New Year New Beginnings

It's been a while, but it's time for a new beginning. I've done a few things already this year that I hadn't done for a while or had never done and I hope to continue doing.

First, I sewed a few articles of clothing. I had tried this a few times in the past with mixed results. I kept seeing things in stores that I thought (hearing my mom's voice in my head) "I could make that myself!" So I picked out a few easy patterns and got some inexpensive fabric at Joann's to try it out.

I ended up making a blouse and a sundress. The blouse turned out well although next time I would make some slight alterations like using a lighter weight fabric and making the back ties longer. The sundress turned out really well, but looks a bit like a muu muu. I couldn't resist the pattern since it has pockets - I can't resist a dress with pockets! I'll probably wear it lots during the summer - AT HOME!

The second thing I hadn't done in a while was start an exercise regiment! I joined a "biggest loser"-type contest at work and I've had to get down to business in the last week or so. I've been doing alright so far, but boy is it hard to get into a new routine when your routine for a LONG time has been eating whatever you want and doing a lot of sitting around.

The third thing is going snowshoeing! I've never done that before and this weekend dh and I decided to try something new. We had about 6 inches or so of snow this past week and the temperatures were above freezing this weekend, so it was perfect weather for it. We got some snow shoes and took them out for a spin near the Skokie Lagoons. We had fun and got a great workout.

I'm looking forward to a great year full of more new and exciting things!

Gettin' fit! Maybe...?

So I've made a commitment to get fit. I found this great online group of people who are crafters who are also dedicated to staying fit. Look at that cute little icon in my sidebar! Now every time I come to my blog, I will be reminded of what I signed up for!

Generally, crafting & fitness are two things that don't go hand-in-hand. Especially since most crafts like sewing & quilting are very sedentary hobbies.

But getting fit is something I've been thinking about working on for a while now. I've made very halfassed attempts in the past to improve my fitness level and get healthy. And for many reasons. First and foremost, of course, is for a better body image and to feel better about myself. Secondly, I have a family history of heart attacks, stroke, & LOTS of diabetes. I do NOT want to develop diabetes like my grandmothers, one grandfather, an aunt, and a cousin have. And my dad was borderline diabetic until his doctor put him on a strict(er) diet.

Now that I'm back in school, I usually find it easier to stick to a more structured schedule. That will now hopefully include some sort of exercise each day. I actually live close enough that I could walk to work. It would only be about a 20 or 25 minute walk. That's a good amount of walking if done two times a day. Of course that depends on how much stuff I have to carry to and from school. There I go... trying to make excuses again....

Ok.. here it is. I commit to walking to school or at least exercising at least 3 times a week. That will be a good starting goal. I may whine loudly about it, but bear with me please! It's for my own good!