February 12, 2012

I was remembering the first time I built a porch railing. It seemed so daunting. There were 2 columns (actually 4, 2 at each corner) and I had to construct 2 newel posts railing and balusters. I also had 2 old flower boxes I wanted to save and mount on the front balusters.

My pictures are in a box in storage somewhere, but I found this picture on Google Maps. I also found my childhood home. You can move around the whole street, the whole neighborhood. I find it very creepy that someone cam out to those neighborhoods and took all of that photography to post on Google maps. I always thought those guys hanging out on the streets were surveyors. I think some of them were Google spies.

The Newels were the hardest to construct. I didn't just buy them. I built a frame and constructed a hollow post over it. There was a square plate with a short 4X4 screwed to the porch, and a 4X4 piece at the top. Then a square top with a round finial.

The railing was not as hard as I thought because the railing has spots for the balusters to sit. It was a little tricky, because you either assemble the whole railing and mount it or assemble the bottom with balusters and try to fit on the top. I opted for that, because I really didn't want to try to hold up the completed piece and attach the top and bottom rails all at the same time. I had some help, but it was not an easy thing to accomplish with even 4 hands.

It was something I wasn't sure I could do, never did before, and in the end, was very pleased with the results. I wish I could show you a picture of the porch with flowers in the boxes.

If I was a bit younger, the challenges I've given myself would not be so daunting. I would be sure I could accomplish them and tackle anything that got in my way. I'm not so young anymore. Not that age should matter, but sometimes it can be a barrier to others.

Did you know that health insurance can cost an employer twice as much for employees over 60 as for employees under 60? Not really fair, but a fact. So what to the people who turn 60 with no job prospects do until they turn 66 and are eligible for Medicare? Or depending on their age, maybe older.

Well if I don't get the Flower Jewelry business going, or get a job designing product, I can always install porch railings.

January 18, 2012

Today is weigh in and I was kind of disappointed. I only lost another pound, two total. I should have lost 5 to reach my goal. But the good news is that I measured too. I'm down an inch in my bust, 1.5 at my waist and 1 at my hips. 

That made me much happier. At least I'm gaining muscle mass. The more muscle, the more calories burned when exercising. It takes a while. I was very pleased with the results of my adding exercise back into my routine. Oh and cutting cookies didn't hurt too much either.

I spent a lot of the day editing photos and listing new jewelry. My headbands turned out so nice and the model was fantastic. The photo's were a little grainy, like I said, but they were very sweet. I didn't add too many pictures here, but I will have to add more product to my site today.

I also did some cutting and sewing. Fortunately I'm selling hand sewn.

I read a blog today, one that I have been following for nearly 4 years now. I know you can't read all the past posts. It is written by a mother of a little girl who has had multiple organ transplants that failed and were transplanted again. This little girl has been so close to death so many times and she fights her way back every time. She is amazing and so is her mother and family.

You must read this post about the miracle Christmas gift they received this year. And read what little Emerson's mother Erica has to say about following your passion. I have to keep remembering that. It's not just about the money or even surviving, it's about following your passion.