It has 4 rolls in the pan. Since I'm normally just cooking for one, this is great!
Somedays, I'll split the roll in half and take it as a light side.
A whole roll is filling for me, but light enough that you don't feel bloated and gross afterwards!
1 roll - 6 points.

{Tomato Basil Rice Cake with Tuna & Salsa}
This one came to me from my bestie! And it's nothing short of finger lickin' good!
A can of tuna, mixed with salsa (FREE!) topped on a Tomato Basil rice cracker, with a sprinkle of cheese for good measure!
Toaster oven that baby, or microwave, whatever is accessible.
Super delicious lunch idea!
Depending upon the cheese and tuna you use, this recipe can be as low as 5 points!


{Black Pepper & Garlic Salmon}
This is a really easy recipe... legit.
Put a salmon fillet into a pan, sprinkle some black pepper & garlic on top.
Bake for 5-10 minutes (depending if the fillet is frozen or fresh).
Eh, Voila!
I normally pair this with rice and either asparagus or broccoli!
Delicious!

Now for some go-to's when I'm in the snacking mood...

~ Almonds! YUM! yes, they are high in points, but also a great source of calcium and a light little filler for the mid morning hunger pains!

~ Banana and PB! A staple for me. Remember WW friends, a banana is TWO servings of fruit!

~ Ryvita - dried cranberry & pumpkin seed is my favourite. I take two LIGHT laughing cow wedges (1 point for two wedges) and spread onto two ryvita slices. This snack totals 3 points! *I sometimes even have this for lunch with my ziploc of cut up veggies!*

~ Fruit - of course, any time of fruit is a great snack!

~ If I'm craving something sweet, I indulge with a popsicle. I'm not sure why, but I'm slightly obsessed with the red, blue and white rocket popsicles... Cyclones are my favourite - 2 points for those bad boys!

~ Crispy Mini's!!!!!! My savour - Double check the points, because they do change... but YUM! A great little delight for your afternoon snack.

Breakfasts
I eat my breakfast at my desk once I get to work!

; Oatmeal {3 points for the quaker instant maple and brown sugar}
; Spinach Smoothies {4 points with Activia yogurt and almond milk}

; Boiled Egg Whites {Egg whites are 1 point, if you eat the yolk it's 2}
; Apple & Cheese {Low fat marble cheese is 2 points}
; Yogurt & berries {Activia yogurt 2 points}

I kinda went backwards there... #YOLO.


Something that has really helped me is WATER!!!
I love water already, so this one isn't tough for me... but seriously! Up that intake!
Tea is a great way to flush out your body, especially helps with digestion after lunch.
My favourite flavors are Peppermint, Lemon and Lemon Zinger!
I have an embarrassing collection of water bottles, but I use them all.
I keep one at my desk {24 oz.}, and it's filled 4 times a day.
Drink, drink, drink!
Just don't drown!




That's all, Happy Tuesday...
Guess what tomorrow is????