Getting Energized

It feels great to finally be getting some of my energy back!!! I'm the kinda gal who wants to go go go go go allllll the time, but for the past 3-4 years, maybe more, I've been finding it harder and harder to push myself to get *anything* done! However, with some major dietary changes, and taking the right vitamins, I have noticed a definite "up" in my energy levels!!! That makes me SO happy!

I had lost my digiscrapping mojo, forgotten my passion for sewing, abandoned the desire to go out and do things with the kiddos, and it made me sad. I didn't know what was wrong, or why, but after a few unpromising medical test results (Rheumatoid Arthrits, possible Lupus, a diagnosis of Celiac based on symptoms/history, and a fatty liver/elevated liver enzymes), I knew something HAD to change. I started off going gluten-free back in September. Within 10 days, my liver enzymes were back within normal ranges, and my joint pain had declined greatly. Two months later, while reading the Wheatbelly blog, I saw a link for the Everyday Paleo coobook, and was intrigued. So, I bought the Kindle edition of the cookbook, and loved it so much I ordered a hard copy, too! Then, I stumbled across something on Pinterest that totally changed my life. I was struggling to find ways to eat according to the paleo diet, and was having such a hard time figuring out what I could and couldn't do. I knew the basics - no grains, beans/legumes, dairy, sugar or refined foods, but I couldn't wrap my head around it. Until I saw the most awesome picture EVER, in my ever so humble opinion:



Sweet! So all I have to do is pick out a meat and veggies to go with it, and I've got dinner! Yeah, it really is that easy. I even changed the way I shop for groceries. Instead of starting with produce and working my way around the store, like nearly every American grocery store is set up, I have started making a beeline for the eggs, which are the farthest item I need, and the only thing from dairy I buy. Now, sometimes on the way back there, I swing through and grab coconut milk, canned wild salmon/tuna, or sauces/condiments that I need. Next stop is bacon, then the rest of the meats. I look at what's on sale or is in the manager's special section, pick up enough meats to feed our family for a week, then head right for the produce. I buy veggies to go with all of my meats, then I fill in with fruits. I'm wasting less and getting more this way, and I love it! The boys are so excited to have bananas, apples, and oranges (or clementines!) available for snacking every day.

Eating this way has helped me to lose a good bit of weight in addition to helping me feel so much better in general. I am excited to be on the right track now, and love the way I'm starting to feel! I am actually ready to start exercising again, which thrills me!!! I just traded some homemade jams with a friend in exchange for a gorgeous custom hoop. I am so excited, but for the life of me, I can't figure out how to keep the darn hoop spinning! I never was able to hula hoop even as a kid LOL! I'm finally ready to pull out the Wii Fit I bought 2 years ago and have never used, and I need to buy a good swim suit so I can go back to taking water aerobics.

It's great to feel good again!!!!!

A sheepish hello

I am truly ashamed that it's been so long since I've blogged. I keep thinking "Yeah, I'll do it later (tomorrow, next week, whatever)..." Clearly, that hasn't happened.

I suppose I could go on about *why* I haven't been here, but I can pretty much boil it down to the fact that I've been less than healthy physically, and that has totally brought down my mental state. By the grace of God, I seem to be on track to getting back to health, and I couldn't be happier about it!!! I think I'll save that story for another day, though.

I don't make new year's resolutions. However, I do like to set goals for myself for the coming year. I'd love to share those goals with you!

1.)This year, I will get healthy! I will eat right, and I will lose weight. I may not lose all the weight that needs to come off, but I am more determined than ever to take care of my body the best way I can!

2.)This year I will take care of myself by putting others first. Not in an unhealthy way, but in a loving, giving way. As in, my husband is my leader, I love him, and I want to make him happy. Because a happy, loved husband will be happier at home, and the more of me I give to him, the stronger and better he will be. That, in turn, will make my life better. My children need me to take them places and do things with them. I've already been doing that, but my goal is to be more involved with the little things.

3.)I am returning to blogging. No big requirements on myself to make each post something important or significant, or even useful. I just want to share my life because, well, it's never boring! LOL! I figure maybe *somebody* can benefit from my escapades! My goal is 2-3 times a week, but I'll be content with weekly lol!

4.)Along the same lines, I'm re-opening my Etsy shop and am going to put some time into growing my business. I love making sweet little hats for people, and am so glad to be feeling well enough to get back at it!

5.)I will get my home organized. I know it's never going to be neat and clean at all times, and I'm good with that. I just want to have a place for everything and everything in its place.

6.)Which brings me to my next goal of getting back into my creative mode this year! Sewing, building, anything! I am committing to 2 hours a week of creative activity. Today, we bought all the lumber to build a farmhouse dining table and a matching bench. Other things on my list of "must builds" include a closet organization system, a farmhouse bed for our bedroom, matching nightstands, and a loft bed for the boys' room.

I think these goals are doable. PLEASE hold me accountable!!!