Let's eat cake!

Well, the new font and size I tried out for my last post didn't impress me like I thought it would. Everytime I see that post, it just really bugs me, so here we are, back to the one I've used pretty consistently. Hope it's okay for you to read.

Lately, my newest obsession, is watching video podcasts. The only problem with it (depending on how you look at it), is those podcasters are probably some of the very best enablers! In the past week, I've ordered a new planner, and as I already told you, went and spent probably close to about $75. in stickers, tapes, a paper cutter, and loads of other baubles, as well as a skein of yarn, and a new project bag. And I'm blaming it all on those podcasters...haha! I tracked my planner yesterday, and it is scheduled to be on my doorstep today!! I'm so excited to get started with it, especially since it's already March. I told my husband that I'm staking claim to part of his sunroom/office. I have my in progress quilt spread out all over the dining room, my office/craft room is taken up with my ongoing spinning project and stash, along with our musical instruments (guitars for hubby and ukuleles for me). So, where else am I going to lay out all of my scrapping projects? That reminds me...it's been a while since I've shown you any progress on my spinning! I finished one whole bobbin of the Lincoln x fleece I bought last year at Retzlaff Vineyards, and have started a second bobbin. I'm pretty excited over how nicely it's turning out! I'm thinking this might be sweater worthy! :)

 

Oh my goodness...I almost forgot I was going to update you on my road to healthy. As of yesterday, I'm down by 36 pounds!!! I was thrilled when I stepped on the scale. I just can't even begin to tell you how much better I feel! What fun I'm having playing with my grandchildren, running after them in the parks, going up and down stairs at ball games, and not being out of breath!! The best part though, was when I spent the day last Thursday with my best friend and because she is diabetic and has to carry a glucose meter with her, she checked my sugar level. I was beyond ecstatic when the number came back well within the normal range again!!! That was my goal all along, and I'm doing it! The rest is just icing on the cake...new smaller clothes, being more energetic, no more swollen joints. People keep asking me what "diet" I'm following, what program am I on, etc.? Really, truly, I'm not following any specific plan or diet, nor am I using any kind of diet aids, nor have I had any kind of gastric surgery. It's just plain 'ol basic "everything in moderation". My daughter's birthday was in February, and yes, I had a piece of her cake. The difference was, it was a normal person's piece of cake...2x2 inch square I think is what the rule is. We celebrated my granddaughter's birthday a couple of weeks ago, and yes, again, I had a piece of cake. I'm also walking a lot...not exercising, but walking.

Yesterday, I made the most awesome salad for lunch, and I will have it for dinner again today. I made a green (lettuce) salad and had a container of pico de gallo in the fridge. I spooned about half of it into the greens, and then added about four ounces of grilled chicken. I drizzled some Mango Chipotle salad dressing (made by Kraft) over the top, mixed it all up, and wow, was it ever yummy! For me, it's all about experimenting like that and finding new dishes all the time so I don't fall into a rut and get discouraged.

 

Anyway, the best feeling in the world is having my grandkids call me their "skinny grandma" now! I just wanted to be around for a very long time for them, and for once, I'm actually looking forward to going back to see my doctor next month and not grimacing when they ask me to step on the scale.

 

I did cast on for my new lace capelet like I said I was going to the other day. I was having a problem with the setup row for the yoke though, so I called the designer, Betty Fryer, and got help from her. She is the sweetest person and was so helpful. I'm almost finished with the yoke now and then I'll start the body. What a beautiful design!!

 

 

My Remembering Vanessa cowl is nearly finished. I was going to do just the one loop cowl, but it was up too close around my neck to suit me, so I'm going to finish chart three completely so that it will have a bit of a little longer drape. I really wanted to anyway, since this chart is about Vanessa's love for water. For the one loop cowl, Christina had you stopping about three sections or so before the end of the chart. My only regret is not weaving in the ends as I went along. It's going to take me ages to do all of them, but will be so worth it!

 

 

Those are the two knitting projects I'm mainly focusing on at the moment. I made a little progress with my quilt. When my grandchildren showed up this morning, they asked me what it was going to be and then practically in unison, both of them said "I want one!!!" Looks like I've got lots of work ahead of me...