January Love List

 

Oh January, where did you disappear to?  The first month of a new year is always fun and exciting.  I like to think that what you do in the first month will be a representation as to how the other eleven months will follow.  If that's the case, 2013 will be full of great memories.

• hand me downs
• finally getting the Internet
• watching Sons of Anarchy DVDs
• decorating our house
• becoming addicted to How I Met Your Mother
• lengthy phone conversations with my parents
• going out for beers and wings for back to back date nights with Justin
• missing summer, and dancing to summertime music videos while I get ready in the morning
• slowly remembering the CDs that will be truly missed
• realizing how much I love owls
• hearing Justin say that he's surprised I don't have baby fever.  Me telling him that dissolving our Three Year Plan has been a weight lifted off of my shoulders, and this decision has literally changed my life.
•  deciding to kick my butt into shape, and lose weight

I can't wait to see what the rest of the year has in store.

Being Healthy

To most of the world, I would appear to not have a weight problem.   From the outside looking in, it seems that I'm at the perfect weight, but on the inside it is a different story.  I work hard at making sure that what I wear will portray a silhouette of a slender person.   I wear lose fitting tops, I keep my belt lose and wear dress pants that come up high on my waist to avoid that “muffin top” at all costs.  But when I take off my clothes, that illusion I’ve built is gone; suddenly I am faced with the hard reality that I do not like my body.

I’ve always enjoyed food, almost to a fault.  The taste and flavours amaze me.  (It’s like that scene in Ratatouille when Remy tastes the strawberry, the cheese, and then both together, and magical colours form in his imagination at the experience.)  When I eat, I will continue eating when I'm full, (stuffed sometimes), because I simply love the taste of it.

Before it gets out of control, I decided it was time to do something about my weight.  Since I’ve heard that goals have a greater success rate if they are written down, here we go: I plan to lose 23 pounds by mid-June.  That’s a healthy weight loss rate, at about 1% of my weight per week.  I plan on succeeding by eating healthier, eating more fruits and veggies, cutting out a lot of snacking, eating smaller portions, and getting more exercise.

 

For every pound I want to lose, there's even more I want to gain!  I want more confidence, more knowledge on what healthy living means, and more outfit options.  It's going to be a win-win, and I hope you will follow along with me on this journey.
 

Do you do anything to maintain your weight?  Does a new year inspire you to make plans to lose weight, or make changes to your lifestyle?  What healthy choices do you make that add to your life, but subtract from your waistline?

Favourite Photo Of Us

from last summer.  During our week long camping trip in Idaho last July, we stopped at the Albeni Falls Dam by Priest River.  If you ever find yourself in Priest River, you've got to go to Mi Pueblo Authentic Mexican Food - they have amazing food!

A Girly Good Time

1 - I spotted this owl vase at Michael's.  Seriously cute, one day he'll come home with me.

2 - Since I was at cake shops ordering a baby shower cake, I treated myself to some tasty treats.  It's amazing how much people love you when you bring six mini cupcakes to work!

3 - Baby shower invites made by yours truly.  I even surprised myself with their cuteness.

4 - Another owl.  This one I picked up while at an antique store.  The lady at the cashier asked what I was going to do with him, and I told her I'd hang him on the edge of the colander in our kitchen.  She then explained that it was actually for a necklace.  Yea, I might have felt stupid.  I went with my plan for now.  He adds a little something to the kitchen!

Find me on Instagram: juliemkeller, or just click the button on the sidebar.

Taking The Bad With The Good

Today started off pretty bad.  I got into the Acadia (aka Stuart) this morning, and noticed weird markings on the passenger side seat, but didn't pay it too much attention.  As I waited for the CD player to load, I started thinking about what disc I'd like to listen to during my drive to work.  I turned to the passenger seat to rifle through the five discs I keep there, except there weren't any discs on the seat.  I wondered what Justin was doing organizing my vehicle for me bright and early this morning, but then realized what had actually happened.  I reached behind my seat for conformation, and found two CD holders there (you know, the ones you buy blank CDs on), but about 100 discs were gone.  I looked inside the console, where I keep some other discs, but they were gone too.  That's when last night came rushing back to me: I had stopped to get groceries, and I always bring them into the house, then lock Stuart with the key fob after I'm done unloading the vehicle.  Yup, I didn't do the locking part of that equation last night.  Damn it!

As bad as it is, it's not that big of a deal.  Most of my CD's were burnt ones, with only about twenty of them being originals.  But obviously it's still a little disturbing and disappointing.  When I got to work I was relating the story to co-workers, and realized the one disc that I'm actually sad about losing.  I've had it since 1997, there's not a scratch on it, and I listen to it every Christmas: Hanson's Snowed In.  I might have shed a tear or two.

Happily my day picked up from there.  Yesterday the General Manager told me about a chai tea recipe she has, and told me she'd write it out for me.  Today she came in with a bag of goodies along with the recipe.  She gave me all the spices, black tea (that she picked up while in India), and a mortar and pestle.  Seriously!  She explained that if she had just given me the recipe, I would have filed it away thinking one day I'll make this.  But since she gave me everything needed (except for a piece of ginger), she aided in my chai making adventure.

The lesson to be learned is that after every time something bad happens, something good is right around the corner.  Oh, and of course to always lock your vehicle!  And just for the record - it's eleven months until Christmas!

Reconnecting

I truly believe in the power of date nights; it's a time to reconnect with your spouse, a time to create solutions, and a time to remember just why you fell in love in the first place.  My favourite part of date night is the dialogue that flows between Justin and I, and last night's conversation didn't disappoint.  I find it amazing and wonderful that I'm still learning new things about this man, when we've been together for almost eight years.  While out for beers and wings last night, Justin and I laughed as we shared new information with one another.  I love how one thing will trigger something else, and before you know it, you're sharing new stories, or in our case correcting old ones!

Sweet Moments

being able to call my parents during my lunch break.  Yesterday I talked to my dad for close to half an hour, and loved every minute of it.  He always takes the time to ask me questions, which I love.  It shows he genuinely cares about what's going on in our lives.  It's hard with my parents and brother living over twelve hours away, but phone calls help shorten the distance between us.

steak, burgers, beef dips - oh my!  Lately meat is my biggest food craving.

working out on our elliptical.  I've made a new goal to work out on it three days a week, for thirty minutes.  I'm only two sessions in, and I swear I'm already feeling better!

being able to plan a friends baby shower.  I've been pinning so many cute ideas for months now, and I can't wait to see it all come together.

new clothes.  Okay, this might be a little on the superficial side, but there's an extra spring in my step when I'm wearing something new!

Notable - Ikea Kludd Noticeboard

As mentioned, I picked up the Kludd noticeboard from Ikea this past weekend.  Justin thought I was more than a bit crazy, wondering where I was going to put it, but I had a plan.  I figured hoped that it might fit between the window and door in our kitchen, and thankfully it just fit.  (I mean, it just fit.  If it was even a smidgen bigger, I would of had to hang my head in shame.)  Justin put it up for me Sunday, and I'm so glad I bought it.  I'll use it to make our grocery list, put to-do lists, Instagrams, and random photos.  Just one more thing to make this house feel like our home.

Thanks Calgary, You Were Fun

1 - Friday night called for a beer.  And then two more accompanied by a nice juicy steak.  After that, I died my hair (although it's basically the same colour, it is a smidgen lighter).  It was just that kind of night.

2 - The Olive Garden was on our hit list while in Calgary.  The Seafood Brodetto is the one and only thing I've ordered there.  If I know when my last meal will be, this is what I'll be eating!

3 - I think plants are my new addiction.  I bought two of these, and another bamboo plant while at Ikea.

4 - Speaking of Ikea, I picked up the Kludd noticeboard.  Since the last time I was at Ikea (less than a month ago), I've been wanting this memo board, so this time it came home with me!

 

Find me on Instagram: juliemkeller, or just click the button on the sidebar.

Are You Ready Boots?

Instead of walking, I think these boots were made for shopping!  We're heading with friends to Calgary this weekend, and we'll shop 'til we drop.  I've made multiple lists, and can't wait to hit the city running.  Sunday will be all about relaxing and admiring my new purchases!

Favourite Photo Of Us

out quading.  Taken September 2007 during an extended long weekend spent fishing, quading and watching gophers.

A Little Old, A Little New

Right now I'm loving mixing old pieces with new items.  Old buttons, old lighter, old jewelry box, new journal, new Sudoku book, new glass.  Most of the old items belonged to my Grandparents, or their parents, making them personal.  I love the history that they give to our new, basic, spec house.  It's all about making this house into our home.

Awkward Moments

Last night Justin and I went out for supper at our favourite sushi place.  After a few minutes, another couple was seated at the table next to us, which was only about two and a half feet away.  It always feel like my privacy is being invaded when there's somebody sitting that close to us, but last night it became even worse.  

I was telling Justin about my day at work, when I looked at the couple and instantly recognized them.  It was an ex-boyfriend and his wife.  I don't know her, but her parents are customers at work, so I immediately became careful of what I was saying.  I didn't want to draw attention to ourselves, and I didn't want to make any embarrassing introductions or awkward conversation.

During dinner I realized just how lucky I am to be able to call him nothing more than an ex.  Him and his wife were having a horribly boring, pretentious conversation.  And he talked to her in his fake voice the entire time, which I still find incredibly annoying.  I'm so happy and grateful that I ended up with Justin and not this ex, or any ex for that matter!

Snow Day Weekend

1 - Friday I stayed home from work.  My cold and the snow were to blame.

2 - I spent the entire weekend in my pajamas watching How I Met Your Mother on Netflix.  Have I mentioned how happy I am to have WiFi at the house!

Find me on Instagram: juliemkeller, or just click the button on the sidebar.

With A Side Of Yum

Justin and I have been passing a cold back and forth since before New Year's, and it's my turn again.  Yesterday at work, all I could think about was crawling into bed and watching a DVD.  Adding to my hibernation mode was the cold, blowing snow that was falling outside.  But when Justin suggested we go out for supper, I was still game to go.  We went to a great Vietnamese place, and enjoyed our rice vermicelli.  Even when I'm sick, I still love date night!  

Hope you all have a cozy weekend.

Favourite Photo Of Us

in the kitchen.  Taken on August 28, 2009, close to a year before our wedding.  Although it wasn't that long ago, I still think we look pretty young.

Life's Little Moments

While looking through old scrapbooks to find a particular photo tonight, I ended up reminiscing about the past.  I enjoyed remembering Lowie's phase of hopping into laundry baskets the moment they were emptied, the amazing places Justin and I saw on our trip around Wyoming, and the mounting anticipation and excitement before our wedding.  It's fun to look back on these memories, and it makes me want to do a better job of capturing the little pieces that make our life meaningful.  I'm glad to have you along for the ride.

Luck On My Side

• finally getting WiFi.  Seriously, sometimes it felt like we were the last people on earth without Internet at home!
• Barbara Picinich deciding to do a give-away.  I entered her contest on a whim, and now I can't wait for my Project Life happy mail!
• grilled cheese sandwiches and Lipton's chicken noodle soup.  AKA what Justin made us for supper tonight.
• the TV being set up in our bedroom.  I've got to say, bed is a pretty nice place to watch DVDs.
• gummy worms.  Enough said!

Happiness Is Yours To Take

1 - Justin and I went for supper with his mum Friday night, and she came with gifts.  She gave me jeans, dress pants, and a sweater.  Her legs are a million times longer than mine, so I've got to get them hemmed, but they're perfect.  Love hand me downs!

2 - While I was shopping at the mall, I saw this inspirational saying.  I was having a bad day, so it was just what I needed to lift my spirits (as was my shopping trip).  Wouldn't it look cute printed as a poster hanging in an office, or above a bed. 

3 - Pretty wrapping job by yours truly.  Of course there was a handmade, matching card to go along with it.

4 - I'm so proud of my new blog design.

5 - A cute fan I found at Winners during my shopping trip.  It was priced down from $59 to what I thought was $14.  A steal!  At the till I saw the price was actually $44 - oh well!  I couldn't part with it at that point, so the fan came home with me.

6 - Just a handsome boy I love!

Find me on Instagram: juliemkeller, or just click the button on the sidebar.

I Watched It Begin Again

source

2013 is here, the start of something new.  For awhile now I've had a yearning for this year.  It was something to look forward to and a way to motivate myself to make a lifestyle change.

I don't want to waste this year, I need to carve out more time for the things I love, and the things that are important to me.  I want this year to be different.  I want to try more things I'm afraid of, and push myself to limits I didn't know I had.  I want to go with the flow more, become more spontaneous (although that seems like an oxymoron), feel more relaxed and less stressed.  I want to create lists that will be checked off and completed.  I want to document more, take more pictures and remember to still live in the moment.  My one little word for 2013 is capture, which I feel sums this up nicely.

The start of a new year always warrants change to me.  That is why we make resolutuions after all.  I'm ready to see where this new year takes Justin and I, and I'm ready for the change it will bring.

What do you have up your sleeve for 2013?  What are you most excited about?  What changes do you expect to see?