![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
Today's tackle-it project is a creative one. I need to go to stitch-in to learn how to sew a piece of cloth onto an embroidery frame. I've embroidered for years, but always used a hoop. Now I am taking a course from the Embroiderer's Association of Canada (EAC), I need to learn how to work on a frame. This will be a challenge for me. I am majorly uncoordinated!
I need to pick up that cookbook from Public Health...wherever they are. Plus some medicine.
I also have to bake some bread and muffins today.
On the good side...my exercise specialist okay'ed my home DVD workout yesterday! Leslie Sansone "Walk-Away-the-Pounds Walk and Kick Power Series", About.com's resistance band exercises for beginners (and some intermediate ones), and Winsor Pilates and "Yoga for Stress Relief". That is a big relief, because we really can't afford the cost of the gym if we want to save over $45,000 in the next five years! The $40/mth. wasn't bad, but every time I went I'd take the car, so Paul had to take the bus, which cost $2.10 each way. So in reality, my $5 gym trip was costing us over $9.
And then there were Paul's gym trips, which he only took because of me really. His $40 pass usually lasted a bit longer.
And then there's the special clothes you have to buy to wear at the gym, including the proper running shoes. Hate to say it, but at home I exercise in sock feet and scrubbies. Much more affordable.
And...on top of all that, at home I can exercise whenever I want. It takes about 15-30 minutes. I don't need to get organized, pack everything in the bag, warm up the car, drive to the gym (or walk 15 minutes to get there!), workout and then do it all in reverse to get home. Seems to me there's a lot of wasted time there I could use for more useful activities.
Anyway, I am just glad I have options now. I still intend to go to the gym occasionally...mostly to get a good strong walk in without worrying about falling on ice and breaking my neck. But I'll save my trips for when I meet with my exercise specialist there.
Another upbeat note! I've dropped seven pounds since Christmas! Yippee! I feel it too.
I decided to not hem that last pair of pants with the adjustable waist. More to the point, I decided not to jeopardize my machine on the hard plastic. That pair will go back to the goodwill. I already have a green pair of pants, and four pairs of pants is plenty for winter.
I've been eyeing my Flylady routine for the front entry. It's pointless to do anything with Paul home. He likes to do things with my time at inconvenient times. I'll wait till he's back to work and then tear into the place and do a proper clean.
I need to pick up that cookbook from Public Health...wherever they are. Plus some medicine.
I also have to bake some bread and muffins today.
On the good side...my exercise specialist okay'ed my home DVD workout yesterday! Leslie Sansone "Walk-Away-the-Pounds Walk and Kick Power Series", About.com's resistance band exercises for beginners (and some intermediate ones), and Winsor Pilates and "Yoga for Stress Relief". That is a big relief, because we really can't afford the cost of the gym if we want to save over $45,000 in the next five years! The $40/mth. wasn't bad, but every time I went I'd take the car, so Paul had to take the bus, which cost $2.10 each way. So in reality, my $5 gym trip was costing us over $9.
And then there were Paul's gym trips, which he only took because of me really. His $40 pass usually lasted a bit longer.
And then there's the special clothes you have to buy to wear at the gym, including the proper running shoes. Hate to say it, but at home I exercise in sock feet and scrubbies. Much more affordable.
And...on top of all that, at home I can exercise whenever I want. It takes about 15-30 minutes. I don't need to get organized, pack everything in the bag, warm up the car, drive to the gym (or walk 15 minutes to get there!), workout and then do it all in reverse to get home. Seems to me there's a lot of wasted time there I could use for more useful activities.
Anyway, I am just glad I have options now. I still intend to go to the gym occasionally...mostly to get a good strong walk in without worrying about falling on ice and breaking my neck. But I'll save my trips for when I meet with my exercise specialist there.
Another upbeat note! I've dropped seven pounds since Christmas! Yippee! I feel it too.
I decided to not hem that last pair of pants with the adjustable waist. More to the point, I decided not to jeopardize my machine on the hard plastic. That pair will go back to the goodwill. I already have a green pair of pants, and four pairs of pants is plenty for winter.
I've been eyeing my Flylady routine for the front entry. It's pointless to do anything with Paul home. He likes to do things with my time at inconvenient times. I'll wait till he's back to work and then tear into the place and do a proper clean.
Paul and I had to do an errand run...needed medications...picked up some potting soil, a vinegar and oil cruet set, some Corelle fruit nappies (the plain white stuff is on sale at Walmart folks!), and a Leslie Sansone DVD with her 1, 2 and 3 mile walk on it for $18. It included the hand weights she uses. I was pretty excited about them. Paul was laughing at me. I came home and did her one mile walk. It seems so easy now, after doing her "Walk and Kick" workout.
I managed to make muffins. Didn't do the bread. Didn't make Public Health for the cookbook. Decided to wait until I talk to my nutritionist about the proposed menu plan I sent her. That will be another month. Right now everyone seems to be enjoying the structure of the 4 week menu plan. I've been surprised by how well Paul and Meghan have taken to it. All the recipes for supper in a few pages for them to peruse.
In thinking over my weight loss since Christmas, I must admit to being mystified. I am eating just as badly, but I have changed the time of day when I eat my big meals. I am trying the "eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a commoner, and supper like a beggar" approach. Though I'm not regular about it, I do try to make my main meal before 1 p.m. in the day. I am also having a healthy snack about 3-4 p.m. The thing is, I don't think I'm being particularly regular about my exercise. I am not complaining at all! Just a bit mystified that the time of day a person eats could have this kind of effect on their weight. If it's this easy, I'll keep it up!
Okay, Christmas is how many days away? Hmmm...shopping...hmm...did I mention how much I dislike shopping? Well, I'm good at nickeling and diming us in the name of a good experience. But actually going out, finding and buying a quality item? Ah no, I just don't like all the work involved in that! I think I am lazy at heart, and it really shows up when it comes to shopping. Primarily because I do not like what I find in the stores. The quality is simply not there. Also because I resent the expectation to spend money on people that this time of year brings on.
Saturday I did not post because Paul was off work. Paul hates shopping too. No, that is not too strong a word in his case! But he needs shirts and sweaters for work. Well, we found the shirts half price at Sears ($14 each), but the sweaters eluded us. We were all over town except for the two most expensive men's stores. All the stores had wonderful casual sweaters, but nothing he could wear to work. We came home discouraged. I am going to go through those expensive men's stores on my own, in the hopes they have something on sale.
Our Saturday morning was lovely though. I slept in and wasn't up till 10 a.m.! What a surprise and a treat! I quickly ate breakfast and we walked over to the Farmer's Market. We picked up some vegetables for this week, then headed to a nearby cafe for tea and hot chocolate. Paul insisted it was time for morning coffee break. Government workers! LOL After a nice chat and some tea, we walked to the grocery store for the remainder of our groceries. From there we walked home. A lovely morning outing. Something we do very rarely. A very enjoyable experience.
But the afternoon was those sweaters! Man oh man! I think we may need to go to Britain to get decent sweaters again. I'm going to start searching on-line.
On a frugal note, an unexpected treat happened Saturday. We had attended a craft sale Friday night. We didn't buy anything, but I signed for the gift basket on my way out the door. Sure enough, I received a call Saturday saying I'd won! Paul claims I have the luck of the Irish, being part Irish. So we picked it up early in the afternoon and snacked on the goodies in it instead of buying tea/coffee/food out. It came in very useful this weekend! Plus there were some things in there that will make good Christmas gifts. I love it when God takes care of me with little things like that.
Other events this weekend? Paul and Meghan have decided they don't want to go away for the holidays. Paul only has two days off. We had been thinking of going to a spa, but we decided to save our money to get Meghan down east next fall for university. I am happy with this decision. I'd rather be home with my church family over the holidays. I love Christmas Eve services.
And we tried out a new fibre optic tree I inherited from Mom. It's awful small and very commercial looking. Meghan thinks it's too commercial looking, and we should have an all natural tree. Paul loved the idea that it came with its own decorations, and it took us all of half an hour to decorate the house for Christmas this year! He had Christmas music playing all day yesterday. I am just thankful I do not have to spend time, money and hassle on a tree this year. We do not like paying the $30-50 a tree costs locally, and we have no place we can cut our own tree on the bald prairie.
An even nicer frugal event this past weekend was the first annual Family Advent Potluck at the church. It was excellent fun and food, and a good time was had by all. Paul and Meghan chose not to come, so they feasted on leftovers. Though when I arrived home Meghan, my 20 year old, teased us about not feeding her. LOL
Today I am home alone with nothing to do...well, not strictly true. I've finished the laundry and made a batch of muffins. A snow storm is coming. I'm thinking it's a good time to bake bread. I have knitting tonight. Thankfully someone else is driving. I have a lot of reading to do, and catch up to play in my creative endeavours. I also want to mail off a couple of Christmas parcels soon.
I contacted the place where we bought the bed about a firmer mattress. They are computing that and thinking about it and will get back to me. Hmmm... I've also sent emails out to my fianancial planner. And I've talked to Dad. Left a message with my nephew. I keep trying to get my sister on the phone and she simply isn't home a lot. She's a very busy lady. I've been thinking about her for some time, and wanted to touch base with her. Plus I need to fit in a walk...probably up to that shopping district again! I need to pop a letter in the mail. Seems I am never short of things to do! Have a great day everyone!
Saturday I did not post because Paul was off work. Paul hates shopping too. No, that is not too strong a word in his case! But he needs shirts and sweaters for work. Well, we found the shirts half price at Sears ($14 each), but the sweaters eluded us. We were all over town except for the two most expensive men's stores. All the stores had wonderful casual sweaters, but nothing he could wear to work. We came home discouraged. I am going to go through those expensive men's stores on my own, in the hopes they have something on sale.
Our Saturday morning was lovely though. I slept in and wasn't up till 10 a.m.! What a surprise and a treat! I quickly ate breakfast and we walked over to the Farmer's Market. We picked up some vegetables for this week, then headed to a nearby cafe for tea and hot chocolate. Paul insisted it was time for morning coffee break. Government workers! LOL After a nice chat and some tea, we walked to the grocery store for the remainder of our groceries. From there we walked home. A lovely morning outing. Something we do very rarely. A very enjoyable experience.
But the afternoon was those sweaters! Man oh man! I think we may need to go to Britain to get decent sweaters again. I'm going to start searching on-line.
On a frugal note, an unexpected treat happened Saturday. We had attended a craft sale Friday night. We didn't buy anything, but I signed for the gift basket on my way out the door. Sure enough, I received a call Saturday saying I'd won! Paul claims I have the luck of the Irish, being part Irish. So we picked it up early in the afternoon and snacked on the goodies in it instead of buying tea/coffee/food out. It came in very useful this weekend! Plus there were some things in there that will make good Christmas gifts. I love it when God takes care of me with little things like that.
Other events this weekend? Paul and Meghan have decided they don't want to go away for the holidays. Paul only has two days off. We had been thinking of going to a spa, but we decided to save our money to get Meghan down east next fall for university. I am happy with this decision. I'd rather be home with my church family over the holidays. I love Christmas Eve services.
And we tried out a new fibre optic tree I inherited from Mom. It's awful small and very commercial looking. Meghan thinks it's too commercial looking, and we should have an all natural tree. Paul loved the idea that it came with its own decorations, and it took us all of half an hour to decorate the house for Christmas this year! He had Christmas music playing all day yesterday. I am just thankful I do not have to spend time, money and hassle on a tree this year. We do not like paying the $30-50 a tree costs locally, and we have no place we can cut our own tree on the bald prairie.
An even nicer frugal event this past weekend was the first annual Family Advent Potluck at the church. It was excellent fun and food, and a good time was had by all. Paul and Meghan chose not to come, so they feasted on leftovers. Though when I arrived home Meghan, my 20 year old, teased us about not feeding her. LOL
Today I am home alone with nothing to do...well, not strictly true. I've finished the laundry and made a batch of muffins. A snow storm is coming. I'm thinking it's a good time to bake bread. I have knitting tonight. Thankfully someone else is driving. I have a lot of reading to do, and catch up to play in my creative endeavours. I also want to mail off a couple of Christmas parcels soon.
I contacted the place where we bought the bed about a firmer mattress. They are computing that and thinking about it and will get back to me. Hmmm... I've also sent emails out to my fianancial planner. And I've talked to Dad. Left a message with my nephew. I keep trying to get my sister on the phone and she simply isn't home a lot. She's a very busy lady. I've been thinking about her for some time, and wanted to touch base with her. Plus I need to fit in a walk...probably up to that shopping district again! I need to pop a letter in the mail. Seems I am never short of things to do! Have a great day everyone!
Why is this a "Works for Me Wednesday" item? Because if I shop local, I make myself walk to the stores. And if I walk, I don't feel guilty about stopping in for a cup of tea somewhere. After all, $2 for a cup of tea is cheaper than $5 and gas for a trip to the gym! And if I'm doing errands I'd have to do normally anyway, it's not a bad deal.
However, it's when I am lured into purchasing things I don't need that things get out of hand. Today I walked to a nearby cafe, which happens to take me right by a yarn shop. Big mistake. I have a book for my nephew waiting behind the counter for me at the yarn shop. He took up knitting, and I don't take my credit cards with me when I go walking...specifically to avoid impulse shopping. But this book is so good. It's called "Knitting Socks". I picked it out for my nephew, who thinks he'll have a never ending supply of knitted socks if he learns to knit. But I'm thinking I may keep it for myself! I also saw some basic cheap tools I need for my own knitting there...like thingies to keep the stitches from falling off your needles inbetween knitting sessions, and a small retractable tape measure. Hmmm....think I'll send Paul and Meghan up there for stocking stuffers this year. So I guess I'll have to control myself a bit more.
On the other hand, leaving my credit cards at home means I have to get more exercise going back this afternoon! Still, man, I just got to figure out how to keep from blowing a wad every time I walk into that district. Maybe if I just confine myself to the grocery store...
Not sure this is such a good "Works for Me Wednesday". It probably works better for the merchants in the area!
However, it's when I am lured into purchasing things I don't need that things get out of hand. Today I walked to a nearby cafe, which happens to take me right by a yarn shop. Big mistake. I have a book for my nephew waiting behind the counter for me at the yarn shop. He took up knitting, and I don't take my credit cards with me when I go walking...specifically to avoid impulse shopping. But this book is so good. It's called "Knitting Socks". I picked it out for my nephew, who thinks he'll have a never ending supply of knitted socks if he learns to knit. But I'm thinking I may keep it for myself! I also saw some basic cheap tools I need for my own knitting there...like thingies to keep the stitches from falling off your needles inbetween knitting sessions, and a small retractable tape measure. Hmmm....think I'll send Paul and Meghan up there for stocking stuffers this year. So I guess I'll have to control myself a bit more.
On the other hand, leaving my credit cards at home means I have to get more exercise going back this afternoon! Still, man, I just got to figure out how to keep from blowing a wad every time I walk into that district. Maybe if I just confine myself to the grocery store...
Not sure this is such a good "Works for Me Wednesday". It probably works better for the merchants in the area!
Syndicate
