4 years and so many losses.

Its been 4 years.

Ive lost 4 uncles and many more cousins, and friends.

But its crazy to think that I have lost 4 uncles in 4 years. 2 uncles just last year. How unlucky am I?

Its difficult to reflect back on pictures and memories and to really grasp that fact that they are gone. Gone forever. Its a painful thought that I often feel when it comes to my mother. But its different for family members that actually care about you, and not treat you like dirt.

One phone call. One letter. One post card. I would give anything for just one more phone call to hear their voices, and their laughter.

Cherish those family members that are still alive. I know it may seem hypocritical of me because I have no relations with my mother, and I refuse to make an effort. But its my way of healing and dealing with her bullshit. I refuse to put myself back in the fire only to be burned for the millionth time. I refuse to be called a bitch, and a whore by someone who brought me into this joyous world. I wont have it.

All I have our the happy memories. Happy memories in Michigan. Happy memories in Nunapitchuk. I can smile and remember them, and cry and remember them. They will always be apart of me.

Tell your loved one you love them often as possible. Make that phone call. Write that letter. Just because they are distant relatives, or uncles and aunts you never talk to hardly make that effort. In the end they are still family.

My uncle Ali passed away in May 2010.
My uncle Ali passed away in May 2010.
My uncle At'saq passed in July 2012.
My uncle At’saq passed in July 2012.
My Uncle Hank passed in December 2013.
My Uncle Hank passed in December 2013.
My Uncle Chuck passed in March 2013.
My Uncle Chuck passed in March 2013.

Between uncles passing many other cousins, and friends have passed. Its crazy to look back and think of all those that have passed before me. Sad. But it is what it is.

Even though my mother is still alive I would give anything to have my uncles still here to this day. Who wants heartbreak, and being dragged in the mud with all kinds of nasty names spit on you as you pass by?

I know I dont.

Break day

How I feel.
How I feel.

Im 4 days in. Day one was great energized and motivated. Day 4 not soo much. The last few days havent been any different from normal. No bursts of energy, no motivation. Honestly I felt better when I just was just juicing.

Today is rest day I have been going HAM at the gym and non-stop! The first 3 days Ive been in the gym running, and lifting. My muscles hate me but I am definately starting to see a change.

The shakes. The morning supplements. The Isalean bars. All that jazz I have been following religiously but no major changes. I am hoping that will change and I will start feeling that amazing energy and motivation that all the Isagenix fanatics talk about 🙂

Feeling helpful!

And so the madness begins

A few weeks ago I decided to go all in and try a new product to increase my energy, motivation, and muscle mass.

I usually dont go for products, and try to do it the old fashion way. BUT. Its been too long. Ive been tired, and fatigued daily. SO. I did the jump and decided to try this new product Isagenix.

Now I know your probably thinking its another one of those diet weight loss products that dont give any results, and like throwing money down the drain. BUT let me tell you.

Its day 1. I started my morning off with an Isalean Pro shake with peanut butter, and yogurt and some morning supplements. Now let me tell you that I have the toughest time taking pills so I struggled sucking down the morning supplements but I did it. I didnt need a cup of coffee till about 9:30 am which is unusual for me considering if I dont have my first cup at 7:30 the pounding starts and does not stop. I stayed about full until 2 pm which is another amazing thing. Usually I need to eat about every 3-4 hours since my metabolism is crazy fast. Afternoon snack was a 6 inch subway sandwich. Thank goodness I was off work at 3:45, and hit the gym at 4:45 pm.

Before my workout I popped one of the Energy e+ shots and immediately had a burst of energy! My workout consisted of 25 minutes on the treadmill, and lunges, and lunge kicks with 25 pound weights, and dumbbell curls with 25 lb weights.

And THEN as I got home another burst of energy came out which is crazy! I usually never have this much energy after work. I would have to think that maybe this Isagenix is starting to work its magic. A replishment shake, and Ionix supreme powder were replacement drinks after the workout.

Dinner consisted of baked salmon, corn, and lentils with rice. Overall I would say day 1 has gone fairly smooth besides the hiccups in the morning. I definately feel that my energy levels after work were much higher than any other day.

I am trying out this product to increase my energy levels, motivation, and to try build a little mass. I am not overweight but I am ready to make some life changes.

Here are my before photos I am hoping in the 30 days I will lose the love handles, and build muscle mass 🙂

If any of this interests you, you can check out my website and browse!

Life changes are in the works!

Life changes are in the works!
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132 lbs

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I also forgot to mention I finished the fish skin purse, well almost! I still need to add the beads to it. But heres a preview!

I love how you can see fabric thru the fish skin.
I love how you can see fabric thru the fish skin.
I love how you can see the paisley thru the fish skin.
I love how you can see the paisley thru the fish skin.

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The other side of the bag
The other side of the bag
The beginning product
The beginning product

Life Changes

Healthy life changes are right around the corner!

I am starting a new chapter in my life and I am on a path to a healthy lifestyle, fitness, and to get in shape!

Tired of feeling exhausted? No energy? No motivation?

If any of this sounds like you then you might benefit from this product.

If you are interested please contact me. I have many friends who have started the product and have not turned around! Weight loss, more energy, healthier skin, and much more! I will start blogging regularly on my progess with the product!

Check out my website if any of this interests you!

Isagenix!

http://nikkidnick.isagenix.com

Isagenix for Life
Isagenix for Life

 

Buzy Bee

Its been a wild month of January for me!

2 weeks of training in Anchorage!

BUT I was able to squeeze in a fur hat, and a new bag pattern with more techniques.

It was filled with pain, and mass amounts of anger just from ONE phone call from my mother… Its amazing how one phone call can bring you back to a bad place… Brings back awful memories where you just want to punch a hole in the wall… Scream at the top of your lungs until you cant breathe… Its ridiculous… I will have to elaborate on this at a later date.

For now, here are my awesome projects!

AND I am in the process of making a fish skin bag! Heres a sneak preview!

Peytons malaggayaq
Peytons malaggayaq
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Side one of my bag
(6) fat quarter bag
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Side two of (6) fat quarter bag
Step one cut and pull of fish skin from body
Step one cut and pull of fish skin from body. Removing fins are optional. If fish is fresh fins are good for decoration.
Removing the fish skin
Removing the fish skin

More pictures to come!

 

 

Life in slow motion

A glimmer of hope.  A ray of light.
A glimmer of hope.
A ray of light.

Too often we take things in life for granted.

We dont stop to appreciate the simple things.

A ray of sunlight thru the clouds.

The sparkling stars at night.

A smile from a stranger.

We have only one life to live and we must take chances and live on the edge. Because in the end what do we have to show for ourselves?

Our diplomas?

Our certificates?

What…

What do you have to show for? What are you proud of?

I know for myself I am proud that I have the ability to create things for myself, family and friends.

I appreciate homemade items.

I enjoy the simple things in life. Like when AC has a special type of creamer. Or a balmy 32 degree evening walk with my pooch. Enjoying a nice conversation with my step-son.

I am realizing that I need to slow down. Relax. Breathe. Take care of myself so that I can care for others. With my awful need to constantly clean I am able to pull back a tad and not worry about a dirty dish on the counter, or dirty socks under the coffee table. These are small things that shouldnt equal a big reaction.

Take time out each day and dedicate it to yourself. Take deep long breaths. Do what you love even if others dont approve because its your life. And be awesome!

Holiday sewing madness

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Quilted bag #1
Quilted bag #1

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November and Christmas have been a super busy month for me! Heres all my awesome sewing creations! 🙂

Enjoy my work! I had a blast making these!

Finding the good in the bad…

Christmas came and went. Presents in and out. Smiles and tears. Mostly tears.

December 23rd I lost another awesome uncle. My uncle Hank was a great man. A twinkle in his eye. A great big smile that never failed to put a smile on your face.

Although I am saddened his presence is missing. I am grateful for the time that I spent with him. I smile looking back on the time spent with Uncle Hank a few months ago. Although I saw him only at funerals, anniversaries, and weddings each moment I treasure.

Thank you Uncle Hank for making me laugh. Thanks for being awesome. Silly. Loving. And caring.

You will be missed greatly.

Me, auntie Diane, Uncle Hank. Rest in peace Uncle
Me, auntie Diane, Uncle Hank. Rest in peace Uncle

This has been a tough year for my families. I have lost another family member which leaves a wide open space of nothing. I look back and I smile for all the happy memories with my cousin, brother, friend Nick. Nick was one of a kind. He was quiet,  caring, and loving. He had a heart of gold. He went above and beyond for family, friends, and strangers. I am going to miss his laughter. One of my favorite memories was when Nick snuck me, Tina, and Alan out of our fishcamp to go fishing at 2 am. We went to one of the abandoned barges, and jammed out to KYUK 640 am and fished till the wee hours of the morning. So carefree and awesome Nick was. I am going to miss you Nick. 

Fishcamp days. Nick, me and my brother. Miss you always Nick.
Fishcamp days. Nick, me and my brother. Miss you always Nick.

Life is too short. Never miss a moment to tell loved ones you love them. Life is unpredicable. Live every moment to its full potential.

Sew Crazy

I have been on a sew fest, craziness!

Discovering I can make new things, in a short amount of time is awesome! So what do I do?

I make LOTS of them! And then some!

Here are my latest and greatest!

Fish bags for days. These are for your plastics!
Fish bags for days. These are for your plastics!
bag 1
Inside scrap bag
bag2
Scrap bag side 2
Scrap bag side 1
Scrap bag side 1
bag4
Inside scrap bag

I made this for a friend but was soo tempted to keep it! We bartered and she gets this bag and I get a cute hippy slouchy hat! Pictures to come when it is in good hands. My hands!

Enjoy!

Odd ways

Life has odd ways of throwing curve balls your way…

It makes you realize what you need to be grateful of

Yes, its December and its in the 40s and there is no snow

But I have a roof over my head

Food to feed my family

and firewood to keep them warm (if it ever gets cold again)

But no matter what.

I am a firm believer in everything happens for a reason.

Reasons unknown. But…

You just go with the flow.

You dont stop.

You keep going because oddly, this was something that was supposed to happen.

Either it will make you stronger

or

break you down.

Either way.

Keep going.

When life throws you curveballs

you dont just stand there and watch

You dont take the walk

You fight. And you swing hard.

Be grateful for life.

Be grateful for family.

Most of all be grateful that you have the strength to stand there and take whatever life throws at you.