Today is a day that tests my patience...

Today has not been a good one when it comes to my mentality regarding my body.

I feel fat.  Sloppy.  Chunky.  Clumsy.  The same.


But I know I'm not.  I've lost 26 pounds since March 5th.

26 POUNDS.

Do you know what weighs approximately 26 pounds?

-A 2 year old

-A small dog

-5 bags of sugar

-3 1 gallon jugs of water

-A party gummy bear

-40 10 oz cans of soup

While this most certainly isn't the biggest weight loss many of you may have seen, It's my biggest weight loss.  And I'm usually SO proud but the past 2-3 days I've felt so...blah.  I've been working out more (although I know I need to really amp it up) but I've felt so weak...I know it takes time and will-power...and I've been holding out since March but today my patience was tested.

And I hated it.

It's not like I have an ideal body type I'd like to look like or even a specific weight I'd like to get to (my goal was 150 from 171.8 and I currently weight 146...so that's awesome!)  I plan on making this a lifestyle change.  I feel SO much better without 40 10 oz cans tied to me (figuratively, of course.)  I'm sleeping better, eating better, trying harder, moving more, have decreased anxiety and just overall feel great most of the time.  I'm fitting into clothes I haven't worn in years!  I guess it's just the ebb and flow of life, emotions, moods, and such these past few days.  I also know that the body often plateaus after a while unless something drastically changes.  My eating habits have been mostly maintained so I'm pretty sure I just need to move more and amp it up when I do.  I know I'm getting stronger and I know I'm getting leaner...it's just not all happening NOW and I think my patience is pissed.

But why?  Again, I have no time frame, no set goal weight and date (per say.)  I'd like to get to around 140 and stay at around 140.  That's the tip of my BMI and also works well with my frame.  So why the hurry?  If it's really to be a life style change I guess I need to just shut up and realize it takes TIME and WORK and PERSISTENCY.  I mean hell: it took time to gain that additional 26 pounds so for me to loose that weight and rework my body should definitely take time too.

I'm just impatient!

Ah, well.  They say anything worth doing is worth doing right (and is usually really hard.)  So I need to quit my bitching and just enjoy the ability to be 26 pounds lighter and to keep fine tuning and learning about my body, especially since it's the only one I've got!

May Craft Time...just kidding! June Craft Time Instead

So, I had all of the materials and the idea to make my craft in May...but I just plum didn't have the time!  However, I did make them in June and am happy with how they turned out.  I think I'll be making something similar (maybe cloth napkins instead of dishtowels) again for a Christmas gift.  Unfortunately,  I totally spaced on taking pictures so all I've got is the finished product.  Just use your lovely imagination and think about the steps :)

Stamped Tea Towels

What You'll Need:
-2 or more tea towels (also known as flour sack towels)
-assorted stamps
-assorted stamp ink
-an iron
-small paint roller (optional)

Step-by-Step:
1. Iron your cloth to make smooth.
2. Place assorted paints on a pallet or paper plate for easy use.
3. I improvised a bit with stamps-I didn't like the stamps I had on hand so I used some items around the house that were circular so I could make dots.  I used different sizes too.  However, if you do have stamps make sure they are coated well and evenly (this is where the small pain roller can come in) before you apply them to your towel in whatever pattern you're wanting.
4. Stamp away!  Do whatever pattern you feel like, if any pattern at all.  Make sure the stamp (or object) is placed firmly down and hold for a few seconds before slowly removing.
5. Let dry.  I waited a solid day but you can check the paint off-and-on to make sure it's dry.
6. Once dry, iron again.  This should ensure the stamps will stay.  If you plan on giving them to someone as a gift, make sure you let them know they need to be HAND WASHED AND DRIED.  If they are for you...just remember that.

And that is it!  I think these are SO adorable and pretty inexpensive!  I'm thinking of making some with Christmas tree patterns for Christmas and maybe some colorful stripes for a friends birthday gift.

(Spoiler alert:  I didn't make a craft in July either!)

Your thoughts spelled out in ABC's...

Over "On the Road to DeMask Us", I saw a very simple blog that really got me thinking.  Go check out her blog and read about the ABCs...then come back and check mine out!

Always ask questions.
Be aware that your priorities aren't always the same as others.
Control the need to complain.
Dive head first into something you love, regardless of your fear.
Evolve your habits so that they work best for what YOU need/want.
Fight for what you believe in.
Give generously.
Have an open mind regarding ALL topics, even if you don't agree.
Issues always work themselves out
Jokes can heal most wounds.
Know that you are never, ever alone.
Listen to others.
Make time to say "I Love You" even when you're angry.
No matter what, love with every ounce of yourself.
Organize you thoughts before speaking.
Put others first.
Quit worrying about what's to come and instead focus on the now.
Relax and enjoy the journey.
Say what you mean and mean what you say.
Take advantage of the time you have and what you can do with it.
Understand you have more than you need and that those needs are enough.
Vindictiveness solves nothing; act kind instead.
Wake up happy, glad to be living for one more day.
Xanadu is what you make it.
Your attitude affects more than you think.
the Zenith of a friendship all depends on how much you want it.

Do YOU have a list of ABC's you think others could benefit from?