Work in Progress

As a crafter, I have many Works in Progress (aka WIP). Blankets, scarves, scrapbook pages, and so forth ranging from the planning stage to near completion. I think this is an inherited trait. The ongoing family joke growing up was if my mother was going to finish sewing shirts for my brother she started when he was 16 years old. Needless to say that was one WIP that was never completed.

My biggest and most challenging WIP is myself.  I approach life as I do my craft projects. I plan and research what is of interest; get the tools and materials needed for the project; think about starting the project; start the project; put it away for a while; pick it up for a little while longer; put it away; and so forth. Unlike my craft projects, though, I don't necessarily get the desired end result because I do not dedicate enough time to this project (i.e., myself). Everyone says people have to put themselves first in order to be helpful to others. This is easier said than done for someone who has always put others first her entire life. When I do put myself first, I get an overwhelming feeling of guilt and retreat. Recently I have made concerted efforts to put myself first by eating healthier, scheduling time to exercise or going out by myself to run errands (stopping to have coffee along the way). I still feel guilty if I take more than a few minutes to myself, but I am a project I have to continue to work on so I can be there for my greatest work in progress - Little E.

Welcome to My World

Hello all! I would like to welcome y'all to my world. I aim to use this space to keep everyone updated on the going ons in my part of the world. First, let me introduce myself. My name is Susan R. I am the mother to four-year-old Little E and 55-year-old Big G. Actually, Big G is my hubby and wonderful father to Little E. I am a full time school psychologist and Big G is a stay-at-home dad. We have two dogs, Shadow (Beagle/Basset, 15-year-old) and Chow Chow (Chow/Shepherd, 8-year-old). We enjoy family time by watching movies, doing crafts, and playing outside (when it is not hot and humid, as it tends to be in SC).

As mentioned in my profile, I had Gastric Bypass surgery in December of 2004. I lost approximately 200 pounds before getting pregnant. I have gained about 40 pounds from my lowest weight prior to having Little E. I had excess skin removed from my lower abdominal region last December and am investigating additional reconstructive surgery to address the upper body area. Although I am able to wear smaller clothes and shop in the "regular" section of stores, I continue to see the 448 pound person I was before surgery. People cannot understand that, but, at times, neither can I.

My interests include cooking, baking, and crocheting. I have several works in in progress in my crochet bag and am addicted to buying yarn when on sale. I have recently embraced organizing my household physically, financially, spiritually, etc. to make more time for us. This includes planning meals, couponing, cooking at home - in other words going back to the basics of my childhood.

My goal for this blog will be to inspire others, stay in touch with family and friends, vent, make friends, and expand my mindset. :)



Enjoy!



Susan