Sickness in the house

Been keeping myself busy making cards - these are my newest ones. The "Tree" one is actually the first one I made when I began swapping cards. I think as I do them I do get better and better. The "Teacup" one is where I drew the cup myself and then traced it onto watercolor paper. I had bought a set of stamps for this swap - but I have torn apart my home and still can't find the stamps so I came up with this idea.

Hubby is sick and I am not feeling well. It is a good day to be home. I've had time to post my pics and catch up on some emails.

Took a breather

Well, I had one of the worst days I've had in a while. I tried all day to keep a positive attitude but one thing after another just went wrong and I wasn't negative but I was just beaten down. I did go and work out (which I have been very good about 4-5-6 times a week) but didn't do my full workout - I'm just beat right now.

I got my Wii yesterday and Wayne set it up tonight. I only have the sports games that came with it but Wayne is having a blast with it. I want to get Dance, Dance (or something like that) but it was $40 and I just spent all my saved up cash to get the Wii.

Both Book Clubs meet/met this week. Monday was our WWW group and we read Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie - it was pretty good, kinda like a Nancy Drew type book. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone but if anyone asked if it was good I could say yes. I won't comment on the other book - cuz I only have 30 pages and I do plan on finishing that tomorrow.

I've been working on cards and in fact have some news ones but haven't been able to find the time to even take a picture. Work has been CRAZY and I don't see it slowing down. How can that be - I'm in Recreation for crying out loud. I did find the title of my next job...Marketing and Community Out Reach Director. The best of both worlds - gotta have a dream I guess.

Brandi is back to nannying and working full time at a local gym. She will get benefits in March - Halalooyaaaa. Matt is back at school - the house is so quiet now and I'm not saying that is a bad thing.

Have WC Book Club tomorrow...I'll report on the book.

Happy Days everyone and positive thoughts.

186.4 Finally seeing some results on the scale.

This morning I actually got up early and went to the gym. I met a girlfriend there and we worked out in the pool. I had more energy all day - wish I didn't hate mornings so much...but things may change. I find that I am still not excited about going to work out - but I really don't hate it so much and I do feel so much better afterwards.

I'm going to a Tastefully Simple party tonight - I like the stuff, but it's on the pricey side. I know I will be buying some beer bread.

Last night I finished up one skein on my prayer shawl - I checked that the dye lots were the same but dratt it - I think the 2nd skein is darker. ugh - but it is pretty anyway - it's going by quickly.

Hope everyone had a wonderful day.

Some of my projects recently

Baby Card for Stock-Up Swap



This is the inside of my Sympathy card

This is one of my Sympathy Cards that I made for the Stock-Up Swap

This is a class I took with Patty and Jan in November 2009.

187.4 Thurs.

Well, the weight is going back down but slowly. After a couple of months at the gym I would think I would start to notice a difference. Others say they do-but I don't and my clothes don't fit any different. Oh well, it a part of my life now so I am not complaining.

We had our Woman's Club meeting last night and we are going to do a new fund raiser in the fall (Nov.) - a game show. I said I would be in charge of Consessions - ugh, Wayne will kill me one day for volunteering - but no one else was, plus it does sound like fun. I even felt like one of those old ladies as I was at the meeting knitting - I just need to take advantage of all my time if I hope to accomplish all that I hope to do. I talked to the ladies I work with and we have agreed on who we will give it to. Two of my friends want to take a knitting class at the High School but it is on a night when I have my trainer so I can't. I can knit - just don't really know how to pearl and if I have a question there are ladies at church who can help me. I also found out last night that there is a knitting group at the library - will have to look that info. up.

Having a meeting at work to get some art therapy into the building - hope that goes well.

Haiti - I feel so bad for all those people. I hope they get world support like we did (from most countries - there were a few who decided to stick their heads in the sand) with 9/11. I am adding them all to my prayer list - as I hope all of you do.

Peace

188.4 Hump Day

Yesterday I had much more energy than Monday. I worked out and actually felt great afterwards. The house really is begininning to look normal again - what a feeling.

A full day - work, workout and then Woman's Club - still don't know what I will do for Sunshine - opps.

Was trying to download my pics here but I'm doing something wrong so will try later tonight.

Peace to you all.

188.8 Tues. and I just want to crawl back to bed

I am a TV junkie. I had so many things I wanted to get done last night but all I did was veg in front of the TV and went to bed early. I am still exhaused and really just want to crawl back in bed and crash for about another hour. I have to really push myself today. I was tired yesterday but did go to the gym - granted I only did a 1/2 hour - I just didn't have the energy. I just have too much to do today, can't sleep in.

Yesterday I mailed out my swap cards - took pictures and will try to remember to download them tonight. I did sign-up for another swap (pink/brown and black/pink). Wayne got the big boxes of Christmas put away so now we just have the Village to take down and I'm sure we'll keep finding the little things.

I had called about a part-time job, not sure if anything will come from it - but I do need to keep looking. There must be things out there for the evening and weekends.

Peace to everyone...

189 Weekend over and time for work

I didn't blog yesterday because I woke up a little late and had to get to church. During coffeehour I took orders for Serve and then we had a Prayer Shawl meeting - of course I brought nothing with me so I talked while everyone else did their knitting/crocheting. It was rather peaceful to sit there and here the clicking of the needles.

Then I went to my friend Marilyn's and we made homemade ravioli and it was great. I picked it up rather quickly and did enjoy myself. Who would have ever thought that pasta could be beautiful, but they were folks.

I had to run and do a little shopping at Michael's and then I came home to make dinner. Wayne had gone to the Patriot's game and since they lost I figure he needed a little pick me up. I thought dinner was great but he didn't seem overly enthused - Matt did so that made me feel good. I even had leftovers, which I save a little for Brandi and have the rest for lunch. I ran Matt up to his friend's because he is leaving with a small group early in the morning for Miami, FL. It was snowing there the other day so I'm not as jealous as I would have been. (I really am the worst mom as they kids had always said when they were little.)

I had to make some cards for a swap so I did that last night - will post the pictures at my next blog. It was a whatever you want to stock up on swap - I did a baby card and a sympathy card. I am quite pleased with the sympathy card and that is something I am always looking for the perfect thing of. I finished at 1 am - can't believe that...but it's true.

Sat. I worked at church, shopped (got my new Simplicity Simple sewing machine) and finished with the Christmas decorations. The boxes are still all over - it's Wayne's job to put them away, plus he has to take down his Christmas Village (which is growing quite large). We then went to friend's for dinner and a hot tub soak. So I didn't get 1/2 the things done this weekend that I was hoping to. I will have to try and squeeze it in over the week.

Wayne and I have a date next Sat...yea. Peace, love and joy everyone.

190.6 Sat. at last

Well, I have a busy day. I figure if I write it I will remember everything. First I need to run to work and get a copy of the paper. I am doing a scrapbook for one of my friends and she was in the paper so I need the article. Then I have to run to church and help with food sales. Then I'm running to Wal-Mart to do a little shopping for work. Then I am off to Micheals, they are having a nice little sale. Then I come home and clean - finish with the decorations, make my cardswap and get ready for tomorrow.

Yesterday I worked out - which I did not want to do as I was so sore. My day started out with breakfast at Power House, those brothers sure can cook. I then worked and did get to order my Mother's Day paper plates, which unless you are in Recreation doesnt' seem like a feat - but it truly is. I then worked out, and went to bed afterwards because I was so sore.

Brandi was going to the Fireman's Ball but I didn't get to see her first so I hope someone took pictures. She is such a beautiful woman and I am so proud of her. Matt is going to FL Mon. so I'll see if he needs anything for his trip and get it today.

Need to get my butt in gear so peace to you all.

190.8 Woke up to flurries

It is getting a little upsetting to be working out but seeing my weight go up. I am fighting real hard to not get depressed with all these things hanging over my head - makes for very dull writing if I do say so myself. Last night I started to list all the things I need to do into my IPhone - the one thing I hope to not lose, like I keep doing with the papers where I have my lists printed.

I had a training session yesterday and she worked my arms and legs hard - now my legs are sore. Note to self...after a workout drink lots of water it will help with the cramping. Then I went to a girlfriends for dinner and had a wonderful time. Of course I did not take a group picture but I got a couple good ones of my friend coping the baby scooch around the floor. I may use it to blackmail her if things ever get rough in my household.

I have some plans this weekend...finish the Christmas take down - which is almost done. Then I need to make my cards for the cardswap - it's due the 15th and of course I am waiting till the last minute.

My daughter informed me she has a full time job and will be getting benefits in March - I am so happy. I have worried about her for so long because without medical it is scary. No other news to share - wow I lead a boring life. haha

Peace to you all.

190 Not my best morning

Well, I've lost my mojo and positive energy - so I will really have to work at it to get it back. Wayne and I were talking last night and I can't go into details yet - but I think I will soon. Neither of us is sick or anything like that.

I am joining the VFW, went to a meeting last night and filled out the paperwork. I am very passionate about Veterans and am doing this in honor of my dad - though he wasn't a Veteran he was in the Fire Department and our town doesn't have a Ladies Aux. as part of our Fire Dept. so this is the next best thing.

Had a great day at work. I did not work out as I had the VFW meeting but did take down more of our decorations. I will try to grab some of the outdoor ones today as we are expecting more snow tomorrow morning. I did put up the winter curtains in the Dining Room and hopefully that will help keep the house heated. Tonight I am also going to a friend's for dinner, there will be a group of us, it won't be too late. I will be working out first.

Even my writings are boring so I need to spice things up a bit. It is still hard to get up in the morning - I'm doing a little better but not much. Ugh - mornings are one of my weaknesses - just like my abs. haha

Pleasant day everyone.

188 Christmas Deco coming down

Yesterday I started taking our tree down - it is so much more fun putting the Holidays up than it is taking them down. The tree is still in the house but it is minus all decorations. Wayne will take off the lights and angel tonight and then it's gone. We are organizing the ornaments and decorations as we put them away. When we took them out this year everything seemed to be everywhere so we are going to label boxes and hopefully make it easier on ourselves.

I did go to the gym yesterday and Jenn (trainer) really worked my arms - so I'll be sore tomorrow, just in time for my next session. Tonight I plan on tryine Pilates for the first time - not sure if I will like it or not but I'm doing it. I talked with a couple friends yesterday during my cardio and that really did help make the time go by faster - so now I need to make more friends who work out. haha

It was a good day overall so I'm not dreading today - as much. I did update my resume' - I think that is something everyone should do as you never know when you will need it.

Time to face the day world - so go out there and grab as much positive energy as you can.

187.6 Day 2 - starting to get organized.

Well, it is official...I hate mornings. Why is it that when we have to go to work we have to drag ourselves out of bed but when we have the day off we are up and ready to go earlier than we need to be up. Ugh.

Yesterday I did move in the direction of organizing myself, after of course I went to the gym. I swear the treadmill that I was working on did not read my heartrate correctly so it was making me work twice as hard as I needed to - my legs kept cramping during the night. Of course I know I didn't help that because I didn't drink enough water - water really is the basis of life. So anyway - what I did yesterday. I organized all my cross-stitch patterns, this is something I have avoided for years. I put them in categories and threw out some that I know I will never do. I still have a ton that I will never do but they fit the "maybe they will get done" so I kept them. I also sat down and checked all the Christmas Cards we got and made sure I had the updated addresses and threw out the envelopes. Now I will go through the cards and see if they can be reused to make labels, gift tags or cut up for other crafts. Doesn't seem like I did much but I was up past 1 am - so I am beat now -but have to keep moving forward.

I work with my trainer today so I need to get a move on. Hope everyone has a wonderful day and see at the blog tomorrow.

Good Morning World

Well, the first day of my transformation. All that hard work I had done earlier to lose weight is for not - I weighed 191 this morning. Guess this will motivate me to hit the gym after work. During the night it had stopped snowing so the roads are clear but it is cold - I can tell just by looking outside. Need to remember to start the car as soon as I'm dressed. There is a 90 minute delay for most of the schools, not sure if it is in my town - but it doesn't matter - I work 5 minutes from home. OK - need to start my day. Remember do something positive every day - it will make others smile.

Peace to you all.

Welcome 2010

Boy has it been awhile. I was going to start a new blog as I have a mission - a total transformation of myself. What a better way to start the new year. I couldn't think of a catchy title - who knows maybe something will come to me in my sleep...but then I thought...Keep Making - it could be anything I want, so now it's "keep making me a better me."

I can't believe 2009 is already over - it went so fast. We spent the holidays with our family and friends so it was the best. I didn't make a single Resolution this year because they just don't work for me - just like the word diet. I hear it and I go running for the munchies. So instead, this year I am going to transform myself - into a better me. Seriously, no quick changes for me - I go gungho and then poop right out. Slow and steady this time. I know I will have days where I will fall flat on my face but I'm a big girl and I'll pick myself right back up and face the new day. I'm going to go to the gym, eat right, take all my meds, work hard and enjoy life. There are so many things I want to do and there just isn't enough time...so step #1 is to get organized. Not totally sure how I'm going to do it but I'll let you know out there in cyberspace...I know I can't be the only unorganized person.

Well, I jumped ahead of myself, yet again. I guess step #1 really needs to be - set goals. I watched the movie Julie & Julia and it totally made sense to me, in a way. I want to write a book. I want to learn how to sew. I want my craft room organized, well the whole house if we are going to be organized. I want to get a job that will not take over my life, unless it is working for myself. Don't get me wrong - I love what I do for work, but it has taken over my life. I won't go into too many details - but I work in Recreation in a nursing facility. I do enjoy it - love being with the people but it consumes me at times. It is my own fault - I give 150% of myself when I do something - I don't know how to it otherwise. I'd like an office job where I don't have to think of work 24 hours a day. I'd like a job where I can work my ass off and then leave it there in the office when I go home, I can't/don't do that now. I'm always thinking of work, or shopping or coming up with new programs.....ugh! So anyway I've gotten myself off the theme of this program and that is goals. So I want a new job. I want to learn how to cook. I love crafts and I would really like a way to make money at it - I'd like to design cross-stitch patterns or something like that.

So what I need to do is realistically figure out what I want to do in 2010 - set my goals. Set my goals for 5, 10 and 20 years. Then list the steps that I need to achive in order to meet the goals - this way I can always be moving in the right direction. I will do them in stages also because right now I am so excited I just want to do everything all at once. But if I do I will burnout quickly. So right now I will set 5 goals for myself.

1. I will wake up in the morning early. I will have time to enjoy myself, do a little blogging, check emails, do a load of laundry, actually put make-up on or a little cleaning. Right now I get up 1/2 hour before I have to walk out the door. Now I do only work 5 minutes from home, but that really isn't the point now is it.

2. I will go to the gym at least 4 times a week. I know I should go 5 and I should actually make that my goal but remember I don't want to burn myself out. Plus hubby will be pushing me anyway so let him think he made a real difference in my life by suggesting I go 5 days instead of the 4 I'm planning on. He does need something to hold over my head.

3. I will put more time into my appearance and health. I can't believe I actually go outside of my house without make-up. I remember as a teen I would rather be late to something than let anyone see me without my face on. This also includes taking my meds when I should and flossing. I never have a problem brushing my teeth but the flossing thing - just don't make time to do that as often as I should.

4. I will put things away rather than piling them on my dining room table or sticking them in a bag. For those of you who read this and know me - you will know exactly what I am talking about.

5. I will work harder on putting romance back into my marriage. I've been married for 23 years and it has gotten to be the same ole' same ole' and I never thought I would admit that. I know we love each other but we are just that "old married couple" and I don't want that anymore.

So I have 5 goals to work on - it was harder than I thought to just come up with them...so I guess I need to read them and figure out what I can do to acheive them all.

Ok - it's late and I've done enough soul searching for now - there will be more tomorrow (actually today because it is already after midnight)...so stay tuned.

Goodnight my cyber friends - I wish peace on you all.