Happy New Year!

The only sewing I’ve done since moving is to add some quick-fix elastic to the inside of a skirt that became too big. Too big on me? Yes, along with reducing my belongings, I’m also reducing the size of my body. This move caused me to want to clean up my life inside and out. To date, lots of furniture, dishes, books, clothing, and about twenty pounds are gone.

When trying to figure out what I wanted to do food-wise, I kept returning to the book Eat to Live: The Amazing Nutrient-Rich Program for Fast and Sustained Weight Loss, written by Joel Furhman. What he says makes sense to me and I especially like that I don't need to measure, weigh or record what I eat. The plan is plant-based (though allows for small amounts of dairy and meat). No added oil or salt and yet, for the very first time in my life, I’m not constantly hungry looking for junk to consume. Agreed, this is a drastic change. Also, I admit that I do use a bit of olive oil and salt. However, my blood pressure is down along with my blood glucose readings. Haven’t had my cholesterol checked yet, but there is a very good chance that that has improved too. The weight loss is a wonderful “oh, by the way” benefit.

In organizing my tiny pantry closet, I started totally over. Gone is the sugar, flour, boxed cereal (kept the oatmeal), chips, canned soups, etc. I bought some canning jars and filled them with raw cashews, walnuts, dried beans of all sorts and other basic, real foods. My refrigerator got a makeover too and is filled with fresh fruits and vegetables. Spices follow me home from Penzeys. Kale has become my friend. I want a Blendtec blender...

I have always enjoyed cooking, and this new way of eating has given me reason to search and attempt many new-to-me recipes. Just like sewing bloggers, vegan bloggers are very kind and generous in sharing their knowledge. I keep finding recipes for things I had never heard of before, much less tried. For example, yesterday I made a pudla. Have you ever heard of a pudla? Well, if you haven’t, a pudla is a garbanzo bean flour pancake filled with vegetables. The one I made had baby spinach, mushrooms, and onions. Delicious and will become a regular. Don't get me started about chia seeds...

My clothes are baggy and need to be replaced. Style Arc patterns are my favorites but how annoying to have them available in single sizes only. I’m going take a shot at modifying them and if that doesn’t work, I’ll look to my multi-sized BurdaStyle, Ottobre Woman and Jalie assortment.

Oh, I have been working. Currently, I'm at a company in Uptown, working on a special project. It will likely be completed by the end of the month. I have no idea what will come after that, but I am trying to think of all of these changes as an adventure and not be anxious. And really, even with all of the struggles of the past few months, I have laughed a lot!

It is daunting how much sorting and organizing there is yet to do. In addition, daughter #2 is getting married in March and I have known for many months the date of the wedding. Do I have a proper mother-of-the-bride dress? No, I do not.

She also has asked for the quilt I had been making before the move. It will be perfect for her bridal shower gift.

I better get busy...

Changes

So, here I am, a few weeks from my last post, living in Las Colinas. Los Colinas is a part of Irving and Irving is a suburb of Dallas. Had you told me two months ago that this is where I would be, I would have called you a joker. The decision was easy to make as I'm here to be closer to family.

Me and the dog have found a nice place to take walks near my apartment. Isn’t it pretty?

This new apartment is smaller than my last, in fact I’ve stayed in larger hotel rooms! This means I have room for only the basics. My sewing things and the dog are included, but not much else. I have to tell you that this was purposefully done. My goal is to get organized and own only things I really love or must have; all else will go by the wayside. This is a huge transition and one meant to force me into sorting out what is and is not important.

It hasn't been painless but so far nothing too horrible. There has been a ticket and a smashed toenail. My cell phone has zero signal strength in the apartment (wi-fi to the rescue?) and the toilet seat is sized for a young child. On the plus side, the ice maker produces beautifully clear ice and I have been enjoying lots of iced tea (can't find the k-cups for the Breville). Other than that, the sewing machines are still in boxes as are the fabrics, the unfinished Style Arc Jenny shirt and the quilt. Now, I did finish the Style Arc Barb pants before I moved and they fit great! The fabric I chose is better for fall/winter, so for once I’m ahead of the season.

My main living space is floor to ceiling boxes with furniture scrunched in between. There is but a narrow passage to the window blinds wands so I can adjust for natural light. I’m curious how long it will take to sort through and get settled…

I miss sewing.

Congratulations!

DD#2 has graduated with her MPA (Master in Professional Accountancy). I am so proud of her!

So are her siblings!

Well done, little one!