Sorry for not updating my blog much. I’ve not really been doing much stitching, so I’ve not really had anything to blog. My primary focus right now is on my weight loss journey. I do post pretty much every day on my weight loss blog. So, if you are interested in knowing what’s going on with me, feel free to check there.

When I do get some stitching done, I’ll definitely still be posting that here. Although, I had to admit that I love Terri’s idea of bringing all of her blogs together in one place. I definitely like the idea of being less fragmented in my life. If I decide to ultimately go that route as well, I’ll post links on both blogs fo the new combined one.

I do have a couple of stitching related pics to share. They are pics from a couple of exchanges I’ve been in over the summer.

Biscornu exchange for Jen:	Biscornu exchange from Leigh:

For the Birds exchange for Becky:	For the Birds exchange from Amy:

BTW - thanks to everyone for helping me verify that I got the comments problem resolved.

Failure is only the opportunity to more intelligently begin again.
- Henry Ford

I stumbled across this quote earlier today and really like it! This is perfect for me right now as I’m trying to get my head back on straight. I’m trying to focus on the fact that I’ve kept 75 pounds off rather than focusing on the amount I gained back over the past 3 years. I didn’t come anywhere close to getting back to my top weight and that’s a victory!

I ordered a new toy for myself yesterday, too. I ordered a new iPod nano. I can’t wait for it to get here next week! I ordered the one from the Product red line. I figured if I’m spending the money anyway, I might as well help a good cause at the same time. Here’s a pic of what they look like:

I love the size of them. It’s roughly 2″ x 2.75″ and weighs less than 2 oz. It’s definitely going to be a lot smaller and lighter and my trusty iPod mini that I currently have. I ordered an arm band for it as well which will make it easy to wear when walking or using the cardio machines at the gym.

Since I got free engraving on it, I decided to put some inspiring on mine. Something that would always remind me to be the kind of person I want to be. It’s a favorite quote of mine from Gandhi that never fails to move me.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Points Total: 32.5 (used 1.5 APs)
Exercise: Walking - 2 AP
Pedometer Steps: 7439
WPA balance: 35.0
Water: 64 oz

I’ve been swapping emails with a couple of other friends who are also on their own weight loss journeys. We were discussing have an article of clothing as an inspiration to help each of us stay motivated. I do have a dress that I keep hanging up on my bedroom door for this very purpose. It’s definitely not a inspiration for my final destination though. It’s more of a mid-point goal I would say. Here are a couple of pics of the dress:

Front	Back

It’s a size 16 Evan-Picone cocktail dress. That means it’s probably more like size 12-14 in “normal” sizes. I love the way the back drapes down and shows of a bit of the upper back. Of course, I guess that means I’ll need to work on some upper back exercises to make sure it’s looking toned and sexy by the time I can wear the dress.

Points Total: 29.5
Exercise: None
Pedometer Steps: Forgot my pedometer at home this morning
WPA balance: 35.0
Water: 64 oz

I went to my WW meeting this morning and was shocked to see I was down another 1.4 pounds this week. I thought for sure those s’mores around the campfire at the lake house probably did me in. The loss this week brings my total loss since I rejoined on August 15th to 4.2 pounds. I’m not losing fast, but at least it’s been consistent. Looking at the big picture, since I’ve had 3 weigh ins thus far, I’m actually averaging 1.4 pounds per week which isn’t too shabby.

I’ve decided to take a break from posting my food journal every day. I’ve realized I pretty much eat the same foods all the time, so there just doesn’t seem to be much point in posting it every day. I will still keep posting my daily points and water consumed, exercise completely, new food finds, any new recipes that I try, etc.

I’ve also started working on a list of goals & rewards for my journey. Given how much weight I still need to lose, I need to break it down into smaller segments to help me not feel completely overwhelmed with the task ahead of me. I think I’m going to take things in 5% chunks. That will give me a little bit more to reach for than the 5 pound stars that WW gives us, yet not so much that I feel like my mini-rewards will take a long time to achieve. Once I have my rewards list finished, I’ll post them here.

Points Total: 29.0
Exercise: Walking - 1 AP (.53 mil)
Pedometer Steps: 4902
WPA balance: 35.0
Water: 48 oz

I’m baaaaack. I had a GREAT time at the lake! I did indulge a little more than I probably should have … s’mores over an open fire … need I say more? The scale looked OK when I hopped on it tonight when I got home from the airport though. I’m just hoping that it won’t jump up tomorrow or the next day due to the flying. I’m notorious for retaining water whenever I fly.

I did get in quite a bit of activity while there. I did keep myself on track with my walking. I went out for 20-25 minute walks on both Saturday and Sunday. While I didn’t get in a “formal” walk on Friday or Monday, I did get in quite a bit of walking just in the course of my travels through 3 airports each time. In addition to the walk, I also spent a couple of hours both Saturday and Sunday in the lake, too. I wasn’t actively swimming, but just paddling around and treading water at least got in some more activity.

Anyway, enough about the lake. It’s good to be back home and in my own bed. Now it’s time to get back to my eating routine, too.

Breakfast:
Peaches - 1
English muffin - 1

Lunch:
Tostada salad (no shell) - 8

Snack:
Z-bar - 2.5

Dinner:
Tofurkey & cheese sandwich - 3
FF Pringles w/salsa - 2
Baby carrots - 0
WW ice cream bar - 2

Snack:
Nonfat milk - 3.5
Z-bar - 2

Total: 25.0
Exercise: Walking - 1 AP (.79 mil)
Pedometer Steps: 4759
WPA balance: not taking any until after WI on Wednesday
Water: 72 oz