Transitional Me

This photo was taken of me at work last Friday. I was really surprized when I saw it by how thin I looked! I think part of the reason is that it is only upper body, but it is encouraging to see a visual of my progress!



I am now on the off part of my diet until I get back from Europe and I need to be careful not to gain weight. I think it's going to be hard.

I'll be out of the loop for a little while, able to get email and respond,but I don't think I can blog, we'll see if I can figure it out while I am gone! Be back mid May!

Desert View 72!

My grade school reunion was this past weekend and it was a blast! I think we missed a few in the group photo. We also had 8 former faculty show up and quite a few spouses, friends, etc. Everyone had worked hard and yet it was still not that hard to pull off, really.

Finding people was one of the more difficult things and getting an accurate count of how many to expect. It was a warm, friendly and memorable weekend.

I heard requests to do it again all the tway from every year, every two years, etc. I know we'll do it again, I'm just not sure of the frequency yet. I think one of the things that made it so fun, was that a lot of us had been talking on line for quite a while before the reunion and that made it feel more comfortable when we finally met up. And we had also had a chance to look up photos of who was coming so we would remember them.

This is me with Ron Stephens and his wife. Ron was a very popular guy in grade school and I don't know that we had ever really talked before. He claimed we were friends in 4th grade. Maybe.....but I really don't remember.

We had a total of 8 of the former teachers show up. Pretty funny when you think we are all going to be 50 this year. It was great fun to see them and when one of the girls said, You paddled me!, the teacher said, yes and I regret it. Pretty funny.

This is the some of the former 8th grade pom line posing with an impossibly small outfit from then. Too funny! Some of these same girls were dancing on the tables by the end of the evening. Once a Pom girl always a Pom girl I guess!

Looks like a good time was had by all, huh?

Progress Report

I just wanted to let you all know how the diet is progressing. I'm not losing as fast as at first, but am still losing steadily. I've lost 53lbs so far! I'm pleased. I have to go off the strict part of the diet mid month until I come back from Europe. I'm hoping to just maintain while I'm gone. The doctor thinks I might still be able to loose because I'll be active while on vacation. I hope so. But I've been active here lately too, riding my bike! It's been fun. I'm trying to get a ride in with everyone who wanted to go for a ride before I leave, because I know it will be darn hot by the time I get back from Europe!

Portraits

We have started doing portraits in my drawing class now. It is hard to try and make it really look like the person, but I am making progress. Here is my first one:

Here hair looks like her, but I made her nose and face a little long and her face to angular. It's amazing what a few centimeters can do. I'm drawing her again in class this week and am doing a better job.

Last Wednesday we drew again and I did a lot better job. I was surprized at how well I did. Partly it's because my teacher comes around behind me regularly and tells me things I can do to correct it and make it look more like the guy. But still, I was very pleased! I don't think I'll do as well without her help, but I'll work on it. This REALLY looks like him!

Pretty soon I'm going to have to do a homework assignment without her to help and we'll see what I can do!

New Bike!

I bought a new bike today! Isn't it awesome! It's an Amsterdam bike by Electra bikes. I love the whole retro look to it and it rides great. It's just a 3 speed and has coaster brakes just like when we were kids. I got a little "bike computer" for it. It attaches to the handlebars and it's wireless. It tells me how far the bike has been ridden, it has a trip odometer, tells you how long you've been riding, what time it is, what temperature it is and how fast you're going. It's pretty cool. The seat and handlegrips are leather. It has cool fenders and mini mudflaps. I love the rack on the back, the lights and the metal casing over the back wheel. I also like that the handlebars are a little higher and so you aren't hunched over. I rode around the neighborhood this morning and it was so nice being out and about, cool breeze, citrus blossums! Very fun! Any one ready to go on a bike ride?

Dobbie Dog Days

This is Dobbie, my dog with "issues". He is doing so well now though. I am a big fan of neutering! It has helped him a lot.

He LOVES the dog park and is never ready to go home. He spends the whole time patroling the fence or occasionally visiting with the other dogs and people. But he always looks so happy there. He needs to lose a few pounds as well and I figure since he is constantly moving while he is there, it must be good for him.

The dog park is always a really interesting place to be. There is a lot going on with the dogs and the people. Even if you don't have a dog, you should go sometime and hang out a little while. Anyone is welcome to come along with me!

Just Ducky

I love to crochet. I only learned in my 30's, but I find it, mostly very relaxing. Most of my friends have all they might want from me in the way of crochet, but I still want to make things and so I often make things for acquaintances and sometimes perfect strangers.

I saw this adorable pattern for a baby/child afghan and decided I had to make it. I wasn't sure who it was going to go to until last Sunday. I talked to a lady at church who is expecting and loves ducks. At least I know her. I don't really like to give ones that took a lot of work to people I don't know. But I just think this is adorable and had to take a picture for everyone else to enjoy too!