Getting back in the game

I realized something the other day while reading the blog of a friend: when I blogged the last time, it was not only a way for me to connect with others that I know and communicate how I feel, but it also provided a much needed outlet for me:  I could get things out of my mind and onto "paper," which always helped me deal with whatever was going on.

Lately, things have been crazy.  My health pretty much sucks, so I've been constantly going to see this or that doctor, for whatever is ailing me at the moment.  I'm having to go to my allergist's office every week to get shots for my allergy to pretty much everything.  (People always laughed at me when I told them I was allergic to nature.  WHO'S LAUGHING NOW?  The real answer is: still those people, because being allergic to everything outside is a bitch.  Especially in the spring, which is it is now.)  I've found out that I've got some pretty annoying lung and nasal issues that restrict my breathing.  That, as you can imagine, is a picnic.  I also have about a third of the vitamin D levels that you should have.  My doctor actually looked at me and acted surprised when he read the lab results.  I can't see how, I'm about a half step away from albino; if that doesn't say "I don't get outside much," I don't know what does.

I'm starting up my own business, selling bags and crafts on Etsy.  I LOVE sewing.  It's something that relaxes me (usually) and I take a great amount of pride in.  Call me an old lady, but I don't care.  I can't tell you how many classes I've taken at my favorite local quilt shop and have been the youngest person by at least a generation.  (My favorite repeated line is "Oh it's so nice to see one of you young people taking an interest in sewing, you just don't see that anymore!!") It's nice, though, to have something that you can be passionate about and take pride in.  I love making things, and I love that I can make something that someone else can't, I love that I can see something in my mind and actually create it with my own hands, and I love that I can make something that will make someone else happy.  Not everyone can say something like that, and for the first time in my life, I can.  It's nice.  

Long story short, the purpose of this blog is this:  catharsis.   Whether I'm having a rough day or a fantastic day, it's an outlet.  One I'll need in the coming days, weeks, and months ahead.  

You see, I'm about to start my weight loss journey (yes, again).  But this time, I'm bringing out the big guns:  I'm going to do it right, and I'm going to CHANGE. MY. LIFE.  I'm going to do it under the supervision of a doctor, and with the support (read: requested force) of my husband, my parents, the two best friends a girl could ask for, and I'm sure many other friends and family members that love and support me.  I'm going to tackle bad old habits and create good new ones.  I will not, however, live a life of deprevation or self-denial or punishment.  If I can't do this while living a full, balanced life, then I'll never be able to maintain it.  And let's be honest, that's what we all need, right?  A healthy life that is still full of fun and love.  A life that allows us to maintain a balance.  I don't want to suck the richness out of my life, I want to add to it.  If it takes ten years to accomplish my goal, then so be it.  But it will have been done right, and it will last forever.  

So, I'll document my journey here.  Along with whatever else tickles my fancy at the moment.  Whether it's a new project I'm working on, tips that I'm learning throughout the process, a tirade about something that just ticked me off, or talking about my cats and the stupid stuff they do, it'll be right here.  I hope to entertain you, Reader - but honestly - this isn't about you.  It's about ME.  

Come along for the ride.  It's sure to be a bumpy one, but I have no doubt in the end the destination will be well worth it.