Followers

26 March 2014

What I've been doing all month

It feels like forever since I posted. This has been a rough month for me. We have been dealing with some major health issues with my father, and, surprisingly, also with me. When I went into the urgent care with that stupid sinus infection at the end of February, they realized my blood pressure has gone very high again, and almost sent me to the hospital. I got a kind but stern talking to from the doctor there, got a referral to a new physician here, and was pretty much told if I don't make some life changes, I might not be around to see my daughter grow up. And that scared me. So I've been making small changes to start. I'm back on my blood pressure medication--not what I really want to do, but if it's that or dying til I get myself together, I'll do that--, bought a new pair of cross-trainers (and I can heartily recommend New Balance, I have never had a bad pair of NB sneakers, they're light, AND, in case this matters to you, they're made in the US), dusted off my pedometer, signed up for a walking challenge at work, starting to go back to the gym (I have to upgrade my membership so I can use the Crazyville branch, but I don't have the money for that yet, thanks to the sneakers), and trying to make some better food choices. It's not easy--the health issues with Dad kind of hit hard and I've been upset about that, and I have another sinus infection that I've been dealing with this week, but it will get easier. Change is never easy to deal with, but I heard myself giving the doctor all the reasons I don't take care of myself, and they were such BS. 100 excuses not to take care of myself and one really good reason to do it. So, that's where we are. Trying.
 
In between, I stitched this:
 
 
 
Is he not adorable?
It's from the leaflet, "Apples and Applesauce," by Pitter Patterns, who did a lot of House Mouse Designs. The chart is based on one of the pictures found here.  This site is one of my guilty pleasures.  I just find her pictures to be so sweet and clever, a gentle humor.
 
 

And some detail:
 


 
This makes me happy just to look at it. I was a little put off by the colors that it used, but, once it was all together and backstitched, I just love it.
 

15 comments:

Robin in Virginia said...

Sorry to hear that you haven't been feeling well. Good luck and best wishes with the life changes you are making.

Robin in Virginia

riona said...

So sorry to hear of your health issues but it sounds like you are managing them intelligently. Your daughter will be a great motivator to keep on top of your program.

Stitchinowl said...

Keeping positive thoughts for both you and your dad. I also just started exercising again after not keeping up with it for the past month. I am trying to exercise every day now...hard but necessary.
I love your House Mouse piece!
Carolyn

Annie said...

So sorry to hear about all the health issues! I hope everyone is back on track soon. What scary news for you to receive, but better now than later!
Your project is adorable:)

valerie said...

It's always hard to get started on new food and exercise routine but once you get the hang of it, it'll get easy. Good luck Rachel! Love your new finish...very, very cute!

Unknown said...

I do hope you're feeling better soon - the stitching is beautiful! I love the details.

Shebafudge said...

That is such a cute piece! Love it. Sorry to hear about both your dad's health problems and your blood pressure. I'm with you on not taking the medication. I only tend to remember to take mine when I start getting bad headaches. Good luck in getting yourself fit and healthy. Hope your dad is on the mend. xx

Justine said...

Just found your lovely blog - how cute is that finish?! Hope you feel better soon.

Meari said...

Kudos to you for starting a healthy lifestyle. I know it's not easy! I've been plodding along trying to get better, too. I don't have health issues yet, but I'm trying to cut them at the curb since heart disease, high BP and cholesterol run in my family. I've been doing the pedo for over a year and for me it's helping... When the weight isn't dropping off, I can see the steps which gives me incentive. Good luck to you!

Meari said...

P.S. I forgot to comment on your mouse!! Duh on me. He's ADORABLE!!

sharine said...

Very cute finish. I've had to make some changes to so I tried changing one thing a week. Good luck:)

Vicky said...

Glad that things are on the up with you and I love House Mouse designs, to cute LOL

Blu said...

Sorry to hear that you haven't been feeling well. Good luck with the changes.

Very cute mouse.

Carol said...

Aww... what a cute little mouse you've stitched, Rachel.

I'm so sorry to hear your father has been ill and that you've had a rough time of it, too. Once you begin exercising it really will become part of your daily routine. I have so, so much more energy on the days I exercise versus the days I don't so I try to get 2-3 miles in every day. I know it's not easy when you have a little one, but now that the weather is warming up you can put her in her stroller and away you go! Good luck--you can do it!

Unknown said...

Love, love the mouse!!!

Good for you for making a conscious effort at improving your health...you will be glad when you start seeing the results!

I do my thing and you do yours. I am not in this world to live up to your expectations, and you are not in this world to live up to mine. You are you and I am I, and if by chance we find each other, then it is beautiful. If not, it can’t be helped--Frederick Perls