First of all, I'd like to thank all of you who sent me well wishes and prayers. This has been a really difficult week. Today I was off work because of health issues of my own (looks like I'll be joining the hysterectomy crowd soon), so I went to see Dad in the morning. I found out that he has not been out of bed, nor has he eaten in 2 days. I was there on Monday, but he was in bed asleep. He is sleeping most of the day now. It won't be long. I spent most of the day with him, and he was awake off and on. He is not able to talk much, but does give an occasional "yes" or nod. We will miss him greatly when he is gone.
Today I got a few books in the mail. First of all, The Collection. Last year I wrote a review on this book and offered a give-away. Well, like a dummy, I forgot all about it and never gave the book away. Well, today I got another copy in the mail from the publisher with a letter from the author asking me to let people know that the book is now available in paperback. It really is a good book, and for anyone who likes fashion or sewing, it's an eye-opener. Well, at least it was to me. So, here I go again; if you would like to put your name in a drawing for this book, please leave a message on my blog or email me, and I will put your name in a drawing. I will pull the name out on Sunday and post the winner - and if I don't, BUG ME UNTIL I DO! And, even if you don't win the book, I'd encourage you to buy a copy or see if they have it at your local library. It is a quick read and fun.
I had also ordered two other books from Amazon, and they arrived today. I had watched the Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo, and even though I didn't like the previews and thought "what a waste of time that would be" I ended up watching about 6 episodes in a row one day! I had seen the book along with Nina Garcia's book in my local Borders, but I can usually get them cheaper on Amazon, so I ordered them. Now, I'm just wondering, how many of those hundred essentials do I even come close to having? We'll find out as I read the book :-)This evening I worked a little bit on my FSG pants, and I think I'm really going to like these. Well, hopefully they will still fit. Today I was getting in my car (fortunately at the mailbox on my way home) and the back of my jeans split right down the back! These are not even old jeans and the fabric isn't even thin. I didn't really think they were that tight. Well, more on that later.
Back to the pants, I did the pleats in the front and top stitched them. I like the way the pockets are made and I got those finished too. The next step is the fly front. Now, I used the FSG directions to do the fly on my muslin, and it was very quick and easy. However, I am a creature of habit on some things, and I just love the Sandra Betzina method outlined in her Power Sewing Step by Step book. It is one of my favorite sewing books and I like her fly front application because it is more secure than other methods I have tried. It also has a great look. The FSG directions had a great look too, but I'm still going back to the SB method. So, I'll probably get to do that tomorrow night. I would love to have a sewing marathon this coming weekend, but instead, I'll be having a report card marathon - ugghhh!
OK, back to the split pants. Well, I would think I would be losing weight, because I have totally changed my eating habits. I have a number of health issues that could really become serious if I'm not careful. I have decided to try to combat these things by totally changing my diet. The plan is outlined in a book called The Ultimate Ph Solution. The premise is to keep your body chemistry in an alkaline state since diseases like cancer, diabetes, arthritis and many others cannot survive in an alkaline environment. I already know 2 people who have beat cancer using this nutritional plan. Basically it is a vegetarian diet which also excludes dairy, wheat, sugar, and anything fried, processed, or over-cooked. When I first started reading about it, I was like, what's left?" since my diet was less than optimal (which my daughter was already protesting that all I have is "healthy" food in the house before I began this.) I have been following the plan for over 2 weeks now, and I have noticed more energy, less stomach problems, and feeling better overall. I am still learning what to eat, but the good thing is that 70-80% of your intake must be alkaline foods. The other 20-30 can be otherwise. So, nothing is totally ruled out, although healthy alternatives are encouraged. I thought coffee would be the hardest to give up, since I hit Starbucks several times a week, but I've been OK with that. 
BUT, today was a difficult day and I went to Starbucks and had a latte and a cookie! Other than that, though, I've been really good, and will continue to do so. It's kind of a challenge, but I know I need to do it. I will be sharing my journey with you from time to time.
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13 comments:
Sorry to hear about your health issues. I've recently discovered that I too need to make changes to my diet to avoid imminent diabetes or heart disease. So you're not alone. And I apply the 80/20 rule - if I can be healthy 80% of the time, the odd latte isn't going to be a problem and will serve to keep me on the straight and narrow for the rest of the time.
I wish you success, and my prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Good luck with the new eating plan. I have followed many over the years, not to lose weight, but to help with bowel/stomach issues. I think in the end it is stress and when I am stressed my body cannot digest food so well. Following that diet is sure to help.
It sounds like your father is at peace and is ready to go. My thoughts are with you at this tough time.
Please enter me in the book drawing, I am interested. As far as the health issue, another book you could look at is Eat Right 4 your Blood Type. I have PCOS and had irregular and at times almost absent cycles due to incomplete ovulation (eggs staying on the overies and formng cysts). Using the plan for my type at least 80% of the time helped me lose weight and I got pregnant every time. I, too, am getting back to that to lose this last baby weight, but the biggest help was to cut out HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) as much as possible. No (or the occassional tiny bit) of sodas and look at the labels on everythng and decide do I really want it. My stomach area dropped down within a week an inch. Good luck.
Please throw my name in for the book give away.
Thanks
Love your new background. Changing your diet is a haaard thing to do, good luck!
Please add me for the drawing.
Thanks for the info on the book. I know I have an overly acidic system, so I really need to do this. But, I LOVE dairy so much!!!
Also, I hope for you, strength, and an easy passing for your father. I just went through this with my own mother in March. It's hard, I know. But, take comfort in the fact that you have been there for him at his toughest time and I am sure he was very grateful for that.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. And to decide to change your entire diet at the same time! That will be a challenge. Be nice to yourself if you slip and just keep going.
I do hope that your father passes peacefully - it sounds like it will be soon. You sound like you're taking care of yourself, too. Good for you - many people are unwilling to change eating habits to increase their health and quality of life.
Please add me to the book drawing. I'm probably the only one in the sewing world who hasn't read The Collection (insert shame face here!).
MMMmm. Starbucks. My biggest downfall. I'm making myself wait until my Houston trip to get one. I usually get one once a month or so as a treat.
I'm sorry to hear about your father. These life moments illuminate who we are and give us strength we never new we had. It seems like a wise decision to make changes at this time. My thoughts are with you.
HTH,
Birgitte
Good luck with your new eating plan, especially at such a stressful time in your life.
Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Oh, and I haven't read The Collection, but would love to have a chance at it.
My heart and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. I lost my Dad just after Christmas...he was in a nursing home too at the last. Please enter me in the book drawing too. Mary
You will feel great with just a few changes in diet and lifestyle. Doing just that saved my life 8 years ago so I encourage you to give it a try - it's worth it.
I would like to be added into the drawing for your book. Thanks
Please include me in the book drawing. I wish you peace during this difficult time.
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