Where did the year go?

I can't believe that 2008 is almost over.  I feel like this year flew by!! I guess it is time to start working on my new years resolution.  This year I did very well with my resolution and feel like I achieved my goal.  I worked hard all year to recycle my plastic grocery bags and use the reusable ones as much as possible. I felt that this was something small that could easily be changed.  I really need to work on eating better and working out, but these goals are never met for some reason.  Baby steps needs to be my approach I guess?

Be careful what you wish for.......

We have got snow, and I got the snowshoes out, just in the backyard. All I can say is its going to be a very white Christmas.

This is our BBQ. Where did it go? We got 23 inches of snow in 24 hours. Our region set many records last night and today. Yikes.

Here is our patio table and umbrella, I can't believe how tiny it looks.

Good thing we don't have a small dog, because they would be buried somewhere. Even Rossi loves the snow. We are doing our best to dig out and have fun!!

False Alarm.

So the storm warning was just hype, weird. Thank you dramatic meterologists for the panic. We got a dusting snow, but we did get the frigid temps. It has been no more then ten degrees and as low as negative fifteen. Who is ready for a tropical vacay? ME ME! Please pick ME! I just feel bad for our poor little furnace.

Winter Storm Warning.

The local news is hyping up a large winter storm that is supposed to start tomorrow. The are claiming that the temps will plummet and the flakes will fly. For the first time in a long time I am actually excited for a storm, you want to know why? Because I have a brand new pair of shiny snowshoes. Ryan and I really have not had the chance to use them since we have been experiencing Seattle like weather. The Rei guy told Ry that he could wear them in one inch of snow if he wanted. That is a funny mental image, big snowshoes, poles, and one inch of snow. We can actually take the lab with us also, what a family experience!

Gratitude

So after my post the other day about being thankful, I made a decision. I had read an article in Real Simple magazine about keeping a gratitude journal. The article stated that people who kept a gratitude journal felt more in control of their life, had better self esteem and self worth, could cope more easily with trauma, and improved health. The participants got an average of a half hour more sleep each night and were more likely to exercise. I am going to start my journal on December 1st. My attitude lately has been pretty sour. I am not sure if it is because winter is here or work is getting more stressful, but it needs to change. I am not appreciating the things in my life that I should. I will update everyone on my progress.

Giving Thanks!

I just want to take a quick minute to give thanks for the wonderful things in my life. I know the holidays can be very hectic and chaotic, and many of us tend to forget the more meaningful things about the season. I am going to work very hard this year to enjoy every minute, and appreciate all I have. I encourage everyone to do the same. Have a happy turkey day.

What I am thankful for:

My wonderful husband

The lovey-dovey labrador

My great family

Everyone's health

The quiet and peaceful life we lead

Harsh reality.

I went to the doctor on Thursday and was faced with the reality that I have been denying, I have gained twenty pounds since last year. Just typing this is making me grind my teeth. At this time last year I was working nights, living off lean cuisines', espresso, and orange flavored trident. I always felt nauseous from the crazy schedule, so my diet was repulsive. No fruits, veggies, or health. When I found a new job during the day, my body grasped to every bit of sugar and fat, as if I was going to starve. Also the new job provides many naughty snacks. I knew I was gaining weight but I felt so unhealthy before, my clothes were hanging off me. Anyway my doctor wants me to lose ten pounds, good luck this time of year! Goodbye eggnog lattes, pumpkin cheesecake, and every other sinful holiday treat. Maybe if I get some self control we can meet again. My game plan is to cut my portions down, snack on fruits/veggies, and get more exercise. I will keep you all updated. Off to go out to dinner with friends-wish me luck.

Sugar and illness.

As you know last night was Halloween and we had some really fun plans. We were going to a friend's costume party, to have a wonderful night. Earlier this week Ryan and I came down with a nasty cold. Poor Ryan can't breathe and I can't stop coughing. What a great couple we make. So needless to say we stayed in to hand out candy. There must have been a memo sent around the neighborhood letting everyone know that our house is quarantined. We have sooo much candy left it makes my teeth hurt. We had about a quarter of the trick-or-treaters we did last year? The worst part is I bought candy I don't like, so I won't be tempted to eat it. Now what do I do with a giant bowl of candy that I can't stand. :(

MIA!

I have been missing for the last few weeks. Blogging got thrown to the wayside. I wasn't really doing anything too exciting, just preparing for winter. I hate this time of year, digging up all my flowers, cleaning out the garden, and putting away the patio set. I love summer so much and it breaks my heart to have to deal with the winter coming. I hope this winter goes quickly. Sorry skiers.

Rainy Day, Part 2

So the rain stopped and we decided to brave the gloom for apples. We picked some golden delicious, got our pumpkins, and bought some fresh cider. To reward ourselves for the hard work, we had to pick up some pumpkin doughnuts. Be still my heart, they are sooooo good. They were fresh and warm, covered in cinnamon and sugar. I think I just drooled on the keyboard. Check out the sky in some of the pictures.

Rainy Day

It is raining again and I have to get things done. Ryan and I were going to go pick apples and find our pumpkins today. I guess marching around a muddy orchard, dripping wet doesn't sound too fun. I really need to clean up my sewing area/room, it is pretty bad. The picture below is not like me, I usually am very organized and tidy. I guess it was a busy week. Time to clean!!

It's a Girl!!

My sister-in-law Shelby is having a girl!!! I have been making all of these baby gifts in girl colors, let's just call it intuition. She is going to have the best hair- both parents have curly hair, light blonde and light brown hair. Yay for team pink!

Stress Relief.

Yesterday evening, my dear friend Kim and I started our pottery class. We are the only two people in the class, which is nice for more one on one time. We just learned the basics for now, but I did make a little bowl. I can't wait for next Monday, I can't stop thinking of what I want to make. I think I will try to sculpt one of those cute chopstick bowls, just what everyone needs.

In other news we are shower-less at our house. Our drain keeps backing up so we called the plumber (poor guy). He started working away with one of those snake things, and all I could hear from the other room was the plumber sighing and grumbling. He goes out to his van a few times to fetch more tools, again more grumbling. Each time he walks by he is more sweaty. So finally he comes out and says there is too much hair and he needs an extra part. Of course I felt guilty since I am probably the root of the problem-massive head of hair. End result no shower until he comes back tomorrow at 6pm. :( I have to shower everyday or I'll go crazy. Good thing my sis lives near by and has a working shower.

I am in love.

I am totally in love with Amy Butler. Her designs are so gorgeous and her patterns are fun and practical. I found a great little sewing shop in town that is just as crazy as I am about Amy Butler. The Top Stitch has a sewing lounge and carries tons of beautiful material. There wasn't a single fabric that I didn't like. They also had Amy Butler's new book, which I did have to buy. I can't wait to get started on these projects. Sorry Joann's my new love affair with Top Stitch is going to be a good one.

I decided to whip up a quick baby blanket this weekend with my Alexander Henry fabric. I used "Cleo" and "Bangle Dot", I also used minky dot in pink for the other side. I think it turned out cute. I am almost glad it is raining so that I don't feel guilty for staying inside. :)

Creativity.

Today I made a trip to the local craft and fabric stores looking for some new projects. It is strange how much I enjoy shopping at these stores, I feel so creative! My Mom and both of my Grandmothers taught me what I know. I watched them all sew when I was a small girl, and they all taught me to do something different. My childhood skills were limited to bean bags, barbie sleeping bags, and small drawstring bags. I loved making the tiny drawstring bags for my little sisters, so they could store all of their treasures. I get the same feeling still when someone really appreciates something I have made for them. At my age, many people around me are having children so my next projects are going to be different baby gifts. I better not say what they are in case one of the pregnant gals checks my blog.

My First Post!

I have read so many great blogs lately that I thought I would start my own. I thought it would be nice to share my stories, thoughts, and experiences here. So let's get started.