336th-craft

337th-work out

Why I work out... a new realization.
As I clung on to the boulder at 4:35 today I had a huge realization of why I love (and also hate) working out. I just got off a long work day at the cafe and was already strung out. Still I mounted my bike and rode to the climbing gym. I knew I needed it and part of me wanted it, but I "didn't feel like it". I wasn't even sure if I was going to climb, run, lift weights, or do push-ups, all I knew is I was going to put all my efforts and mind to what I was going to do no matter what. A few days ago I was browsing a runners blog and something I read surprised me. She said that "even though i love running, I only really love it 50% of the time, but it always puts me in a better mood afterward." It surprised me because, well, I feel exactly the same way! Somehow, in the end of every workout, I feel like a completely different person. My mind is clearer, my body feels stronger, and I'm just a whole lot livelier. Weather I'm skiing on the mountain or surfing in the ocean it is my purpose in life to be active.
I've come to realize that I stop thinking about my insecurities or stress about work. I don't have time to sit and dwell about all my problems while I'm working out and in the end I feel truly invincible.
Now, this does bring another minute problem into the picture. The days I don't work out, I slowly slip into boredom and slight depression. I feel like I have no purpose so I end up doing nothing. This make my mood go up and down severely and it actually raises stress which impairs my health.

What I really need is a workout routine that will best fit in with works and school. Part of having this "me time" is being able to enjoy it with a clear mind. I can't stand not being active, and even though I can't go climbing in yosemite  every day (though I wish I could) I need to start taking more care on my body's needs and stay true to myself.

What do you do to stay active? is there any trick you have to getting a routine and sticking to it?

Thank you for listening!

338th-organization

Every time relaxation pops into my life, I freeze up. I don't know what to do. Should I sit down, stand up, take a nap, watch a movie? Never does it cross my mind that maybe I could read a book, or write in a journal, or actually take that nap. What usually ends up happening is I stare at my computer screen for hours on end doing absolutely nothing. To me, doing nothing NEVER feels just right. After the hours I spent doing "nothing" are gone, I realized I literally wasted my time; Time that could have been useful. The funny part of this realization is half of my life I spend wanting to do something and the other I spend wishing I could do "nothing". The point is, I don't think I have found the "balance between the two. If I weren't so eager to be doing something constantly to the point of pushing my limits then I would want to spend the rest of my time doing nothing to "rebound". Brain over load , over exertion, or a pile of errands all cause me to explode and the moment I finally have to "myself" I just sit and stare at the wall wishing I could move a finger.
I guess it all comes down to procrastination. If you haven't noticed yet, It's rare that I ever get to posting until around 11:00 at night, about the time where I should already be sound asleep. Yes you could say that it because of my busy works schedule, and part of that's is true. But a lot of it has to do with just waiting till the last minute. Being lazy really. You see, even though I've been consistent with posting daily, and that of I'm proud of, I haven't yet solved my "problem" with procrastination. And nearing the start of school, this is really beggining to worry me. How am I going to tackle work, school, this bog, and still have the down time that I need to be sane?

So, I do need a bit of a change. Perhaps it's been the vacation that's put me in this lazy mode, or maybe it's my lifestyle, either way I need to shape up; and shape up quick.
So, in the next few day, I'll be eliminating the things from my life that are stopping me from getting things done. Now, you all know how I love (and need) the little things in life so don't think I'll stop watching movies, sun tanning, or taking naps all together, but I'll definitely be trimming the time I spend doing those things.

Wish me luck!

How do you organize your life? by day? by week? do you write down things, or just memorize them?

also, what really keeps you motivated.

339th-photo

I'm sorry for the gruesomeness (and the blurry picture) but this is what I was faced with yesterday at the hospital:

I didn't have much time from all the running around to really give you any input on my day yesterday, but believe me it was weird.
Today went a little smoother. The only bummer was waking up past noon. I always feel super groggy just from those hours of sleeping in, but boy did I need 'em. After that, while my oatmeal was cooking, I tried the instant coffee trial and boy did I make a mistake. Now, the mistake wasn't the instant coffee which you may have thought, but is how I put it together. I guess there's a big trick to making instant coffee, but whatever I did today was upsidedown and backwards. how complicated can it be? a spoon of this a spoon of that hot water and vois la! The bummer is, I didn't get a nice kickstart to this day because of that but lucky me I work at a coffee so nearing 2 I got my cup of coffee.
I biked to the gym afterwork only to find out it was CROWDED and so I had to X my run and X the boulder, so the only place left was the back where I worked out for a bit just after riding home.

340th-

Loren got ran over by another surfer today.

341st-photo

My day in pictures: (well most of it, like the pretty parts)

342nd-sew

Today I did a lot on my sewing project and boy amy I glad I didn't try making a tutorial. Unless I wanted to show 100 ways to mess up. I seriously could not stop making mistakes on the "simple" romper. But I assure that it doesn't stop here. I will try until I succeed and then perhaps even make a tutorail. I know one thing for sure, that to know something right, you must also know it wrong. (I just finished a samurai movie, had to add some wisdom speech.)

So, for todays work this is where I'm at:

I love love love the look of it, but only one problem: It doesn't fit. It's become one of those projects wher you alter a little here a little there and still getting nowhere. My butt is far too large and no matter how much I try to make it fit, It keeps getting more awkward and less fun. (I even added lace to the side so it would stretch more, and it still wont fit) It's quite frustrating.
So, what should I do? start over? or is it possible to make this work?

BTW: this is some nice memory fabric for those who know me. It's sort of funny seeing my shirts all cut up and altered.

good night.

343rd-sew

When you catch me with three spoons, baby powder, and goo-gone, I can only be doing one thing: Changing my bike tube. Call it upside down and backwards but it's really the simplest way to do it.
It has been 33 days since I've set foot on my bike and that is far too long in my book. So this morning, I cut to it and fixed my bike. And boy was that a really great idea!

Along with changing the tube, I went ahead and scrubbed the gunk. That was actually the hard part ( a lot of gunk) and that is also what the Goo-gone was for. After about an hour of quality time with sr.Giant, I decided to take it for a ride. 

I went to town just for one thing. (ok two, counting coffee and a cupcake which was delicious)

The one thing was a really ugly shirt with lots and lots of lace!! $1.50 booya! and you know what that means! a romper iza coming!

344th-sew

One thing I've learned for the three weeks of this blog is that I'm not in the same mood every day. Now it's not always such a drastic change but it means I'm not always in the mood to sew or to craft. Through writing each post I realize I'm not always inspired. Now, I could give you a list of "reasons" or "excuses" for not feeling creative or motivated but there would be no use. It would change my desire. What I can say is that through this blog, I have learned how to channel a self-motive each and every day (through thick and thin) to get up and do the things I know I like, even if I don't "feel" like it.
It's really hard for me to know where I'm going to take this blog, or where it's going to take me, but I do know that it has only been doing good things...even if I stay up late just to finish a post.

On another note, while blog surfing, I ran into my next project:

A romper. Always wanter one. Now I get to make one!

Now, knowing me, I'm going to want to make it with the smallest budget possible. AKA using fabric I own, or thrifting it up. Now, lucky for me, I already have a bunch of un-used jersey T's, but what I'm missing is some lace. Without the lace, there's nothing special or feminine about the romper. What I've learned over the years is this: Its ok to use old shirts/fabric for a sewing project, but if you want it to look nice, classy, and new, you need finishing touch. weather it be buttons, silk, hemming, or lace, it needs to be there. 

So, for the romper, Imma get me some lace!

345th-sew

I finished these last night!

346th-

waking up to the rain is one of my favorite things in the world. Doing that twice in one day is even better.

I haven't been getting very good sleep lately, so I'm often tired and groggy. I'm not sure if it's lack of water or stress overload, but it seems as if my body can't relax. So today at nine in the morning, I felt like it was till 5:30am. and so I picked up loren from work and we both stumbled home and crashed on the couch together. 

The funny thing is, we slept like babies. Not even on our own bed do we sleep that well, but piled on top each other on a single couch we where snoring in minutes.
All this rain and stormy weather makes me reminisce the times I'm in the woods hiking in the wonderful nature. Like when I took a hike with Loren in Nisene Marks. The air was crisp and the forest was silent. each breath was as refreshening as a glass of water.

As of the moment, I am about half way done with my leg warmers and sewing them as I write. I hope to go to bed soon, and I'll post up some pictures soon!
Good night and sweet dreams.

347th-sew

This is what I did today:

It's cold, rainy, and a season for cutting your sweater? yes...and then making it into leg warmers! Though, today, I just cut up my sweater. I guess I just didn't get to finishing it with ALL the lazy sitting I had to instead. (day off, cough cough)

I also got pretty excited taking pictures of it too. What an ugly sweater. I got it for $3 at the thrift shop. 

Well, the real news for today is my camera's disfunction =[. If you haven't noticed already, my blog is lacking the beauty of a DSLR (I've replaced it with Photobooth and the internet) because my battery is dead. You may be thinking "why don't I charge it?" and that's what I thought too, but it's been charging for three days... cut to the case, it's a goner =[ sooo, I'll be getting a new one soon (hopefully) and until then, I'll do my best.

348-sew

Fail! Today was the first post I was late for. by 30 minutes! Therefore I'm a day off!. which is kind of a big deal!

But I guess what's a bigger deal is the rest of the things I did up till 12:00 am

I did laundry

got coffee

I went thrift shopping

bought two sweaters

broke my glasses

fixed my glasses

patched my pants

watched "how I met your mother"

Yeah, you could say that my sweater it a bit of a "ugly christmas sweater" but you could also say its Legend....wait for it...dary!

yeah, pretty much. 

Patching my pants was a pain in the arse!

I looked online for techniques but found only "invisible patching" using a sewing machine. I knew my matching couldn't take such tough fabric (after breaking two needles) so I had to come up with more of an old fashion hand-sewn technique. 

I used:

leather cut into two identical squares

needle

thread

It took me about an hour because of the toughness of the leather (and using only a normal needle). But, the patch held up, and now I can wear a belt once more.

btw: I ripped my belt loop at work (only two days after I bought my pants) while running out the door and my pants caught onto the handle almost throwing off of my feet. Man, I was not happy about that. 

349th-sew

Today I started my pajama pants project. There was apart of me that wanted to post a tutorial, how I did it, good techniques, but what I really should say is how hard it was for me to even follow the pattern instructions. This has actually been my first go at following a patten. I got it free at sewing 101 and printed about 20 sheets for the pattern (which took about 30 min 'cause of my slow printer) and the taped it all together (which took about another 30 min). The rest was history.
What I really enjoyed about using a pattern is that it's real simple to backtrack using the guide to see where a mistake could have been made. I'm used to making mistakes and only finding in the end where I realize the entire project was a mistake. Hence My cupcake air freshener take one. 
I still have yet to finished my pants, but I have around 15 min left. I wore them last night anyways. I used one of our throw blankets for the fabric because I wanted something warm and well, they're toasty!

350th-sew

Today (tonight) I started sewing pajama pants. Now it has been a long long long day (starting at 7:30 am) and it is far past my bedtime. I have no photos to show any remarks about my progress. I do apologies about the streak of short posts, but I promise this isn't permanent. and hey, I did craft today and that's a jumpstart for Wednesday.

351st-job

I feel as though I'm going on a craft-free diet. It's been around three days and I haven't even touched a single needle and thread. I know I shouldn't be so hard on myself given I've been working 24/7, but the truth is I miss it. I don't feel completely myself without being creative. Working so much is actually a killjoy.
I hope to be up in running soon. I am glad I'm staying on top of my blog, though I do apologize that there's not much happening. I promise this wednesday that I will make something. This is the least I can do for myself.

as for what Iv'e been up to:

Randome idea of working at the stat park.

Something you should know about me (if you don't already) I love being outside, climbing, hiking, running, etc. Apart from crafting, these are things that keep me sane. I've always wanted to be a guide. 

Oh, and also, I'm thinking of bouldering this wedneasday on my day off. maybe even plan a small camping trip. I need to be outdoors, it;s been too long. Though, I did hear we're due for rain next week. =/

This weeks sum up:

• drink more water
• craft more
• sleep better
• contact other bloggers

352nd-photo

I love the life I live right now. I work at this small and quaint organic Cafe, I have an apartment with my own crafting room, I have money for food and some self-spending, I'm going to school, and I get to be with my boyfriend everyday. It's almost perfect. the only thing that it's missing is my best friend; Moby. Giving him up to the shelter this summer was the hardest thing I've ever had to do, and it's one of the only I can regret. Apart from knowing it was what's best for him, giving our living situation, I can never fill that space in my heart again. 

353rd-craft

Today, I have very little time to sit and blog. It was one of those rushed days, where I went from work, to the gym, to home, and very soon to bed.

I really missed out on crafting today, and I can feel the urge wanting to burst. I would stay up all night if I could, but I have yet another long day ahead of me. I wish I could give more insight on my day and how things are going, but instead I'll show you some ideas I'm thinking of doing.

Pajama Pants

 Leg warmers:

354th-photo

Sweaters that I've stitched:

355th-craft

Air freshener take 2:

This time I decided to try to hand sew it. major improvement. The stuffing still makes the the 2D cupcake awkward and lumpy and I'm not "in love" with it... but it's definitely likable. Loren, with no previous sewing experience what-so-ever actually helped me out with a cupcake take 3 plan...and I am very much excited for that!!

Wednesday was a beat in the butt! I worked all day and went strait to the gym where I climbed, ran, lifted weights, and did sit-ups. I really should have thought that through before I went and killed myself within an hour and a half. It was fun though. Now I'm left barely being able to lift a finger... so you can imagine what it's like sewing this project at 11 pm. but here it is and I'm actually proud!
BTW, this is a gift for Marie Schott, my sister, and an amazing writer. Click her name and check out her blog.

Here where the steps I took:

1. I already had the pattern from the last AF so here I pinned and cut out the fabric. make sure to have both fabrics facing the direction you want it to. I previously folded it in half and cut it, but that resulted in one side of the cupcake to be upside dow. Don't make that mistake.

2. then I pinned the cup and the frosting together and hand-sewd in in place. I did this for both sides before sewing them together.

4.After seing the halves together, I stuffed it. I put the lavender leaves in a teabag so they wouldn't fall throught the loose hand stitches.

5. I then made a loop by folding a rectangle in thirds and sewing the edges. 

6. Final step I stuck the rectanlgle folded in half and sewed the frosting shut.

It actually resembles a cupcake! sure it's a bit rough around the edges, but I'm happy with it. I think I have a small infatuation with improving my mistakes. I cannot wait till take three, I already have great ideas!!

How do you deal with your mistakes? 

Do you ever go back and fix them, or do you just ignore and move on?

I am definitely a mixed bag. I guess these aren't really black and white questions, maybe just questions for you to reflect on, look back on the mistakes you've made.