Weight Loss, Motivation, and Lifestyle Changes

It wasn't a New Year's resolution, per se.  It was a lifestyle change that happened to coincide with the new year.  I used to be in GREAT shape.  I was a size 12 (which for my body, was an excellent size) to a size 14.  I looked good, I had curves in the right places and I was proud of myself.  I wasn't ashamed to show my body off and I was healthy.  Unfortunately, life happened.  I gained weight and I haven't been able to get it off.  Well, I have decided to take control of my life and I have decided it is time to stop all this.  So, I am going to post pics of my progress and I am going to document my lifestyle change on my blog. I will ONLY advocate healthy weight loss on my blog.  That means, exercise within reason, diet changes within reason, and a healthy body shape.  I know I will never be model thin, but you know what, I will be healthy. That is the most important thing.  This isn't about hating my body or hating how I look now.  I love myself and I'm pretty danged awesome.  This is about my health and me taking control of it.  I was diagnosed with PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycystic_ovarian_syndrome) in 2002 and I have fought my weight ever since.  I have a family history of diabetes, heart disease, strokes, vascular issues, and cancer.  The deck is pretty much stacked against me.  I want to head as much of this off at the pass as I can.  If I can just be healthy, that is enough.

So, here are the measurements for my body:
Before Measurements:
Bust: 46"
Ribs: 40"
Waist: 42"
Hips: 50"
Thigh (R): 27"
         (L): 27"
Bicep (R): 16"
          (L): 16"
Neck: 16.5"

Before Pics:

While I am on the weight loss post today, I want to let you know something:

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THIS IS NOT HEALTHY!!!  

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THIS IS HEALTHY!!!!

PLEASE DO NOT GET THESE CONFUSED!  ANOREXIA IS NOT PRETTY.  IT IS A DISEASE.  IF YOU SUFFER FROM ANOREXIA CONTACT:

National Eating Disorders Association's Toll-Free Hotline at 1-800-931-2237 for free referrals, information, and advice.

Projects, projects, projects

This is my personal blog, that is geared towards stitchery: embroidery, counted cross-stitch, smocking, tatting, and beading.  I love all things having to do with these things and I love sharing my projects.  I have been busy for the past few weeks.  I finished a smocked dress, I finished a wedding gown, and I am in the middle of what is now shaping up to be Mum's Mother's Day Present (it was supposed to be her Christmas present, but that didn't work out like I wanted it to).


The pattern is called Rosa and it is from Design Works.  It is a very pretty piece and it will look great with Mum's living room.  *Side note: I don't ever use the threads they have included in the package.  They never put enough, so I go to one of the craft stores/stitchery stores and get the colors that I don't have.  Most of the legends will come with the thread colors beside the stitch.   Always get 2 skeins.

That is the basic look of it and from the way it is coming together, I think it will be fairly close.

I usually start out and do one entire color all over my cloth.  I call this my anchor color. This is the step that takes the longest and is the most important to do right.  You have to count, recount, and recount your stitches again and again.  It took me over 2 weeks and several removed rows of stitches before it was right.  This is what my anchor color looks like:

Normally, I choose the color that has the most OVERALL presence on the project.  On this project, it just happened to be a light green color.

The next color is a very dark green and it looks wonderful!  This color had to be treated just as carefully as the original.  This is because it is still somewhat of an anchor color too and it was a base on a large portion of the project as well.

I usually work by quadrants and this is what I call quadrant 1 (Q1).  It makes it easier and if something happens and it gets messed up a little bit, I don't have to worry about pulling everything out of the entire fabric.  It's just once quadrant.  As you can see, Q1 is coming together and it is starting to look like what I thought it would.

After this, I started working on the pinks.  The pinks kind of irritated me...I don't know why.  I think because I am not really a pink person.  Either way, the pinks were next.  There were 2 of the pink colors: a light pink and a darker pink.  Both looked really good and while they really looked like a pretty little rosebud after they were done.

This is the dark pink.  If you look on the lowest row, you will see 2 pink buds and a dark green.  I didn't mean to do that bud in dark green.  After I started working on it, I realized that once I put the other color with it, then it would look like a rosebud instead of just a mis-sew (See what I mean by you have to be super careful).

This is after the light pink has been added.  They look good and I am pleased with them.

After this, came the peach color of the woman's skin.  There are two peach colors.  One is a light peach to mimic the skin and the other is a dark peach to mimic the shadows.  These are pretty much cross stitches in a straight line.  They are really nice to do when you need to take your mind off something.

I want to apologize for the rings you see there.  My frame left that behind.  This is a picture of the light peach and the dark peach.  The dark peach is on the bottom of what will be the arm.

This is a picture of Q1 when it is finished.  The woman's hair is a brown/eggplant type of color.  I will try to get a better picture of it, but that is the best description I can come up with.

I use a frame to hold my fabric in place.  It's easier for me and I feel as though it helps me keep my stitches neater.  When I sew, I have to have something to keep my mind zoned out.  I plan my stitches before hand and I start sewing.  I have always loved the "Harry Potter" books and movies.  I started watching the series, in order, when I started this project.  I can't tell you how many times I have watched the movies.  I know the lines heart by heart.  I also don't sew when I am really tired.  I found I make mistakes much easier this way and my stitches don't look as good.  I am working on the second quadrant right now (Q2) and it has a lot of the peach on it, so it gets a little bit monotonous at times.

*Tip: When threading your needle, take a small amount of water/saliva, wet your forefinger and thumb,and  run it down the length of the thread. This will help cut down on the amount of curling and it helps you to lay your stitches a little bit straighter.

*Tip: For a little bit of a dimensional effect, use more or less threads.  For the flowers and eventually for the dress, I am used 2 threads doubled over instead of 1 doubled over.  This gives it a slightly raised, dimensional effect for the piece and it looks good too.

I hope you enjoy stitching and as always, feedback is welcome.  If you have any questions about anything stitchery related, feel free to ask.

I'm not a parent, but it's never to early to do research.

I will admit, I am a very research driven person.  Research makes me happy.  To me, when you do your research, your decisions then become easier.  I know that no amount of research will prepare you for becoming a parent and especially not the parent of a special needs child.  That being said, this blog I read was one of the most well-written, compassionate, funniest, and happiest blogs about parenting.  The catch is this - it is written by the parents of child with Down's Syndrome.  One would think it should make a difference, but it doesn't.  Other than a few more therapist appointments, doctor visits, and motor skill worries, the parenting of a special needs child is like parenting a typical child.  Every parent worries about their child (typical or not).  I would highly recommend this blog to everyone parent and non-parent alike.

*Side note - this blog is great for aunts and uncles alike

http://noahsdad.com/

I don't have kids of my own, but as I read this blog, my eyes fill with tears.  Tears of joy, tears of laughter, and yes, tears of sadness.  These parents love their little boy so very, very much and that is absolutely evident on this blog.

I promise you will get something out of this, whether your child has special needs or not.

Merry Christmas!!!!

Story of my life: I'm always late.  What is my evidence?  Well, I'm about 1.5 weeks behind in posting to el blog-o (that isn't Spanish for blog, but most things sound more Spanish sounding when you put an "O" on the end of the word).

So, what has been happening?  Well, I have had to work, the Husbinator has had to work and I met my cousin's girlfriend!  I was happy to meet K.  She is a really cool person and I couldn't have picked a better person for J.

Oh, wait, there was a holiday in there too wasn't there?  That's right.  Christmas.

How did our Christmas go?

Well, this was mine and the Husbinator's first Christmas as a married couple.  It was special and I'm glad that he and I got the chance to spend actual Christmas Day together.  We had agreed to not get any presents for each other, but Husbinator being who he is decided to buy presents for me.  Well, guess who had not gotten anything because we had agreed and I took it seriously.  If you said me, then that would be the right answer.  Well, I ran out on the night before Christmas Eve (seriously, I can't understand some people and how crazy they get when shopping) with J & K and I got all of Husbinator's presents:  3 T-Shirts (Transformers, Angry Birds, and Thundercats), Moravian Spice Cookies, Meyer Lemon Moravian Cookies, Eclairs, and I made the Husbinator Stuffed Chicken Marsala, Smashed Cheesy Potatoes, Green Beans and a Creamy Marsala Wine Sauce.  Can you tell the Husbinator loves food?  Well, he does and I love cooking for him.  

What did he get me?  A bunch of awesome stuff:  An electric wine opener, a collapsible collander, some kitchen knives, 2 bottles of my favorite wine (it's kind of pricey, but oh, so good), a membership to the local winery wine club, a star wars book (yes, I am a geek), and makeup mirror.  My Christmas was a great Christmas and it has been quite awhile since I had one of those.  I married a wonderful man and I'm so happy and blessed.

So, during this season, I saw so many signs about keep "Christ" in "Christmas," and how "Jesus is the reason for the season,"  and other signs of that nature.  That irritated me.  Below, my irritation is explained.

*I have no problem with churches, religion, and people who go to church.  My problem arises, in that people use their religion as an excuse to judge others.  If you don't fit their narrow-minded perspective of what you should be, then they have no use for you.  Christians are some of the most judgemental and hateful people that I have come across.  If being a Christian means using your religion to hurt, hate, and judge others, then I don't know if I want to be a Christian.  I have seen so many Christians use their religion to justify their hatefulness and they problem is that they KNOW they are completely twisting and perverting what being a Christian is all about. I have been a victim of this and the problem is, it was by people who I was the closest to.  This is what weighs on my mind and I can't stop it.  I think the message of love - true agape love - and acceptance is far more effective and does more to heal old hurts than does beating someone over the head of how horrible they are, how they are going to hell, and how they are worthless because they might be gay, bi-sexual, fat, blind, or because they have lived with someone before marriage, had sex before marriage, or because they don't fit a stereotype.  I can't condone that as a Christian.  Too many people have said "That's not what being a Christian is about."  "Being a Christian is about carrying Jesus' message and love."  Those are some of the worse offenders.  They use the banner of Christianity and carrying Jesus' message as a smoke screen for their hate and vitriol.  Are all Christians like this?  No...absolutely not.  I have come across some of the most caring, kind, and loving people that happened to be Christian.  Was that a natural personality for them or did it stem from their faith?  I don't know.*

Does this mean my faith is weak and I am an atheist/agnostic?  No.  My personal faith is strong and deep.  I believe very much in the message of Jesus and I do believe he is my Savior.  However, while my faith can be rocked and strengthened, my opinions are just that, opinions.  They stem from things that have happened to me and to friends of mine, both in my youth and as an adult.  I don't claim to be perfect, far from it.  I do strive to be caring, loving, and accepting as this goes farther than fire and brimstone.  

I end with this word of warning:  Christians wonder why people regard the ones under this banner as being hate-mongers, it is because that is what they have been shown.  Too many people have had interactions with Christians that are hateful and angry because of the actions of the Christians.  Think about things before you act upon them.  When people look at you, do they see the love of Jesus shining in your eyes?  

"The single greatest cause of atheism is Christians.  Who walk in the doors of the church and acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the doors and deny him with their lifestyle.  That is what an unbelieving world simply finds, unbelievable." - Brennan Manning

Some people you just have to let walk out of your life...

I'm not one for the cheesy, feel-good sayings about how people walk into your life and leave crap...blah blah blah.... I have always been of the mindset that if you don't want to be my friend, if you don't want me in your life, then I don't need you in mine.  I'm not going to force anyone to be my friend, it doesn't work that way.  Recently, that point was driven home.  While the details will be kept private, I wish this person and their family nothing but the best (no, really, I do), and I pray for their happiness. Sometimes you have to get that out there and get it out of your mind, much like the use of the Pensieve in the "Harry Potter" stories.

MOVING ON.........

Update on the 101 list:

#17 - I have gotten the rest of the pictures for the 365 day photo challenge done (the ones that I was behind on) and I feel like I have climbed a mountain (and for us chubsters, that's a really odd feeling).

#120 - Cook at home for a whole week - no takeout:
 Mark this off the To Do list and put it on the "To Done" list.  I must admit, when I started, I was worried I couldn't do it. I didn't know if the Husbinator would like what I cooked and I honestly didn't know if we would have the self-discipline to do it.  Well, we did.  It is a pretty awesome feeling to sit down to a meal that you have cooked, even it if it is just soup, and hear The Husbinator say: "Wow, this is really good!"  Not to mention that we have saved money just by getting leftovers out of the night before (sometimes 2-3 days worth of leftovers) and we have had food to freeze for the nights when we don't want to cook.

While the 101 list is moving at a snail's pace, it is moving.  And for that, I am pretty proud.

I do have a few worries and concerns that keep eating my mind and they will resolve themselves on their own.  I just hope it happens soon because being stagnant like this is for the birds.

Remember: Treat everyone you meet with kindness.  It won't hurt you to have compassion and empathy for your fellow man.  Everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle inside, be it small or large.

I remember the 80's and I miss them

Numbers make me happy.  Lists make me happy.  Together, they make me feel as though all is right in my little world.  I decided to make a list of the corresponding numbers of my 101 list.  In addition, I completed another task.  I'm feeling pretty snazzy. 

Here goes the finished:

#49 - Have professional photos taken (I am counting our wedding pictures since the family is me and the Hubs)
#69 - Learn to shoot (The Husbinator taught me)
#70 - Drive the tractor (I did this all by myself and I'm pretty darn proud)
#84 - Find Harry's name on the AIDS quilt (I can't find the words to describe this experience)

Here is what I am working on:

#17 - Complete a 365 day pohoto challenge ( I am a few days behind posting the pics, but I have taken them)
#126 - Blog at least once a week. (I have missed a few days, but I am better than I was)

So you see, while I haven't absolutely just blown this out, but I am getting things done and I am proud of myself.

Hopefully, the next time I post (which, in accordance with my 101 list, will be next week sometime), I will have more stuff done.

Update, my dearies!

Well, the 101 in 1001 project is going pretty good.  While I have taken enough pictures to upload and keep up with my 365 day project, I haven't uploaded them yet.  I guess I better fix that, huh?

Well, I am sitting here watching the Husbinator do some macho, He-Man, construction stuff and I must say that, oh my stars, I married a good looking man.  I think I kind of love the dude.

Also, I went and started getting the ball rolling to go back to college.  This is quite daunting for me in that I am a little bit apprehensive regarding the money.  I worry all the time about money, as it is, now I just have to find a way to pay for graduate school...yeah, that's gonna be real fun.

So, back to the 101 in 1001 project.  Here's what I have finished so far:
- Have professional family photos taken (I'm counting our wedding photos)
- Learn to Shoot (the Husbinator taught me, given that he is law-enforcement/military)
- Drive the tractor (I did it by myself!)
- Do a 365 day photo challenge (I've started it, so I guess I can count that)
- Blog at least once a week (Well, I skipped Thanksgiving, but come on....it was Thanksgiving)

While I haven't gotten much done, I am proud of what I have done.  I think if I can get a minimum of 60% of the list done, I will be much happier and I think it will be fun.  Hopefully, it will inspire the Husbinator to make on of his own.

I guess too, since this is a smocking/stitching/sewing blog that I might need to add some tips and tricks for sewing and the likes.  I do embroidery, counted cross stitch, and I sew clothes, so there will be no tips for quilting or any other kind of needlepoint, but a lot of the tips can cross boundaries.  I will try to review products too.

Organization:  I hate how I do a counted cross stitch, embroidery, sewing project and I don't have any place to put a photo of the finished piece.  It's also hard to keep the actual legend or pattern with everything.  Well, I have solved that. I created an organization system that works for me, but is really easy to follow.

Here's what's needed:
1.5 Inch 3 Ring Binder
Standard Size Sheet protectors
Baseball card protectors
Index cards
1 Inch Metal Craft ring

What to do:  I take the example picture that comes with the project and put it in a sheet protector.  I then take a picture of the finished project that I sewed and put it in the sheet protector as well.  The picture and the example are back to back and I always keep the example first.  Then, in between them, there is usually enough space for the pattern/legend to go.  Then, I take the standard size index card and cut it into quarters.  After that, I punch a hole in the card and run the metal ring through it.  I then take my bobbin with my thread on it and I run the metal ring through the hole in the top.  On the card, I write down the brand and the color floss (I always use DMC, just because I think they make a GREAT product - so....DMC, if you are reading this, a lifetime supply of thread would be super neat-o).  I take the index card and I put it in the baseball car holder. Voila!!!!  Your floss is organized and the project stays together in the event that you want to do another one just like it.  I use 1 baseball card holder for one project.  It makes everything much easier and you can really see how you improve over the course of the project/several projects.

Hope that helps everyone and I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!