Pages!

Today, looking through my blogroll, I noticed that Blogger FINALLY has pages! That means that I can have an About Me page, and anything else I want! :-) The links are below the header, and visible from any page! If you're a Blogger user, go here to learn how to do it! At some point I'm going to attempt to customize it, but for now this'll do! :-)

Book Review: Your Name Here Guide to Life

Your Name Here Guide to Life: The book you'd have written, if only you had the time. by Michael Rosenbaum
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. I'd expected it to be a decent read, but found it quite enjoyable. The voice is perfect, and the nuggets of advice are right-on. Many times I found myself nodding and smiling in recognition of what I was reading. I could relate to much of what was said. The references to life in Chicago helped that for sure - especially talk about Chicago sports teams. I chuckled as I read it, because that's something I've always said, too. (I grew up in the Chicago suburbs, so I could relate to the Chicago talk.) I did find myself wondering whether people without a Chicago connection could appreciate the references - even the one about the Chicago Bears.

I honestly would prefer to give this four and a half stars, but that's not an option, so five stars it is. It was an enjoyable, quick read. I would recommend it to my friends as something fun - and light - to enjoy.

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Book Review: The Spirit Level

The Spirit Level: Why Greater Equality Makes Societies Stronger by Kate Pickett
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
This book was very tough for me to get through. Honestly, I can't quite remember why I signed up for this giveaway in the first place! That said, this is not a book I would've read had I not won it through the FirstReads program on Goodreads. While reading, it reminded me of college. I could see someone reading this as part of a political science or sociology course.

Basically this book is about income inequality and how it's crippling many of the world's richest nations. While, sure, greater income inequality would be nice to see happen, I doubt it's the cure for all of each society's problems like the authors of this book make it out to be. What works for Japan (the most equal of the richest countries) might not work for the USA or the UK. While it seems "simple" - just introduce legislation, taxes, or whatever that would make this equality real - it's not. It would require a change on the very basic levels in people. Given the way our democratic society works here in the US, I just don't see something like this happening - at least not in the near future. Sure, more-equal incomes would be great, but the means to make that happen is something our most conservative and/or wealthy and/or powerful people/groups would fight tooth and nail.

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Best Marriage Advice

I remember early in my marriage (within the first year) cringing when I watched my husband load (or unload – can't remember which) the dishwasher. At one point, I had an epiphany. The thought came to me, "if I want him to help, I can't be picking at HOW he does things." I don't doubt in my mind that was a Divine revelation of sorts!

I will be honest, God has blessed me with a wonderful husband. He's a caring, responsible, fun man. As a father, he's amazing, and he's domesticated, too! ;-) Yes, my friends, my wonderful hubby cooks, cleans, changes diapers, etc. He does it all – we BOTH do it all. (Well, I don't cook if I can avoid it, but that's beside the point.)

While I'll admit that some of how I got here was luck of the draw – and/or Divine leading, I think there's more to it. I think that while who we end up with is important, I think our attitudes and actions can make a huge difference.

You wanna know what I think is the best marriage advice ever? It's simple: don't micromanage. You know what I mean – don't insist he do everything YOUR way. He's NOT YOU, and he doesn't work the same way as you. Allow him to do things HIS WAY. If you can't stand it, LEAVE the room. Don't say anything. Just go. Seriously.

Think about it. How would you feel if you were trying to help someone out with something and they were too concerned about HOW you were doing it to be grateful that you're doing it in the first place? Be honest. You KNOW you wouldn't like it. And, it seems to me, it would DISCOURAGE you from helping out like that in the future. Don't you think our husbands feel the same way?

When your husband helps out around the house, don't pick at how he does it. Don't pick at what he does wrong. Don't give him ANY idea how much it "hurts" to watch him do it "wrong" – just thank him. Smile when you thank him, and make sure he knows you truly are grateful.

This also applies to when he's caring for the kids. Men are wired differently, and chances are he won't do things the same way you would. There's nothing wrong with how he's doing things, so long as no one gets hurt – well, at least none of the kids. ;-) Be grateful, make sure he knows you're grateful, and count your lucky stars!

So, I challenge you. The next time your husband helps out, BE POSITIVE. NO NEGATIVITY ALLOWED! After that, keep it up! Enough positive feedback from you, and I bet you'll find him more willing – or at least less reluctant – to help out!

Not a Morning Person

I hate when it's time to get one child somewhere and one of the others is still sleeping. I hate having to wake the peaceful child. But, sometimes it's gotta be done.

This morning was one such morning. It was getting close to time to take Grant to school, and Natalie was still sound asleep. It was clear we'd have to wake her. Grant and I headed to her room, where it was clear she was still OUT. She didn't even move when we turned on the light. While I was getting her clothes out, she finally became aware of our presence. I heard a squeaky, whiny "I don't want to" come from the crib. I smiled as I got everything – clothes, diaper, etc. – ready for her. I approach the crib to get her up, and am greeted with another "I don't want to!" LOL Her eyes were still closed tightly and she hadn't moved except to speak! I gently told her it's time to take Grant to school, and again heard "I don't want to!" LOL This went on for a few minutes before I lifted her out of the crib to get her ready.

Once she was out of the crib, the protests changed to "Noooooo!" and all-out screaming/crying. Poor thing. While I was getting her PJs off, I looked away for a minute to grab her blanket. When I turned back, she had put her foot back into her PJs! LOL As I pulled it back out, I hear, "No! No! No! No!" Poor thing - I know it's cold! Still it cracked me up. Little stinker! I think we're going to be in trouble when she hits the teen years!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year! I don't know about you, but I can hardly believe 2009 is over and we're beginning 2010! That year FLEW by - at least for me! I'm trying to remember what - if any - goals I had at the beginning of the year. Unfortunately, the end of 2009 was a WHIRLWIND. We had a death in the family and my 2-year-old was VERY sick – both occurring within the past 2-3 weeks. So, my mind is foggy as to how things were a year ago! LOL Luckily, a year ago today I was making a similar post! Unfortunately, after rereading that, I can see I fell far short of my goals. Of the few I listed, only one was really even partially accomplished: losing weight. I guess I was right when I said I might be setting the bar too high for myself!

Enter this year's goals. There are some repeats, and some new ones. Life has changed over the past year. I have changed over the past year. Thus, goals must change, too. So, below are what I hope to accomplish this year - in no particular order other than that in which I think of them!

• Continue losing weight. I've lost roughly 12 lbs. so far. By some miracle, I've managed to keep it off through the holidays! Now it's time to get serious about it again. Watching what I eat and getting back into an exercise routine will be the way to get it done!
• Work more. Yes, that's right - work more. I recently started some freelance editing work, and it's actually been good for me. It feels good to be bringing in money again, and I was able to get a new computer. While it's freelance, the company would like its editors to edit 75-100 (or more) articles every week. I've only had a couple of weeks in the 70s. I'd like to maintain the rate they would like me to be at – well, after getting there! LOL
• Get off the Zoloft. I know. This was a goal last year, but I didn't do it. I can't remember why, but there were some things that made me want to keep it. Next time I see my doctor, though, I'm going to discuss it with her.
• Read more. Last year I met a reading challenge goal to read at least 50 books in the year. I actually read 51. I think I'll aim for 55 books. With work added to the mix, this might be a bit tougher this year, but I think I can do it. Just might have to spend less time online!
• Blog more. I really enjoy this. I just sometimes have to force myself to sit down and write. I'll have a post idea in my head for hours before acting on it – or I wait too long and completely lose my thoughts. I'm going to try to post at least twice per week. And, yes, book reviews do count toward that goal! ;-)
  

There are more things I'd like to see happen, but these are most important to me for now. I think that this year, in order to avoid completely losing sight of this list, I'll revisit this quarterly – complete with a progress report. That is, of course, assuming I remember!

To those of you who have frequented my blog and subjected yourselves to my Ramblings, I send my gratitude! I am humbled that anyone reads – and even FOLLOWS – this. THANK YOU! While I'd still write if even no one read this, you make this that much better! Every comment you leave is cherished – it's nice to know someone "hears" me.

Finally, to everyone, HAPPY 2010! I wish blessings and happiness to all for this wonderful new year!

2009 Reading Review

At this time last year, I set a goal to read more. My goal was 50 books for the year - and I was documenting each as I read it. I have shared some of the reviews on this blog, but many of what I read I didn't post reviews for. So, I'm going to share a list of what I read over the course of 2009. Some of these books were read more than once - mostly for the purpose of editing. My favorites are in purple.

1. The Crown Conspiracy by Michael J. Sullivan
2. Quidditch Through the Ages by J.K. Rowling
3. Goodnight Nobody by Jennifer Weiner
4. Rainbow Valley by L.M. Montgomery
5. Rilla of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery
6. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
7. Inkspell by Cornelia Funke
8. The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
9. Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
10. American Rust by Philipp Meyer
11. Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult
12. Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult
13. Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult
14. The Gnostic Mystery by Randy Davila
15. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
16. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
17. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
18. Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke
19. Gold of Kings by Davis Bunn
20. Late-Talking Children by Thomas Sowell
21. The Einstein Syndrome by Thomas Sowell
22. Avempartha by Michael J. Sullivan
23. Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin
24. Something Blue by Emily Giffin
25. Body of Knowledge by Bryce W. Anderson
26. Love the One You're With by Emily Giffin
27. Shadow of Betrayal by Brett Battles
28. Of the Ashes by Kristen Taber
29. The Cleaner by Brett Battles
30. The Deceived by Brett Battles
31. Nyphron Rising by Michael J. Sullivan
32. Beyond Road's End by Janice Schofield Eaton
33. Baby Proof by Emily Giffin
34. The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel
35. One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury
36. Beyond Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury
37. Every Now & Then by Karen Kingsbury
38. Last Night in Twisted River by John Irving
39. The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf
40. Things that Make Us [Sic] by Martha Brockenbrough
41. Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult
42. Angels & Demons by Dan Brown
43. The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown
44. Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne
45. T.L.C. by Barbara Delinsky
46. The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall
47. A Little Bit Country by Debbie Macomber
48. Country Bride by Debbie Macomber
49. Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner
50. Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
51. Bringing Up Boys by James Dobson

As you can see, I made it one above my goal for the year. I haven't yet decided what my goal is for this year, but clearly I need to up the ante a little.

Friend Makin Monday: All I Want for Christmas

It's been too long since I last participated in Friend Makin Monday! This week's topic is somewhat easy, so I decided to dive back in.

What I want for Christmas:

• For my kids to really enjoy themselves and that they create memories to last a lifetime.
• Peace.

So far as things under the Christmas tree:

• A new winter coat.
• iTunes gift card.
• Anything off my Amazon Wish List.

And that's about it. So, what about you? What do you want for Christmas?

Letter to Santa

For the second-straight year, Abby has taken it upon herself to write a letter to Santa. No prompting, no influence of which I am aware, just her own initiative. And, as always, it's cute as ever. I thought I'd share it. (It will be as she wrote it, complete with spelling errors. I'll correct in red, to help you read it. Oh, and I'm centering it just for my own preference!)

Dear Santa I want

a roabot (robot) dog one that

has fur I also want

a real puppy. I also want

a stuft (stuffed) animle (animal) Horse.

I also want a bell from

your sled. I also want

a book. Santa I have

ben (been) mostly beeing (being)

good this year. And Santa

I rily (really) like your rein

dears (reindeer's) names.

Your

friend

Abby

Wherefore art thou, Balance?

Yes, yes, I know. In Romeo and Juliet, "wherefore art thou" actually means "why are you" and NOT "where are you" - my degree's in English, I KNOW that. I am taking artistic license and exploiting it for my own purposes.

And now we come to the point. I'm struggling to find a good balance to my life as of late. And that, my friends, is why I've been so silent lately. Life is beginning to get out of control, and the not-completely-essential/my-event things are what get put on hold. Example: Now that soccer is over with, Abby has started Girl Scouts. She's not doing it with the troop affiliated with her own school - that would've been WAY too easy. She's in her BFF's troop, which is in the next town over. So, every other Monday I have to pick her up at school, drive to the meeting (with the other two in tow, of course) to drop her off, go home or run errands for about 45 minutes (total, including driving time), then pick her up and come home for the night. Fortunately, the troop leader is her BFF's mom, someone I consider a trustworthy friend. (She's even our emergency contact for almost everything.) At least I don't have to worry at all about how it's going. I know she's in good hands.

In addition to Girl Scouts, I have started a part-time freelance editing gig. I am expected to work (from home) roughly 12 hours per week. I try to do it during nap time, but that's not going so well - the boy apparently is getting too old for naps. Most days, I don't get a nice, quiet afternoon during which to edit. Despite my best efforts to edit during the day, I usually end up working after the kids go to bed. This means most nights I'm up too late. This, in turn, means I spend most of my days exhausted. I have found myself allowing myself to drink a bit more Dr Pepper than I'd like to be. But, I consider it essential.

Aside from my blogging and other online activities (plus reading), the main - and most important - casualty has been getting back into shape. I haven't exercised regularly in a few weeks, simply for lack of time. (I had been doing it during my downtime, which now becomes either editing or housework time. I need my REAL downtime, though, so when those are done, I catch up on Facebook or read a book, rather than working out - which, to me, is more WORK.) I've been trying to at least continue eating better - or at least less. I've been doing OK with that. The weight isn't dropping off anymore, but at least it's not returning to where it was a few months ago. And I'm still able to wear my rings. So, for now, I've decided to just make sure that doesn't change. So long as I don't gain that weight back, I'm not gonna worry about it. The added responsibilities and duties associated with the holidays make it next to impossible for me to get my routine back. I guess I'll start with a resolution for the new year - better myself, meaning get back in shape.

On the very bright side, I have officially met my goal of reading 50 DIFFERENT books (not counting any I've read for the kiddos) this year! :-) I'm so proud of myself - especially knowing that two of those I EDITED, which means each of those was read through at least twice, and much more slowly and carefully than I normally would read. I am EXTREMELY proud of myself for this. I tried to do this last year, but didn't even get halfway to my goal. So, YAY me! ;-)

Book Review: Country Brides

Country Brides: A Little Bit Country\Country Bride by Debbie Macomber
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Let me start by saying that I didn't realize this was two books in one. It's a good thing it was, as I never would've given Country Bride a chance after having read A Little Bit Country. The latter was, I felt, awful. I found myself wishing I could get back the time I spent reading it! But, I read Country Bride thinking it was just Part 2 of a two-part book. While I did not like A Little Bit Country - and would have given it one star if I'd read it as a stand-alone title - I actually liked Country Bride, and would have given that one three stars on its own. So, I just merged the two ratings and gave the merging of the two books two stars.

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Notice, no affiliate link this time. I wouldn't wish this book on anyone, so won't encourage you to purchase it. If you wanna read it, get it from the library - you won't want to reread it!

Book Review: The Sound of Sleigh Bells

The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was a pleasant surprise. I signed up to read it on Goodreads' Firstreads giveaway because the plot sounded interesting. It is.

The Sound of Sleigh Bells is about an Amish woman and Amish man, both of which have suffered loss. They both have scars that need healing, and each is the key to the other's healing. There are dark - by Amish standards, I must add - secrets and sad stories. But, the story as a whole is about grace, redemption, and love.

As a Christian, I really loved the parts about God's grace. The reminder that Christ's death covers everything. My favorite quote, "But if you continue to carry the guilt, it's like what He did is not sufficient. As if you're telling God that His gift of mercy is not powerful enough to help you forgive you." Amazing, powerful truth in those words!

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Click here to get your own copy of The Sound of Sleigh Bells - and, yes, this is another affiliate link. I appreciate your support!

Book Review: Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace by Danielle Steel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first Danielle Steel novel I have ever read. I wasn't sure what to expect, and am embarrassed to admit I thought it was some romance-type novel. I was very pleasantly surprised to find out that wasn't the case.

This book was given to me by a friend after she had finished with it. I love to read so much that I decided to go ahead and take it - along with a slew of other books. I'm glad I did. This was a compelling story with many very interesting characters.

My only complaint is that I would have liked to see more about Sarah throughout the book. It started and ended with her, but I would have liked to see more of what she was doing as the events with the others were playing out.

Despite that, it was a very good book that I found to be finished in a satisfying manner. While I won't rush to get another book by Danielle Steel, I won't hesitate to read more should the opportunity come my way.

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Click here to get your own copy of Amazing Grace – and, yes, I do get a small commission should you choose to purchase through this link. Thanks for your support!

Book Review: Shades of Blue

Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I received this book free from the author. It wasn't a promotional thing, rather I won it via a Twitter contest. I recently discovered Karen Kingsbury, and wasn't sure what to expect. I enjoyed her 9/11 series, and figured I'd enjoy this one, too. I had little idea what was coming when I began. But, pretty early on I was kinda able to guess what was coming. And, oh, the pain. Karen Kingsbury handles a very difficult subject very well. I am impressed. This is a heart-wrenching story - in a MUCH different way than her 9/11 series stories. Where that's about a horrible tragedy no one brought on themselves, this is about the repercussions to the choices we make. I am sorry to leave this so vague, but I don't wanna spoil this for anyone. I couldn't put this book down - couldn't wait to see how everything played out. My heart breaks thinking that there are people out there who struggle with this very thing, and I can only imagine how those without Christ can make it through.

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Click here for your own copy of Shades of Blue - and yes, if you purchase it by following this link, I do get commission from Amazon. Full disclosure! ;-)

It's Official

I have officially lost 10 pounds since starting to watch what I eat! I am thrilled beyond measure - but also discouraged as it can be tough to maintain complete self control (especially right after Halloween). But, 10 pounds - to me - is a HUGE milestone. I have been begging God for weeks to just let me get to that one milestone so I can feel like I'm accomplishing something. So I can know that my efforts are paying off! I have FINALLY hit it! And really, it's not so bad - it took me about two months to do it. That's really not bad. (Too bad I know that maintaining this rate of loss isn't something I'm likely going to do, but so long as I keep losing I won't complain!)

Looking at this particular first milestone made me realize that I need to reassess my goals. For those who missed my first post on this subject, go here to read the whole story. For the rest of you, here is what I posted as my goals, with updated info in purple.

• I want to wear my wedding and engagement rings again.  Mission accomplished! I have been wearing them for about a month now! I can't get them off easily, but that's OK. I don't want them off! ;-)
  
• I want to look good again. Unfortunately, I feel like I've a long way to go to accomplish this one. But, that's to be expected.
  
• I want to feel good about myself. I wouldn't say I feel good about myself yet, but I do feel better about myself. It helps that my current pants are starting to feel loose. (I'll feel better when I can COMFORTABLY wear the next size down!)
  
• I never want to be embarrassed by my size again. Not there yet, but hope to be soon.
  
• I want to wear normal clothes - no more plus sizes. I am getting there. The loose pants are VERY encouraging!
  
• I want to be healthy. I think once I figure out a consistent exercise routine, I'll see this come to pass.
  
• I want to be a good example for my children - especially my girls. Abby told me the other day that when she's grown up she's going to eat healthy foods and exercise a lot so she can stay skinny. I hope that one day – preferably in the not-too-distant future – she'll be able to see the difference in me.
  
• I want to please my husband - and make him proud of me. He has said that losing 10 pounds is impressive. Hopefully he'll soon be telling me he can see a difference and feel a difference (like when he hugs me).
  

I feel like I'm making decent progress. The impatient side of me, though, wants to see more visible results SOONER! Patience is a virtue, right? Someone says that. And I know they're right. I just don't wanna wait to look better – and to feel better about myself!

Friend Makin' Mondays: Hobbies

This week's Friend Makin' Monday is all about hobbies! We have two questions this week:

1. What are your hobbies?
2. What do you wish you knew how to do?

These are pretty thought-provoking! Firstly, what do I enjoy enough to even consider calling a hobby? Then, what else would I like to be able to do? And, yes, I'm probably over thinking this. Just remember I have a degree in English - analytical thinking is what I do! ;-) I have decided to add a third question to the mix: What have I done that I'd like to get back into?

What are your hobbies?

1. Reading.
2. Singing/listening to music.
3. Watching TV.
4. Computer-related stuff, including running my own Web site.

What do you wish you could do?

1. Web and graphic design.
2. Creative writing, but I'm no good at it! LOL
3. Play piano.
4. Knitting.
5. Sewing. (I have VERY basic knowledge, but not enough to make much of anything!)
   

What would I like to get back into?

1.  Baking.
2.  Playing the violin. (I developed tendinitis in my left wrist, so I'm not sure how feasible this is!)
3. Scrapbooking.
4. Yoga.
   

I'm sure I could fill out the second and third lists if I sat here long enough! LOL There are so many things I'd love to be able to do.

So, how about you? What are your hobbies? Please share!

Book Review: Last Night in Twisted River

Last Night in Twisted River: A Novel by John Irving

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Last Night in Twisted River was a book that took me awhile to get into. But, once I got a few chapters in, I found myself enjoying it. It's not one of the best books I've ever read, but I would recommend it to others. I like how circular the book is, but found the weaving in and out of past and present a bit difficult to follow a times. (I think that is why it took me awhile to get into the book - it was hard to follow until I got used to the style.)

I loved the characters - pretty much all of them, which is unusual. My favorite is probably Ketchum. He cracked me up - his outbursts and chosen phrases, as well as his spin on things, were quite interesting. Danny and Dominic were also great characters. My only problem with the characters was Ketchum's political affiliation. With how into guns/knives/hunting he is, I found it a bit hard to swallow that he'd be such a die-hard Democrat!

Speaking of politics, I felt this book was overly political. Do we really have to bemoan the Bush presidency and bash Republicans as uneducated fools? I really don't think any of that was necessary. There could have been some alluding to it without it being so plentiful toward the end.

That said, I overall really liked the book. I hadn't read anything by John Irving before, although I had heard of him. I will be looking for more of his books.

Last Night in Twisted River will be on sale on Oct. 27. To pre-order, click here.


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FMM: I MUST have it!

It's Friend Makin' Monday time again! :-) This week's topic is an easy one for me. It's all about what I need. So, here goes.

List a few things you cannot live without.

I'm taking this list to mean extras - things other than food, water, oxygen, etc. So, here are my must-haves:

My family

(This picture was taken last October.)

Books

Dr Pepper

Jesus

Music

My computer/Internet

So, how about you? What your must-haves?

Check-in time

It has been three weeks since I first post about getting myself back in shape. (You can read that here, if you'd like.) I thought I should post a quick update as to my progress.

Keep in mind the fact that my main difference is watching what I'm eating. I'm trying to eat no more than 2,000 calories per day. I haven't started into a lot of exercise yet. I am walking more than I had been, but I haven't done much more than that. Yet. I do plan to do more. But, for now, I'm concentrating on my calorie intake first. That said, I'm happy to announce that it's working! I've been steadily losing weight! My average is slightly above 1 lb. per week, and I think that is great! At that rate, I'll be down 50 lbs. at the end of a full year! I can live with that! ;-)

For now, I am pleased to share that I have lost ...

SEVEN pounds!

Yes, that doesn't sound like much, but when you take into account that I started this five weeks ago, I think that's pretty darn good!

My main reason for deciding to post an update is I'm starting to lose some steam. I had decided to share my journey here in part to keep me accountable, so I must update occasionally to maintain that! But, I currently am struggling a bit. I want to lose the weight. I want to get back to my pre-baby weight - or at least out of the plus-sizes! But, it's hard. It's hard to be constantly disciplined and constantly keeping track of what's coming in. It's especially hard because I LOVE to eat out. Generally, eating out is not conducive to losing weight! Plus, I HATE coffee. When I need a boost, I grab a Dr Pepper, but that's not so smart when trying to lose weight! Those are a LOT of wasted calories!

I'm trying to focus on the good - I'm losing weight. If I keep on keeping on, I will find my way back to ME! I cannot WAIT for that to happen!

It could be worse

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It's that time again

Time for Friend Makin' Monday! Well, it was yesterday. Mondays are too busy for me most of the time, but I figure better late than never, right? That said, Amber once again hosted it, and this week's is regarding fall TV.

What are some of your favorite fall shows?

I actually don't have a lot fall shows that are favorites. A few of mine (E.R., Pushing Daisies, Eli Stone) have been canceled. There are many new shows I'm excited about, but I can't call them favorites without having seen them! Then there are the shows that won't start until winter (24, Lost). So, my list of fall shows is short. But, here it is:

1. Private Practice ~ I cannot wait to see what happens with Violet!
2. The Mentalist ~ I'm not sure what it is, but I just love this show! I'm bummed that it's at the same time as PP, but that's what TiVo is for, right?
3. The Office ~ My husband watches this one more than I do, but I occasionally will watch with him.
4. 30 Rock ~ Another one of my hubby's favorites. While it can be hilarious, it just doesn't usually do anything for me. I could take it or leave it. But, since I sometimes watch it with him - and since it's the last fall "favorite" - I'll leave it on the list!

And that's all! There are several new shows (The Forgotten, FlashForward, Modern Family, The Good Wife) that I'm looking forward to. Gotta fill the void left by my old - and now GONE - favorites! ;-)

So, how about you? What are YOUR favorite fall TV shows?

Book Review: One Tuesday Morning

One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book I've ever read by Karen Kingsbury, and it was a good one to start with. While it's not some of the best writing I've ever read, the story is EXCELLENT and absolutely captivating. It also was probably the most heart-wrenching thing I have read in a VERY long time. I can't remember the last book that literally had me choking back tears through a good portion of it!

I like that it's faith-based fiction. It's so cool to have characters who do what I do in times of crisis - pray. Ask God for help. Cry out to God in desperation. And I absolutely love that it's a modern-day redemption story. While it had a happy ending for some characters, the endings for others was absolutely heart-breaking.

I did find that the story was a little predictable. Even before the events in the South Tower occurred, I knew who'd survive. I don't know if that was the intent, but there was enough foreshadowing that I couldn't miss it. My only other problem was an inconsistency in the plot. Throughout most of the book, the little girl named Sierra is said to be four years old. But, at one point shortly before the terrorist attacks occur, the narrative says she's "age five." I can't decide whether that's a small error or a big one. But, it's an error nonetheless.

That said, I already have the sequel, Beyond Tuesday Morning, in my possession and will be starting it shortly. I look forward to seeing what's next!

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Click here to purchase One Tuesday Morning (September 11 Series #1)

Book Review: The Case for Christ

The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus by Lee Strobel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a very, very good book. I almost gave it four stars. I think that, for me, it's because I've been a Christian for as long as I can remember. I didn't really need logical proof of Jesus. I know Jesus, and this just backed it up for me. But, the amount of archeological and historical evidence backing up what I've always known to be true is astounding. That is why I decided on five stars. To see this all written out, the evidence in black and white, right there on the page. It makes me want to perhaps read more of the reference books listed. Not because I need proof - I don't. But because it's just fascinating.

If you've ever believed something in faith - meaning, having no concrete proof, but you still believe - you might get what I'm talking about. You know something, but have no way of proving it. Until you stumble upon something that gives you some hard-to-ignore evidence. For me, it was seeing that SCIENCE can back up a spiritual, eternal truth. Just amazing.

I fully intend to read a couple more of Lee Strobel's books, especially The Case for a Creator and The Case for the Real Jesus. I cannot wait to see more evidence to back up what I've already known to be true!

I highly recommend this for anyone and everyone. If you're a long-time Christian like I am, this is an AMAZING book to read. It's exciting and just mind-blowing to know that the New Testament has been highly researched and mostly determined to be an accurate historical record! If you're not a Christian, I urge you to read it. Try to have an open mind. I think you'll be amazed by what you learn.

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Click here to purchase The Case for Christ

So pretty

I think I am finally completely done with the graphic parts of my blog redesign - I think I am. The final touch (not counting text tweaks I'm planning) is my button.

Isn't that pretty? In my sidebar is a spot where you can snag it to use, if you feel so inclined!

Speaking of my sidebar, there's also a widget for earning money for charity. For now, I've chosen DonorsChoose.org, which helps classrooms in need. It costs you (and me) NOTHING. Just click on the box and take the fun survey! (It is fun, I promise. I just took one about which new Melrose Place character I am most like! LOL)

Testing

I have a beautiful new signature I wanted to test. Yes, it's one more thing done by The Cutest Blog on the Block! They do AWESOME work. I'm almost done with the design part of the blog redesign. After that, I'll be tweaking font colors and sizes - something I can do without help! ;-) Thanks for your patience - and feedback - as I slowly make this transition!

Disappointed

I finally have my BEAUTIFUL banner up! :-) The wonderful ladies (at least I spoke with a lady) at The Cutest Blog on the Block made it - and my background - just for me! I absolutely LOVE both and am so happy with how they turned out! :-)

I still have to tweak my colors and stuff. Just haven't had a moment to do it yet. But, that will be soon. I've moved my items in the sidebar around, and removed a few things. Overall, I'm satisfied. I was hoping to add a really neat animated label cloud, but I cannot get it to work! :-( I'm so sad. I know I've added the coding where it needs to be, but apparently I'm missing something. It comes up blank. (And, yes, if yours works and you think you can help me, PLEASE DO! I have no pride! ;-) ) I am trying to let it go. I'm generally happy with my blog - I think it is absolutely GORGEOUS now - and I'm trying not to let one defeat get to me. Still, it'd be nice if I could figure out how to make it work!