finished army girl and candy crush girl

paintings from this weekend

 co-workers puppy, really happy on how this one turned out...

 army girl, will be doing her helmet next...

sunset girl, will paint her once the rest dries


camera definitely doesn't do the colors justice unfortunately...

started painting again - oils...

 still have to put the butterfly in her hair...

 first one I did...

in memory of Trayvon...

we're moving tomorrow

After being in 4 bedroom house for the last 5 years we're moving into a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom townhome - 10 minutes from where we are now.  No more living in a drafty 1960's home.  This is a 2005 townhome we'll be renting in a better part of the hood.  We will be getting rid of at least 80% of our stuff.  No more kids at home so need for crappy used furniture!  We've already been to Ikea and got the b/f a new desk and some funky comic strip artwork for his office.  Landlord said no problem for the b/f to repaint so we'll be doing some cool colors... 

There is a pool and gym (2 treadmills, weight machine and some other stuff - I think I'll go check it out tonight, I had only peaked through the window) right across the parking lot at our new place.  My co-worker is running a half marathon next month and I told her I wanted to start walking/jogging/running (and lifting weights of course) so she wants me to join her next summer in a half marathon.  First goal is a 5K this summer.  I'm not a runner so I'm a little nervous about it.  We'll see how this goes.  Regardless it will help my volleyball and tennis endurance. 

Volleyball was supposed to start this week however we've had snow.  LOTS OF SNOW.  Snow be damned!  We'll be in the 70's this weekend. 

Going out to CA next month for 4 days to see mom... she's still in assisted living but I think she likes it.  I don't think she'll be going home.  At least this trip will not be a medical emergency so I can actually enjoy it.  Maybe even see a few friends... 

I suppose this is the next phase of my life!

tooth fairy pillow

my first attempt...

carrots

made super cute fabric carrots!!!  I think I'll keep them out year 'round

decided my sunglass casses were a little boring so i've handstitched fabric hearts onto them...

new fabrics I will be working on tonight :)

what I've been making with my new sewing machine

sunglass holders lined with fleece (with magnets sewn in at the top to keep it closed) and tissue packet holders

44 and moving forward

My birthday this last weekend was the best yet.  Got 2 new ear piercings (last night one got caught on the volleyball net and started bleeding but all seems to be okay today - why was I in the net?  shanked pass, trying to come in sideways and tip it over the net).  Got a new sewing machine, a new cell phone, got a massage (beaten and slightly molested - maybe that's normal for a deep tissue hot stone chinese massage?!) and saw a play.  FANTASTIC day!  

Progressing on my dental work.

Weight still the same, 149 to 150.  Just wishing spring would hurry up so we can be outside.

Job is sorta up in the air.  Our company is going through some major changes.  Boss may not stay with this company and we might end up being an independent broker.  Not sure if I will still be here for that, but I'm not stressing - YET.  

Mom is doing great. Still at assisted living.  Doesn't want to go home.  We write and talk constantly.  

Boyfriend hurt his back.  Been to the chiropracter twice.  He's out for this week.  Never seen him in so much pain. 
 
Miss my kids.   

Trying to stay in the moment.

149 this morning

slowly going down... got up 20 minutes earlier, did a quick workout (barely a workout actually, but it was something).  just trying to get up earlier every morning.

used the sewing machine for the first time!  Had to take it apart and fix it (wasn't able to wind the bobbin).  Nothing good ol' duct tape can't fix.  Made 2 valentine's day pillows - my first project.  :)

bought scale

Bad idea to have no scale in the house for 4 months.  Up to 153 on Friday.  By this morning was at 150.  Always averaged 140 to 145.  No more snacking after dinner!  

Bought loads of fresh food this weekend - nice that b/f and I are cooking together.

130 is the goal.  

The scale keeps me in check.

It's been almost 1 1/2 months since we quit soda.  Not even a single drop consumed.  

I STILL MISS IT.

no soda - going on week number 4

for myself and the boyfriend... 

most difficult thing yet!