Working on the New Years Goals

Here we are in a new year and if you are like me one of your resolutions (though I prefer to call them goals) is to declutter and get organized so that I can spend more time actually crafting. How’s that going for you? It is a slow, arduous process for me; three steps forward, two back. Some of the organizational process for me is finishing up projects I began before or (silly me) during the holiday season, so that is coming along nicely, several projects have been check off my to-do list. I have also gotten most of my end of year paperwork organized and bookkeeping updated so that I can start preparing my tax returns without too much frustration. And, oh, that is what the top of my desk looks like. And yes, I found my glasses, a seam ripper, and several beads and buttons that had chosen to hide among the miscellaneous receipts, patterns, and defunct to-do lists. Now that they are all in binders, envelopes, banker’s boxes, or the trash, my office is looking much better.

This week I need to take time off from the process to complete samples for the classes I offer at the local Joann’s (did I mention that I am a sewing and jewelry construction instructor). I love these projects and being able to share my passion for these crafts with others. I am currently working on some beautiful jewelry pieces which I will post photos of once they are complete. I will be showing all of my samples at the open house hosted by Joann’s in Stockton, California on Saturday, February 11. If you are in the area, stop by and chat for a bit.

Once the class samples are completed, I have some projects lined up that should help me get organized, but more about that next week. One of them is a wall organizer for my tools so that I can find them when I need them (hiding in plain sight), and another is a table apron so that I can keep other tools close by while I am working, but keep the table top free for the project I am working on. I’ll let you know how it works out. What are you creating this week?

http://sew4home.com/projects/storage-solutions/560-woodland-delight-9-pocket-door-caddy-for-jewels-and-lingerie

http://www.alwaysexpectmoore.com/2010/08/pocket-week-scissors-pocket-storage.html

http://www.designsponge.com/2009/02/diy-wednesdays-door-organizer.html

"Get Off Your Broom" Fitness Challeng - So it begins

Today is the official start date for  "Get Off Your Broom" fitness challenge hosted at http://www.thedomesticpagan.com/2011/09/get-off-your-broom-lets-get-started-on.html?showComment=1317475448446#c4905391105096861407. Haven't signed up or even seen it yet, no worries. Just join in now. Those of us who are joining are all looking to get healthier, not just shed a few pounds. The challenge last through the holiday season, so checkout the The Domestic Pagan, read some of the other blogs listed, get out your pen and paper, set your goals, make a plan, and tell us about it so we can sent positive energy for success your way.

I posted my goals last week, and I purposely made them minimal because I know myself. I am in the habit of setting lofty goals and the first time I fall off the path, I throw in the towel. I started taking a zumba class two weeks ago and I love it, probably because I love to dance (ever since I was a child, and that was a looong time ago). I only participate once a week right now, but the ultimate goal is to be taking the class 3 times a week by the end of December. 

This week, my goal is to add a yoga class to my routine. Several years ago, I had an AM yoga practice that got and kept me going, so I know I just have to do it. Telling you all will help me with accountability. Ask me about it; push me to keep my commitment.

My eating goal is to refine my eating habits, back to what I was doing in January. Eating whole, clean foods. Nothing (or at least very little) refined or processed. Lots of fresh veggies, fruits, and some meat and poultry in sensible portions. I know this works because I lost 25 lbs between January 2011 and June 2011. Yes, I let stress pull me off this program, then I went on vacation for 2 weeks, but the positive side of that is that I did not gain any weight. I just didn't loose any.

Pictures may or may not follow, as I hate pictures of myself. I have taken my measurements, and those are for my eyes only, but I will tell you that they quality for jumbo goddess size, and you all have just read about my plan. We can do this! "Get Off Your Broom" and get started!