Reflections on my 29th Year

I can't believe a year of my life has gone by since this little project began. It has been a great year filled with lots of goodness. There were some downs, but more ups and I'll take that any year. My original goal was to document doing new things. I did lots of new things and some alternate versions of things I've already done. I didn't always accomplish what I set out to (case in point: Zumba), but that just leaves more room for growth in my 30s, I suppose. The year was eventful, but often simple (and maybe even boring), and that is A-OK with me. I try to find joy in the every day and I think I've gotten pretty good at that.

My 20's were an adventure to say the least. There were times that were very, very hard- especially at the beginning. But, I made it through and can say that the last half of the decade has been spectacular. I've had a lot of fun and have grown up enough to call myself an adult. I am very excited about entering my 30's and haven't worried too much about that number quite yet.

To anyone who stuck with me throughout the year- thanks for reading. This will be my last post under this title and I have no plans to have a blog about my 30th year. I have plenty of future projects in mind, but none that I'll be documenting like this one, at least at this time.

All the best,

Almost 30 Angie

Week 52: Celebrating a 60th

I've been mad at work on a project for my Dad's upcoming 60th birthday. I'm making (and almost finished with) a scrapbook of some of the highlights of his life thus far. It's been an emotional time for sure, but I've lived piecing together his life and getting it in one book and thinking about all that he's accomplished. Wishing you the best birthday, Dad! I love you.

And that wraps up being 29. I'm going to do a reflection of the year post before the big upcoming birthday.

Week 51: Project 8

Week 51?! Where has this year gone?

Anyhow, since I'm dangerously closing to turning the big 3-0, I figured out one more (farfetched) goal to achieve before my upcoming birthday: enter a new weight "decade" before my 30s. This will require me to lose 8 lbs before Feb 1. I know that is a pretty lofty goal, but I also know that I'll go down with a fight. And really, it's only project 5.6lbs now after a week of putting in the effort. If I don't quite make it, which is more than possible, at least I'll be closer than I was before I tried. And, that's ok. Though it would feel super to be at that weight, so I'll give it my best shot.

I can't believe next week will be my last post. I better make it good...

Week 50: At Peace With My Sewing Machine

(This is late...but I tried really hard to post from my phone to no avail). Moving on...

I had a great time sewing on Friday night (like all the cool kids do). I started and FINISHED six entire projects. I made infinity scarves (four to give away to my best friends for birthday gifts and two to keep for myself to coordinate with them (or, you know, just have). I am so pleased with how they came out and am itching to spend quality time with my sewing machine again. Before I started, and when I started feeling angry, I reminded myself that it was just a machine and I am a human and therefore in charge of it and I would not let it affect my emotional state in a negative way. There were a few times that it started to challenge me, but I kept my cool, made it through and figured out solutions for one recurring problem (which I would try to explain but would be so un-technical that I may get laughed at). I also purchased a Side-Winder machine with a gift card from Christmas that I feel like just might be a lifesaver for my probably-slowly-dying sewing machine and the stress that it induces inside of me.

Photos of me donning my scarves to come!

Week 49: The Week of the Salad

I have been very inspired by the blog, http://www.canyoustayfordinner.com/ for some time now. It is the journey of a girl that has lost 135 pounds. Browse through her blog a while and I promise you will leave with something helpful/inspirational/tasty for yourself.

Anyway, one of her tricks is to eat a whole bunch of salads. I did that this past week and have been pleased with both the results (bye bye, 3 holiday pounds), the feeling (much lighter, thank you very much) and the fact that I didn't get sick of it. She encourages one to make a salad out of anything and I tested this theory when I put a hamburger patty from a kid's meal into a salad and it was terrific. She also tells how to keep produce at it's freshest on her blog- check it out.

I'll definitely keep doing this- I'm thinking 4 days for lunch during the work week and once on the weekend.

Week: ?

New years eve is currently happening. I meant to post earlier and forgot, so here is my quick post.

I seasoned my cast iron skillet today that I got for Christmas in 2009. That's right. Anyway, I'm excited to do fun things with it.

Happy 2012!

Week 47: Nothing New Here

I'm so, so, so big on traditions and most of the traditions we have involve Christmastime. This week was spent finishing shopping, baking (trying to...remember when I said I became a baker? That didn't last...), and, in general, feeling the Christmas spirit. Today, Christmas Eve (day), I super-cleaned the house more than I ever do in preparation for Santa (my parents got me to clean my room without a fight one day a year during my childhood, and now I still feel like I need to have a clean room (house) for Santa to come to!). Then, we went to Scott's parents for their annual open house. I love that tradition- his parents are truly some of the most generous and warm people you could ever meet and this event makes them shine even brighter. :) After Scott and I got home, we unwrapped our one gift each from each other, which was pajamas, like always. My parents always got me a new pair of pajamas while I was growing up. When my Mom died, sweet friends made sure that this tradition continued until I started dating Scott and he carried the torch. I love that I've worn a new pair of pajamas every Christmas Eve of my life. We are finishing the evening watching Home Alone 2. Tomorrow, we'll wake up ridiculously early, make our rounds and then finish up with Chinese takeout.

So, nothing new happened this week, and that's totally ok with me. I hope this week is pretty much the same for the rest of my life.

Merry, merry Christmas.