Excited! My mom means the world to me.

I'm strangely very excited for my birthday this year coming. Not that I'm usually not excited for my birthday since it falls about two weeks after Christmas, so that means more presents! and who doesn't love presents?????

The exciting part is my mom, is coming down for my birthday.  It will be the first birthday we've celebrated together in 15 years.  We've always talked on my birthday, but it's just not the same as actually being present for my birthday.

I know that it seems kind of foolish to be this excited but I love my mom dearly.  She's the only parent that I've ever really known, and she's the only parent that I have and need.  She's an amazing mother and well father.

The next nine days (well ten if you count today) are going to take forever to pass. Her last visit was very short, but I loved it.  I was like a little kid on Christmas day seeing my mom. It's always so special when she comes down.

I think that it's due to the fact that I have my mom's attention all to myself.  No sisters or nieces to share her with it's like 24/7 ME ME ME ME ME!!!!!!

Having a birthday so close to after Christmas usually, stinks.  But I remember my mom always making a point at making my birthday special.  Although I remember birthday presents wrapped up in Christmas wrapping paper, and thinking to myself "Was this really a Christmas present?" But now thinking about it as an adult Christmas wrapping paper is always on sale around my birthday thus the reason for my birthday presents being wrapped in Christmas paper.

I love my mom dearly.  I miss her all of the time.  But I also love living far away.  It gives her an escape from work and well my sisters and nieces.  It also proves to her that what she taught me growing up I'm able to do on my own. It would be a lie if I didn't say that "Yes my mom drives me nuts sometimes." But what child doesn't say that?

I really can't wait until the 5th! It's so far away and today it seems like the day is just dragging on and that it will never end. I can't wait to post birthday pictures and pictures of the time that she's down.

We're learning something new Tai Chi

Recently Bob and I started something new. We like to do this every so often, so we can learn how to do something new/learn something new. Like the saying says "You're never too old to learn something new.

As we all know they say that the more you exercise your mind you help yourself reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer/Dementia. Along with exercising itself.  I've been paranoid myself with the thought of either or since I found out my dad had early onset dementia. *Yes had he has since passed away* 

So our Tai Chi class is about 14 weeks meeting once a week. I thought it would be cool to post our views and thoughts on the class. Class started September 7, 2016

Week 1 September 7, 2016

Angela ~ The first class I was mixed with emotions. I was excited but I was also scared. I've always been this way.  Even when going to school growing up. The entire day I was sort of dreading when it was coming closer and closer to class time. Not knowing if I was going to be able to do anything.

With always being in chronic pain 24/7 I was really unsure if I was going to be able to do any of the movements.  But like I say " You'll never know if you can do something until you try to do it."

The teacher and other students were very nice. I'm always afraid to try a new exercise class with being overweight I was afraid that everyone in the class would be super skinny and be able to do everything with no problem. I was really wrong. Some are skinny but others are overweight like Bob and me. 

Surprisingly I was able to do most of the movements that the teacher was teaching us. Even though I stopped many times and sat down to catch my breath and to be in less pain than what I was in. I believe I stopped five maybe six times because it was too much for me to do. But this was bound to happen since it really does involve the usage of muscles that I haven't used or used slightly in a very long time.

But even with the pain, I felt slightly different. Better in a way. Although I will add Bob use to say that he's in better shape than I am in, but I proved this to be wrong.

Bob ~ I haven't done any Tai Chi in almost 40 years. I thought it would be easy to pick it back up since it was child's play back when I was 19. Of course, I was very, very wrong. This was way harder than it looks, folks. I was a wreck when it was finally over. I hurt in places I didn't know I even had. As I was limping oh-so-painfully back to the car, I finally remembered that back when I'd studied Tai Chi, so long ago? I'd already been taking White Crane Kung Fu for a year and a half, and I was in the best shape of my life. Of course, it was child's play then - and I'm an idiot. I'm now in the worst shape of my life - at least, I really hope it doesn't get any worse than this.

Week 2 September 14, 2016

Angela ~ Week two. I wasn't really sure if we'd make this class. The very first class was difficult for the both of us, more so Bob. The first week was very difficult for him. He was hurting far worse than I was.  But we did go to class. I really believe that if we didn't sign up for classes then we wouldn't be doing this every week. We would just keep putting it off. With having a day and a time and money spent that we would go every week. 

Shockingly I did much more this week.  Last week I must have stopped about five times. This week was much easier I was really proud of myself for only stopping once.  Although while sitting down I still tried to do the arm movements that the class was doing.  

Who ever said that Tai Chi is easy it's not. Even more so when you're not used to a lot of exercises.  

Only stopping once this week was amazing. I'm in hopes that next week that I'll be able to do the entire class without stopping.

Bob ~ It took every last ounce of willpower I had to walk back into this class. If Angela hadn't been with me, I wouldn't have done it. I just couldn't bring myself to give up in front of her, though, especially since she wasn't stopping. Dear God. This class hurt only a little less than the first class. What's worse is that I'm starting to feel like an idiot because I can't get the moves right. I'm hoping that things will improve to the point that I stop hurting soon enough to practice before the next class - but I'm not holding my breath waiting for it. I'm really proud of Angela - she's doing much better than I am. And, she's proven conclusively that she's in much, much better shape than I am. I am now officially Old and Decrepit. 

Week 3 September 21, 2016

Angela ~ Wasn't really a good week for me. Sadly my allergies made it difficult to do the entire class.  I did not do about 15 minutes of the class.  What I really liked was after the class the teacher came over and asked if I was alright. Not that we have a huge class but she knew me by name and showed concern.  

With that being said. I have noticed a difference. I am able to move in ways that I haven't been able to in a long time. I can also feel muscle definition happening.  I can, however, touch my toe to my nose now. 

Bob ~ 

Week 4 September 28, 2016

Angela ~ Sadly we didn't have class.  But bonus my mom came down for a short visit. 

Bob ~ No Class

Week 5 October 5, 2016

Angela ~ Woohoo! First time ever that I did the entire class. I'm so excited. Up until now, I haven't been able to finish an entire hour long class without taking a five-ten minute break. I know that it doesn't sound like a huge deal but it is. Even more so with always being in chronic pain more than half the time that I cry.  It was a huge accomplishment to be able to tackle this task sooner than I ever expected.

So far I think we've learned a total of about 60 steps of the Tai Chi. Which is also very exciting. I always thought that Tai Chi would be easy. It looks fairly simple, but believe me it isn't.  It may look like little old grandma's and grandpas do this but let me tell you they have to be in some pretty amazing shape. While Tai Chi is relaxing, it does take a lot of strength.

However, I have noticed a difference thus far. I'm able to move around easier. I'm able to touch my big toe to my nose. I've been hurting a bit less. So I think that taking this class is really benefiting me. 

Another note I just noticed last night. My Fitbit HR is on the last hole possible.  I believe that either I have to buy a smaller size or figure out a way to add holes to the band.  I really didn't think that I was losing any weight just yet. But I guess that I'm wrong.

Bob ~ 

Week 6 October 12, 2016

Angela ~ Not a bad class this week. If only I can get both my hands to do the same movement at the same time.  Moving your arms like they are blowing in the wind is difficult.  Although the class was a bit difficult this week. I believe I either 1) got into something that I was allergic to.  Or! I ate something I was allergic to. My throat was itchy like you couldn't believe. It was difficult to pay attention with my throat itching so much. But I didn't let that stop me. I continued through the entire class. Although the last five minutes I did sit out because I was that itchy. Having some food allergies and allergies, in general, is so not a fun thing.  I did manage to hurt my ankle a little bit. It was doing a backside step.

Bob ~ 

Week 7 October 19, 2016

Angela ~ I did it again. Did the entire class without having to sit and rest. I have noticed that it's easier to do the moves and my body isn't screaming at me. This is a huge deal with dealing with severe chronic nerve pain every day of your life being able to do this is a huge milestone to reach.  I have noticed that my upper arms and my legs are getting smaller. 

At first, Tai Chi was difficult. I still remember the very first class. I was scared because I'll admit it I'm a huge introvert.  Meeting new people scare me, I don't do very well with speaking with new people. I'm not rude or anything but speaking to a large group of people makes me very uneasy.  I tend to stay very quiet.  Having Bob in the class with me just makes things that much easier.  He's more social that I am.  Although I've spoken with a few people in our class on a one on one type of conversation. 

Anyway, I was saying that I still remember the first class. I had to keep sitting down about every five minutes because I was just hurting that much.

Now if you fast forward six weeks we come to today's date.  The class is so much easier we're learning a bunch of moves.  I don't have to sit and rest, and well we're basically learning self-defence moves as we learn each step one by one.  Each class we've learned about six maybe seven different grouping of moves. Our teacher has been very impressed with all of us.

I will admit this that some of the movements are easier than some and some are difficult. But our teacher takes the time and ask if we have any questions after each set of about eight movements. 

Bob is doing well in the class. Now if we can just get him to the point that he doesn't have to sit and rest along with hurting less I think he would be happier. Maybe this weeks class will be the class he doesn't have to sit and catch his breath.

Bob ~

Week 8 October 26, 2016

Angela ~ I don't think it will be possible to learn this Lotus Kick in Tai Chi. Our teacher has said it's a difficult move to learn. 

I can totally do the first kick part.  It's easy. Yes! you are lifting and swinging your leg almost but it doesn't really involve a lot of steps to do it. With this move, I almost feel as though I'm doing some sort of ballet move. I should really look into buying some I believe they are called turning shoes. It might make the second part easier to do.

BUT! the second is next to impossible. Lift your leg, smack your leg, turn while your leg is up in the air, stop down leg that is in the air and then do a punch. I so can't do this. Okay! I know that you should never say you can't do it without really trying....... But this is impossible! How do the elderly Chinese people do this so easily??????? Just so you can see what I'm talking about. Tai Chi Lotus Kick

Bob ~

Week 9 November 2, 2016

Angela ~Sadly we didn't have class. I've been studying the video that Sachi our instructor sent to us.  While it looks easy while watching it, trying to do it is a different story.  But I always believe that practice makes perfect. 

Bob ~ No Class

Week 10 November 9, 2016

Angela ~ Sadly we didn't have class. However! I'm still watching the video to try and perfect the Lotus Kick. I think the Lotus might be defeating me. I believe that I might have to hold up the white flag on this move. 

Bob ~ No Class

Week 11 November 16, 2016

Angela ~ Bob has yet to update five weeks of classes. Shame on him. I've been trying to keep up with writing about our experience. It's been ELEVEN weeks already. That's really hard to believe, but it is true.

I have to admit that I didn't think that I was going to be able to do this. Sometimes it just seems impossible to do the moves.  But once again our instructor Sachi is amazing.  She is very patient will all of us. She's not like the instructor that I envisioned at all.  Before coming to our first class, the only thing that I envisioned is one of those instructors you see in the movies. The type that yell at you all the time. If anyone really knows me that is something you just can't do to me. I don't work well with people who just yell for no reason at all.

But like I said our instructor Sachi is amazing.  She comes around and corrects our poses if we have them wrong.  She never yells at us for doing something wrong or asking questions.  To tell the truth she really enjoys when we ask her about position moves.  Much like my question today about that dreaded Lotus move.

The amazing thing that happened today is I yes I got the Lotus Kick. Well, most of it. One move I did have my weight on the wrong leg. But I was able to do the second part of the move. The one part that I've been having so much trouble with. (However, I'm still thinking about those turning dance shoes. To make doing the second turn easier) The amazing thing that I found out is that we can immediately stomp our foot on the floor when we do that second turn. Which I will add that it makes the second part so much easier that it's next to impossible to fall over. 

I will admit that I had to sit down for a few moments.  I turned so much that I made myself dizzy. The good thing is that it was at the very end of the class. So I didn't feel much like a looser Failure. 

I believe we've come so far after about 8 classes total done. That's minus the times that we didn't have class. 

I have noticed that I'm able to stretch much easier now. And well I will admit that most of the time that I'm not into much pain that I usually am always in. I have also noticed a change in Bob.  His balance is much better, and he has been less cranky about being in pain. 

The exciting part is that people have just started noticing the weight loss that we really didn't even acknowledge that it was happening/is happening.  

Bob ~

Week 12 November 23, 2016

Angela~ Sadly we didn't have class.  It's Thanksgiving Week! The time that the Pilgrims gave smallpox to the Native Americans.  Talk about a really nice gift NOT to those who helped them. If it wasn't for the Native Americans the Pilgrims would have starved to death.

Bob ~ No Class

Week 13 November 30, 2016

Angela ~  Was able to do the entire class. Phew! Was a bit difficult after having all that yummy turkey! I believe that I almost have the Lotus Kick down. But it's still difficlut. 

Bob ~

Week 14 December 7, 2016

Angela ~ Wasn't feeling well so I missed class

Bob ~

Week 15 December 14, 2016

Angela ~ Last Class Still wasn't feeling all that well but managed to go to class.  Was able to do about half the class. We have plans on signing up for another go of the classes.  We've learned 7 steps during this session.  Next session is a longer class time.  It's winter and spring combined.  Our teacher has mentioned we will start where we left off.  So five more movements until we reach the end and then we will be back at the beginning.  Apparently, we came in close to the end of the movements that the teacher is teaching. I'd like to add that it's also one of the hard parts that we've managed to learn. 

I'm looking forward to learning more moves.  And to master the Lotus Kick.  I still think that it's a hard move but continuing to try it will only get easier.  I'm still thinking that turning dance shoes will help make it easier.  The funny thing is that the teacher said that it's easier to do Tai Chi in a field instead of the hardwood floor. Thus with my thinking that dancing turning shoes might work the best.

As far as doing Tai Chi with fibromyalgia and lower limb lymphedema yes it's difficult, but it is also a low impact exercise which I think has really helped.  I believe that I've lost weight although the scale isn't saying so.  So I'm going with I've gained muscle.  My arms and legs look slimmer to me.   I love that both look slimmer.  Even more so my legs.  It's not easy getting the lymphatic fat to move in the legs.  I think that before class starts or when class starts again, that I'll take measurements of my arms and legs then in the middle of the class time take measurements again along with at the end of the class time to see if an improvement has been made.

Bob is so late in filling in his part of this blog.  I'm going to have to start nagging him to finish this.  But at least you can read my parts!

Bob ~ Last Class

Happy Birthday Dear Husband

Yesterday was Bob's birthday. I won't embarrass him and write an age, but he is older than 29.

We went to a new restaurant.  It was called Henry's Louisiana Grill.  I must say that it was really good. Although I believe that Bob thought it was a tad bit spicy for him.

The first picture is of Bob and his mouth on fire.  The second picture is of the same dish we both ordered.  It was a cream sauce with chicken, spinach, and pasta. I thought it was delicious.

The Birthday Boy and his cake and ice cream 

Tai Chi must be working

Tai Chi must really be working for me!

Today we worked at blowing the leaves.  As most of you know, we have a fairly large yard. Both in the front and the back.  The front yard is very hilly, with trees and rocks and some sort of plants. I'm so not a botanist I really couldn't tell you one plant from another.  The only thing that I can really point out is a pine tree. To me trees are trees and well plants are plants. 

The following pictures are of what I did by myself without taking a rest. I will admit that it feels awesome to be able to say this.  Before Tai Chi, I would have taken about 5-6 brakes of about 15-20 minutes each before I got half way down this hill. Not having to stop is a huge accomplishment.

 The front of our house. Lots of trees and a steep hill. Gives a good workout, but difficult to see the tree stumps when a bunch of leaves fall and blanket the front yard.

 My cute pile of leaves. This is leading into our backyard. As you can see we have a lot of leaves.

 A close up of our hill and of the leaves I did.

Alien Perfume by Thierry Mugler

I'll admit I'm not one of these girly girls who have to have everything pretty and have to have the latest of items and perfumes.  

However! I'll admit I love reading a magazine, and that's how I came around to finding the amazing scent to Alien By Thierry Mugler.  

The magazine I was reading at the time had a sample of the perfume, and like most females I just had to smell it. I fell in love with the Alien perfume scent from the moment I sniffed. 

Aliens write up for their Alien Perfume is as follows directly from the MuglerUSA website. 

The Key Note scents of Alien are as follows Sambac Jasmine, Cashmeran Wood, and Ambergris

Have you seen this bottle? It's one of the most amazing bottles I've ever seen. One of the best things about the bottles Mugler creates is that they are refillable. Yes! You read that right refillable.  So not only is Mugler producing amazing scents he's helping limiting the trash consumption that we've become so use to. 

It's hard to say what it is that I really love about this perfume. But I can say that it does give me more confidence.  Sort of a bounce in my step I would say. 

I had the pleasure of e-mailing the Mugler company to ask a few questions.  Samantha was a joy to speak with. She was extreamely helpful.  You could tell that she careed for the company name. Which I don't usually see in many companies. A lot of people just say that it's just a paycheck, and I'll just give the normal robotic reponcese. But this wasn't the case. I love how Samantha was so enthusaiastic about her job and the company.

I do have to also point out that some of the perfumes come with amazing braclets. What else could a girl ask for? Perfume and a braclet both together is amazing in my book. The other thing that is amazing is that the bottle is refillable. I so have this on my wish list of presents. 

http://www.muglerusa.com/

Yarn Update HORRIBLE RESPONSE.

I have to say that at first I was impressed by the Deborah Norville yarn.  I love how it feels and it's easy to use.  However, I do not like the answers I received from some problems I ran into with the yarn.

One of the knots that I am talking about.

I made the blanket below with Deborah Norville yarn.  While it's a wonderful yarn to work with, I ran into some problems with 8 of the many skeins I purchased.  As you can imagine 8 out of 25 + skeins is a lot to have problems with. 

The problem was a knot in the middle of the skeins. Meaning they placed a knot in the middle of the skeins to continue holding the yarn together once it ran out.  Much like you would do on your own while continuing, if you ran out of yarn.  I am sure many knitters and crocheters will relate to this problem.  While I don't mind this happening with one or two skeins, I found it to be a huge problem while 8 of the 25 + skeins had this problem.  The skeins were purchased from both a Joann's store and Joann's online. At almost $4.50 a skein having this problem with 8 of them is a huge problem.  Well, at least, it is for me.

Anyway, on with the reason why I have labeled this a Horrible Response.

At first, it was very pleasant, I was lead to believe that Deborah herself had e-mailed me.  Exciting! Right? That Deborah herself took time out of her schedule to e-mail? I'm not sure how I could have been fooled like that. I'm usually really wise that it's not the person herself, but someone writing to pretend to be her.  Although, I could be wrong and it could have been her.  Which, if it was, I'm beyond excited.  But, let us face the fact that I am most likely correct and it was just an automated reply.

I was then forwarded to, I guess, what you could call a help team. But I don't believe that they were very helpful.  I believe that in today's economy still, money is tight for everyone. With the yarn being about $4.50 a skein, we as yarn lovers pay the salary of this so-called “help team”. 

I call them a “so-called help team” because I don't believe they helped in any way that could have been actually helpful. While yes, with e-mail you cannot really see the reaction of the person writing it, I did not receive the warmness that maybe-Deborah wrote in the very first e-mail that I received back from my complaint.  Then it seems as though hostility entered.  

I just went along with the hostile sounding e-mails back to me. Upon one of the e-mails, I was asked to add the name of the skein along with the lot number. While this was easy to do, some numbers were so smudged or faint that we couldn't really read them. (I guess another problem that Deborah Norville yarn has and should fix).  Upon typing about 15 skein names and lot numbers, I was told I could only pick two to be replaced, out of the 8 skeins that had knots in them like the picture above. I feel as though I was slapped in the face.   It's almost as though Premier yarns is saying “screw you. We know that we have made this mistake but we really don't care.”

While I'm thankful that at least two skeins were replaced, I don't believe that I'll ever use Deborah Norville's line of yarn again, or ever recommend it to any of my friends. I really do not believe that the customer should be held responsible for the mistakes of the company.  Certainly not and pay full price. The knotted skeins should have been sold as seconds. Or at least, the company should figure out how to do a better knot and not make it awful looking.  Like the picture above.

Update: Okay! so I opened the replacement sad to say skin yarn. And they placed a card in the bag. Look at it. Can't they even hand write a few words of I'm sorry this happened?  Along with something that they just tried to whiteout on the bottom. This is just awful. In my opinion this is not a way to run a successful business.

It's been to long!

It's been a long time since I've last posted.  I guess part of the reasoning is being lazy/forgetful the other half is just being busy. However, I'm trying a New Year Resolution and while I'm late by months I am planning on writing an update at least once a month. 

With that being said! On-wards with the blogging.

I've taken on one of the largest projects that I've ever done.  It's a crochet blanket for Bob and myself. The blanket is 280 by 280.  Plus a border all around that's 4 by 4.   So in total once done it will be about 78424 stitches. 

Temperature Blanket Stitching key!

The blanket was going to be the temperature blanket that everyone was/is talking about. I loved the idea but then thought to myself that I don't want a blanket that would be the same as everyone.  I like marching to my own drum. 

So while shopping a Joann's with my brave husband Bob *who was very patient with me. While I looked at all the yarn* 

My problem was solved when I saw the multi-colored skins. (At the time I'm not releasing the name of the yarn I've used until an situation has been solved.) 

I'm sure that you can guess that since we live in the south I was believing that the majority of the blanket was either going to be the red or the orange. Not really my favorite colors. So the multi-colored yarn was a perfect problem solver.

A project this size has taken about 3 almost 4 months to complete. The project started about January 1st or 2nd. It was the week that Joann's was having a pretty descent sale on yarn. 

                                                   The very beginnings of the blanket.

The picture to the left you can see that the border was an after thought. But with the picture to the right you can see the black border added.  I love the multi-colored skins. It so gives you the since of accomplishment vs. just the same color over and over again. 

About mid-January this picture shows what I've done so far. Did I mention I have a cat? If you can imagine and you will see in further down our furry baby loved to help/ (Or more so what she believed was helping.) Do you know how hard it is to do any project with a cat around? Never mind add string/yarn to a project. Let's just say Toffee (our Siamese cat) really got her scent into this blanket. (AKA cat drool.) This is about 20 rows of 280 stitches.  So 5600 stitches in that amount of space. 

Toffee keeps laying on the blanket.  I worked around her so I didn't wake the sleeping baby.   I told Bob that Toffee was trying to tell us something and that we I had to make a blanket for her.

INTERMISSION!!! 

Toffee's blanket

                               

       My thought process was that Toffee would leave our blanket alone if I made one for her. Plus I needed a sign of accomplishment.  With Toffee being a cat it wasn't going to take long to make her blanket. Sadly I have to say that her yarn is from a skin that looked really pretty online but once we received it, it wasn't as pretty.   Well that's not 100% of the truth.  I really like the colors it's just that it wasn't going to go with the rest of the blanket that I was making for us.  So Toffee lucked out.  Her blanket took 2 skins of (Yarn Name) *Please see above to why I haven't added a name*  I still have to add a border to hers.  But as you can see she doesn't mind she loves her new blankie. The picture on the left if you look closely you can see a bump. Yep! That's her already under her blankie and taking I think cat nap 100.  The one on the left is the finished blanket minus the border.  The one on the right is with just one skin.  Clearly not enough for Toffee to be covered. 

Intermission over

      

                         

Since Toffee's blanket only took a day to do, I went back to our blanket.  By the time of this picture it's been about 2  months into the making of the blanket. At this point it was about 2/4th of the way done. I'm really loving how all the colors sort of blend in with one another.  I should mention that the blanket in the picture is doubled over. 

HALFWAY DONE!

First off I have to apologies for the white blob. I was folding laundry while taking a picture of the blanket and well I really didn't want to show that.  With that being said with the title above the blanket is now half way finished.  :) I believe Bob at this time was amazed at the work that has been done this far. At this time it's about 39200 stitches down, about 41440 more to go.

As of March 2nd the blanket is finished. I still have to take a picture of it.  But I can honestly say that I'm proud of myself being able to accomplish something this size without much knowledge of crocheting. It's been eon's since I've crochet anything so to say that I'm thrilled about being finished is an understatement.  I'm already looking to starting another project.  I'm seeing maybe something steampunk coming. Or maybe another crochet project.

Finished Blanket Picture Coming soon. Along with the yarn used. 

(Bob: She really did look at ALL THE YARN. Dear lord. I'm so happy she brought a toy (Kindle) for me to play with)