My Newest Hobby

I love picking up new hobbies to add to my list of things to do when I am not working, going to the gym or finishing up graduate classes. 2013 brought me a new hobby thanks to my friend Arlene; crocheting. I was taught over a cleaning weekend in Cape May and since then I have been crocheting like crazy. I love trying to new patterns to see what I can come up with. Since starting afghans, I have decided that I will not ever use the same pattern so each one is unique.

My first crochet project EVER. 

Left picture-Cape May while learning to crochet. 

Right picture- my first finished project; a scarf.

Then I started on to a few more projects. 

Left picture: my new summer purse.

Right picture: beanie cap made for a pre-teen on retreat with me

 

Left: My cousin had a baby so it is a baby afghan with hood

Right: First afghan for myself

 

Crochet is great for Christmas gifts too!!

Left: Afghan for my grandma

Right: Afghan for my friends Ed and Sue

 

Left: Infinity Scarf for my older sister

Right: Another scarf for my sister

I have made 6 altogether

 

Left: 1 of 2 Pokeball hats made; one for my nephew and the other for his cousin

Right: Teddy bear made for my other nephew

someone ordered a bear from me! So cool!

This afghan is my current project that I just finished. It will be going to a woman in a nursing home that I have spoken to a few times. She needs something bright and cheery. 

Goals for 2014

Some people set goals daily, monthly, long term or a combination of the three. It all depends on who the person is and what best suits their own life. Personally, I am better with a long term goal and then monthly goals to help me get there.

My goal has and will continue to be to wear size 10 pants and weigh about 150 lbs. My eyes are set there and I am determined to get there one way or another.

This past year has been filled with so many great accomplishments of goals that I did not realize I even had. Over the past year I have lost an additional 40 lbs!! That means I am just shy of 30 lbs to goal. I have tried a large number of foods that I have lost track of, but many of which have been incorporated into my own diet.

I have gotten my personal training certification and am helping not only myself but others in the goal of getting healthy and fit. 

What are my goals for 2014? 

◙ Hit goal weight

◙ Run 1/2 marathon

◙ Get spinning certification

◙ Follow workout routine for 3 months

◙ Inspire others
◙ Teach children how to exercise and have fun

Funny enough, last night I had a dream that I hit goal weight and I was happy where I was. The emotions of getting there was so overwhelming and filled with so much joy that I was crying. Not only in my dream but I woke up crying. This has reaffirmed that I will be able to hit my goal, and I can experience that joy and happiness.

These are my goals for 2014, they are big but all of them are attainable. Lots of great stuff going on that I am looking forward to. What goals are you setting up for yourself for the upcoming year?

Welcome 2014

I LOVE New Years Eve. Being from New York, I always feel a sense of pride and ownership with the ball dropping in New York City. There is also something so special about singing Frank Sinatra's, New York Theme Song.

Reflecting on this past year, I have had such a wonderful year with so many great things that happened. 

Running 3 5k's, and placing in one race

Putting volunteering to it's max

Starting a Beach body program

Obtaining Personal Training Certification

Trying countless new foods

Lost over 50 inches off my body

Lost 40 lbs this year

Left: Jan 2013

Right: December 2013

All wonderful things and now I am ready to bring on 2014. I am so excited to be part of a supportive group on Loseit! and we are starting up a new 4 month challenge. We had a 3 month challenge that really pushed me to do new things and reflect on what I had done in the past and how to make positive changes.

My plans for 2014:

Continue to be healthy

Try new exercises 

Hit goal weight

Make SMART goals
Run 12 runs this year including:

1/2 marathon, 15K, 10K

I am looking forward to 2014! Make sure as we ring in the New Year to keep your resolutions realistic so that you can achieve them and be part of the 8% of people who succeed in their resolutions! 

Happy New Year!!