my semi-paleo diet, and stuff

As I type, a snowstorm whisles outside my window. -21 windchill, three days ago it was +11. Alberta is a land of extremes this is certain. Anyhow, I haven't had a sandwich for over two months, no cookies, cereal, pastry (a couple pieces of birthday cake only), pasta, crackers, basically anything wheat based. Also very little refined sugar. I have not been pushing myself in the excersize department, just a few good mtb rides so far. I eat a large breakfast and a large dinner. Usually no lunch, as I don't really build up an appetite at work, just an apple and some nuts to keep the growlies at bay. I have lost 14 lbs in two months and I feel pretty darn good to boot. I no longer find myself craving food throughout the day, nor do I worry about portion control or counting calories. So, for now at least I shall stay the course on my semi-paleo diet, and will do my best to buy more locally grown foods, luckily the "Land of Plenty" has an abundance of selection.
Life has a funny way of keeping you humble if you pay attention the the cues, it seems when things have been going real good for a while, you will undoubtly lose someone or something near and dear to you, when this happens there is always a lesson to be learned. Things have been going well for myself of late and for that I am grateful. I owe alot of my new happiness to a very special man, he is my inspiration to live my life to the fullest and to love and care for my family and friends the best way that I can. Thank you, Grandpa. You will forever be in my heart.
So, what else is there? I really hope we all sit back once and a while and give thanks, I try to at least once a day, this world changes so fast it's easy to get caught up in the race...personally I'm in no hurry to get to the finish line.

good times, bad times

Well, it's days like today that re-affirm my love for the Comox Valley. It wasn't a nice lazy day, but a it wasn't to stessfull either. After my first sleep in my own bed in a couple weeks I was glad to be greated by a sunny, but frosty morning. After a confused few moments of half alertness I loaded the truck and proceded to drive to north on Hwy 19A to Courtenay. This is a good twenty minute drive and I was in dire need of a GOOD coffee. Luckily we have a terrific coffee roasting company in Royston (Royston Roasting Company) and they have recently opened a coffee shop. After a quick pit stop for a large Americano for myself and a homemade gingerbread man and an apple juice for my little buddy we were off to town to drop him off at his twice weekly pre-school. I parked at Lewis Park, took my bike out of the truck and walked Corb over to his pre-school. The sun felt great and frost was all but melted away. I hopped on my Giant Trance, and hit the road. Of course my tires were under-inflated for road riding so I cruised into Mountain City Cycle for some air, they noticed a bit of a squeak in my front disk brake so he put the bike on the stand adjusted this and that, checked out the drivetrain, aired up the tires and all with a smile and a few good trail recomendations. No charge. Lets see your car dealership do that. The downtown core really has everything you need in a few blocks, but is a nightmare to navigate in a vehicle. I made a few stops on fifth street, some hard times have come to many of the local shops and being forced to close out. I talked with three of the store owners and they all shared similar reasons for their new found misfortune, it all boils down to competition with the big box stores that have started to dominate our once quaint landscape. It's too bad because they all sell far superior products than the big box and their prices are typicaly at par and I always find at least one bargain when I shop the downtown core. Last Christmas I shopped exclusively local businesses and saved money and actually enjoyed my shopping experience. These people work hard to make you feel good and truly mean it when they say have a nice day. So next time you have a spare bit of time, use a big box store as a drop off point for your car or truck and walk or ride downtown. Re-discover shopping as it was meant to be and support your neighbour!