The Seashelly Tales

Not quite there yet, but am busy plotting, planning what I want to accomplish in 2014.  Goals are not quite set, I usually do those on New Year's Eve. One thing I plan on doing is to post here once per week.   During that post I plan to update on various topics any progress made during the week. The topics I am choosing are: A:The Pantry Challenge Update:  The Pantry challenge is to feed myself for the week using only what's in my cupboard, plus one shopping trip per week limited to $25 spending.   Plus, every other week I receive my share in an organic co-op of vegetables.   The Pantry Challenge topic also includes my progress as I lose weight and get my blood sugar down and myself out of the pre-diabetic condition.   And whether or not I managed to avoid the "forbidden 9"  - potatoes, rice, pasta, bread, cereal, dairy, sugar, alcohol, fruit - except one apple per day or 1/2 cup berries - for the diet plan I am following....

Hello.   Wow.  Another year has flown by.   Ouch. It's almost that time of year to review goals made, how well did we do, and what goals you want for the next year.  That will not be this post.   But,a good topic for another night - AFTER christmas. This year is the year I have been pre-diabetic.  Thankfully, I've been able to maintain my weight (been bouncing within the same 5 lbs all year) avoiding the daily prick testing and meds.   Now, I'm starting to get my head wrapped around the idea that maybe, finally, it's time to get serious about weight loss.  My kitchen is pretty much void of the nasty stuff, but to start a weight loss plan at this time of year is just plain foolishness.   All I can hope for is to become better at making better food choices and limiting the quantity I eat.  No gorging until beyond stuffed.    The main problems I have with weight loss: 1) I'm ADDICTED...

Again, I realize I've neglected my poor suffering blog.   Where has the time gone?  What have I been doing?  It seems that when we are young, time seems to crawl.   For the last day of school.  But then suddenly it's the last day of summer and back to school we go. As adults, we go about our busy daily routines, then suddenly we wonder where did the year go?   The older we get, the faster the years fly by! It's that time of year again.   The time that usually sends me into a tailspin depression.   But not so much this year.   I seem to finally have  a handle on that. Yeah, it sucks that the year flew by and I'm wondering  WTF?  So, where have I been and where am I going? As far as my crafting has gone,  It's been quite a productive period since my last post.    I've challenged myself in both knitting and spinning endeavors. I've been a member of that knitting/crochet ...

I know most of us have learned to bring our knitting with us when we go to appointments, etc. where we know we will be spending some time waiting. We have learned to put that waiting time into productive use. It is possible to knit/crochet while driving! However, there are rules that must be followed to keep out of trouble with the traffic cops! Why? How many times have you been driving along and then wham! You're stuck in a parking lot. Traffic is not moving. Everything is at a standstill. Now all these happen for various reasons: road work, accidents(#1), whatever. So, instead of sitting there, aggravated, blaring your horn at other drivers who are most likely feeling the same way you do, so why not take advantage of this stand still time by working on your knitting/crochet project? Turn wasted time into productive time! However, like I mentioned above, there are some "rules" to make this a pleasant experience for you and all around you. 1) BE AWARE OF THE TRAFFIC AROUN...

Well, the condo purchase finally closed at the end of February. Repainted and new carpets and moved in at the end of march. Hmmm, pictures aren't seeming to appear, oh well. All is well with the world. Been unpacking and rearranging, and settling in. Will post pictures soon,

Over on Ravelry, they are talking about "intentions" rather than "resolutions". So, letting things set in...... Here are some of my "intentions" and plans for the New Year. Condo Purchase: (Yes, I'm buying a condo! ) though currently stalled, will need an extension for obtaining financing. Hoping to close in January, do some work - new carpets, painting, etc. and hoping to move in by end of February. That will put the move right smack in the middle of tax season! Heaven help me: It's a two story loft design in an old factory building. I've been in love with these condos since the first open house. Now I have a chance of getting in. With a new coat of paint, fresh carpets, two bedrooms, and some new appliances, it should be a nice home to live and work in for years to come. Since it has two bedrooms, I'm turning the second bedroom into my "studio" space, so I will no longer be renting out the current studio space...

Back in May,I was on Vacation and visited my brother out in Seattle. We took a trip to Victoria, British Columbia. From there a lovely bus ride up to see the Butchart Gardens. Took a ton of pictures of the flowers. Including this one: Then I got in a drawing mood and with colored pencils drew this "painting": I need to practice drawing, but my fellow students in the class I take thought it was a very nice piece. Just thought I'd share how one gets inspired.