So, is that title big enough for ya? I hope everyone's Christmas was great - if you don't celebrate Christmas insert your cherished holiday and the same statement applies - and you didn't obliterate your diet with too many cookies. It's been a busy few days in the Burmaster house with some extra work that came my way and Zack's Select tourney this week - Blues are 3-0 and headed to the semi's if you're wondering - which is always challenging when you are watching what you eat.
Hot turkey sandwiches are one of my favourite meals after Christmas and there was NO chance I was skipping those. Add the World Junior Tournament - funny that no-one outside of Canada who reads this will have any clue what that tournament is - and it just makes the meal that much better. In fact, I'm typing this as they get ready to blast Norway!!
The original plan for this entry was going to be about what will come in the New Year, until I had the "revelation" that I will be 40 in 2011....UGH!!! How the hell am I 8 months away from turning 40!! My only solace is knowing that many of you are not far behind me!! As 2010 comes to a close, I think about how happy and proud I am that I will enter a new year at my lightest weight in awhile. It also makes me think about how much work I have ahead of me to get to my lowest weight since college - 270 lbs when I graduated if you're keeping track.
I won't make resolutions as I've already committed myself to a new life, but reflecting on everything that this year has brought about makes for mixed emotions. Getting my life back in the same year that I watched my wife and children say good-bye to their mother and grandmother will always leave me conflicted. Knowing that I've done some pretty important things to make sure that I stick around for a long time to come, is a great first step.....now, if we could delay this "40" thing, that would be great!!!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
It's the Holidays!!! Where's the Cookies?
We are a couple days away from celebrating Christmas at the Burmaster house and it feels like we still have so much to do. I took the kids bowling tonight so Ang could get all the wrapping done and judging by our inability to move in the living room, mission accomplished!! The amount of gift bags under our tree is bordering on obscene.
Today was my last class of 2010....and I missed it. I was swamped at the office - no sarcasm there, I was actually busy!! - so I did not weigh-in. I'm hoping to stay even over the holidays, but I'm not going to obsess about it. Christmas time has always been a huge deal with lots of food, and even more drink. I'm going to try and skip some cookies here and there but mostly I'm going to enjoy the time with Ang and the kids.
As we come to the end of 2010 I want to thank all of you for reading and sending me your thoughts and recipes. I will always remember this year as the year I got my life back. Next week I will try and give a "year-in-review" - basically a lazy man's way to mail in a post when you want to put no effort in!! - but for now, MERRY CHRISTMAS and enjoy your holidays.
Russ
Today was my last class of 2010....and I missed it. I was swamped at the office - no sarcasm there, I was actually busy!! - so I did not weigh-in. I'm hoping to stay even over the holidays, but I'm not going to obsess about it. Christmas time has always been a huge deal with lots of food, and even more drink. I'm going to try and skip some cookies here and there but mostly I'm going to enjoy the time with Ang and the kids.
As we come to the end of 2010 I want to thank all of you for reading and sending me your thoughts and recipes. I will always remember this year as the year I got my life back. Next week I will try and give a "year-in-review" - basically a lazy man's way to mail in a post when you want to put no effort in!! - but for now, MERRY CHRISTMAS and enjoy your holidays.
Russ
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
A Little Perspective
Well, I'm finally home!! After my meeting I had to drive down to Niagara and then all the way out to Oakville before I could get home. Tough weigh-in today as I stayed the same. Mark, who is the "get-your-ass-off-the-couch-and-do-something guy, or as his business card says kinesiologist, told me at this point in the program I'm going to have weeks where I don't lose anything. My body has made some massive changes and sometimes it won't respond the way it has in the recent past.
I also need to take some ownership as well and recognize that I need to keep an eye on my portion size - roast beef and potatoes made an appearance this week!! - and quit using the cold as an excuse for not walking and get indoors. My activity has definitely lessened as the winter has come around so it's time to find other avenues to replace the neighbourhood treks.
A classmate talked about her struggles saying no to food at parties and I was asked about my approach. As is my habit, I rambled on forever, but the my main point that I was trying to get across was that you can't lie to yourself. I used to eat horrible things late at night and say that I would go to the gym early in the morning to even it out. Now, if I'm at that party and I want something snacky I can have it and not end up hating myself. No matter what food choices I make, I know I can always be honest with myself and know that I am eating for the right reasons.
As I mentioned the last time we spoke, the Burmaster Children's Charity Christmas Party was held on Sunday - am I crazy or does that thing need a new name?! We raised a lot of money for Bob Kemp Hospice and I am happy to report that due to the overwhelming response from the kids and adults we may bring it back for an eighth year. We had discussed making this the last year but Loser was such a huge hit, how could we retire it now (there are some trademark issues with this new game Loser and I don't want to give away the info and have someone make a million dollar game out of it without me!!)?
In perusing the comment section I noticed a new entry from Joyce Baker, or Mrs Baker as everyone knows her. She was a teacher at the school my kids attend and my wife and Michelle know her. I've seen her comment on a few other items, but this really touched me...so you know that means I cried!!! Here is what she wrote;
My family donates to a number of charities throughout the year, most of them children's agencies. (once a teacher, always a teacher). At this time of year, we try to top up the donations. Our family and especially our children are very spoiled and we are fortunate to live a comfortable life.
Here is where you come in. You have worked so hard and inspired so many people along the way, that I will reward your weigh loss this way. Fifty dollars has gone to the Salvation Army kettle campaign and today I will send $51.60 to the Bob Kemp Hospice. One dollar for every pound. (Notice I am doing it before you post this weeks stats LOL)
The hospice is so important to families, especially children of ill parents or grandparents and a very worthwhile cause.
You are teaching your children and your followers a valuable lesson. Nothing is impossible. Keep up the excellent progress and postings.
Joyce Baker (retired teacher,(but not old)from Ridgemount School. I did not teach your children but not for lack of begging at class creating time)
It was a generous act, especially when you consider that we barely know each other. Thank-you Mrs Baker for your donations and kind words...and making me cry!!
This life is a hard road. Nothing is given and you have to realize that everything comes with sacrifice and hard work. There is no magic wand and I don't want things handed to me anymore. I relish the struggle and know that through that struggle I will gain so much more than weight loss...I'm earning my life.
I also need to take some ownership as well and recognize that I need to keep an eye on my portion size - roast beef and potatoes made an appearance this week!! - and quit using the cold as an excuse for not walking and get indoors. My activity has definitely lessened as the winter has come around so it's time to find other avenues to replace the neighbourhood treks.
A classmate talked about her struggles saying no to food at parties and I was asked about my approach. As is my habit, I rambled on forever, but the my main point that I was trying to get across was that you can't lie to yourself. I used to eat horrible things late at night and say that I would go to the gym early in the morning to even it out. Now, if I'm at that party and I want something snacky I can have it and not end up hating myself. No matter what food choices I make, I know I can always be honest with myself and know that I am eating for the right reasons.
As I mentioned the last time we spoke, the Burmaster Children's Charity Christmas Party was held on Sunday - am I crazy or does that thing need a new name?! We raised a lot of money for Bob Kemp Hospice and I am happy to report that due to the overwhelming response from the kids and adults we may bring it back for an eighth year. We had discussed making this the last year but Loser was such a huge hit, how could we retire it now (there are some trademark issues with this new game Loser and I don't want to give away the info and have someone make a million dollar game out of it without me!!)?
In perusing the comment section I noticed a new entry from Joyce Baker, or Mrs Baker as everyone knows her. She was a teacher at the school my kids attend and my wife and Michelle know her. I've seen her comment on a few other items, but this really touched me...so you know that means I cried!!! Here is what she wrote;
My family donates to a number of charities throughout the year, most of them children's agencies. (once a teacher, always a teacher). At this time of year, we try to top up the donations. Our family and especially our children are very spoiled and we are fortunate to live a comfortable life.
Here is where you come in. You have worked so hard and inspired so many people along the way, that I will reward your weigh loss this way. Fifty dollars has gone to the Salvation Army kettle campaign and today I will send $51.60 to the Bob Kemp Hospice. One dollar for every pound. (Notice I am doing it before you post this weeks stats LOL)
The hospice is so important to families, especially children of ill parents or grandparents and a very worthwhile cause.
You are teaching your children and your followers a valuable lesson. Nothing is impossible. Keep up the excellent progress and postings.
Joyce Baker (retired teacher,(but not old)from Ridgemount School. I did not teach your children but not for lack of begging at class creating time)
It was a generous act, especially when you consider that we barely know each other. Thank-you Mrs Baker for your donations and kind words...and making me cry!!
This life is a hard road. Nothing is given and you have to realize that everything comes with sacrifice and hard work. There is no magic wand and I don't want things handed to me anymore. I relish the struggle and know that through that struggle I will gain so much more than weight loss...I'm earning my life.
Friday, December 10, 2010
A Time for Giving
I've spent alot of time discussing weight loss and emotions so today we are going off the board and talk about some other things. I'm sure I'll tie in some healthy talk here - I've got a core audience to think about!! - but I want to tell you all about what we're up to on Sunday.
We will once again be having our Annual Children's Christmas Party. This started seven years ago mostly as a way for us to see our friends at Christmas and for all of our kids to gather together. The first year the party was in our living room and I dressed as Santa. Allie had some of her friends from school, but the party was mostly filled with my college friends and their families.
I rented a suit for the big day and I'm pretty sure I never sweat as much as I did that day in my life....save for Ron Farraway's wedding!! We had little gifts for all the kids and snacks and drinks for Santa - this Santa likes to get his drink on!! - and we collected unwrapped toys and canned food for the shelter. As the years went on, the party grew in size and we needed to start renting a place...and a Santa. The kids were able to tell that it was me and asked me not to do it again. I'm pretty sure the place I rented the suit from had the same opinion when I brought the sweaty gear back to them!!
As it stands right now, it seems like this may be the last year for our party. The kids are getting older - they asked for no Santa this year - and my college friends are all unable to come this year. With busy lives and schedules, I knew this day would come but it makes it sad none-the-less. We have invited over 60 kids to the party this year and have 40 that have confirmed. Instead of food and toys we are soliciting donations for the Bob Kemp Hospice here in Hamilton. It is a great place and we look forward to giving them some much deserved money.
Hopefully all the people reading this will be able to find a cause that is close to your heart and you will be able to give to those in need. We all know the holidays can be hectic and crazy but if we take some time to do something for someone less fortunate, that can really make your holidays all the better. It doesn't always have to be a monetary donation, as your time can be just as valuable.
So, how about a quick weight-related pep talk. I was reading an article about how this weekend and the next are always the busiest for work Christmas parties. They gave some good tips about not blowing your whole diet and while most of them seemed like common sense, the refresher was nice because common sense and office Christmas parties rarely go hand-in-hand. I would give a link but it was actually in a magazine!! Who knew you could still read articles not on the internet? For the most part, they said to eat a nice, healthy dinner before you get to the party and when you're there stay away from the alcohol. Not only will you avoid the cals from the booze, you won't be the office jack-ass that got hammered and lite into the boss!!
Enjoy your weekend and we'll chat again Tuesday!!
Russ
We will once again be having our Annual Children's Christmas Party. This started seven years ago mostly as a way for us to see our friends at Christmas and for all of our kids to gather together. The first year the party was in our living room and I dressed as Santa. Allie had some of her friends from school, but the party was mostly filled with my college friends and their families.
I rented a suit for the big day and I'm pretty sure I never sweat as much as I did that day in my life....save for Ron Farraway's wedding!! We had little gifts for all the kids and snacks and drinks for Santa - this Santa likes to get his drink on!! - and we collected unwrapped toys and canned food for the shelter. As the years went on, the party grew in size and we needed to start renting a place...and a Santa. The kids were able to tell that it was me and asked me not to do it again. I'm pretty sure the place I rented the suit from had the same opinion when I brought the sweaty gear back to them!!
As it stands right now, it seems like this may be the last year for our party. The kids are getting older - they asked for no Santa this year - and my college friends are all unable to come this year. With busy lives and schedules, I knew this day would come but it makes it sad none-the-less. We have invited over 60 kids to the party this year and have 40 that have confirmed. Instead of food and toys we are soliciting donations for the Bob Kemp Hospice here in Hamilton. It is a great place and we look forward to giving them some much deserved money.
Hopefully all the people reading this will be able to find a cause that is close to your heart and you will be able to give to those in need. We all know the holidays can be hectic and crazy but if we take some time to do something for someone less fortunate, that can really make your holidays all the better. It doesn't always have to be a monetary donation, as your time can be just as valuable.
So, how about a quick weight-related pep talk. I was reading an article about how this weekend and the next are always the busiest for work Christmas parties. They gave some good tips about not blowing your whole diet and while most of them seemed like common sense, the refresher was nice because common sense and office Christmas parties rarely go hand-in-hand. I would give a link but it was actually in a magazine!! Who knew you could still read articles not on the internet? For the most part, they said to eat a nice, healthy dinner before you get to the party and when you're there stay away from the alcohol. Not only will you avoid the cals from the booze, you won't be the office jack-ass that got hammered and lite into the boss!!
Enjoy your weekend and we'll chat again Tuesday!!
Russ
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
TRIPLE DIGITS!!
It took a week longer than I wanted it to - damn you rye - but I'm over the 100lbs mark!! I dropped 4lbs, weighing in at 340 for a total of 101.6lbs. It's been a long road, but it really feels good to see that 100lbs. To have this accomplishment under my belt really gives me the extra kick to start on that next 100.
When this all started four months ago, I never would have believed this was possible. I knew that other people could do it, but I had NO CHANCE of succeeding. It really is funny to think about how much you lose when you lose 100 lbs.
Today was a class about self-esteem and how it affects your weight loss. While I'm in such a better place than when I started, there are still many days that just don't "jive" as well. It's a work in progress but I'm happy about where I am.
I have one week left before I add another meal on my way to full food. Going back to making all the choices for my meals will add an interesting twist but at least I won't have to mix water and powder together anymore.
When this all started four months ago, I never would have believed this was possible. I knew that other people could do it, but I had NO CHANCE of succeeding. It really is funny to think about how much you lose when you lose 100 lbs.
Today was a class about self-esteem and how it affects your weight loss. While I'm in such a better place than when I started, there are still many days that just don't "jive" as well. It's a work in progress but I'm happy about where I am.
I have one week left before I add another meal on my way to full food. Going back to making all the choices for my meals will add an interesting twist but at least I won't have to mix water and powder together anymore.
Friday, December 3, 2010
No Regrets
**NEWSFLASH**
Russ loves to have drinks with friends. Yes, this is not new information. Meshing this fact with my new lifestyle will be my next goal. When I went on this journey, I knew that would be an important factor in what I wanted to accomplish, and it still holds true.
As the weeks have gone on I've begun to focus in on what I want the end game to be. I was never much on goal setting before because when you consider yourself to be a failure, making goals only illustrates how great you are at failing. Now that I see myself in a whole new light, I can embrace the idea of having a target and working towards that.
So as it stands now, my goal is to weigh 240-250 lbs. It makes a nice round weight loss figure of 200lbs and it will give me the freedom to buy clothes in any store. I do not intend on giving up drinks with the fellas but I do intend on turning away from the 3am drunk eats (refer back to an earlier post for my stellar definition). Everybody has their own ideas of what they want their life to be, and this is mine.
When I hit my target, perhaps another target will come to mind. Or maybe I will be happy with that weight and just look to maintain where I am. I do know this for sure; I have a plan, and this is my plan. I have taken control of my life and this is for me. By doing this for me, I know it will make a better life for my family, but most importantly it will make me happy. And really, that's what this whole journey was about......well, that and normal size pants!!!
Russ loves to have drinks with friends. Yes, this is not new information. Meshing this fact with my new lifestyle will be my next goal. When I went on this journey, I knew that would be an important factor in what I wanted to accomplish, and it still holds true.
As the weeks have gone on I've begun to focus in on what I want the end game to be. I was never much on goal setting before because when you consider yourself to be a failure, making goals only illustrates how great you are at failing. Now that I see myself in a whole new light, I can embrace the idea of having a target and working towards that.
So as it stands now, my goal is to weigh 240-250 lbs. It makes a nice round weight loss figure of 200lbs and it will give me the freedom to buy clothes in any store. I do not intend on giving up drinks with the fellas but I do intend on turning away from the 3am drunk eats (refer back to an earlier post for my stellar definition). Everybody has their own ideas of what they want their life to be, and this is mine.
When I hit my target, perhaps another target will come to mind. Or maybe I will be happy with that weight and just look to maintain where I am. I do know this for sure; I have a plan, and this is my plan. I have taken control of my life and this is for me. By doing this for me, I know it will make a better life for my family, but most importantly it will make me happy. And really, that's what this whole journey was about......well, that and normal size pants!!!
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