Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Finally!

I Totally did it! I have quit smoking! I quit on 01/19/2009 and I am going strong! No more smokes for me! I feel really bad though, I have been avoiding my friends who smoke. It really has nothing to do with them, I just don't think that I have enough will power to deal with the whole situation.

I am also moving to a later shift at work! Woo Hooo... Can we say SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL? I really think that that will help with the wallet!

I am starting to work on my crafts now, not as much as I would like but I have to start out slow because I really don't have a designated area yet. This week I started working on a felt bag that I think is going to rock! I will post pictures when it is done. I also spray painted for the first time.
This is what I learned:
1. Paint in a well ventilated area without the wind blowing at you... (Otherwise you may end up blowing colors out of your nose for days!)
2. Try not to get caught in the crossfire between you and the object you are painting... ( Spray Paint is Oil based, IT DOESN'T WASH OFF)
3. Don't paint the day before you have to go to work in a business casual environment... (I looked like I had Camo stylin for a few days)

Although I had to scrub off all of the skin on my arm, I had fun getting some of the "creative juices flowin!"
That's all for now...

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Preparing for a new begining

Hello All!
I am soooo Happy to meet you! I am starting this blog because I need a place of my own to talk about my journey to become a better me. That includes being a better wife, a better friend, and a better worker.... (in that order).
Although it sounds cliche, I am trying to turn over a new leaf with the start of a new year. i am out of shape, I smoke and I sit on my tushie entirely TOO MUCH. I am planning on losing weight, quitting smoking and starting a crafting business all around the same time.
To give you a little background, a few years ago, I went on a similar journey. That time, I didn't follow it through. I ended up losing about 70 lbs in 8 months. I got frustrated when I hit a plateau and stopped losing weight. Rather than pushing through and trying something new, I gave up on myself. I started gaining the weight back, slowly at first. The weight gain came to a head with the coming of my last semester and my wedding. All this happened at the same time, mind you. I know that it should not be an excuse, but it is what I used as an excuse. In my head, it was ok because I was stressed and I use food as a really bad way to comfort myself. After the wedding, everything was peachy keen except for the fact that I was then out of a job and my new husband and I were struggling. I got married in May, a week after I graduated and it took me until September to find a job.
I am also a smoker. I have been smoking for 10 years.... I AM 23! I know that there is NO excuse for this. I know, just as most smokers do, that this is an awful habbit and I am taking my life into my hands everytime I pick up a cigarette. I may as well limit myself to living until 40 and walking around with on of those air tanks behind me. What is worse, my mom had cancer ( not lung cancer, but still cancer) and I STILL smoke! However, no matter how much my mom wants me to or how much my husband wants me to, I cant do it for anyone but me.

I am ready now and I am going to do everything I can to be successful.
I called a Quit Coach at Free And Clear. They sent me some Nicotine Gum and My quit date is scheduled for 01/19/2008. I am scared. I am confident. I am confused. What will my life be like without cigarettes?

Smoking has been such a big part of my life for so long.

With the same program that I was able to get the gum through, I am going to start going to Weight Watchers. The program is SO EASY it's stupid! I did weight watchers before when I lost all the weight and I know it works. What else can teach you how to eat right while allowing you to eat the foods that you want? Its all about moderation people!
I really don't understand those programs like Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem or Medi-Fast. I know that they help ALOT of people lose weight but I really dont see how it can be a long term solution.
I know that Weight Watchers would have worked, if I had had the will power and strength to stick with it. I get sick of the Smart Ones and Lean Cuisines within a few weeks, I cant imagine how I would feel about eating the same cycle of food for a year or two, let alone for the rest of my life.... ECK! No Thank you!!!
Ok, so now we come to the whole point of this blog. I am planning on starting an Etsy Store and really getting into my crafting. I have SOOOOO many ideas swiming around my head and I know that I will need something to distract me from wanting to mindlessly snack or to pick up a smoke. I plan to put instructions online on some of my crafts. I would also love to hear what you think about different projects I do and weigh in about my opinions and what I have to say.
It was so great to get all that out and I plan to do another post soon!