The Highs and Lows of Life

So one of the reasons for my lack of posting lately has been some major changes in my life which are both good and bad.  I guess we can start with the good.

The Highs

Saturday July 5th, I went on an amazing date with a wonderful guy.  We met on eharmony and this was our first time meeting each other.  I was nervous but really had no idea that my life would change during that lunch.

So he decided to try on my glasses

Joe made me laugh and swept me off my feet in one afternoon.  He turned out to be everything I ever mentioned about a guy and more.  He is nerdy and sweet, kind and funny, and makes me want to be a better person.

Aren't we cute?

Seriously people I am in LOVE.  Since that date, we have been inseparable and I can't describe how happy I have been.  I don't really remember what life was like before July 5th.  Really this has been one of the major causes of my distraction and I wouldn't change I for the world.  :-)

The Lows

A couple things have really made this time suck too.  While I am deliriously happy and in love, I am also stressed out.

I made the decision earlier in July to break my lease and move home.  Between school tuition payments and my medical bills I just couldn't make things work anymore.  Dad has been awesome and is helping me break my lease.  The original plan was to be out by the end of September but that took a quick detour on July 29th.

It was a normal work day and I was plugging through email when my dad calls out of the blue.  He asks me if I'm sitting down and proceeds to tell me that he's been let go from his job.  What a crazy turn of events.  So I moved up breaking my lease and the past three weekends have been spent moving stuff home.  I am about half way done with getting the stuff moved but it's still a sad sight.

I love my little place but I know this is the right thing to do.  So I am sorry that things have been a bit quiet around here.  I think once everything is settled down, I should be back to my regularly scheduled programming here.

<3 Heather

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes (Update 5)

Image by Wade Kelly

I have another collage photo to post.  I realized that I like these monthly look backs on how I am changing and improving my life since the surgery.

I wouldn't say things have decreased to a crawl but I haven't been to the gym in ages.  Unfortunately life has gotten in the way but I think I should be able to find a better routine come September.

I have lost 103.4 lbs since my surgery in December for a total of 133.4 since September.  While I am not always seeing the scale wins, I am now mostly wearing size 18 pants.  I was super pumped on Sunday when I was able to wear size 18 jeans from the Gap and a Large T shirt.  I think the last time I wore a Tshirt that didn't have an X in was Fall semester freshman year of college.  Score!

In news about my hair saga, I am starting to grow some back.  It's weird because when i have my hair down I can feel all of the short strands on top of my head.  Hopefully they grow quickly.

All in all I feel great!

<3 Heather

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes (Update 4)

Image by Wade Kelly

I have another collage photo to post.  I realized that I like these monthly look backs on how I am changing and improving my life since the surgery.

Things have been a bit slow going, lots of busy stuff for summer so the gym hasn't been a priority as much as it should.  I was able to do 25 push ups in a minute and 48 squats in a minute.  My mile time digressed a bit but I am working to get back in the swing of things.

I have lost 103.2 lbs since my surgery in December for a total of 130.2 since September.  I keep adding clothes to the donate basket and that is a huge win.  Though, I am running low on closet stock of pants.  I went and bought a size 18 and 16 jeans in prep for the next sizes.  The 18's I can get on and button but it's really not flattering right now.

Other than that things are good.  I have been thinking protein first and my hair is rebounding nicely.  Less is coming out when I wash or brush it.  Let me tell you that was a relief.

Sugar and I are not getting along and I have been having pain for eating to much of it.  Sugar and carbs are also causing me to get a bit dizzy and my blood sugar spikes.  Lovely but manageable.

All in all I feel great, my energy is amazing and I am really happy with my progress so far.

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - Err Thursday? #5

What a crazy week!  I went from dull and sedate to busy and hectic in a short span of time.  Sunday was my ::cough:: 29th ::cough:: birthday and the whole weekend was busy with family and friends.

Friday, I took the day off of work and went to the pool.  Nothing to fancy just wanted to cool off and get some sun, though I made sure to lather on the sunscreen.

Such a beautiful day,

Because on Saturday, I went and got my first tattoo.  I had mentioned that I was getting this before (well at least I think I did, old age sure does creep up on you! ;-) ) that my aunt and were getting matching tattoos for my mom.  Where here is mine.

Mom loved angels.

The angle of the picture makes it look a little squatty but really it looks nice.  The redness is gone and it already peeled just need to let it finish healing.

Sunday, I had a lovely dinner with Aunt Becky and Aunt Fran before heading back to my apartment to watch the USA vs Portugal World Cup match.  So annoying :-/

Then as one final treat to myself, I got a manicure and pedicure on Monday after work.

Then this week is also the week of my church's festival.  I took off Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to help prep and work.  I did have good intentions to post yesterday but never left the hall to get home.  That was a long day.  I am not due  back until 3 pm today so I have some time to share with you.

So without further ado, let's talk about knitting :)

Oh La La!

So I finished the first part of the back and the right front.  I need to start on the left front soon.


Willow Square Blanket

I did manage to get 2 more squares done.  Love how all of the colors work together.

Blast Off Shrug

I finally got my swatch done.

That's it for this week.

For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis

<3 Heather

Finished Object Friday - Hats Galore

So I sort of went on a hat making binge this past winter.  Alas I didn't really get around to telling the world about them but there is no time like the present right?

So here we go!

Pittsburgh Panthers Hat

P-I-T-T LETS GO PITT!!

I made this hat for as a Christamas Gift for Jenn's Fiance, Ryan.  As a fellow Pitt Grad, I knew I wanted to make him something blue and gold.  He is an insurance appraiser so I knew a nice hat would be the perfect thing for the rest of the cold winter.  

I found this pattern on ravelry because it showed a nice transition between the colors without screaming PITT!  I figured it would work in a work environment.  

The knitting was fairly easy even though I sort of mis-read the pattern and started the colorwork about 2 inches too early.  Oh well, I made it work and I think it turned out well.

Ravelry Page - Pittsburgh Panthers Hat

Pattern - Pittsburgh Steelers HatNeedles - US 7/4.5 mm
Yarn - Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted Solids & Heathers
Colors - 848 Navy, 460 Golden Glow
Duration - 10 Days

Recovery Katahdin

Lovely teal and brown

As a get well gift from work, I was sent oodles of yarn and two projects to work on.  It was a lot easier to knit and crochet while I recovered from surgery than to read.  I had the attention span of a gnat but stockinette in the round I could do from muscle memory.  Plus it was ever so forgiving when I put it down to nap for a bit.

So as I opened my lovely surprise gift, I knew I had to make this hat ASAP.  The pattern was awesome and taught me how to do a jog-less stripe which was awesome.  I loved this hat and wore most of the winter.

A little hat selfie

Ravelry Page - Recover Katahdin

Pattern - Katahdin
Needles - US 5 /3.75 mm and US 4/3.5 mm
Yarn - The Fibre Company Acadia
Colors - Blue Heron, Pinecone
Duration - 14 Days

Hurricane During High Tea

From the back

The lovely thing about evolutions is that they progress from one color to another.  This one went from a lovely plum purple color to a nice chocolate brown.  I made this hat with Jenn in mind even though it hasn't gotten to it's recipient.  I was really happy with the pattern and love the swirling purl rib that travels up the hat.  It was deceptively simple with a great result.

Ravelry Page - Hurricane During High Tea

Pattern - Hurricane Hat
Modifications - Cast on 101 Stitches
Needles - US 5 /3.75 mm and US 4/3.5 mm
Yarn - Twisted Fiber Arts
Colors - High Tea Evolution (Fall 2013 Downton Upstairs Club)
Duration - 13 Days

Check out more Finished Objects at Tami's Amis!

<3 Heather

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes (Update 3)

Image by Wade Kelly

I have another collage photo to post.  I realized that I like these monthly look backs on how I am changing and improving my life since the surgery.  Once again I have to thank the Amazing Dianne for her photography skills and taking another shot of me at the mall during our knit night.  And a quick thanks to Samie for taking May's picture.

These last two months have flown by and I am super happy with my progress.  I have tried to make it to the gym as much as possible and am really happy with my endurance.  I am able to do 22 push ups in a minute, 45 squats in a minute and jog a mile in 15 minutes and 35 seconds.  What that equates to is 98.5 lbs lost since the surgery and 125.5 lbs since September.  My clothes are really just falling off of me and I have a ton of stuff to donate.

My 6 month progress shot!

For my diet, things have been looking up.  I can tolerate chicken again as long as I eat it slow and take small bites.  I am now allowed to eat salads and other fibrous veggies and am really happy with the variety.  Unfortunately, I had to adjust some things so I can get enough protein.  I have been noticing that my hair has been thinning so I eat with protein in mind first.

All in all I feel great, my energy is amazing and I am really happy with my progress so far.

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - Bright and Cheerful

Hello again, a lot has happened since last week.  I have been pretty busy at work so I am a bit behind on the posts I wanted to write.  But I am at least trying to get one post a week up until things calm down.

Anyway, this past weekend was the 41st Annual Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival.  I had been saving up so I bought a lot of awesome yarn for this year's projects.  That in itself is another post hopefully this week.  Plus I still need to get some good shots of the yarns I bought.

On Sunday, I also got to go to my first playoff game of the Pittsburgh Penguins.  Spoiler Alert --> they won!

Now it's back to the grind but I have some awesome things to show you this week.

Willow Square Blanket

I love this square

I got the Pomegranate squares done bu nothing more really started.  I want to get to the Shrimp squares but I need to finish that row on the Hue Shift.  Other than that these are coming along nicely.

Hue Shift Afghan

Half way done with this block

So I am plugging along with this block.  The added incentive to get a color finished to make the Willow Squares keeps this project fairly handy.  I love getting into the middle of a square because each pass is so much faster than the first couple rows.  Overall, I just need to keep at it.

Juicy Hitchhiker

It's Alive!

This is my traveling project and as such it doesn't get to much work done on it or pictures.  I worked on this a lot this past semester because my professor let me knit during class.  I also took it around when I was at Maryland Sheep and Wool for a Project to do when sitting around and resting.  Really this guy usually lives in my car but it's looking pretty good for a travel project.

Other than that I have so much more to tell about my travels and my weight loss journey so stay tuned for more updates.

For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis

<3 Heather

#Selfies and #TBT

Hey there, I know I have been gone for almost a month but let me tell you that I missed all of you.  I know some of my family who reads this wondered if everything was okay (I'm looking at you Aunt Francy :) ) but really life just got in the way for a bit.

In general my mojo for knitting was at an all time low.  I cranked out a bunch of projects that I am proud of but my lust for the next project decreased.  It also doesn't help that my phone was on the fritz and I was two weeks away from a new one.  Alas, as much as I want to use my nice camera for all of my photos of my projects I usually remember about 10 minutes before I leave for work on Wednesdays to take a picture.

So armed with a new phone I have good intentions to post regularly again but my habits are beginning to change.  Since February, I have been going to the gym regularly after work.  The weight loss combined with the physical changes to my body have been awesome but I am tired when I get home now and really don't have much more motivation than to read a book.  And read I have, seriously I have read 50 books already this year and it's only April.

So my knitting and crochet has stalled but I know it will return.  In the meantime, let's get back into the swing of things with a few pictures that have been floating around recently.

First the #selfies.  I admit, that I like taking them on occasion and even used to take them back in the day with disposable cameras, hoping the picture would come out. Anyway, here are a few that I have taken recently.

Taken in February...Bored on a Friday

Just got my teeth cleaned at the dentist!

At the end of March, I went out to Philadephia to visit Lucy.  She's getting married next June and this was the only time her Bridesmaids could get together to look at dresses.  Anyway I had some extra time planned and visited Becky while I was out there.  Of course we took a Selfie :)

Becky and I :)

Honestly, I had a great time and am so happy that Lucy found a gorgeous dress when we were out there.  Granted she had to get the final mom seal of approval but the dress she purchased was one that was picked out when we were there.  Perhaps a post soon with all of the upcoming wedding plans for 3 awesome ladies in my life.

Speaking of awesome ladies, one of my mom's cousins has been posting a ton of old pictures on Facbook.  Some of the best ones come out on Thursdays and I reblog them for #tbt or Throwback Thursday.  Let me share a few with you.

Mom's Senior Picture

I really had to re-blog this picture because this is my mom's senior picture (circa 1972).  The thing that I am beginning to realize is that she and I look so incredibly similar.  Many people online thought this was black and white picture of me.  In fact, I showed people at work this picture and the double takes and triple takes were kind of amusing.  

Baby Heather and Mom

So I think this is from late 1986, because I look to only be about a year old.  Seriously, how cute was I but really I love the look on my mom's face.  I know I say this a lot but she was an awesome mom.  She was strong and kind.  She gave me space to be myself but was always there when I needed her and even when I thought I didn't need her.  She and I argued and fought about chores and curfews but really I always knew that I was loved by her and my dad.

Jenn and I after a football game, Senior Year

So this photo fits into two catagories.  This was a #selfie I took way back in the day after a football game.  We all went out to get food after marching for the game.  At the time, on our cell phones didn't have cameras (gasp the horror!) so I think I took this with a disposable film camera.  

The actual picture is hanging on my wall in my cube at work but thanks to a large scanner I can share it with you.  I couldn't ask for a better friend in Jenn and am so happy that we found each other freshman year.

So there you have it, a glimpse into the present and gander into the past.  I think I might do #selfie and #tbt posts more regularly so stay tuned.

<3 Heather

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes (Update 2)

I haven't updated this blog because the camera on my phone isn't cooperating.  Needless to say I am fixing that situation this afternoon.

Image by Wade Kelly

I have another collage photo to post.  I realized that I like these monthly look backs on how I am changing and improving my life since the surgery.  Once again I have to thank the Amazing Dianne for her photography skills and taking another shot of me at the mall during our knit night.

Go Me!

This past month was a good one.  I didn't get to the gym as often as I would have liked but when I did my trainer really put me through my paces.  I lost inches everywhere and have lost a total of 68 lbs since the surgery and since September I have lost 95lbs .  I can now do 38 squats in a minute and 18 push-ups in a minute.  Wooot!  And I also completed a mile in 16 minutes and 54 seconds.

My main gym goal is to be able to run a 5K on the treadmill.  I can do it on an elliptical/cross ramp but I want to be able to run.

As far as diet, I have been pleased with what I can eat.  While chicken and zucchini are not my friends I am happy that I can consume other nutritious foods.  I tried salad and while I don't eat a lot of it, the crunch of fresh vegetables is awesome.  I was able to eat steak as long as I cut it up into small bites.  I still rely on a lot of fish to supplement my diet but thankfully I am starting to like it.

Overall, I am really happy.  That is not something that I say lightly I am really pleased with what's happening and can't wait to see what next month brings.

<3 Heather

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes! (Update 1)

I haven't updated this blog in a bit but life has been a bit hectic these past few weeks.  Needless to say, I hope to get back into the routine this week.

Image by Wade Kelly

What I have to share today was a bit of a shock to the system last night.  Since my surgery, I have a ton of mental wins when it comes to the success of the surgery.  I am wearing pants that haven't been out of my closet in at least a year.  I am pulling on dresses that weren't as flattering as they used to be.  In general, the scale and the measuring tape have been telling a good tale.

But I still see myself everyday and like most women I still see all of my flaws in the mirror.  It doesn't matter that the scale says I lost 56 lbs since my surgery.  It doesn't matter that since my first weigh in pre-surgery in September I have lost 83 lbs.  I still see the thick thighs, the flabby arms and the large stomach.

That is until last night.

In a effort to document my success and comprehend the changes that were happening to my body, I ask a friend to take pictures of me.  So far we have hit around the same time, first with a base line picture before the surgery and 2 more after.  Here are the results.

Seriously how awesome is this!

There are no words, for how I felt last night when I put this collage together.  The scale and measuring tape are telling the truth and changes are happening.  And it's wonderful!

I get it now.  I can over look the arms, thighs and belly because they won't be there after awhile.  The time, money, and pain were worth it because I am changing.  And I can't wait to see what next month brings.

<3 Heather

And we're back!

Hi there!  I made it through my surgery and am back in the game to bring you awesome movie updates and yarny goodness.  I will also provide you with some updates on my weight loss and things going on in my life.

Starting back tomorrow, I will begin the new year with a movie review and follow up with the usual updates on Wednesday and Friday with yarn projects in progress and completed.

Until then I wanted to update you all on what I have been up to in the past 4 weeks.  My Christmas was hijacked this year but really I didn't mind.  Due to some changes in my insurance, I really wanted to have the surgery completed before the end of the calendar year.  So when I started down the road with the surgeons office the only available surgery date was Christmas eve.  

Knowing this, I was really worried about surviving the surgery and I didn't want to ruin everyone's holiday.  Needless to say, the surgery was successful and the holiday was saved.

Picture of me before the surgery

As I lay there in the hospital, the true spirit of the holiday was presented.  My best friend brought me a care package that had some toiletries that helped me feel normal during my stay.  Thank goodness for deodorant and lip balm.  I also got notes and messages from friends and family checking in on me.  I was a little hyped up on pain medication and could only handle the briefest of responses but I really appreciated the gesture.

Once I got home, my friend Becky drove in from Philadelphia to come and stay with me.  She and I got to hang out and watch really bad TV.  I think I may have got her addicted to NCIS.  Really there were a ton of marathons on.  She also taught me some of the basics for Magic: the Gathering.  We had some wonky weather and she was able to leave on Friday to visit her parents before heading back to Philly.

While recovering, I did get some lovely surprises in the mail.  Quite a few people sent me get well cards but work really outdid themselves.  Samie was able to convince work to buy me yarn and patterns as a get well gift!  How awesome was that?

I definitely was feeling well after opening this!

I also got a Barnes and Noble gift card from my friend Dianne and quickly spent to help keep me occupied.  As time passed I was able to be more mobile and could drive.  I even got out on Thursday to my knit night.  

The good news is that I can head back to work on Wednesday which is just in time for my first class of the semester.  That day should be pretty busy but I might as well jump back into life with both feet.   

So far I feel great and have lost 25 lbs since the surgery and can now tolerate some food as I progress to a full recovery.   I just want to thank all of you for reading this blog and thinking of me during my surgery and recovery.   Now back to our regularly scheduled program.  :)

<3 Heather