An Early Birthday Present

Woo Hoo! My family gave me an early birthday gift.

My very own digital camera. I am so excited it, is charging as I write. Photos to come soon!!!

Today has been a day for details. I registered Derrick, Alex and my BIL Troy to become Scuba certified when we next visit Key West. I registered myself for a beginning weaving class in June. Paid some bills. And have more paperwork to do tonight. All this to keep from cleaning the dining room. The dining table we bought for Amber last year is too big for her new house. Since it is much larger than mine, I get it back. Andy and his friend are bringing it tonight and I should have the room clean for the new addition.

I also found out today that my mom is coming for a visit on Friday and staying until April 9. I'll have to plan a few nice meals.

Last week I bought a used loom. It is a Leclerc Dorothy, 15in 4 shaft table loom. It should be great for learning. From everything I have read recently I think I will want a wider loom later, and probably a floor loom.

I can't pick it up until Thursday so photos will follow. I am so excited I can hardly wait. I'm just sorry that my class isn't until June. I'm sure I'll have to tinker with it before hand!

The sock above is finished and the second is on the needles. It is a pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks and the yarn is KPPPM.

Talented

Last night I watched my son play is bass on a real stage in a real tavern. I know that his talent doesn't come from me, but boy does he have it.

It was a kick watching the crowd from my chosen bar stool in the rear of the bar. As I sipped my ale I almost giggled out loud. Does this mean I am cool by association?

Still knitting on Derrick's sock. I may finish it this weekend and be able to start #2.

The new lifestyle is going well. I am starting to have more energy, no more headaches from caffeine withdrawal. I am going to put some work into being more prepared next week. Big grocery shopping trip on the horizon.

It's a start

It hasn't been too terrible, this giving up caffeine and sugar. I had a headache for a day or two, but everyone in the house lived. They were all well aware that I was undertaking this and were on their best behavior.

I am feeling a bit sluggish. I'm sure that will be gone soon. This weekend I will be adding exercise to my better eating plan.

Derricks sock is taking shape, I'm on the gusset of sock one. I need to get hopping on Alex's sweater.

So as not to have a picture-less post I will leave you with a photo I took in NC. This is a house on Oak Island.

A New me?

I have been doing a lot of soul searching lately and have decided to create a new me. The me I want to be. The me I want people to see and come to know. The Me I want to be for myself and my family and the world.

First I plan to blog more often and use the blog as a journal/sounding board. The blog will help me be accountable to myself.

My plan is for small and large changes alike. Basically I want to live more simply, use less, buy less, live more healthfully, be a better example to those around me. I want to cut out the things I don't enjoy and spend more time doing the things I want to do. I hope to inspire my family to live a more healthy lifestyle, by example.

My self improvement will include learning to spin, weave, play the piano. I will resume weight lifting and yoga. Gardening will take a larger roll and I will spend more time outside. I am going to reduce the amount of clutter so that maintenance will be quick and easy. I vow to myself to walk or bike to the farmers market every Saturday from April until October. It is only one mile away. I will get up earlier and use daylight. I will turn off the TV.

For meals I will follow a low glycemic index diet. The Transitions Lifestyle is the one that works for me. This is no diet but a lifestyle change. I will stop eating sugar! I will be prepared! That is the easiest way to stay on track.

I'd like to start a business once we move to Key West maybe even before. I want to have an online shop as well as have items on consignment at boutique type places in town. My items for sale will include hand wovens, hand spun yarn, hand dyed yarn, candles (beeswax and soy), hand sewn items, jewelry, mosaics, basically all of my craft loves. The business will be called Paradise Cottage Craft.

I also want to spend more time preparing Alex for his future. We will redouble our efforts with his schooling. I also will spend some time training our dogs better. I'd like them to be canine good citizens.

Our current plan for the move is to find a home that is affordable. Derrick will spend 20 days a month in Key West, and 10 traveling to see his clients or in his office in MD. He wants me to act as his assistant, making his appointments and travel arrangements. This will be one way for us to keep in constant communication with each other.

Today I will spend time making lists and schedules. More on those as they are nailed down.

Tomorrow is the BIG DAY, Day 1. It sounds rather ambitious however not everything will be implemented on day one. I will add things slowly so that they become good habits.

Tonight we are going to the high school to see the Rock and Roll Revival. It is a musical that is put on each year. They totally rewrite the show every year to showcase different songs. Alex's friends are in the cast and band this year.

In knitting news..I spend a lot of time on Ravelry and have the usual 50 wip.