Hurry up, and Wait

I've spent the last 6 1/2 years trying to like living in New Jersey, and it just isn't working. Maybe I'd like it more if it was actually my life that I was living. Or maybe I'd like it more if I didn't have to be home for dinner and back in time to make sure my grandma makes it to bed safely every single day. Maybe I'd like it more if there were bars and coffee shops sit in and meet other people. It seems like a lot of maybes. Since I have no control over those things, I'll just muster on with the adventure. I swear I'm going write a book called "Adventures in Grandparentland".

There we are, waiting for the next doctor's appointment. We spend a lot of time in waiting rooms, A lot of time. This specific time, last week, my grandma was anxious to see of her doctor had any advice for her choking problems. Living to be 90 and over really isn't as glamorous as tv makes it look. I now know more about the esophagus than I ever needed to know, and how to deal with hers not working properly. This isn't one of those things that gets better, either. Swell.

Maybe I'll start transferring all those composition books I've filled into blog posts.

one day at a time

I'm terrible at updating my blog. Sorry, Blog. Lately, I've had to explain my sobriety to too many people. If you're not familiar with alcoholism, it's tricky. You're never cured from being an alcoholic, it's with you FOREVER. Six years, two months and sixteen days later, I'm still having to explain this. I'm explaining it to family members who should understand by this point in the game. I'm explaining it to coworkers who don't care and still insist on having group meetings in bars, where they get no work done. And recently, I found myself having to explain it to a guy who asked me out on a date.

I didn't get caught doing anything illegal when I quit drinking. I could probably have a beer or a glass of wine in the presence of other people without doing anything stupid. I don't want to risk that. My sobriety is important to me. It's mine. I own it. I'm sure this sounds ridiculous, but it's one of the few aspects of my life that I have complete control.

This is one of the things in my life that I shouldn't have to explain to anyone. ANYONE. If you're friends with someone who doesn't drink, do my a favor; respect it. For some weird reason, sobriety is a touchy subject. There are very few people who know my whole story. (I can count the number on one hand, and that's okay!!) Sometimes I wish those people who know lived closer, because staying sober isn't easy. I'm closing up on 6 years, two months and 17 days...just a few minutes.

There are days when it seems the world is plotting against me and my dreams. Those are the best days to just stay home and create projects for your friends.


This cute little guy is for two of my very favorite friends and their brand new baby boy.

Jazz up your Shirt

I keep seeing these awesome low back shirts with cute jewelry dangling in the open space. I am not a size small, and the shirts I see don't usually compliment my size or personality. I hit the jackpot while shopping with my friend, I found a low back black t shirt on the clearance rack in American Eagle. Under $10! Yes!

I like options, so the beads are strung together and hooked on the shirt using a jewelry clasp. I stitched a little piece of ribbon into the shoulder seam on each side to hold the bead strands in place. It can still be worn without the beads too. (Note the kitty helping. He helps with everything.)

I thought about only having two strands, but there were just enough beads to make a tighter top strand.

Finally, the finished product!

Back in the Game

Life got busy and I forgot about my blog! Life tends to get busy and I tend to forget stuff, so this isn't unusual. I left my retail job a few months ago, it was replaced with twice as very rewarding work. Better, much better! I was hoping this would give me more time to do things I want to do, it hasn't really worked that way. I have done a little bit of sewing and crafting, a little bit of cooking and a lot of running. Whew! Well, I'm back!

Pockets, Please!

By now, I think everyone knows that I love sewing. Most of my friends also know that I love to workout as well. Making workout clothes is do-able, (the first pair of workout shorts I made are one of my proudest accomplishment, since they were accompanied my a 60 pound weight loss) but not really cost effective. Unfortunately, the clothes you buy off the racks are sometimes lacking essential qualities, like pockets. Why do men's shorts come with pockets, but women's don't?

I live in the Garden State, run outside and don't really want one of those ipod holders tanned on to my arm!

Where am I supposed to put my phone or keys?

Men's shorts just don't fit right, mostly because they are too long. BRAINSTORM! Just make the men's shorts shorter!

Supplies:
-Men's athletic shorts
(I recommend lined ones.)
-tape measure
-pins
-marking pencil
-sewing machine
-thread
-scissors

Directions:

1. Decide how short/long your want your shorts to be. Mark the measurement with a chalk marker. (My chalk marker is from the quilting department, you can change the chalk color depending on the fabric.) I marked them 4" shorter, making them 5" shorter when I was done.

2. Stitch around the leg of your shorts to keep the layers together. Remember to pull the fabric taunt as sewing.

3. Trim the excess. Leave about 5/8" selvage for hemming.

4. Fold the hem up, twice and stitch down. By folding it up twice, you'll cover the raw edge, giving it a clean finish. I used a zig zag stitch to keep a nice flat finish.

5. Trim the strings, and you're done!

Not bad for a 30 minute project!

On a side note, I don't really like shorts. I would rather wear running capris, a tennis skort....even a swim suit. Why? I don't know. none of those have the options I needed, and are rarely practical if you're taking part in a running group.

Things Rarely Go As Planned

I'm a very opinionated person. I'm very well aware of this.