Disappointment and Inspiration

Alright, let's start with an update on the weight loss issue. Unfortunately, this was not such a good month. I hate to have to admit it but I have gained a few pounds back. I feel I should be honest about my accomplishments as well as my setbacks. My exercise was pretty steady but the eating was off. It was a tough month, with in-laws in town the first half of the month and a trip to the parents house last weekend (seriously, here's a partial menu: corn casserole, green bean casserole, squash casserole, all made with "cream of" soups). Plus, that pizza last night couldn't have helped. In between times I really tried to follow the good eating patterns but it just didn't work out so well this month. I weighed in today at 196. The good news is that my lean mass (muscle) has increased and my fat mass has stayed about the same so basically I just maintained this month - which is good. I am disappointed but I am trying to just examine everything and move forward. I will try to follow the same patterns in April that I did in February when I lost 4 pounds. My new goal is to reach 190 by the end of April. My trainer gave me some new tips today about eating protein. Within my 300 calorie allowance at meals and snacks, I should try to get in 20 grams of protein. It is a new thing to think about. I am glad she gives me this information a little at a time. She is so smart!

As I mentioned, we went to my parents house over the weekend to celebrate my grandmother's 77th birthday. It was a lot of fun and we got to play 42 with my parent on Sunday before we left. It is always a grudge match and this time James and I won. Hooray! I really enjoyed talking to my Aunt Shelia. She went to Africa on a three week missionary trip last year and had a lot of interesting stories. The foremost thing I got from her is just how weird she felt coming back and realizing all the conveniences she takes for granted. She is a teacher and will retire in three years. She and my uncle would love to go over there and work when she retires. Very inspiring. What a rich experience.

I finally made it to yoga last week. It was so nice. I don't know why I let myself slack from that. Plus, I have to say that now that I have been exercising and getting stronger (and smaller in some places) the poses have a new feeling to them. It is amazing.

My business has been pretty slow this month but it has really given me the opportunity to think about new designs and what direction I want to go in. One of my ads is coming out on April 1st so hopefully that will draw in some business. I had a wholesale order last week from a previous customer. It is amazing how things work out. I really needed some cash to do another ad and then that order came along! Also, my consignment customer that I had to "get tough" with finally paid this week. It's nice to get results. heh. I also spoke with a pr person and got a quote for pr work. It is still quite out of my price range but sometimes just gaining new information can help you along. I have been working on a lot of new jewelry ideas in the last week. Lately I am finding it is really helpful to sit down and sketch out my ideas before diving into the supplies. I can always go back to my drawings for inspiration for new stuff. That is not to say that my drawings are great though! I would never want to show them to anyone! I started to get more serious with the drawings in NY and now I am so glad I did. I would never have remembered all those little architectural details if I hadn't sketched them. I am toying with the idea of putting a business blog up on my site. Melissa finished my print ad and it is just so beautiful. I can't wait for it to come out!

Went out for pizza with the crafty girls last night. It was a lot of fun. But too loud! I left feeling like I hadn't really gotten to visit with anyone. Hopefully I will see them all again soon to catch up.