More Black Belt Stitching Wizard Stuff

Thursday, January 01, 2009

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!

44 comments:

imnverted said...

Kudos on 2008 and losing 55+ lbs! I have enjoyed reading your blog this year and look forward to the posts to come.

Karoline said...

Congratulations on your achievements for 2008 especially the weight loss, you look great.

Cute ornament, looking forward to seeing everything you stitch in 2009

Joyus said...

Happy New Year and congratulations on your fantastic achievements in 2008, my 2009 continue to be positive for you.

Sharon said...

Dani, you had an amazing year last year and you look awesome. I know you will have a more amazing year in 2009! Happy New Year!

Mylene said...

Happy New Year! Congratulations on all your achievements and best wishes for 2009!!

Cheryl said...

Happy New Year Dani!
You look so great in that picture!

Anonymous said...

Hi Dani, and WOW, it certainly has been a great year for you.

You look totally .... FABULOUS! You have done so, so well girl! I feel proud for you :o) I just showed my DH you photo's and he swears they're not the same girl. WOW, he said, she looks gorgeous ... are you sure that's the same girl? LOL.

You have such a positive outlook in this post, you've given me the push to look forward to this year too. Thank you!

Velda said...

You are an inspiration. Right now I look like you're old photo, I'd love to look something even close to your new you! Bravo!

Lisa said...

You've inspired me to lose weight AND exercise this year. And did you know that in England black cats are considered good luck?

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - you are beautiful inside and out and a great inspiration to me in my weight loss and exercise journey. Thank you for such a wonderful post! It boosted my spirit! (I just got done doing my elliptical and sat down and your post was the first I read) Hugs Dani, I am honored to know and have you as a friend!

Brigitte said...

I have been reading your blog for quite a while and it has always been a pleasure to read your posts and to look at your pictures.

Congratulations on a very successful 2008 full of all sorts of achievements. Losing 55 lbs is fantastic and I can easily understand how good you feel now.

I'm looking forward to many more wonderful posts full of life and of stitching.

Kathy A. said...

Wow girl you look fabulous. I like your 2009 goals - all very reachable.
See you soon
Hugs hon

Anonymous said...

I agree --- you made great strides in 2008. You look fabulous!!!!

Snow Gazing is adorable.

On to 2009! Good luck with those last few pounds to goal. I've just started. Here we go!

Amanda said...

What a great year in review Dani. Congrats again on your weight loss - you look fabulous!

Missy Ann said...

Congrats. You know you look great, but like you said you feel really good and that shows too. I wish that I could give everyone who is over-weight one day of feeling like they would if they lost the weight. It is truly amazing how bad physically those extra pounds make us feel.

Angela said...

Happy New Year Dani :)

Congratulations on your weight loss, you are such an inspiration and you look fantastic!

Anonymous said...

WOW - you look fabulous. Congratulations on your weight loss. Size 8 - I don't know when I last wore a size 8 - probably when I was young and foolish. All the best to you and Todd in the new year.

Judith said...

Wow that weight loss is really great. I am sure you will get those last weight of for sure.
Nice finish.

Donna said...

Great job and great year! You can do it in 2009

Jenny said...

Wow Dani - I'm truly impressed. You look awesome! Congrats on all the other successes of 2008 too - and I wish you many more in 2009. :)

Kathy said...

OH WOW you look great Dani, congrats on all your achievements in 2008, hope 2009 is a great for you hun.

Love your stitching as always, and love the new look fo your blog too.

Hugs xxxx

Julie said...

Dani you look amazing, what a stupendous achievement. You are an inspiration to us all that anything you put your mind too can be achieved.
Good Luck with your goals for 2009

Miokka said...

Wow! You are amazing and an inspiration! Congratualtions! I'm so glad I found your blog!
Happy New Year!
Keep up the wonderful work.
~~Martha~~

Anonymous said...

Well done Dani - You look great and have done a wonderful job with our stitching in 2008 - I'm inspired to continue stiching and trying to get in shape. I look forward to meeting up with you at the retreat in March. Keep up the stitching and the new life style.
Clare

AnnMcD said...

WOW....babe!!!!
Chef Dan

AnnMcD said...

Hey Dani, I echo Dan's remark..you look fabulous! and you are an inspiration to us all!

Anonymous said...

Hey Dani.. Congrats on a wonderful year.. BTW - after I saw you at the creative festival I too went into weight watchers. Keep up the great success and heres to an awesome 2008 and even better 2009.

CindyMae said...

You look fantastic!!!! Beautiful stitching as well!!

Olga said...

Congratulations on your wonderful achievement, you look great!!!!

Beatrice said...

I've said it before and I'll say it again...WOW you look great.
I'm proud of you.
You have accomplished so much this year. Good for you.
Happy New Year! I don't know how you will top this past one?

Beatrice said...

P/S nice new blog look as well!

Christine S said...

Congratulations on such a successful 2008! I read your blog regularly but don't often post comments. However, I just wanted to congratulate you on your weight loss! You look fabulous and you should be really proud of yourself!

Stitchabilities said...

Way to go you!!!!
Congrats to you on losing that weight!!You look fabulous!!

Andrea said...

Happy New Year Dani!
Look at you! Congratulations on the weight loss, a fantastic achievement.
Love the new blog look too.

Sylvia said...

Hi again Dani, I read this post second and now I can see that you look absolutely terrific. Congrats again and have a joyous 2009.

Sally said...

Well done on your achievemnents Dani. You are truly an inspiration with your weight loss and you look amazing.

Joanie said...

Congratulations on all your acheivements in 2008! You are my inspiration for WW...this year I WILL get to goal.
You look fabulous in your size 8 jeans! Too cool!
Looking forward to your accomplishments in 2009!

Leah said...

You really have had a great year, Dani! You lead such an active and interesting life. I wish I had even half of your energy. ;)

Cindy F. said...

Dani, you are such a beautiful young woman...inside and out. I am proud of who you are and if I had a daughter, I'd hope she'd be like you! You lift people up and inspire so many! And if you have a bad day, that's all it is...just a bad day.

You just gave me an answer to something I've been thinking about for a few weeks. I've been invited to my first retreat, but it's 2 hours away. I was afraid to travel through cattle country alone,,,but I'm going to sign up! (if there are still openings.) Another one of those times something you said motivated me! They sound too fun to pass up on!
Hugs to you and congrats on all of your amazing accomplishments.

glamlawlib said...

You rock Dani, great post (I'm just catching up)! Huge congratulations on your weight loss :) and a cute kitty ornie to boot, what more could a girl ask for?

Lelia said...

Congratulations on all your 2008 accomplishments. Wow - thx for sharing in your lovely post!

Happy New Year : )

ollie1976 said...

Dani-you look absolutely beautiful...both in your before and after. I am sooooo proud of you. Little do you realize that you have inspired me to get my butt back into gear as well!
-Jen

Sonda said...

You have done a lot of wonderful things this year! Huge congrats to you on your weight loss. My SIL has had similar results with WW and it's amazing what it has done for her self-confidence to feel like she has control and she CAN do it! Best of luck in 2009!

Karan said...

You've made brilliant progress with your weight loss & all your goals Dani - WTG! Best wishes for a 2009 that's full of Happiness & Achievments for you. :0)
BTW, PL is amazing - it's been a joy catching up & seeing it develop through your posts. :0)