A lightbulb moment

Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who
believed that something inside of them was superior to circumstance - Bruce Barton, American advertising executive, writer and congressman


Today as I was preparing to give my weekly update on my health challenge, I was very disheartened to read my scale. 166lbs again! How can that be?
I have exercised every day religiously for 1 full month.

Almost on the verge of tears I hear a little voice say (hubby sounding) "you know muscle weighs more than fat!" I just wanted to box his ears. Is this what I wanted to hear....no!....I wanted that silly dial on the scale to read differently.

And then the lightbulb flew up. Yes muscle does weigh more than fat. I had decided to focus mostly on my exercise this month and I had done that. Looking at my body in the mirror (not always an easy task) I noticed my stomach flattening, my arms are more defined in their tone and my butt is lifting. Isn't that lots? Then as I contemplated this futher, I realized that it had taken me 17 years to get where I am at now...so what made me think that one month would take me to where I need to go.

This revelation was a true lightbulb explosion. I am now psyched to move forward.

Week 4 Update
Finished the book...will start again tomorrow

1. What is your current weight?
166 (166) (165) (166)

2. What have you done well this week? What makes you proud of you?
I have exercised 7 days this week. Even on the day when life was so hectic that it would have been easier just to skip....I buckled down and exercised after my daughter was in bed. That is a huge step for me...guilt for not exercising...it makes me feel energized and proud of myself.

3. What could you be doing better or improving?
I think it is easier to focus on one change a month. So I will continue to exercise but increase my treadmill by 10 mins and my crunches by 2 more sets.
I will also make it my intent for the next month to try and get my daily 8-8oz glasses of water.

4. What is your game plan for week 5?
I will exercise 7 days this week....drink 8 glasses of water each day and try and remember to eat breakfast each day.

Forward to a better me.....

Its official!

As of 10:30pm, on Wednesday, September 21, I have knitted my first sock.
I made it out of Knitpicks Simple Stripes.
For a first attempt, I think it is alright. However, the crafter in me is seeing all the mistakes...lol The sock is a bit long and the heel just doesn't sit right when the sock is flat, but when it is on all is fine.

I am thrilled to say I have entered the world of sock knitters. Now to move onto two so that I can have a pair and actually wear my creation.

Promise pictures will be posted soon. Hubby has the camera on his vacation. I put a word into the Christmas fairy that it sure would be nice to have my own digital...let's see what Christmas brings.

Sunday weigh in and quote

Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.
-Les Brown, motivational author


1. What is your current weight? (165)(166) 166lbs
2. what have you done well this week? What makes you proud of you?
I have exercised 7 days this week...even on the days when I am busy I have fit exercise somewhere into the day. This is a big step for me....I am heading back on track.

3. what could you be doing better or improving?
I really must focus more on my food intake. I need to find healthier snacks and most definitely start eating breakfast again. Food and I need to find a better working relationship...enough tug of war stuff

4. What is your game plan for week4?
I need to make a menu and stick to it. Also, I need to find jobs to keep my hands busy and full so there is no room for the snacks...lol

This has been a difficult week for me. I hate when Hubby is away...all focus goes out the window...but I deserve what I am striving for...its time to remember what my goal is and shoot for that moon.

SP6 and SP5 bragging

Hi ya'll...that greeting is in honor of my new SP...the one spoiling me.
She is a southern gal...now how did I get so lucky?!?!?!
I am a die-hard southern wannabe. I love Gone with the Wind...one and two....I love the era of ladies and gentlemen...anything civil war based...I can listen to someone with a southern accent talk for hours and my favorite family vacation was a tour around Charleston and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I am really looking forward to getting to know you.

As for the one I am spoiling...I received her name today as well. I won't be saying much about her until the spoiling is done. Don't want to ruin the surprize, but let it be known I am looking forward to that blossoming friendship as well.

The SP5 experience was such a positive experience for me...my spoiler was Cindy She is guiding me in my sock journey. I have to admit my first attempt has resulted in a pile of pulled apart yarn on the floor but I have not been broken and will try again tomorrow.

The one I was spoiling was Jennifer
Now I want to take this moment to brag a bit about her. I am so proud to call this lady my friend. She will be leaving in a few days time to coucil those who have survived Hurricane Katrina. It just amazes me! We all try to help in our own way...sending money, making survival kits, gathering clothing and the list goes on...but Jennifer is the first person I know that is leaving the comfort of her own home to go into the unknown and offer a helping hand. She has no clue what to expect when she gets there but that is not stopping her from helping. So if you get a moment...stop by her blog and give her some words of support or prayers for this challenge ahead.

The SPs has been such a blessing for me. It is like the Penpals of my childhood. Getting to meet women from all corners of the world and walks of life is such a great experience. I look forward to doing this as long as they are around....a person can never have too many friends!!!

Sunday weigh in and quote

Knowing is not enough;
We must Apply.
Willing is not enough;
We must Do.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German poet, novelist, and playwright

Its been a full week of conscious thought for health and exercise...how did I do?

1. What is your current weight?
165lbs (166lbs)

2. What have you done well this week? What makes your proud of you?
This week I did intentional exercise 6 days this week...30 mins of cardio (either treadmill or exercise tape) and then my other exercises.
I am proud that I care enough for myself to keep my goal and put me first.

3. What could you be doing better or improving?
I need to be more conscious about what I am eating and drinking

4. What is your game plan for week 3?
I plan on doing intentional exercise everyday and increasing my water intake...aim for 8 - 8oz glasses each day

So now to move forward....

Expanding the mind

Well I sure have done it now...lol
My latest past time has been to read the knitting blogs. I have found a file full of new project ideas and I get a peek into other people's lives (which is always a hoot).

While I was browsing the other day I came across
knittheclassics

This is a great group that combines the reading of classic novels with knitting.
My September goal was to start reading daily...and while the fiction I have been reading has been good...a classic is always better.

So of course - I joined!

Right now we are voting on what to read for October and November...I can't wait to see what my first book will be...and then to find a knitting project that goes with the book...hhmmm! Now that should be interesting!!!!

SP6 questionnaire

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!!!!!!!! I love to experiment with all yarn types.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?
I crochet but have never tried my hand at spinning...however I am starting to think I might in the future

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
No allergies at all...just sensitivities to smoke and textures

4. How long have you been knitting?
I have been knitting since I was about 7...over 30 years

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I don't have one yet but am thinking it is time I check into it

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I love lavendar, jasmine, vanilla and musk scents
7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Yes I do...especially hard candies and chocolate

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I like to try all things...cross stitch, scrapbooking, sewing, painting, beadwork, and am thinking strongly about starting to do some quilting

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like all types of music...country, rock, pop, classical...you name it.
My machine can play MP3s

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I like red, red and oh ya...red!!! LOL
I like bright true colors....blue, green, red, pink, orange, etc.
I am not a black, white or gray person...find them non-colors

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I am a SAHM for one motorcycling loving hubby, an energetic 9 yr-old daughter, one huskey (Scout), two cats (Patches and Sierra), and one beta fish (Ming)

12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
Life dreams...hmmmmm....travel...spend time with my family....pursue my interests...always learning new things...hopefully take an aromatherapy class soon...but most of all I am trying to be happy in the moment.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
Anything that is soft to the touch

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Anything scratchy to the touch

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
I am trying my hand at knitting socks

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
As long as I am knitting...I am happy!

17. What are you knitting right now?
Socks, a stole, cardigan and a cami

18. What do you think about ponchos?
Am looking for a nice light pattern poncho for the cooler months.
Have made a poncho for my daughter as well

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
Either is fine with me


20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I have them all...but am finding I like bamboo the best

21. Are you a sock knitter?
Trying it right now for the first time thanks to my SP5 buddy

22. How did you learn to knit?
My dear sweet grandmother who passed away this summer

23. How old is your oldest UFO?
(hanging my head in shame)...as I was cleaning up my craft room, I found a Christmas sweater I started over 16 years ago...needless to say it isn't finished...lol


24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
I love Eeyore, Elmo and Spike the dog

25. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas all the way

26. Is there anything that you collect?
Angels

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Not yet but am thinking about subscribing to "Cast ON"

28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Stitch 'n Bitch Nation, Knitting without tears, Last Minute Knitted gifts,and Knit along with Debbie Macomber (either book)

29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another??
The Cutaway, Scoop du Jour and Ribby Cardi on Chicknits

30. What are your foot measurements, and what kind of socks do you like?
Foot measurements??? 8 1/4 inches long...wear size 7-8 shoe
Like light cotton or fuzzy, soft and warm socks

Sunday weigh in and quote

You will never find time for anything.
If you want time, you must make it.
- Charles Buxton, American writer

Isn't this the truth!

How many times have you said to yourself....I don't have the time....to visit with friends, to exercise, to eat right, to play more with your children, to spend quality time with your significant other or to do something for yourself.

We all get so caught up in the every day activities that we forget that time is in our control. I fall into this trap quite often I must sadly say.

So today is a new day.
I will make time for the things that are most important to me.
Today it is exercise.....


Week 1 Update
1. What is your current weight? 166lbs
2. What have you done well this week? what makes you proud of yourself?
I have exercised 3 days this week and watched most days to limit the snacks.
I also have worked on my mental image...something that sabatoges my progress.
3. What could you be doing to better or improving?
I need to exercise more, and make more conscious choices for the foods I
choose.
4. What is your game plan for week 2?
I plan on exercising 6 days next week (30mins cardio each day)
I am making a menu plan and sticking with it....chosing water instead of pop
to drink

Well its official

As of today....my baby is in Grade five.
When I use to hear parents cry and moan about how the years flew by, I would roll my eyes and sigh.
Fast forward 10 years and here I am...crying and moaning myself.
Somewhere in that time, the tiny fragile china doll (only 5lbs 7oz and 18inches long) has grown into a young lady....I enjoy the time watching all the changes that she has encountered and fear the changes still to come.....