:)

184 !!!

34 more pounds to go! :)

With great sacrafice comes great gain!

Since I was young, I have struggled with my weight. When I turned 15, enough was enough! I was sick of being unhappy with the way I looked. So after years of struggling with my weight, I lost 30 pounds! I felt amazing in my new body! I felt like I could do anything. For me, it was a huge accomplishment. At that point in my life, it was the hardest thing I had ever overcome. And I kept the weigh off for six years! That is, until I was 21.

 In September of 2007, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. AKA Cancer of the Blood. I was staged a 3B, which meant the cancer had spread throughout my entire body, but had not entered my bone marrow. I immediately started chemotherapy treatments and began taking 10+ pills a day to keep my immune system strong. It was the hardest 6 months of my entire life! It was extremely lonely and hard having my life be at a complete standstill, while everyone else's life was thriving. Through my struggle I remained very positive, but secretly I was very depressed. And because of this depression and the hormones I was taking to keep my body strong, I put on 40 pounds! I felt aweful....I didn't look like me. I was bald and 40 pounds heavier. It was so hard seeing that everyday. I felt like I was 13 again..overweight and going through an identity crisis!

In March, I finished my last round of chemotherapy and in April officially "Cancer-Free". I was so overjoyed! That weekend, I can remember buying a bottle of Captain Morgan and going through Wendy's drivethru to order a Large Diet Coke...and mixing them of course :)

It felt so good to feel like a normal 21 year old again!

Throughout this recovery proccess I began working out again! I loved working out! It felt so amazing to not be in bed or on the couch. Felt Amazing to just MOVE! During this proccess, I lost 20 pounds!!!! and my hair was starting to grow back! There are no words to accuarately describe how that feels....NO cancer, -20 pounds, hair coming in.....I was on cloud nine!!!!!!

Overcoming cancer and everthing that comes with it is such an amazing, life changing event. Something in which I will be forever thankful for conquering.

Since then.....I have been cancer-free and have maintained my weight loss of 20 pounds. But now, my goal is to lose to rest of my chemo weight + another 20 pounds. Which would mean a weight loss of 40 more pounds. This would be the smallest I have ever been. I want to be the best me! For me, my husband, and my future family.

Therfore, I am starting a weight loss blog. :)

A week and a half ago when I started, I was a little over 190. Now, I'm 187 :)

Goals

Obtain and maintain a healthy weight.
Exercise everyday.
Get a small meaningful tattoo.
Have a job I love.
Get into the OT program at Marion Tech
Learn to become a better cook...organize a home cookbook.
Pay off my school loan
Learn to make and sell jewelry
Start reading again
Explore my soul
Become a "Positive Patty"

BackYardFinds

Honey Bee Pot
Found this at a garage sale in Galion, Ohio for $1. Very cool pot! Could not pass up this great deal on such a unique piece.

Turtle: Metal Sculpted Planter
Bought this while on our honeymoon in Hocking Hills, Ohio.

Mushroom Birdhouse

Got this birdhouse at my bridal shower. I love it! 

Here are just a few finds in our backyard. More to come!

My Aunt Rudy passed this morning. Said she wanted to be with Helen. (Sister/ My grandma) It's been a sad morning. My last memory of her was when she was at my bridal shower in April. We played the "Toilet Paper" bride game where everyone splits up into teams and picks one person to be the bride. They then dress the "bride" in toilet paper. Well, Aunt Rudy was the "Bride" on her team! It was hilarious watching Aunt Rudy's team wrap her up! It was great seeing a 70-some year old woman living in the moment. Making the best of life. :) 

Trying to keep busy, so I've been working outside and taking some pictures...

Welcome All

Welcome Readers! I have created this Blog in order to share my love for Creativity and Life!  Since beating cancer in April of 2008, I have been inspired to make the most of life and to explore my creative side! As I continue to share my inspirations and creations, please feel free to comment and add your own!

For those of you who do not know much about me...

I recently married my best friend, Nick on May 15, 2010.

When I met Nick, we instantly became best friends. I knew right away that there was something very special about him. With his corky sense of humor, he always makes me laugh.  Everyday, he inspires me to be a better person and to treasure the simple things in life.

Growing up, my mother was a huge inspiration to me. She was always building or creating something. She is very talented in painting and drawing. Like me, she is very down to earth.

My parents have been married 25 years. They still flirt like crazy and chase each other around the house like kids. It's too stinking cute! I have learned a lot from their relationship.

My sis, Abby just graduated from Ohio State. One day, she hopes to work with animals..maybe at a ZOO! I am extremely proud of her and am very thankful that we are such good friends.

Nick and I are animal lovers. Our household includes our black lab named "Jim" and a cat named "Jane".

Also living with us is our 20 year old nephew, Jake. He works for a company that cleans out empty homes and is always finding NEW treasures for me!