~ Sew Sweet 16 ~I’m packing your angry eyes just in case~Aug 2014~ BFF' bag 8/20!!!!

[DMGeurts]

Wow D~, you look GREAT....even in a "half-shot" you can really tell a difference from your pics from August!!! You're gonna be so much more comfortable on your trip this year

Thank you! It's still so hard for me to wrap my mind around, when I look in the mirror, I still see the old me... I see some of the changes, but I still see so many changes I want to make. I try so hard to focus on the other important changes that have come as a result of this - and really try to not always focus on how I look. It's hard though.

D, you look great. keep up the good work. Mark is dealing with a lot of pain, but it is to be anticipated. Nurse Alisha is taking good care if him and we head there tomorrow morning fir the weekend and I am making him his favorite...chocolate chip cookies.

Primary colors and dots...can't wait to see what that one looks like.

Thank you!

I am sorry that Mark is in so much pain... He is very fortunate that he has such a good nurse and another one on the way - toting Chocolate Chip cookies. He will be in good hands, no doubt. Safe travels for you this weekend, I have not hear any of the weather forecasts, so I hope it's all good.

Your hair is adorable.. you look awesome!!!

Thank you - it's finally starting to get back to the length that I prefer it at - it's taking FOREVER! I should be "there" at my next cut/color. I hope.

I don't work out at all on days i am running around like a nut... Figured that is exercise enough.

I don't blame you!

Can wait to see the FINAL BAG YOU JUST MADE!!!!

I cannot wait for you to see it either!

Everyone is always in my thoughts and prayers!!!

Stay warm. im still contemplating on driving south and NOT STOPPING until i see SUN AND PALM TREES!

Seriously... I need to go too... This winter seems like the longest one yet.

You are making great progress D! Keep up the great work!

Thank you so much!

Just stopping in really quickly to say! I don't know if I'll get back on here again before I leave Saturday morning. I'm going crazy with excitement today I have no idea how I'm going to make it through the next two days of work! Hope everyone has a great week!

So excited for you - this is going to be such a FUN trip! I cannot wait to hear all about it! Safe travels going out to you!

You look great D~ I hope you have a great day in your sewing room.

Thank you Lillian!

I wrote a post on my own ptr, but I guess I'll post here too. We had the worst ice storm I can remember Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. We lost power about 5 am on Wednesday morning and it is still out at home. Which means, no heat, no cooking, no internet. Charlie built a fire in the fireplace so we were able to be comfortable with blankets. He went out in search of coffee once the roads were clear. Trees were down everywhere and you could hear the pop when branches broke off. I read a book and cleaned the kitchen, but once the book was finished I was bored. We ended up sleeping in the family room. I woke up and came into work this morning. At least its warm here, and there is coffee!

This just makes me sick... I've been so worried about you. I saw on FB yesterday afternoon that you still didn't have power... I was praying it was on before you got home. Please keep us updated if you can, and know that you are in our prayers Tess.

Kat is doing well. She was up and walking yesterday. She just amazes me. She has the absolute best attitude of any 20 year old I've ever met. She will 21 in 2 weeks and her dad is planning a huge party for her. Her next surgery is in 3 months - that should be the last one, I think.

Wow! She is amazing! I am so glad she is doing so well! Our continued prayers go out to her - thank you for the update.

I think the latest reports on the potential storm this weekend is that the storm has fizzled out. I hope so. I'm not sure I can deal with a blizzard at this point.

I sure hope it totally fizzles out... I don't think you guys can take much more!

Still have not taken pictures of the bag or t-shirts that I've finished. I have a couple more to do. Hopefully I can get them finished this weekend. I also have a gift for your dad to send, once it is finished. Just a bit more to do on it, so I hope to have that ready to mail on Saturday too.

I am very much looking forward to seeing your finished projects!

Awww... That is so nice of you - I am sure he will love it!

I can't believe it is almost August ADR times. I'm also going in august and haven't even given a thought to where we are going to eat or if we are doing the dining plan for part of our trip.

Hi!!! Welcome! I know - it's crazy that it's already time! It does't seem like it should be. I hope you are able to find the time to iron out your schedule and get some great ADRs.

D!!!!!!! That picture is amazing. I love your hair too, but the changes in your body are really outstanding.

Thanks Liz! I am really liking my hair too... hopefully by the next cut/color it will be grown out enough to get back into my inverted bob - I just like that style so much. I've actually been debating on growing it out even further. I haven't had long hair in years, and I am thinking it might be fun?

D~ Looking forward to seeing your latest creation but I guess not as much as Mo.

Hahaha... I will be showing it, but Mo has to get it first. She has NO idea what I've made her... She gave me a bazillion themes to choose from - so she is TOTALLY clueless... and I LOVE it!

You look great! I love your hair cut/color!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Thanks Ann! My color is really starting to fade, and my gray is starting to really grow out... Sigh... But I do really like my cut - I am anxious for it to get a little bit longer though, it's still just a hair short. I am actually debating on growing it out a bit longer - I was thinking it might be fun to wear in a pony tail... but then again - I just remembered, I don't look good in pony tails... LOL OK - may have to rethink that.

I get it. That's how I was when I first found out I had the gestational diabetes and trying to figure out what I could and couldn't eat. The DH would throw in us going out and that made it even more difficult but I made it work and know I'll be able to make it work on vacation too. I'm far from perfect but we do what we can to survive and make it work for us.

Your looking great!!! You can really see the difference!!

Thanks Sandra! Yup - we just have to do the best we can... After all - I am a firm believer in LIVING life too, and we all must have fun!

Looking great D~ what is this diet your on.......primal? don't think I ever heard of it before ,but it is sure working for you..Keep up the good work.

Thanks Trish... It's called the "Primal Blueprint"... It's exactly like Paleo, except you can have dairy... There is NO WAY I could give up my dairy... You can find more info on it at www.marksdailyapple.com. I guess, my favorite part is that I LOVE all the foods I get to eat, and I am not missing any of the ones I am not supposed to have... I am not sure I could ever go back to eating processed food again - I just know too much about it.

**********************************************************

I had a really fantastic day yesterday!

First off... FINALLY - I started Stage 3 of my lifting program. It was a great lift and I feel so much better. I am not sure what it is about starting a new Stage, but it's just so hard for me to do. I guess, I am always afraid that I won't be able to do the lifts? Regardless, it was a great lift, and mentally - I am glad I started. I am a bit sore this morning, which I LOVE. Then I know my muscles got their work out!

I was also able to get a bunch done in my sewing room. My next bag is quilted and the applique is ready to stitch. I plan on stiching it today - and maybe even start some pre assembly.

I was able to get all of my Dad's bills paid yesterday - what a relief! Looking ahead at his budget, I am happy with it. He will have a bit of cash left over every month, and since he doesn't spend much now-a-days, he should be able to save up for a few things that he needs. The first thing we decided on (we, as in, my Dad and I) is he will save up for a new recliner and hide-a-bed loveseat. The recliner will come first... but he will need one that lifts him up - I think. I am hoping, by the end of summer, he will have enough saved up for this. The furniture he has now is nice enough - but it's borrowed, as his stuff wasn't in good enough shape to move... I think it will be nice for him to get new furniture- he has never picked out his own furniture before - it's always been used. He is also saving up for him and I (I will pay my own way) to take a trip out to Washington to see his brother and neices/nephews - we are hoping to do that trip during the summer of 2015. He is a bit afraid to fly - so we might end up taking a train out there. He is very much looking forward to this! I would also love to take him to WDW... He was there about 10 years ago, but he only spent about 3 hours in Epcot... I would just lOVE to take him back. We'll see how his health goes and how our trip to WA goes.

Victoria has an appointment this morning... Then I will be coming back home to work in my sewing room.

We have a full weekend ahead... 2 hockey games... I am not going to the one tonight, but there is one tomorrow afternoon that I will go to... Since it's during the afternoon - I think I'll be able to stay awake for it. The girls and I may be headed to BFF's house on Sunday? Not sure on that yet - It depends on how ambitious I am. LOL

I hope you all have a wonderful day... Lois... I hope you made it to Disney safely and you are enjoying your time there with Charlotte. Tess... I am really praying you have power now. Kathy... Safe trip to Iowa and I hope Mark is in less pain. Ariana - safe travels to WDW tomorrow morning. Pixie dust to all of you!

D~

 

[Pluto0809]

Thanks for the well wishes I'm so excited today I can't stand it. Hope you have a great week, I'll talk to everyone on the other side. I'll also post the TR link here so anyone who wants to join in on the wedding fun can do so!

Oh, and in case you miss it on my PTR, I "blinged" out my MB last night.



Just some sharpie and clear glitter nail polish. I've seen a lot more elaborate ones but I just wanted to do something simple. Well, I really don't have the talent for anything more any way!

 

[Iamthequeen]

Nope, still no power. The very northern part of town got power back yesterday afternoon. My cousin's daughter lives there and said the power was on when she got home about 4:30. The rest of the town is still dark - including the Borough office and police station. You'd think that area would be first on the list to get power back.

Anyway, we are fine, so don't worry about us. We are in the same boat as the rest of the town. I'm not going to be able to finish your Dad's gift until the power comes back on, so its not going in the mail on Saturday.

We do have camping stuff - a stove and lanterns and plenty of propane, so we can handle a couple of days without electricity. I brought my kindle and my battery chargers to work to recharge everything!

Stay warm.

Oh, I meant to comment on a couple of things that slipped my mind yesterday.

Baby Jeffrey is adorable!

D - you are lookin' good!

 

[kittylady1972]

I had a really fantastic day yesterday!

First off... FINALLY - I started Stage 3 of my lifting program. It was a great lift and I feel so much better. I am not sure what it is about starting a new Stage, but it's just so hard for me to do. I guess, I am always afraid that I won't be able to do the lifts? Regardless, it was a great lift, and mentally - I am glad I started. I am a bit sore this morning, which I LOVE. Then I know my muscles got their work out!

I was also able to get a bunch done in my sewing room. My next bag is quilted and the applique is ready to stitch. I plan on stiching it today - and maybe even start some pre assembly.

I was able to get all of my Dad's bills paid yesterday - what a relief! Looking ahead at his budget, I am happy with it. He will have a bit of cash left over every month, and since he doesn't spend much now-a-days, he should be able to save up for a few things that he needs. The first thing we decided on (we, as in, my Dad and I) is he will save up for a new recliner and hide-a-bed loveseat. The recliner will come first... but he will need one that lifts him up - I think. I am hoping, by the end of summer, he will have enough saved up for this. The furniture he has now is nice enough - but it's borrowed, as his stuff wasn't in good enough shape to move... I think it will be nice for him to get new furniture- he has never picked out his own furniture before - it's always been used. He is also saving up for him and I (I will pay my own way) to take a trip out to Washington to see his brother and neices/nephews - we are hoping to do that trip during the summer of 2015. He is a bit afraid to fly - so we might end up taking a train out there. He is very much looking forward to this! I would also love to take him to WDW... He was there about 10 years ago, but he only spent about 3 hours in Epcot... I would just lOVE to take him back. We'll see how his health goes and how our trip to WA goes.

Victoria has an appointment this morning... Then I will be coming back home to work in my sewing room.

We have a full weekend ahead... 2 hockey games... I am not going to the one tonight, but there is one tomorrow afternoon that I will go to... Since it's during the afternoon - I think I'll be able to stay awake for it. The girls and I may be headed to BFF's house on Sunday? Not sure on that yet - It depends on how ambitious I am. LOL

I hope you all have a wonderful day... Lois... I hope you made it to Disney safely and you are enjoying your time there with Charlotte. Tess... I am really praying you have power now. Kathy... Safe trip to Iowa and I hope Mark is in less pain. Ariana - safe travels to WDW tomorrow morning. Pixie dust to all of you!

D~

Congrats on keeping up with your workout routine. I really need to find my own motivation to do something here too, but it's just not there yet. This cold weather just makes me want to hibernate a while longer.

Wonderful news about your dad and his budget plans. I hope the trips all work out!

 

[DMGeurts]

Here!​

D~

 

[Terkina]

Sounds like a good budget plan for your dad. I hope your trip together in 2015 goes well. Have a great weekend. I will be watching the Olympic Games even if I think the athletes in Paralympics does a greater achievement than the athletes in the Olympic Games.

 

[sewmess]

Great Progress Pictures!

Can't wait to hear how Mo likes the bag. Possibly might hear it from Chicago, what do y'all think?

Stay Warm everyone & may power return, snow stay away and health be regained, as needed.

 

[Iamthequeen]

Wow! Wow! Wow! Maybe you can't see the difference, but I sure can! Also, its very difficult to determine if your shape is the same when you are wearing a sweatshirt. If you were to take pictures in a tank and shorts, I'm sure you would see a great difference. Try wearing the same tank and shorts you wore last summer. I'm sure you will be amazed.

This week has been a challenge for me since we haven't been able to cook or work out - at least not comfortably, so take out has been our staple for meals. But that will change - the POWER IS BACK ON!!! YAY!
I like the sound of your "diet". We've been cutting way back on bread and pasta anyway because Charlie is diabetic. I don't even have any bread in the house - and haven't for about 2 weeks. I don't use much processed food anyway, so that's not that big of a hardship either. We do eat meat and veggies for most meals and almost always have fruit available. Sounds like a plan to me. Also, its been almost 3 weeks since I've had any kind of soda. I don't really miss it and I've gone for periods of time before without - I almost always give soda up for Lent. I've been drinking mostly water, tea or coffee with creamer. I guess the creamer will be next to go, though, and back to using milk. Don't use sugar much either.

My biggest problem is getting moving. I like doing the weights, but I really don't like the treadmill - at all. Once it warms up, I can get outside and walk/run. I am planning to do a "boot camp" training program once it is up and running in the spring. I'm hoping that will jumpstart me. In the meantime, I'll keep on keeping on....

 

[DMGeurts]

Thanks for the well wishes I'm so excited today I can't stand it. Hope you have a great week, I'll talk to everyone on the other side. I'll also post the TR link here so anyone who wants to join in on the wedding fun can do so!

Oh, and in case you miss it on my PTR, I "blinged" out my MB last night.



Just some sharpie and clear glitter nail polish. I've seen a lot more elaborate ones but I just wanted to do something simple. Well, I really don't have the talent for anything more any way!

I am so excited for you - I wish I was hopping a plane in this rediculous weather. I am starting to get very annoyed with being cold. I NEED flip-flops, capris/shorts, tank tops and some REAL vitamin D. Have a fantastic time - I cannot wait to hear about this one!

And I love your MB... Can you tell me (when you get back, of course) what part you used the Sharpie on? I don't know what the MBs look like when the come... I am assuming you made the Mickey head black?

Nope, still no power. The very northern part of town got power back yesterday afternoon. My cousin's daughter lives there and said the power was on when she got home about 4:30. The rest of the town is still dark - including the Borough office and police station. You'd think that area would be first on the list to get power back.

Anyway, we are fine, so don't worry about us. We are in the same boat as the rest of the town. I'm not going to be able to finish your Dad's gift until the power comes back on, so its not going in the mail on Saturday.

We do have camping stuff - a stove and lanterns and plenty of propane, so we can handle a couple of days without electricity. I brought my kindle and my battery chargers to work to recharge everything!

Stay warm.

Oh, I meant to comment on a couple of things that slipped my mind yesterday.

Baby Jeffrey is adorable!

D - you are lookin' good!

Thanks Tess!

I thought I read somewhere that you had your power back last night... but I just stalked your FB page and I didn't see it... Maybe I was dreaming? I hope you are safe and warm, continued thoughts and prayers coming your way... And - yes - I will worry.

Congrats on keeping up with your workout routine. I really need to find my own motivation to do something here too, but it's just not there yet. This cold weather just makes me want to hibernate a while longer.

Wonderful news about your dad and his budget plans. I hope the trips all work out!

Hey stranger!!! It's been a little while! I hope you are well! Thanks... It's been such a constant mental battle, especially these last few days... I feel so great, but I am just getting down on myself that progress is so slow. But then I tell myself that slow is OK... but then I am annoyed again. LOL It's a vicious circle. I just keep working at it and working at it. I think, the reason things are different this time, is that I am really trying hard to teach myself moderation. I *like* to work out 5 days/week... but often times, something stands in the way of that 5th day (sometimes the 4th day too)... but rather than throwing the towel in, I just work out when I can, and when I feel like it and continue to eat right. There is value to be found in moderation (yes, I need to heed my own advice...).

Thank you - I hope all of the trips work out too... I have many trips planned over the next 2 years, and I have no idea how many of them I will actually get to go on? LOL

Sounds like a good budget plan for your dad. I hope your trip together in 2015 goes well. Have a great weekend. I will be watching the Olympic Games even if I think the athletes in Paralympics does a greater achievement than the athletes in the Olympic Games.

Yes, I am very happy that he actually has a budget now, and $$ left over. I am not sure he has had a real budget since I moved out of home after high school (I took over his bills right after my mom died)...

Oh - I totally agree! The athletes in the Paralympics do such wonderful, wonderful things!

Great Progress Pictures!

Can't wait to hear how Mo likes the bag. Possibly might hear it from Chicago, what do y'all think?

Stay Warm everyone & may power return, snow stay away and health be regained, as needed.

Thanks Ruth! I hope to hear her screaming today! I need to go track her package to double check.

I hope you are doing well too.

Wow! Wow! Wow! Maybe you can't see the difference, but I sure can! Also, its very difficult to determine if your shape is the same when you are wearing a sweatshirt. If you were to take pictures in a tank and shorts, I'm sure you would see a great difference. Try wearing the same tank and shorts you wore last summer. I'm sure you will be amazed.

Hahaha... I know - I should have taken off my sweatshirt, but I didn't feel like really stripping in Target, I do have to work there afterall. From the waist up - yes, my shape has surely changed... but gosh - I keep looking at those darned HIPS... Some day, they WILL narrow.

This week has been a challenge for me since we haven't been able to cook or work out - at least not comfortably, so take out has been our staple for meals. But that will change - the POWER IS BACK ON!!! YAY!

YES!!!! I knew I wasn't dreaming! I thought I saw this somewhere! Yay!!! So glad power is restored for yoU!

I like the sound of your "diet". We've been cutting way back on bread and pasta anyway because Charlie is diabetic. I don't even have any bread in the house - and haven't for about 2 weeks. I don't use much processed food anyway, so that's not that big of a hardship either. We do eat meat and veggies for most meals and almost always have fruit available. Sounds like a plan to me. Also, its been almost 3 weeks since I've had any kind of soda. I don't really miss it and I've gone for periods of time before without - I almost always give soda up for Lent. I've been drinking mostly water, tea or coffee with creamer. I guess the creamer will be next to go, though, and back to using milk. Don't use sugar much either.

This is one thing I like about this - I really feel like I am much more "even" all the time... No highs/lows throughout the day. And I am NEVER "starving" - I feel like the food I eat burns longer and satisfies me longer (and it does). I am not even sure I look at this as a diet anymore, I could see myself eating like this for the rest of my life.

So very proud of you for giving up soda - that is always the hardest thing for me... after that - everything else is so easy. I don't think I will ever be able to give up my coffee creamer though - my favorite part of my day is sitting here typing away, sipping on my coffee. And now that we have a Keurig... well... There's just no way I am gonna give it up. Somethings in life are worth the sacrafice.

My biggest problem is getting moving. I like doing the weights, but I really don't like the treadmill - at all. Once it warms up, I can get outside and walk/run. I am planning to do a "boot camp" training program once it is up and running in the spring. I'm hoping that will jumpstart me. In the meantime, I'll keep on keeping on....

There is no way I could do a treadmill... I feel like it's a human hamster wheel. LOL I am so anxious to get back outside too! I need for all this ice to melt off of our roads in town though - otherwise I'll never make it up all the hills. OOoh - I am curious as to what the "boot camp" is... I plan to sign up for Zumba again for the spring session - I love it because the girls and I have so much fun, but the work out itself is rather "meh"... I'd rather do some sort of boot camp and lifting. But I just do the Zumba so I can hang out with my work pals.

**********************************************************

My morning was a little off kilter because I had to go to town right away.

I never did work out... Which is OK... Not sure if I will today either? I will see if I "feel" like it.

I stopped at Target... I found some frames for my Dad's apartment - I was super excited about them! They were marked 75% off, then there was a cartwheel for another 15% off, plus my 10% and my Target debit card 5%... They were really cheap... I didn't actually calculate, but I think they were less than $8 for the pair... They were regular $25 each! I have BFF on the look-out for one more at her store, because I need 3.

Then, I came home and worked on my applique for the rest of the day. I am happy to report that I finished it. WHOOT! I might try to sneak up there for a little while today and start some pre-assembly work.

We are all going to Josh's cousin's hockey game this afternoon. He usually always has evening games, but this is an afternoon game, so I think I can stay awake.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Safe travels to Ariana today. Kathy - Mark is still in our prayers, I hope he is starting to recover. Tess, glad you hear you have power, Kat continues to be in our prayers too. And if you hear screams coming from Chicago area today - that's just Mo.

D~

 

[NiniMorris]

Quick drive by...


If you can't see the difference in your progress pictures then you need new glasses...


That is all...

Nini

 

[DMGeurts]

Gotta say it... I love this bag~!

I just love working with dots, and I love working with primary colors! They just speak "Disney" to me. I love how this bag came together, and I just love everything about it! There are many fun and unique elements on this bag - it was a true joy to make.

D~

 

[Terkina]

Lovely bag. A lot of details and the colors are perfect for a Dumbo bag.

 

[emmysmommy]

Do you ever make a bag and want to keep it for yourself because it is beyond brilliant? Seriously I'd have a hard time parting with those amazing creations! That Dumbo embroidery is awesome! I love primary colors too since they are so bright and bold. Another fabulous D~ creation for sure.

Since I'm getting caught up.....
Great progress selfie D! I have to "feel it" to run each day. If I'm not there mentally I won't run far and then I feel like I failed so I take days off and just get back out there. I'm sure you feel somewhat the same?? At least you are doing something and your effort is showing. Great job!

What a sweet trip to look forward to with your dad, I'm sure he will be so grateful to travel with you. Em and I took a trip with my mom & dad last summer to the farms that he grew up on in Nebraska. It was a trip down memory lane for him and some great family memories for Em and me. My dad still thanks us for taking that trip with them. So what I'm saying is... it may mean even more to your dad to be able to take that trip with you. And if you go to WDW together, that would be awesome!

Take care and enjoy your weekend!

 

[sewmess]

I have to say - I'm not usually a huge Dumbo fan, but that is the best Dumbo I've ever seen.

I have got to get working in my sewing room. I have a cold right now and my motivation is there, but the energy is not.

Have a good weekend and enjoy the hockey.

 

[ladylyons]

Thanks Sandra! Yup - we just have to do the best we can... After all - I am a firm believer in LIVING life too, and we all must have fun!

So true!! I agree with you.

Great job on Dumbo!! The colors all look great and the inside fabric is so fun!!

Hope your able to make that trip with your Dad (both to WA and WDW). Fun times ahead and always.

Baby Jeffrey is adorable!

Thank you!! Hope your power has come back on.

 

[Pixiedust530]

As usual D~, you have outdone yourself again with your latest bag. I am not usually a big Dumbo fan, but I absolutely LOVe this bag. I too love bright primary colors and polka dots. I have this thing with geometric patterns (polka dots, chevrons, stripes, etc.) It looks like you new embroidery machine is proving to be a good investment. The Dumbo font and corresponding flourishes really go well with the bag theme. I can't wait to see what you come up with next.

I also wanted to say that your "get fit" progress is amazing. You are looking great. Keep up the good work.

 

[DMGeurts]

Quick drive by...

If you can't see the difference in your progress pictures then you need new glasses...

That is all...

Nini

Hahaha... You are right - it is probably time for me to have new glasses anyways, it's been a few years. And - it's not as if I ever wear the ones I have...

Lovely bag. A lot of details and the colors are perfect for a Dumbo bag

Thank you Lillian... I am excited about how it turned out... It really has a "Circus" feel to it - and it's just a FUN bag!

Do you ever make a bag and want to keep it for yourself because it is beyond brilliant? Seriously I'd have a hard time parting with those amazing creations! That Dumbo embroidery is awesome! I love primary colors too since they are so bright and bold. Another fabulous D~ creation for sure.

Sometimes... Actually - many of them I want to keep for myself. I just tell myself that I can always make myself another... and when it comes back to it - I've only done it once, and that was my Jiminy Cricket bag... I'd made one for an auction once, and I just loved it... Then I made one for myself - adhering to my strict rule of "never making the same bag twice" - so I changed up a few things on it to keep it "OOAK", and as it turned - I carried it, but I liked my original bag better, so I am not sure I will carry it for another trip. I am actually considering selling it?

Quite honestly - what brings me even more joy, is to see the people who order them enjoying them - I have an "I Spy" album on my facebook fanpage - and nothing makes me happier than adding pictures to that. It's almost as if, every time I send a bag out into the world, I am sending a part of myself out traveling... It's weird, I know - but I put so much of my creativity into my bags... And it's the greatest compliment ever to see people enjoying them, and even better -when people come back for more. Then I know that they truly love what I do. I am so very lucky!

Since I'm getting caught up.....
Great progress selfie D! I have to "feel it" to run each day. If I'm not there mentally I won't run far and then I feel like I failed so I take days off and just get back out there. I'm sure you feel somewhat the same?? At least you are doing something and your effort is showing. Great job!

Thanks Brenda... I am sort of the same? Like, for instance, last week Monday - I was scheduled to start Stage 3 of my lifting program, after a scheduled week off... My heart just wasn't in it at all. Sigh. So, I did just a random lift... A few squats... A few push-ups... A few weighted lunges... You know... Afterwards, I was kind of down on myself for copping out. But, at least I did something. The next morning - I felt a little better, because all those muscles that I didn't use the day before were a bit sore... So, I knew I worked them... Which led me to a couple of rest days... Then Thursday, I started my Stage 3... I am very glad I did. I knew I wouldn't be happy until I started my next stage, as this is something I am so proud of myself for.

I would love it if my effort would show a little bit more though... Sometimes I feel like I am just spinning my wheels... I could starve myself at 1200 calories/day and lose really fast, but then where would I be? At the end, I'd be skinny, and hungry... eat everything in sight and gain it all back. I am trying so hard to end that cycle, so I will eat more, lose slower and try to be happy and content with that. But it's something I really struggle with every single day...

What a sweet trip to look forward to with your dad, I'm sure he will be so grateful to travel with you. Em and I took a trip with my mom & dad last summer to the farms that he grew up on in Nebraska. It was a trip down memory lane for him and some great family memories for Em and me. My dad still thanks us for taking that trip with them. So what I'm saying is... it may mean even more to your dad to be able to take that trip with you. And if you go to WDW together, that would be awesome!

Take care and enjoy your weekend!

I hope so... I am very excited to take this trip with him. It will be a fun trip for us, for sure. I am not sure about WDW with him yet... It's just sometihng I would like to do some day - I would have to see how we do in WA and how that trip goes. The good thing about going to WDW with my dad, since he is retired and I can take vacation whenever I want to schedule it - we can go at a time when the weather is nice and cool for him, and crowds are "low".

The trip with your mom and dad sounds like it was wonderful for all of you. I am sure that so many amazing memories were created.

Thanks for stopping by Brenda - it was great to see you.

I have to say - I'm not usually a huge Dumbo fan, but that is the best Dumbo I've ever seen.

I have got to get working in my sewing room. I have a cold right now and my motivation is there, but the energy is not.

Have a good weekend and enjoy the hockey.

Thanks Ruth! I am very happy with it.

I hope you were able to get some work done in your sewing room... and I hope you are feeling better soon.

I hope you have a nice weekend as well, hockey was fun!

So true!! I agree with you.

Great job on Dumbo!! The colors all look great and the inside fabric is so fun!!

Thank you! I am so very happy how it turned out!

Hope your able to make that trip with your Dad (both to WA and WDW). Fun times ahead and always.

Thanks! Me too! WA is a "for sure" trip... Just have to save up enough $$. WDW will be a "see how WA goes trip"... LOL And of course, I will have to take my Dad's health into consideration too... But I would LOVE to take him there and let him experience it... Many logistics would have to be considered - he would definately need to rent a scooter, and we would have to go during a slow and cooler time... We'll see... It's something I'd love to keep at the back of my mind... Somewhat of a "do-over" of my childhood and his... I think it would be good for us.

**********************************************************

Yesterday was just a fantastic day for me...

I was so thrilled to finish the Dumbo bag... I just LOVE working with Dumbo, and the colors I can use for him - I love big, bright and bold colors when working with characters. I am so happy how it turned out - and it was fun to be able to use my new embroidery machine for the zipper pull - it fit the theme of the bag so perfectly!

I was a bit of a bum yesterday afternoon...

Then we went to Matt's hockey game... We had a friend of Alli's join us... a male-type friend. Something that we have never done before... I won't go into any details, but we all really enjoyed him and enjoyed having him with us. We invited him to stay for dinner, and we visited for quite a while afterwards, then he went home. We extended an invitation for him to visit us again... which is a BIG step for us...

After dinner, the girls, Josh and I watched the olympics for a while and went to bed. We love the olympics here! And watch them as much as we can.

I am not sure of our plan for today... We have talked about going to visit BFF - it's been several weeks since we have seen her - which is quite unusual for us... The girls and I may go up there this morning for a few hours? It's supposed to be bitterly cold here today - and I am just not sure I want to venture out? So, we'll see.

Otherwise - it might just turn into a "sloth-like" day for me...

I hope you all have a wonderful day today... Safe travels for Nini headed to WDW tonight... Prayers continue for everyone who needs them.

D~

 

[babynala]

Your progress picture is really amazing. Actually I think you can see so much change in your face, which is an area that is probably part of your body that is least likely to show results. Your lifestyle change in your eating habits will continue to have an impact on your body and your health, even if the results are not obvious. Good for you for being able to continue your journey.

The Dumbo bag is gorgeous as usual. The applique is stunning! I also wanted to say that the stitching from your embroidery machine looks really nice too. Such a fun detail you could add.

Stay warm if you head out today but I wouldn't blame you if you decided to stay home and hibernate today.

 

[KatMark]

D, we are still out of town, but I had to pop in and tell you how much I love the Dumbo bag. It is perfect in every way.

 

[Iamthequeen]

Thanks for all of your concern for us. We did get power back on Friday, but did not get cable/internet back until this morning. I was going through serious withdrawal -

I love the Dumbo bag - see what amazing things you can do with your new embroidery machine - the hang tag turned out great!

I guess when you have a beautiful teenage daughter, you have to expect the male-type friends to start hanging out.....

We haven't been able to watch any of the Olympics yet, however, we have a local girl, Summer Britcher, who is in the women's luge, so I hope we can catch some of her on tv. I don't know what the schedule is though.

As far as the ice storm we got on Wednesday - we had a total of 1/2 inch of ice. It is being called the 2nd worst storm of the century - so far, just behind Sandy for the amount of damage it has caused. The epicenter of the storm was over York County, so apparently we suffered the brunt of it. We are supposed to get another couple of inches of snow today. Luckily the blizzard they had predicted earlier in the week didn't happen, however it may be on the horizon for next weekend. I AM SICK OF SNOW! Luckily I have a trip in one month to look forward to

Kat is doing well and her spirit is high as well.