Pat Dryburgh

I don’t feel it yet.

I see it in my face and gut when I look in the mirror. I notice it when I throw on my jacket that fits a bit looser or when a belt tightens to the next notch. People around me have commented that they’ve noticed the change.

The last time I lost weight—when I lost 60 lbs in about 8 months—I still felt fat. I wasn’t. I very quickly put that weight back on, so I don’t know whether I would have become more comfortable at my new size given more time.

I do have more energy. I find it less taxing to climb the stairs to my third floor office. I still haven’t started working out regularly, but have a plan to start tonight.

Most of all, though, I’m proud. I truly did not believe I would ever lose weight again. The diets and programs I had tried and failed at in the past led me to believe I was doomed to be overweight. I had to let that fear of failure go, accept the responsibility for my self, and put the system I needed in place to affect change.

And I’ve done that. I have a ways to go before I reach my ultimate goal, but I’m heading in the right direction. I’m not worried anymore about the past. I’m letting it go in favour of the future.

And the future looks oh so bright.

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I’ve redesigned my blog a few times, now. Ok, probably close to a dozen. Ok, ok… maybe a bit more.

Previous redesigns have primarily been a result of my own boredom. My blog is where I experiment, challenging myself to learn new techniques or technologies. It was where I first taught myself HTML 5, responsive design, and even Javascript.

For the most part, my previous designs were for me. Yes, I cared that other people enjoyed them and found them easy to read/navigate, but the primary person I was trying to impress was me.

This design, on the other hand, is for my mom.

I gave my mom an iPad 2 not too long ago, and one of the shortcuts she has added to her home screen is my blog. She enjoys reading what I’m up to and seeing the pictures I’ve taken. It, along with Facebook, are her windows into my life when I’m not around. And now that I live a couple thousands miles from her, having this site to share what I’m up to is even more important.

And so, I wanted to redesign the site to maximize her enjoyment of it. I’ve increased the size of the type. I’ve simplified the design of the archive (hat tip and thanks to Maykel Loomans for letting me ~~steal~~ borrow his design). I’ve tried my best to make it a great experience for her.

I plan to write more and photograph more, sharing the experiences I have and the lessons I learn, in an effort to keep both of my parents up to date with my life. That doesn’t mean I won’t be writing about design or technology or stupid jokes. Thankfully, my parents like stupid jokes. And perhaps you do, too.

So mom, if you’re reading this (and I know you are), I love you, and I hope that this site is more enjoyable for you now.

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