Why crafting is just like weight loss...

I know, I know. That title makes no sense. Or does it? While they may seem like two completely things - crafting and weight loss, that is - I believe that there are some definite similarities. Sure, one involves sitting on your big ol' behind and using the least amount of muscle as possible, and the other involves getting that big behind to be, well...less big. But, look beyond those stark differences, as I ask you to consider these three things:

1. Both seem like a good idea...at first.
I could spend HOURS planning my weight loss program, my exercise regime, my caloric intake, and imagining what I'll look like when I'm finally "at goal". And I could spend just as many hours drooling over felt play food and holiday decorations, daydreaming about how much my daughter will appreciate her next gift from Santa. Yup, both seem like great ideas...until you realize that all of the planning and preparation will not result in the much-coveted final "product" until you first engulf yourself in a whole lotta time-consuming WORK! Then, you are tired just thinking about it all!

2. Both lead to huge amounts of procrastination
Just like I often don't WANNA go workout, I often have trouble getting inspired to craft. "But I don't WANT to work on the playhouse tonight. I want to sit on the couch, eat potato chips and whine on my blog!" I mean sure, once I get going (either with exercise, healthy eating, or crafting) I very easily get "on a roll" and don't want to stop, but until that point, I find myself trying to find every excuse in the book to avoid doing both.

3. Both have incredibly worthwhile results
Just like seeing the scale go down those last pesky ten pounds, finishing a craft project gives you the feeling that you've really accomplished something. And in both cases, you've got something great to look at afterwards! The only problem? You can't help but start to wonder about future projects...and the cycle begins again...

So, you see, crafting and weight loss can definitely be compared. Especially if you're a nerd like me, who appreciates a good over-analysis. Now, stop reading, and go do something! I have some scizzors and glue waiting for me...

I am uninspired...

That about sums it up. Every time I come up with a great blog topic, I forget what it is by the time I come to sit at my computer!

So...I want YOU to give me a blog topic. Nothing is off limits (mostly). Let me know what you want to hear!

Things NOT to Do in the Summer (when it's hot as heck)

1. Decide to go for a run. In your long, black shorts. Without bringing water. In an area with no shade. With no sunscreen.
2. Clean your house, unless you have primo air conditioning. It's just not worth the sweat.
3. Your makeup. Just don't even bother...
4. Drink hot beverages. Yes, I'm talking to you, you weirdo. What is wrong with you?
5. Wear pants. You're making me hot just by looking at you!

Actually, I love summer. But this year's temperatures are a little too much, even for me!
How are YOU coping with the heat?

So Close!

As of today, I am only 1.4lbs away from my prepregnancy weight. Sure, I have more weight to lose after that, but still...hitting that number will be a big relief for me.
Who thinks I can do it by this time next week?

Why Weight?

So, I am not special. Like many moms out there, I am trying to lose weight. Also like many moms out there, I am not only trying to lose BABY weight (of which I only have about 4 pounds left, thank you very much) but also MARRIAGE weight. Admit it - you know what I mean. I am hoping, that by writing this post, I will hold myself more accountable. I will eat better. I will exercise more. And I will have a better attitude about my body. I WILL fit into my old clothes - even if it takes time. Who else is trying to lose weight? What helps you stay motivated?

Award Nominations...

Alrighty...so, even though I am still awaiting more questions for my future Q&A post (see below and please comment) I feel the need to share that I have been nominated for two awards:

So here are the rules (rules are included for both awards):

1. Link back to whoever nominated you.
2. Write 11 random facts about yourself.
3. Nominate 11 bloggers.
The next couple were rules from the Liebster award only:
4. Let everyone know when you nominate them.
5. Make up 11 questions for them to answer.
6. Answer the questions that have been given to you.

Just like Shanny, who nominated me, I am nominating my favourite bloggers for two awards instead of just one. Just follow the 6 rules listed above, and you'll be done!

My Random Facts:

1. I can move my baby toes independently, as well as some others, which makes me very good at picking up objects without bending over
2. My idols are Walt Disney and Jim Henson - and basically anyone else who doesn't lose their childhood imagination
3. I love Christmas - I'm already in the planning stages for the next one!
4. I would love to win the lottery (who wouldn't?!) but I rarely buy tickets
5. I'd love to be a stay-at-home mom forever, but finances won't support that (see above, hee hee)
6. I barely have any eyebrows - I have to draw mine on
7. I rarely get sick
8. I refuse to believe that anyone ACTUALLY likes sushi...
9. I had to be tested for HIV as a child, after a blood transfusion in the 80's
10. I have NO interest in seeing the Hunger Games
11. I am a night owl, for sure. No one told my circadian rhythm about 9-to-5 schedules...

Questions from Shanny for the Liebster award:

1- Do you have a phobia? What is it?
- Flying!
2- What came first, the chicken or the egg?
- Egg. Dinosaurs were laying eggs far before birds came along :P
3- Describe yourself in 3 words.
- Obsessive, Loving, Nutty
4- Are you a night person or a morning person?
- Definitely a night person
5- What is your favorite dessert?
- Chocolate cake, from a box
6- Love at first sight, yay or nay?
- Undecided, honestly!
7- Which one would you choose: books, clothes, or gadgets?
- Clothes.
8- What is your favorite hobby?
- Music, although I don't make time for it like I should. I play the piano and flute, and also the piccolo
9- Where are you right now?
- In the family room
10- Why do you blog?
- To record my thoughts, share my creative/craft projects, to reflect upon my family life...so many reasons!
11- What is your favorite season?
- Summer!

Here are MY questions for everyone:

1. Do you give yourself a bedtime? If so, what time?
2. Do you have any recurring dreams?
3. What is your favourite number?
4. Do you have pets? If so, what?
5. If you could bring one famous person back to life to have a chat with, who would it be?
6. Describe your living quarters
7. Name one thing you love about where you live
8. What was your favourite subject in high school?
9. How long can you hold your breath?
10. What is your favourite holiday?
11. Name your favourite unhealthy food

Here are the Nominees! (For both awards)

1. A Baby, Maybe
2. When Hello Means Goodbye
3. Three Cheers for Babies
4. Homemade By Jill
5. The Busscher Family
6. Our Journey to Embryo Adoption
7. From Gummy Bear to Sweet Baby
8. Jenna's Journey
9. Through Clouded Glass
10. Down at Fraggle Rock
11. Cupcakes and Candy Canes

There you have it!

Challenge = FAIL

Okay, so I had to stop the blogging challenge with two days left. Why? Because I just simply could not make time to even turn on the darned computer! The baby has been a bit fussy lately...plus, it was my anniversary, then my birthday + mom's birthday + Canada Day yesterday, so I had a lot to do! Please accept these excuses, and my apologies!

(And yes, you read that correctly - I was born on my Mom's birthday, which also happens to be Canada Day. Any other July 1st birthdays out there?)

Anyway, the last two posts I missed involved talking about my hobbies (which I've already touched on in previous posts) and discussing my dream vacation. That would HAVE to be Bora Bora...although I have no idea how I'd handle the plane ride (I'm afraid of flying!) But the thought of those on-water bungalows is just so relaxing...awww...

For my next post, I need your help! I have always loved it when popular blogs do a "Q&A" for the blog author, so, I'm going to attempt one of those (even though my blog doesn't have too many readers yet, hee hee). It will turn into a "getting to know you" type of thing! So, in the comments section on this post, ask me your questions! Any question, and you can ask more than one! It can be about creative stuff, family life...as long as it isn't too personal, I'll answer!

And one last thing...Happy (belated) Canada Day, and Happy (early) Independance Day to my American neighbours!