Set Backs Happen...

Ever get going on a project and everything goes to heck in a hand-basket. Well that's what happened to me in October. I had lost 30 pounds and I was walking daily and then IT happened. I developed cellulitis in my right leg.

Friday night I was tailgating at a high school football game and woke up Saturday with what seemed to be a hangover. I slept it off and felt well enough to go on a 50 mile motorcycle ride with my husband. By 10:30 pm I was getting the chills and had a horrible headache. I went to bed, hoping sleep would help but instead I tossed and turned and couldn't get warm. At 9:00 am the next morning I knew I had no choice but to go to the hospital. My leg was three times larger than it should be and I could barely walk. I was admitted from the  emergency room and placed on a course of IV antibiotics. I remained in the hospital for nine days and on IV antibiotics for an additional four weeks. During that time, I was unable to take the product but amazingly I didn't gain any of the weight back.

Why did this happen? I was doing everything right, I was losing weight, exercising and taking better care of myself. This chronic illness was one of the reasons that I began this journey.

What's That Again?

Believe Keepsake Box
by GrapeVine Ceramics & Gifts

I believe we are making  progress - In Phase One Update, I told how we wanted to reclaim the basement from the craft and "where is this supposed to go again" creep.

I'm proud to say - we found the pool table and made the two boys that are still at home very happy. As a matter of fact one of the boys already had his friends that were home from college over hang out and play a few rounds. It was great to see them all together again. My purpose years ago when Santa delivered it was so I could provide a space where they wanted to spend time and stay out of trouble.

 We also found the table and china hutch.

Which means with a few more tweaks and finding the bar hubby can host his traveling card night at our house.

It's not the prettiest right now and truthfully has been a work in progress since we bought the house; but once the clutter is gone, maybe I can start working a wall over at a time as funds permit. That and I'm dreaming of built in book shelves - I have the wall all picked out.

Phase One Update

Phase one of starting over began in earnest at the beginning of September. Since then I have:

• Lost 30 pounds and have kept it off. This may not seem like a lot to some people but for me it's HUGE. I am over 100 pounds overweight and I struggle, really struggle to lose weight. 
• Moved my business office from the downstairs family room to the spare bedroom upstairs.
• Become slightly more organized (I'll always struggle with this one...) I've decided that I don't procrastinate I just do better under pressure.

Dream Office found on Pinterest
http://pinterest.com/pin/279223245618908058/

Phase two is going to include the following goals:

• Lose another 30 pounds. I won't be able to lose the next 30 as fast as the first 30, but I'm not giving up. 
• Finish organizing the new office. Everything has been moved in but nothing is put away in a way that allows it to be uncluttered and usuable. I need usuable!!
• Begin reclaiming the family room from my crafts and general clutter. The ceramics business has exploded into our living area. Now that the business end has been removed, I want to get back to using the storage room as my studio. My husband did a wonderful job of helping me get things set up, I just need to finish the move into the room.

I'd love to complete phase two by June 2013, but I want to be realistic. The weight didn't come on, the disorganization of the office didn't happen, and the creep into the family room didn't occur in less than 8 months. It may take longer to accomplish one item on the list let alone three. 

Dragonfly Jewelry Box from GrapeVine Ceramics & Gifts