More about that title later.
The Yarn Focus Challenge, organized by Rebekah of Knit Knack, is now over. This was an interesting challenge for me. I have found that I tend to buy on impulse, and the lure of internet shopping is always there. Being “forced” to only buy on one day a month made me think just for a minute every time I was all set to hit that “buy now” button. I plan on continuing this yarn-buying habit on my own, since it’s really not much of a hardship. In reality, I already have more yarn and projects stored up than I will ever knit before I die.
Which brings me to the title, and the new ticker.
I am seriously going to have to live until I’m about 105 to use up all the yarn I have in the stash, and to do all the projects I want to finish. I’ve decided that I need to get healthy and fit so I can live that long, in good enough shape to do the things I want to do. The first “fifty” in the title refers to fifty pounds that have crept on over the years. The second “50” refers to the age I will be turning later this year. It’s actually close enough (October) that I won’t get rid of the whole “fifty” by then, but it makes a good campaign slogan, I thought. The “fit” refers to the exercise component, sadly missing from my daily routine. Knitting apparently doesn’t count as an aerobic activity, unless you do it while on the treadmill, and I am not that coordinated.
I’m putting this out here in blogland for motivation. I figure that you all are a bit like all the regular girlfriends that a woman has in real life, except that there are more of you. Having that ticker up there will keep me honest. I’m pretty sure none of you will let me slide on this. I have a date to go to my first Weight Watcher’s meeting later today, and today was the second day in a row that I got on the treadmill before my morning shower. PJ, of Golden Oasis, led me to the American Heart Association’s program, Choose To Move, a 12-week program to encourage women to exercise regularly.
So there you have it. Don’t cut me any slack.
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In knitting progress, here are some photos. There has been little knitting around here this past week, for a variety of reasons. Here they are, anyway.
First, the STR sock. I can’t say enough good things about this yarn. It’s a good thing that I like it, as I have several more skeins of it in a variety of colors.
I like the way this is striping. Some of the socks that I’ve seen in this color have had quite a bit of pooling, and though I’m not opposed to pooling, I like nice tidy little stripes better. Watch, now that I’ve said that, it will pool like crazy on the rest of it.
Here’s the Pippa cardigan. Sleeve of a cardigan, that is. There has been more backwards progress on this one than forwards this week. I got off a stitch on one column of twisted stitches, right in the middle of the sleeve, and knit about three inches before I noticed it. I tried to just drop down a few stitches in the middle rather than unknitting the whole thing, and made a total mess of it. The result was about four inches of frogged sleeve. It then had to spend a few days in the time out chair.
Last but not least, is my Amazing Lace teammate, Langsjal Johonnu. I haven’t worked much on this since I last posted, as I’ve been distracted and busy, and this one requires at least a half a brain in order to not screw it up. Way back when, I promised a pinned-out picture so you could see what it looks like. Here you go.
Only about ninety-billion repeats to go, and it will be a stole. I really like this pattern, and the yarn. The yarn is rustic in feel, but I’ve decided that I like it. It’s definitely different than the smooth wool-silk of the Zephyr from the last lace that I did. Once I got past the mental block I had in figuring out the center portion pattern repeat, this one’s not difficult, it just requires that I pay attention. I have the other border all done and waiting on a holder, so as soon as I run out of yarn, I can graft it together.
I’m off to eat carrot sticks. And yes, I already know how many Points bourbon has.
You CAN do it!!! I will turn 60 in Sept. and 3 years ago I joined Curves, here in Virginia. I’ve lost 45 pounds (with 40 to 45 more to go) and 23 inches and I feel sooooo good. If it takes another 3 years, I’ll be happy, so just stick to it and you will feel wonderful, too!
I knitted as a child, too, and got back to it a few years ago. I haven’t started a personal blog, yet, but am having a wonderful time reading all the knitting blogs I can find. I am knitting my second pair of socks, now, and have done several things out of the Mason Dixon Knitting book, which I purchased after checking it out of my library, where I work.
Good luck Lorette! I tried for ages to lose ten pounds, never with sustained success, at least until I moved to Maine. Whereas before I was bored and always thinking about my next meal, now I barely have time to eat. I’m living on string cheese and PB crackers at the moment! (Hmm, maybe I should write a book called The String Cheese and PB Cracker Diet”)
Just noticed that you are reading Never Let me Go – would love to hear what you think of it when you finish. I found it to be a unique read…
Also, I’m trying to get STR yarn at my shop!
Good luck on 50 and Fit by 50! I did the same thing… put the ticker up for all to see, accountability, doncha know! I’m cheering for you on the sidelines!
I won’t cut you any slack, if you won’t cut me any slack!
Of course I have more like 100 to lose. Oh well, I know we both can do it. Hey we did the YFC and I didn’t think that as possible.
Let’s all do it! I had a dream last night that people with life changes tend to stop exercising (yeah…I did) and get sick. I woke up committed. I’ll be happy to help…
Exercise is a very good thing. I’m rooting for you to reach that goal!
I also have a big birthday coming up in October. I joined Weight Watchers in January and have lost 15 pounds. You can do it!! I’ll be reading and checking in!
I did something similar a few weeks ago, but without the ticker posted in my blog — but a similar ticker in the eDiets site works for me. I had a very big backslide this week, feeling sorry for myself about my sick pet, but I intend to pick myself up, dust myself off and start all over again.
Oh you go girl!! I was fit at 50, but now at 58 I’ve lost it. So I’m in the good fight with you. I’m rooting for you. And thanks for comment about my new granddaughter. She’s a good motivator for me to get my fitness back. 🙂
Dear…. you have to learn the southern system for weight management. It is always related to something else. For instance, I am holding firm that the only reason I have gained twelve pounds is because of the Washington weather. As soon as the weather PERMANENTLY improves, you’ll see those pounds just fall right off!
It isn’t my fault, its the rain and clouds that are increasing the level lard in my rear.
Go, Lorette! Hmmmm, that’s an excellent idea! I might start a 40(X 2) and fit by 40… (that’s just a smidge over two years for me!)
Good for you! I’ve stepped up my exercise program too. I’ve found that walking the dogs is a real motivator as they are more than happy to remind me! I did try knitting while on my stationary recumbent bike and it make be “bike sick”! Rats – it would have been such a triumph of multi-tasking. Now if I just lay off the ice cream.
Good luck Lorette! I’m in this getting fit thing with you, girl! Trying to lose 40 lbs as soon as I can without any fad diets.
OK, Lorette, I’m in!!! I have my 40 and Fit by 40 up on my blog. You’re my inspiration!!!
Good luck with your 50/50. I love the STR too.
Don’t forget to take periodic pictures and measurements (arms, bust, waist, thigh, etc) for your own motivation if/when those scale numbers don’t move for a while. Not to share, but for yourself.
Body movement is addicting once you get in the groove. There are so many ways to enjoy exercise so find the things that work for you and that you’ll enjoy.
I’m almost ready to call LJ a Purple Prometheus. I knit and knit and knit and it grows so little. 😉
Okay, I have no idea why I feel inclinded to share, but…I joined WW about a month ago. Best of luck to you on this – I am actually enjoying WW and learning a lot as I go… sounds cheesy, I know.
Anyway, so thrilled to know that I am not alone in this new goal. 🙂
Best of luck with WW. It has been the only program that worked for me, I lost 197 lbs and have kept it off for over a year. The taking off is easier than the keeping off so it’s important to have a plan that will be there for you when you need it the most.
You should try and knit yourself something down a size from where you are now to stay focused.
Good for you! You can do it! I wish you hadn’t told me knitting wasn’t considered exercise though.
Hey Lorette, If you are going to the meeting at the Michael’s plaza on 38th, Ruth (one of the leaders) is a doll. I have gone in the past and just loved her. Good luck with the FF50. I can’t wait to hear about the progress!
You “go,” Girl! I am so proud of you. I am on the board of the AHA here in Denton, and it’s a good program for the masses. Best wishes on your quest.
Your projects all look great.
I’m off to find some celery (and knit),
mk
I’m behind you 100% Lorette! In fact you’ve inspired me too! Exercise is always a good thing and I surely need more in my life! I’m gonna give the AHA site a good look this weekend.
I’m knitting with STR too, in a colorway (Hot Flash) my neice picked out. She chose it because she loves the “lightening bolt” look of the pooling and flashing and *of course* I’m getting neat tidy stipes without a flash in sight! D’oh! The socks are still pretty tho, hopefully I’ll show em off soon when I get my puter issues ironed out!
WOW! I’m catching up on my blog reading and saw this post. Thursday was my day to sign up with TOPS to lose my own 50 pounds! (I just have to figure out how to use the ticker.) I’ll share your “pain”.
First–I am a relatively new knitting blog reader, and I really enjoy yours. (And I’m planning one of my own soon.)
Second–I am 59, and probably in the best shape I’ve ever been in. The reason is nearly daily exercise (I swim 3/4 miles three times a week, and do weight training and flexibility on the other days.) The swims give me such a sense of euphoria, that I can’t imagine life without them. I also changed my diet a few years ago, even though I wasn’t overweight, to eliminate transfats (to avoid ever having to take Lipitor). And I eat 0 transfats now, lots of fruits and vegetables, and very little meat. I’ve found enough tasty alternatives to never feel deprived or hungry–and I lost about three pounds without even trying. Cookies used to be my downfall. Your schedule sounds tough for daily gym visits, but if you could squeeze in even half an hour a day, it would do wonders. Once you got used to the exercise, you would start feeling sensational.
And, I think my stash will out live me. Let us know how you progress with your 50/50.
Good Luck on your 50/50. I was 50 last Dec and have been trying to lose my own 50 since then. Just haven’t. Plan to weigh myself when I go back to work on Wed and I’ll go from there. I have salad fixings in the fridge, must get celery and carrot sticks. Had my pigout tonight for the all star game. Now to move forward.