Changes and motivation

This may seem like a random post, but I assure you it is not. I still feel a bit uncomfortable talking about this to just anybody--especially explaining what it's all about. Feel free to look it up online, you will find a wealth of information. It has taken some adjusting just for me to get where I'm at now (writing a blog post about it,) and strangely, the more I find out about it, the LESS I want to say about it. It's easy to tell women that they're not weird, and they're not alone, but it's a little more difficult when the woman is you.

I was diagnosed with PCOS around the beginning of this year. I didn't really understand what that meant, but I knew that I had to start exercising and change some of my eating habits. I started attending a twice-a-week workout class, and what I started out kinda disliking (if I'm really honest) ended up being something I actually enjoy. Now I work with a personal trainer, and am thinking it's time to up the ante and start really exercising by myself too.

I'm not a self motivated person, so it will be hard, but sometimes hard is good.

I changed the way I eat, and that too is about to change some more. I found that I like cabbage and spinach more than I knew. I learned that chocolate is not necessary more than a couple times a month really, and that I can skip the sweet tea and just drink water. I trade those pleasures for the worthwhile pleasure of feeling good. I'm still working on a little excess weight, but what fun is having nothing to work on? 

Sometimes it's hard not to pout about how many people can eat what they want, but don't have to deal with adverse reactions, while here I am with allergies and health problems that inhibit that freedom.

Then I remember something I read from a girl that had acne about being thankful for acne (or insert other minor ailments) because:

It’s your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right. Most of us are experiencing ill health due to poor nutrition and unhealthy lifestyles. Some people are “unlucky” enough to not show symptoms, riding some “genetic inheritance” that keeps their skin perfectly clear. Be thankful that your body is sending you a message to change.” 

So, although I have down days, I brush myself off and try to remember that. On my mountaintop days I know that it's true. 

Elisabeth Arona

What can I say?

What does one say when one has been away for so long?

"I missed you" seems inappropriate since I did stay away of my own accord. 

"I'm sorry" seems inane...

How about just hi!

After a long year of working, I decided to tell everyone goodbye and come back home. This was for a lot of reasons, most of which I'll just say are personal--that way we won't have to go over it (you know how long-winded I can be.) 

I'm now teaching my younger sisters at home. 

I expect there to be an awkward silence right there. 

Why? 

What do you know about home school?

Are you qualified? 

Why???

Okay people! One question at a time! 

You may or may not know that I was home schooled. I consider myself a fairly well-rounded (if a bit "unique at times) individual, and college was great; I was a suggested tutor. When my youngest sisters needed schooling, my oldest sister (who is an "actual" teacher) began teaching them, then she married and moved away. Since then it's been a combo of my mom and others of us older sisters. When I left my job and school was about to start up again, it seemed like the thing to do. I want them to enjoy learning, but most of all I want them to learn (even if they refuse to enjoy it.) I need to learn discipline, and if you knew my sisters, you would understand why if after working with them I haven't learned it, I never will. 

See long answer above for all the other questions. No, seriously. Didn't expect that, huh?

So, it was supposed to be a short update on my life now, but really it was too long. Let me hurry with the rest--or you could just read faster.

My etsy shop is empty right now. Crickets chirping and cobwebs. 

I'm working on that. I've actually draped several rather nice garments, now to get them made into pretty fabric.

I have a new project-don't sigh or shake your head-I really do. For once, I want to make sure it's something that I'm capable of doing before I show you.

I am living by the Mediterranean diet except when I cheat mostly, by orders of my doctor. I'm trying to make it fun by shopping at the farmers market and having new recipes to cook pretty much every day. I'm racking up in the library ya'll! 

I'm trying new things for my skin.

I'm really addicted to pinterest. You can find my on there, my username is Lizzisays. Or I think you can go here.

I promise I am going to start blogging again, hopefully at least every week. If you could get a glimpse into our house you would be laughing all the time, so maybe I'll let you in occasionally.

Elisabeth Arona