DIY & the creative side

When my 5 years of college finally ended, I spent the majority of my free time laying around watching TV.  I figured I deserved some veg time after 40 hour work weeks, 20 hour class weeks, and all of the other things I fit into those years.

Then I got bored.

So I started making stuff.  Mostly cards.  Because who doesn't like getting a card in the mail?!  And I love sending them!

It was really bad at first, but lately I've been getting better.  In fact, I might even start an Etsy shop.

Soo, here are some samples!

Did another variation of this for a friend...on the inside "WE MISSED YOU!"

 

Geometric patter.  I'd turn it 90 degrees counter clockwise if I was good at the computer.

One of my first forays into card making.  Not toooooo shabby.  Eh....

For my friend Steph and her new little boy!

Easy Thank You cards, the things I send most often!

So there's a few pictures.  I've made a few more and sent them off.  I like using buttons since I have a container of over 200 from the '60s! (Thank you, Granny.) So what do you think, Etsy worthy?!

I also did a quick DIY for these stupid little pins I bought at my first concert. Back when the Format was a band and I saw them perform with Gym Class Heros in 2006 or 2007, I bought some pins because I had no money for a t-shirt.  And since then, they've moved with me 3 times, and I've never used them.  Until now.

Oh yea, MAGNETS!!!  They are so cute and work so well. I also made a few magnets out of bottle caps.  

Projects I'm working on now:  paper roses, engagement cards, something with twine....

Anyone working on any great DIYs right now?!

Can't Finish What I Started

Right, blogging.  Slacking?  Yes.  Sorry.  I'll be better.

This weekend was full of things!  First, the Motion City Soundtrack concert(s)!  On Friday, they played their first two albums at the TLA.  Liz and I hung out with JMJ and sang and danced.  MCS was the first band that I independently liked.  Freshman year, I downloaded their first two albums and had them on repeat.  Most made fun, but my love of punk pop was founded and still thrives today.

Saturday morning, Liz and I went thrifting with my parents.  While the rents drove me a bit crazy, I did find some really cool stuff.

A brand new Old Navy Dress with a 3/4 sleeve stripped Tablot jacket.  Paired together, it could be professional (add leggings and some tasteful accessories).

And to round out clothing, this awesome dark navy and red stripped shirt from GAP!  Perfect for fall layering.

Also, I found this little container for kitchen utensils!  I think it's cute (if a little country).

All in all, my thrifting costs were about $40.  Not too shabby considering I also got a new pair of work pants.

On Sunday, I ran a half-marathon.  I realize running doesn't interest everyone, especially those who consider it asinine and a hateful sport.  But, I'm one of those people!!!  A year ago, I couldn't run more than a city block without having to walk.

I started running because I needed to lose weight and get in shape.  Running is pretty cheap, you really just need sneakers.  Plus, for the past 3 years I've been promising my roommate I'd sign up and run the 10 mile Broad Street run in Philadelphia.  Running and me have a tenuous relationship.  I'm 5'9" and I weigh more than 200 lbs.  I also have a weird schedule, I drink a lot, and I used to smoke.  Yea, tenuous relationship indeed.

In April, I ran the Out&Back Party Run.  It's a four mile race with the promise of free beer at the end.  It was really hard.  And it took me almost 50 minutes.  After that, I convinced myself to sign up for the half-marathon in September.

For the first few months I trained hard.  I lost some weight and running was getting easier.  Then came the heat wave.  For two weeks it was over 100 degrees and there was no way I was going out in that.  After a two week break, I just didn't feel like it anymore.  So I forced myself to go out, but honestly, my long run right before the race was 6 miles.  I had done 8 and 10 milers over the summer, but that was months ago.

Needless to say, I didn't want to think about how the 13.1 miles would go.  I learned a lot about myself though.  At mile 10, my hips hurt so bad I was in tears but I was still running.  WTF?!  I haven't had to tap into that kind of will-power and determination for a long time and it is good to know it is still there.

I finished.  I ran it in 3 hours and 7 minutes.  I wanted to do it under 2 hours and 45 minutes, but things happen and at the end, I still feel accomplished.  AND I got a medal!!!

Anyone interested in running?  Or starting to run?

Tune in later this week to see what DIYs I've been doing lately!!!