Guest blog. . Tavis!

Today my Mom surprised me with a trip in the car. Mom said we were going to a “walk-a-thon”, whatever that is. She did say we would meet lots of dogs there, and that we were going for “a walk”. Yay! There were lots of dogs there. I met everyone. Even a cute girl who looked like me.

Here I am outside the registration tent.

Look at all the people. I couldn't wait to get started.

Looking at those goody bags. I wonder what's in them. I hope it's food.

All the dogs were so nice. I just wanted to play with them all, but mom would not let me.
Finally we got to walk! 5Km, no problem. We cruised right past all the other dogs and their people.

Here I am after the walk. I was tired.
Mom and I just chilled out on the grass for a bit.

Then I was finally allowed to have my goodie bag. I so deserve this.

Friday

It's Friday. The beginning of my weekend. Todays word of the day is “fun”. Tonight I will go to the Hoop Jam with friends and just let my mind wander as I gyrate my hips to keep my hula hoop up.
I still have some work to do on my task list before I can put a big success on this weeks' goals. Time is running out. And I have tried to do some work, but nothing is turning out like I want it to. Guess that means I'm really out of practice.
Tomorrow, Tavis and I are participating in a walk-a-thon for a animal rescue group. I was supposed to do it with a co-worker, but due to unfortunate circumstances at work, she had her schedule changed an is unable to participate with me. So Tavis and I will go it alone. Well not truly alone. I am sure there will be enough people there that we'll make some new friends. Maybe we'll even win the pet/owner look-alike contest?
So, off to do some chores and then Hoop Jam.

The list

“Put yourself on your list” I think Oprah may have said something along these lines. Everywhere I look I hear people blogging about stuff they want to do, how they will make their lives better, get in shape, make money, blah blah blah. I admit I'm guilty of doing this and then not following through.
I do get inspired by other people's resolutions. I get inspired by their successes, and I learn from their failures. I shy away from the big changes, and say “I will do this”, but I never do.
So what is the problem? How do I get around this?
Baby steps?
“If you always do what you've always done, you will always get what you've always gotten” This seems to be very true for me.
So, like George in that episode of Seinfeld, I will try to do the opposite of what I have done and see what happens. That is easier said then done, if the past is anything to go on. So what can I do?
Let's try week to week. Here is my list.

Call/chat w/ 3 friends/week (so if you are a friend of mine, get ready to hear from me each week whether you want to or not )
Draw something (It will be posted at the end of each week)
Workout 4 days a week
Practice Hula hooping
Make 1 piece of jewelery (posted at the end of the week)
Blog at least once a week
Update website at least once a week
Work on crochet project (post results once a week)

I'll start with this and see how we go. Words of encouragement are welcomed, as well as threats to get off my butt and do this stuff.
So starting Sunday, let the week begin. . .

As added incentive, I have posted this list on my computer screen. No Excuses!!

Creative April

I have decided to be inspired by, but not actually participate, in the "make something cool every day in April" event sweeping the net.
I know I cannot make something new every day. If I can make 4 projects this month I would be happy with that.
Here is the start of a friendship bracelet. I used to make these all the time when I was a kid. I forgot how fun they are to make.

























Here is the finished product 1 day later! yay! Oh and Tavis helped a little bit . . . .


























I also made some Etsy inspired Tree of Life pendants with extra beading materials I had.
The picture is not the greatest, but they are pretty cool. These were made with stones, but I will make some more with beads. That way I can sell them for a little less. Any one want one??

Breaking

Treating myself to a week off from work. I had originally planned to do as little as possible and to play as many video games as possible. But today I had the chance to do some thinking about what I need, and I think I should use this free time to do some of those things.

Firstly, I will get in some needed excerise. I've been slacking off and have gained some weight back. :(

I want to give my website a makeover. It's been 4 years since I changed it. Hmm, I either need to learn css or get someone to make it for me. . .

I need to practice drawing and actually work on some new artwork.

I will practice chest hooping (man is it hard)

And I will have fun, because you should always have some fun.

Wowie

So, last night was the Hoop Jam. A free get together for people who hoop, or who want to learn. Not just your kiddie, dollar store, hula hoop. These are bigger, heavier, and sparkly.
I'm happy to say I got the gist of it pretty fast (maybe watching videos does help?) I had an idea going it what I needed to do. But I still have lots to learn.
I did attempt some turns, walking, a couple of dance steps with the hoop in motion before it when circling to the ground.
I must say that after doing it for over an hour, you do get pretty tired.
Surprisingly, it is not my abs that are sore this morning, it's my sides. I can't wait to do more. The women there were very impressive. They make it look effortless and beautiful. It's super fun.
The highlight of the evening was a drawing for 2 hand made hoops. I made a donation, entered my name and crossed my fingers for one.
Unfortunately, I did not win. But my friend The Muse, who joined me that night, did win one. Way to go!
Then she did the most amazing thing. She gave her prize to me. I was shocked and don't really remember what she said as to why she was giving it to me. But thank you again so much! It's a beautiful red and black one.
We'll see if my sides let me try it again today, or if I need to wait a day to recoup.

Breath it in

I am all set for Spring. . .any time now. . .
A fresh coat of paint, a new template, some fresh air. Breath in a fresh new world. Embrace your creatitivity. Challenge it.
This year is going to be full of surprises, and I can say that I am a little scared but very excited to see what will happen.
I do have some plans for this year, but I don't want that to be my map to happiness.
Let's just see what the future brings. In the mean time, I will try to fill my days with love, art, fuzzy beasts and candy.