Hello from Athens

Yiasou! "Hello" in Greek

So, I'm actually writing this blog from Athens! As promised, I said that I would keep in touch as often as I could so here is my first post after my first day of travel.

After a morning of rushing and last minute packing, we departed on a nine hour flight this afternoon from Montreal at 4:20pm. Although I was quite discouraged by the length of time we were about to spend on the plane, I have to admit that it went really fast. Besides the overcooked yet raw pasta for supper, and the fact that I didn't sleep AT ALL on the plane, everything went super well.

We landed in Athens at about 9:10am, got our passports stamped and made our way to the baggage claim. After picking up our luggage (that did make its way to Greece, we were a little worried), we made our way to the exit. There my uncle Elias was waiting for us with a sign "KATSOUROS". It was like a scene out of a movie really. As some of you know, I have never met the family that I am staying with, so it has been quite the experience getting to know people that I have heard of but never met.
There, we proceeded to wait for Vangelis to pick us up, since he is a taxi driver. We all think that Montreal drivers are insane, well, he was driving 160km/hr down the highway... Yeah, it was a joy ride.

We then arrived at Elias and Georgia's house in Athens, where we will be spending our night in Athens. They welcomed us right away with open arms, tons of filakia (kisses) and FOOD. For lunch we had pork chops, rice, greek salad, spanakopita, tsaziki and cheese. We were stuffed. I just want to take a moment and say how DIFFERENT the spanakopita here is from the one at home... Oh God. HEAVEN IN MY MOUTH.

I'm not going to lie, this whole day has been stressful for me. Although I am able to speak Greek and read the language, it has been tough to adjust to ONLY speaking Greek and being the translator for the girls. My relatives don't speak English and the girls don't speak Greek. It's quite the culture shock for them but I have to admit that they have been working hard at picking up some key phrases thanks to Kate's phrase book. (Mel, how do you say Thank You again?)

After having lunch, my cousin Christos and his girlfriend Dimitra along with their friend Nickos, took us around Athens to see the Acropolis. Because it was so hot, we did a lot of the sight seeing by car but we took the time to stop at Dionysis cafe to have an iced coffee and lots of water with the Acropolis and Parthenon in the background.
Afterwards, we spent hours sitting on the living room floor planning our trip to Kefalonia since we are leaving tomorrow and there is a lot to do and know before departing. I'm going to get to see my Giagia (Grandmother) tomorrow, and I am pretty excited about that.

We ended the night with a light supper, Greek salad (all of the ingredients come from Vangelis garden), bread and the neighbours blaring Greek music. The weather was beautiful so we took advantage of it and enjoyed the night on the balcony. I was telling the girls how I feel so spoiled. Everyone has been super nice and helpful, not to mention that we haven't spent any money yet because everyone has been so generous.
So far, our first day has been a big success. I have been awake for the last 32 hours, and I am not even that tired. The girls are currently knocked out (it's 10:37pm here), and our alarms are set for our 6:30am wakeup tomorrow. The adventure continues!

Random funny moments of the day: The last hour of our flight, we were so deliriously tired that everything was funny & Selina getting gum on her jeans and washing the stain out with oil and then scrubbing them in the tub.

Here are some pictures from today:

View of the Acropolis and Parthenon from the Cafe

The girls and I sitting in front of the Acropolis and Parthenon enjoying our coffees

Christos & Dimitra! AMAZING couple and genuine people. We had so much fun with them

The Parthenon! They are doing some construction on it right now

FREDDOCCINO! Coffee and chocolate blended drink :) Delicious on a hot day

Two Words.

A magician waves his wand and says "Abra Kadabra" before pulling a rabbit out of a hat.

A couple says "I do" at the alter to proclaim their love and become husband and wife.

A person responds "You're welcome" after hearing "Thank You."

A girl says "Call me", after having her first date with a boy.

A sign reads "Watch out" when faced with danger.

A friend gets "Carpe Diem" tattooed on his side, reminding himself to seize the day.

A social activist proclaimed "I believe," while seeking equality among people

A daughter wishes to hear "I'm sorry", but knows that she never will.

Tuesday Breakfast

What I'm dealing with...

Dad complains that I am making too much noise in the kitchen while making breakfast. "Why does it have to be such a process?", he says.

I continue to make my breakfast which consists of:

Egg Whites (1/2 cup) 60 calories
Grape Tomatoes (small; 7) 4 calories
La Vache Qui Rit Cheese 22.5 calories
Whole Wheat English Muffin (1/2) 65 calories
Double Fruit 4 Citrus Marmalade (Light; 1 tbsp) 20 calories
Source Vanilla Yogurt (1/2 cup) 43.75 calories
Clementine 35 calories
TOTAL 250.25 calories
Water 650ml

I devour everything. It was delicious, and healthy.

He gets up from the couch, and finishes a bag of chips.
It's 10:08am
Just saying...

What have you done today to make you feel proud?

Remember when you were a kid? You were young, innocent, afro-haired (or was that just me?) and bursting with creativity and curiosity. You were carefree, and the simplest things made you happy. When I was in kindergarten, my elementary school was having a craft fair during the holidays. One afternoon, my teacher took the class down the hall to the gymnasium where the fair was being held, and gave us some time to browse through the many trinkets for a Christmas present for our parents. I seized the opportunity to buy my Mom something pretty. Spending my 50cents that I was given for my lunchtime snack, I bought my Mom a pink (albeit quite tacky) necklace. I was so happy with my purchase, and was anxious to give it to her on Christmas morning. I remember the feeling I got that day when she opened up the package and saw what I had bought for her. I was proud to have made her smile, and even happier when she offered to wear the jewellery all day.
17 years later… Just a couple of days ago, my Mom was cleaning out a drawer in her room, and she came across a box of old souvenir-style jewellery. The pink-beaded necklace that I had bought her at the age of five was amongst the collection. When she showed it to me, she had a sparkle in her eyes, and I was brought back to the moment when I gave it to her. I remember feeling genuine happiness on that day. I was proud that I made my Mommy happy, and that I had bought her something special. Why is it so hard nowadays to experience the joy we did as children?

As I grew older, I never really knew what it felt like to be proud of my accomplishments. Despite the fact that I consider myself an optimistic and driven person, I am often quite hard on myself. I try my hardest to keep a positive outlook on life and embrace what I have been given, but sometimes life’s twists and turns get in the way and I am thrown off course. Then one day, you just have to wake up and say “This is it. I’m done with the excuses. Let’s do this.”

I’ve always been a fan of the reality show “The Biggest Loser” but it was only lately, while I was sweating-it-out on the elliptical, that I took the time to listen to the lyrics of the song ‘Proud’ by Heather Small. The song thrills, excites and inspires me. So many of the themes contained within the lyrics- overcoming fears, grabbing freedom, believing in possibility – resonate with the deepest parts of me to this day. I also think it’s a timely reminder to do something significant every day. I mean it, every day. This might seem like a daunting task because we all have routines that we follow on a daily basis, but I want you to take some time out of your day to do something to give you that proud sensation. The same feeling I got 17 years ago when I gave my Mom that necklace.
Lately, for me, I am incredibly proud with my change in diet and incorporating exercise in my everyday routine. I have been fighting to lose weight for the longest time. I have tried fad-diets and detox regimes, and nothing has ever worked permanently. I am the poster-child for “yo-yo” weight loss, and I can honestly say that I was ashamed to admit it. Then one day, I made a decision to change. Change is good. I’m not on a diet, I’m altering my lifestyle. When people ask me what’s my secret, you know what I answer them? “Nothing. The secret comes from within you. Eat well, exercise, sleep and smile.” For once in my life, I am proud of myself. Things can only get better from here. I may have lost the battle here and there, but I have won the war.

Whether it be from helping an elder cross the street, having a successful day at work, getting a good grade on an exam, seeing the numbers drop on a scale, or making a loved-one smile, be proud of what you have accomplished, and the journey it took to achieve what you set your mind to. So what if you have one bad integrity day? Don’t tell yourself you’ll do it again and just succumb. Make the next day better. Commit to something and follow through. That will raise your integrity and self-esteem and the feeling that it brings will make you want to continue on that path. Be proud of yourself; you’re all you’ve got.

“I'm on my way
Can't stop me now
And you can do the same”
--Heather Small, Proud

Taking a break...

I'm taking a break from studying because I just came across a couple of Tweets from Biggest Loser contestants that really got me thinking.
They mentioned in their comments that they have gained weight ever since the finale. It made me realize that everyone goes through a slump sometimes and we just have to remember to get back on our feet and keep going.

Since summer school started, I haven't been paying much attention to ME.
I wanted to lose a bunch of weight before my trip to Greece, and instead of doing so, I gained some more.
My last day of school is today, and tomorrow I am going to get back on the bandwagon. According to my calculation, I have about 7 more weigh-ins before I get on that plane.
Logically speaking, that means I can lose about 15lbs before I leave. Realistically speaking, I want to lose more.

I have 46 days to really concentrate on me. Do things that I like to do, and things that I have been meaning to get done but just haven't had the time.
I hate saying that: "not having enough time." There is always time... But I often find myself not prioritizing my time right. The time I spend watching a favorite TV show can be spent outside running. The time I spend on Facebook can be spent cleaning my room.

The other night, I dreamed that I was chosen to go on the Biggest Loser (how awesome would that be?). I know this would never happen; first because it's an American show and second because I am not big enough to be on it. Yes I am unhealthy, but there are other people out there that are far worse off than I am. Why is it that, they are able to overcome their weight loss issues and I can't? In addition to the physical changes that I need to make, there are lots of psychological adjustments that need to happen as well.

Let's see what the next 46 days has in store for me...

P.S. Send me good vibes on my exams today. Freedom awaits.

Health Shock

You know that you've been eating badly, and not moving enough lately when in one week you lose 7.6 lbs!

No diets, no detox concoctions, no cheating. Just me and doing the right thing.

I spent the whole week writing everything I ate down and keeping track of the calories. At first, it was tedious and annoying to constantly have to refer back to my Excel spread sheet, tabulating how many calories I ate for something as insignificant as an apple, but I got used to it and it became a routine for me. I would stay within the 1375 calories that I allowed myself for the day, and I would often be under that amount too. It's not a good thing to not be at 100% everyday, but at least I haven't gone over either. I even got to indulge in a frozen yogurt at Yeh! this week, which proves that you can treat yourself but still keep a healthy mindset. I have also been keeping track of my water intake, making sure that I am drinking at least 8 glasses (2 litres) of water per day. Being a water-holic, this is easy, and I am averaging about 2.5-3L everyday.

In addition to counting calories, I have been exercising. My gym membership has expired and I don't have the money lately to invest in a new membership. So, I have been finding ways to still get the exercise that I need without spending the money. I have Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred DVD, and man does that give you a work out! Also, I have been going for runs every day. With the help of www.mapmyrun.com, I have been able to keep track of my daily workouts and the distance that goes along with each one. It's tough, but I know that it'll get easier.

I also just want to mention that this season of the Biggest Loser is coming to an end with one episode left before the finale. I've mentioned it so many times, but this show is so inspiring. It's amazing to see the transformations that these contestants go through, not just physically but mentally as well.
Here is a picture of my favorite contestant this season! I can't get over how amazing she looks. Wow.

Persevere.

As I was getting undressed to get into the shower, I took a moment to stop and look at myself in the mirror. Standing their in my undergarments, I thought of the times where I would avoid looking at myself and the feeling of disappointment and failure would flow through me.
Today I had a different feeling though.
It was like looking at an unfinished sculpture or piece of pottery. A work of art that hasn't been completely molded into a final product of extravagance. I've always been hard on myself about my weight loss, because I would see results and then life would take me for a spin, and I would gain back my accomplishments.

I'm going to Greece in less than 3 months, and I want to feel better in my skin while I'm there. Don't get me wrong, I don't have anyone to impress, but at the back of my mind I just want to feel good. You know what I mean?

I've calculated, that if I lose at least 2lbs (the "healthy" amount) per week, I can be down 26lbs by the time I go on vacation. That's just a benchmark... I won't accept less but I am expecting to lose more. I weighed myself last week, and my first weigh in is in two days.
I know that I've had many beginnings, and given myself so many "second-chances", but I guess that's just the type of person that I am. I don't want to be that "Yo-Yo diet" girl. I want to be healthy and happy.

I've also started counting my calories to stay on track. It's actually quite amusing to see if I am able to stay within my caloric intake for the day, and I have been doing really well. It makes it that much more real when the numbers are staring you right in the face.

I still haven't renewed my gym membership, but I have been doing Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred DVD, and now I'm starting to run. After a talk with Selina last night, I realized that I can do it. Me, the overweight bootyliscious girl can run. It was quite tough today, I'm not gonna lie. I found myself stopping to catch my breath quite often but I pulled through: 4.15km in 40 minutes. I know that it's not a fantastic statistic, but I'm proud of it. I know that it's going to get better as I keep training, so I'm not letting it bring me down. I plan on running the 5km in October in 30 minutes, and I am really excited about that.

All this to say that I am keeping my head high, and I'm not giving up.