Suck it up? Really, is that necessary?

I spend entirely too much a bit of time on Pinterest (link opens in new window).  And I have noticed a sad, sad trend recently -- beside the stupid silly bucklist pins.  I have been seeing a lot of pins suggesting that the only way to loose weight and get in shape is to be not only hard on yourself, but down right mean to yourself.  This is something I don't particularly like, and it's something I have been working very hard at not doing to myself.  This pin is what inspired me to write this post today.  The person who created this photo, I imagine is a very angry person.  Either angry at her/himself or just angry at the world and all its people in general. 

As the New Year is well under way, and reducing the amount of anger I feel toward myself is one my primary goals this year, this really makes me sad.  Anger is not the motivation I want to use to accomplish things in my life.  All this does is leave me feeling wiped out before I even begin, and in the end.  Then, even if my goal is accomplished I still feel like crap about myself.  So I ask you, what is the point of this?

To shame oneself into action?  Does this really work for any length of time?  It might get you to act in the moment, but action will become increasingly difficult to achieve without also increasing the damage you're doing to your self esteem. 

As I begin to climb down from my soap box, here, I will leave my readers with one final thought.  Having been on both sides of the thin vs. fat battle (120lbs and 190lbs) yes, being thin is nice.  Being able to fit into just about anything at the store is wonderful.  Being thin makes shopping (which I hate doing) much easier.  But sacrificing your sense of self and your self-love in order to become thin?  Totally NOT worth it for even a second.  Because the truth is, no matter how thin you become, it will never be enough for you if don't love and respect yourself to begin with.  Accept where you are now.  Love yourself as you are now.  Learn to make you enough.  And the rest will come and go as it's supposed to.

Alright, off my soap box, for now.

Happy Thursday,

~j.b.

Order Up!

So, my order from Knitpicks.com finally came in.  You know, after weeks of waiting.  Okay, so I only waited a couple days.  They ship surprisingly fast, even for this time of year.  I just opened it tonight, and I am in love with the yarn.  And the needles, even though they are a tad bit more bendy -- I know, not actually a word -- than I'm used to.  But, I usually use metal, so...yeah.

Oh!  I found these beauties today.  I think I might just spend a tiny bit too much time online these days.  Ah well, sometimes recovering from a busy holiday of shopping and visiting requires some sitting as well as some more shopping.  Haha!

Don't you judge me.

Anyway, these are the creme de la creme of amazing-ness when it comes to knitting needles.  According to reviews, at least.  I'm not wealthy enough to afford these at this time.  I will though, mark my words.  I'm a dpn fiend, and these look like heaven.  They even have this wonderful option of creating your own wish-list so people can purchase what you'd like from them.  They are tricksy that way.  And I love them. 

I have also spent the day reading the TECHknitting blog.  This woman is a genius!  I totally want to pick her brain.  Or eat her brain...you know, as in zombies.  BRAAAAAAAINS...ahem.

What was I saying?

So, I guess that was my day.  Drooling over beautiful yarn-type stuff, and reading about yarny things.  Not too bad of a way to while away the hours, if I do say so myself.  I also made some ice cream batter.  Can't wait to try that out!  I'll post pictures, promise.

Happy Thursday, my lovelies,
~j.b.

A day behind.

Good grief, I seem to be seriously lagging on my Gratitude list for the past day or so.  I'm behind a day, so tonight I will combine last night's list with the list for tonight.  That way, come tomorrow night, I'll be back on track.  Guess I've had a busy weekend.  It happens.

Today has been a wonderfully relaxing Sunday for Jon and I.  We spent some time this morning sitting at our respective computers reading and surfing.  Me on Pinterest and Jon on...well, where ever it is he goes when he's online.  More than likely, Reddit.  Although, I have to admit, I do spend time there, too.  They have knitting, crochet and sewing sub-reddits that are tons of fun.  You get to see other peoples' projects and visit new and fun blogs.  So...there's that.

We didn't actually leave the house until around noon.  At that time, we met some friends for Pho in Santa Clara.  I haven't had it in a long time, and it was YUMMY!  I really need a recipe for it.  I have heard it takes all day to make.  Which is perfectly okay me.  Because it's totally worth it for delicious soup.

After lunch, we headed out for a little shopping.  We looked for a gift for Jon's brother and sister, then headed over to R.E.I. to look for some winter-type clothes for Jon and I.  I came out with a pair of pants and a cute knit skirt.  Jon found nothing.  That's the problem with being 6'6".  Things are either long enough in the arms and huge in the torso.  Or they fit in the torso but they're super short in the arms.  So, I think we're just going to need to start doing our shopping for him online.  Does anyone have any suggestions of where to shop for super tall, slim men?  Anyone?  Please?

So, even though our shopping adventure didn't pan out completely, we still had a nice time.  The day in total, was a huge success.  We relaxed.  It was needed.  Now we feel ready to tackle this up-coming week.  I have lots of presents to wrap, and a house to decorate -- not mine though, my mom's.  And Jon will be busy at work, as always.

Now, on to my list:

*  Having my mom over here for most of the day yesterday.  It was nice spending the day with her.  We even got into my sewing room for a while and did some crafting.  Until I needed a nap, anyway!

*  Actually being able to nap yesterday afternoon.  Sleeping during the day has become nearly impossible for me lately.  I'll doze, a tiny bit, but very rarely will I actually sleep.  It can be quite frustrating.

*  Dinner with my parents last night.  It was fun.  My mom and I had crab -- of course! -- and the men had steaks.  Jon doesn't care for sea-food -- which is nearly a deal breaker -- and my dad is allergic to shellfish.  So, all the more crab for mom and me!  Yay!

*  A wonderfully relaxing Sunday with my husband.  We should make this a mandatory way of spending at least one day every weekend.

*  A wonderfully patient brother-in-law.  Thank you so much for understanding my silliness with the password!  Totally figures I finally got it.

Alright...that's it 'til tomorrow night.

Happy, Relaxing Sunday,
~j.b.