2008 - The Year in Review

I've kinda been writing this post in my head for quite a few days now. So let's see how this comes out through the keyboard.

Happy 2009 fellow bloggers, stitchers, photographers, martial artists, readers and more! Its not too often I sit around, looking forward to a New Year, and looking back at the previous year with pride. I do believe I can look back on 2008 with pride! Its been a year full of challenges, changes, victories, accomplishments, stitching, family and friends new and old. I hope many of you are looking back at the last year in the same way. Looking at what you've done that was worth celebrating, what challenged you, and what made you stronger, happier, more complete.

I entered 2008 with not a great outlook on life. My right foot was still a mess from my injury in May of 2007. It was still causing me pain, it kept me away from one of my passions (Taekwon-Do), it held me back, and it helped (but wasn't the only cause) to contribute towards my soaring weight. By February I finally got some testing done, where it was discovered I had not only partially torn my plantar fascia but done some damage to the 3rd and 4th metatarsals. By late spring I started an experimental treatment called prolotherapy, a number of rather uncomfortable injections to the foot every six weeks for a total of six treatments. I still have 2-3 treatments to go in 2009, but I do believe its working and has been worth the cost.

At the end of February I took a huge step in my life, it was time to deal with my weight. Something many of us know about all too well, the constant battle with our weight, food, and the image media forces upon us of what is normal and what is right and what is pretty. I had actually started lamenting to myself and a few people around me about my weight in 2007, and I knew it was time to do something. In January I knew what I needed to do, to go to Weight Watchers. I had to admit this was something I was unable to do alone, that yes, I needed help. It took me until the last week of February/first week of March to come up with the guts to do it, to walk into a Weight Watchers meeting. At first I didn't know what to expect, and was self conscience of how the people at the meeting saw me, saw how big I was, saw how weak I was because I couldn't loose weight on my own. Since my first meeting, I rarely miss one, if I do I try to go to another one in my area, and if I can't make that I always get into a Weight Watchers Center to weigh in. I've met a great group of ladies (and our token male), who have been so supportive in my journey. I've also had a world of support from my parents, my partner, my friends and all of you! Your support has meant the world to me! (pssst those jeans in the pic are my new size 8's!)



In these 9 months at Weight Watchers I have : lost 55.5 lbs (with 14.5 left to loose), I've gone from almost a size 20 to a size 10/8, I started running, went back to Taekwon-Do and joined the gym! Loosing weight has left me feeling great (I used to feel blah all the time!), empowered, looking good, brought back old joys, and opened up new activities/opportunities!

During May and June I went back to College and took an introductory Digital Photography course. Wow did that open up a new world for me and unleashed another side of my creativity! I learnt how to use the Digital SLR camera I got in the New Year properly. I also met some pretty neat people as well. It was exhausting, being in class 6 hours a week at night but well worth it!

Throughout the spring, summer and fall months I told you all about my various adventures and road trips! I got in a lot of visiting with my friends who live within a few hours drive. I attended several stitching retreats, which I enjoy a lot. I also went on a great little roat trip to the Adirondacks with my Mum where I managed to take some great photographs! Oh and concerts too!

Then there's the stitching! Where would my life be without my obsession, my favourite hobby? I've made so many great friends both in person and online through stitching. I started this blog just to chronicle/show off my stitching. It has since turned into so much more! In 2008 I finished a total of 59 projects! I tried to make it 60 but the clock beat me to midnight and I didn't get that last project finished in time. I left 2008 with 4 unfinished projects which will continue to be WIPs in 2009.

So what's in store for 2009 you may ask? Who knows what adventures may come my way?

However I do know what I'd like to accomplish!

• Reach my goal weight, with a total of 70lbs lost
• Renew my gym membership by January
• Get my 3rd Degree Black Belt in Taekwon-Do
• Participate in Run For the Cure
• Finish any WIPs left from 2008

I enter 2009 with Paradigm Lost, Tour Des Marques, Blackstone Fantasy Garden and Todd's Christmas Stocking in my stitching basket. As usual each New Year's Day I start a new project with some of my stitching friends (last year it was Moonlight Guardian), this year we've all picked various Mirabilias. A blog has been started up for us Mira. stitchers to track our progress as we go along with this SAL.

Today I started Art Deco Spirits after a small Happy Dance which I had planned as #60 for 2008 but it has turned into #1 for 2009 ... and my first ornament! As you can see I have an affinity for black cats!

Snow Gazing

c2005 Paw Printings

Stitched on : 32ct Misty Blue Belfast Linen

Stitched with : DMC cotton

I hope you all have a happy and stitchy filled 2009! And follow your dreams!