2010 Reading From My Shelves Challenge

Okay, so this is my last challenge. As a newbie, I don't want to overwhelm myself. I think 3 challenges is a good number for a beginner.

The 2010 Reading From My Shelves Challenge is hosted by Bibliophile By The Sea. For more information click here. This challenge is actually just what I need. I really need to make an honest effort to free up some space on my bookshelves in a bad way!! I'm thinking this might help with my serious book addiction as well (I'm always buying way more books than I can possible read).

For this challenge I'm going to set of goal of 20 books (the minimum). ;) Can't expect to get over an addiction that quick. If I got over 20, I figure that would be the cherry on top of the sundae. :)

Happy Reading!!!

2010 Support Your Library Challenge

Here is another good challenge for me, especially since I try to bring my little one to the library at least once every other week or so.

The 2010 Support Your Library Challenge hosted by J. Kaye's seems easy enough. For details click here.

Since this my first year joining in on challenges, I plan to start at "The Mini" level.

A First for Everything

Reading Challenges. I've been reading tons of book blogs and seeing so many join up for these reading challenges that I thought I'd jump in on the fun. This not only gives me a nice challenge for 2010, but hopefully it'll help me take time for myself and do what I love to do - READ!!! :)



The first challenge that I'm signing up for is the 30 Books to Movie Challenge hosted by Bibliophile's Lounge. I plan to join up for more.



Here are the rules for the challenge:

Timeline: 01 Jan 2010 - 31 Dec 2010

Goal: To read 30 books that have been adapted into movies, and watch said movies



Details:



• You don't have to select your books ahead of time. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed. Crossovers from other reading challenges count.



• If you decide to join this challenge be sure to create a post telling others. Also, please make sure you add a link back to this post so others can join in. You can join at any time!



• Non-bloggers may enter as well. If you have a blog, please post the review of BOTH the book and movie on your blog, detailing:



a) Your honest opinions of the book and movie

b) Which one did you enjoy more (book or movie?)

c) What do you think is so good about the book for it to have been made into a movie



Make sure you label the reviews with “30 Books To Movies” so it’ll be easier for me to link them.



• Series only count as one entry. For example, even though there are 7 Harry Potter books, altogether they only count as 1 of the 30 books because they belong to the same series.



Feel free to join up!



Happy Reading

The Time Traveler's Wife

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
The Time Traveler's Wife.

I usually don't like to give bad reviews about books, but for the first time I find myself in that situation. Did I absolutely hate the book? No, which is why I did actually give it 2 stars - it was readable. To be truthful, I just didn't get anything from it. I didn't gain anything from the characters or get involved with them. The story line after the first couple of chapters fell flat (to me). It wasn't what I would call a page turner that left me wanting more - actually I couldn't wait for the book to be over and found myself skimming moreso than reading once I got to the middle of the book.

The only reason why I stuck with it to the end is due to other reviewers stating that the action would pick up at the end of the book which was still extremely slow for me. I can't give away the ending without spoiling it - I'll just say this much, it still left me like, whatever?! That was my entire emotional connection to the book - whatever. And I found myself asking "what's the point of this?" alot.

So now with the major motion picture out, I'm skeptical. I was anxiously awaiting to see the movie after I read the book, but since the book left me feeling so.... bored... that now I could care less if I see the movie. Maybe once it comes on a movie channel or Lifetime.

In short, I usually rate my books by "Would I recommend this to a friend or not?" This is defintely a "Not".

View all my reviews >>

The Beach House

The Beach House by Mary Alice Monroe


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I'm not sure how to write a book about the Beach House. I'm beginning to become Mary Alice Monroe's writing, but I definitely need a break away from the seriousness of her novels. Not that the book was bad. It was actually really good - just sad. I would recommend to my friends, but would also warn them that if they're looking for a light read - I really wouldn't consider this one that type of book.

View all my reviews >>

The Book Club Mini Review

The Book Club by Mary Alice Monroe


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
From the opening pages, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was caught up in each of the characters lives from the very beginning til the end. It was a very refreshing read.

View all my reviews >>

Goodreads Review

The Elegant Gathering of White Snows by Kris Radish


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
The Elegant Gathering of White Snows... Like the star rating implies - it was just okay for me. I found it kind of hard to keep up with the different story lines. For me, it was one too many characters and issues within the novel itself. I did like the underlining theme of woman, womanly-love, sisterhood and friendship. The theme of women friendship was actually the reason why I wanted to read the book in the first place.

View all my reviews >>

Goodreads Review - Left Behind Series, Book One

Left Behind by Tim LaHaye

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a really good book. It got even better towards the end. I couldn't put it down. Now I'm starting on book two!! It's one of those books that makes you think the entire time that you're reading it. Plus it's made me really search about how I've been doing in my own Christian walk. I would definitely recommend this book to others!!


View all my reviews.

Goodreads Review of Pulpwood Queens

The Pulpwood Queens' Tiara-Wearing, Book-Sharing Guide to Life by Kathy L. Patrick


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I liked the idea of it being a part memoir and "how-to" book on establishing a book club. It also renewed my faith in my life long dream of owning my own bookstore. As well as the ability to just follow my dreams, whatever they may be.
Tons of good book information too. I'm not much for writing or highlighting in my books, but I definitely put some marks & dogears within this one!! Just so many interesting books to check out. Hopefully I'll have room on my nightstand for them all!!

View all my reviews >>

Going on 21 Weeks...

So the blog is a little late in coming, but here is the latest update...

Check up was last Thursday and all is well & on target! No major issues. Heartbeat was REALLY fast! Lol... Although this is normal. :) Weight gain is okay (well to the doctors, not me)! A total of about 17lbs so far. I guess that's good, I'm still within that standard 25 - 35lbs gain.

Everything from the ultra sound checked out well and written right there in black and white were "It's a Male"! Boy oh boy, that tech better be right! Lol...

And finally, as far as my VBAC - there will definitely be a planned c section here. It appears that I have a low-lying placenta. Per my doctor, nothing to worry about & that the placenta pretty much always moves as the baby gets bigger, BUT it also rules out VB. Which I have comes to terms with slowly. I figure as long as he gets here healthy & safely, I'm all good!!!

Speaking of which - here he is...

17 Weeks & 3 Days

17 weeks and 3 Days and all is progressing well. Again, this is not a picture of my little "guy" or "gal". For those of you who have asked, I will be finding out (if the little one cooperates) if it's a he or she next Tuesday! FINALLY!!! All the suspense has been killing the family - including me!!! :)

All good news with today's visit. Blood pressure is good, heartbeat was nice and strong and the best part - my weight stayed the same!!! ;) Lol...

The only bit of discouraging news was discussing a VBAC with my ob. I already kind of knew that he would prefer that I just schedule another C Section, but after watched "The Business of Being Born" over the weekend, I actually felt motivated to push this kid out naturally. Watching the movie was a real eye-opener for me. Of course, my ob did say that it was my choice - I'd just have to jump through all the legal red tape of it all. I left his office with plenty to think about, I'll say that much. I still have 23 more weeks. I think that's enough time to gather more information and pray on things.

Stay Blessed!!

15 weeks & 3 Days...

Okay, so the picture is still not me, but I'm guessing that's what he looks like in there. :) My photo will soon come in another 3 weeks or so!! But on to good news updates...

Blood pressue is good!!

I only gained 2lbs in 2 weeks!! Whew... I think I held my breathe while I was on the scale! Lol....

And the best news of all!! Nice soild heartbeat!!! Even now, just hearing that sound is amazing!!! :)

So as my doctor said to me as we finished up, "Everything is ALL GOOD!" :)

Other than that... in a few more weeks and I'll know if all this praying for a boy has worked!! My poor baby boy. If he does NOT have a baby "brothur", he's going to be crushed! Just plain crushed!! He specifically asked God for a "baby brothur". So let's keep our fingers crossed!

Stay Blessed!!!

Good, Bad and Scary...

Although things did not happen in that order! Yesterday was my 13 week follow up exam. Can you believe how excited I was to FINALLY be able to hear the heartbeat for the first time?!

I checked in & had to face the dreaded scale - THE BAD!! 6lb gain in 3 weeks. What the heck?! Good thing I went to the grocery store over the weekend and stocked up on some healthy fruits and vegetables. Not to mention I've been guzzling water - trying not to retain TOO much fluid.

Next it was on to the exam room to chat with the doctor. I laid back in anticipation and waited to hear the thump... thump... thump... of that fast little heartbeat. Out came the Doppler AND.... nothing.... Absolutely nothing.... Just static for what seemed like forever - THE SCARY!!

My doctor wasn't too concerned. He sent me for an ultrasound right away. After being pumped with water (I had to have a full bladder), waiting for what seemed forever (I was a walk-in) and giving my husband a mini heart attack (since no cell phones allowed, I sent him a text message of what was going on) the results were in...

The baby is fine. The technician showed me the little body & fluttering heart - THE GOOD!!

Now if only I can explain these 6lbs?! I was told the little bugger weighs less than 1lb. Hmmm.... Guess I need to bump up those walking workouts!!! :)

Stay Blessed!!!

Been a while

It's been quite a while actually. Sometimes I even forget that I have this blog until I need something AND then I remember that I blogged about it. Lol...

The last blog was a review about the Left Behind Series. Let's see... I have since moved on to Book Three, which means I have some serious updating to do around my blog here. I wish I could have been done with the series, but have since found out some interesting news. It seems the hubby and I are expecting a new bundle of joy. Our estimated due date is the first week of November. Needless to say, it was a nice shock to my system. I was actually planning on being sexy, fit and fine this summer. :-) I had my bikini all planned out!! :-) Lol... Well, some good dreams do die out fast, don't they?! Any who, it seems like my skinny bikini will have to wait until summer of 2010. For now I'm concentrating on being healthy & fit and experiencing a good pregnancy.

Hopefully next time it won't take me so long to blog again. I mean, I did start this blog to get me writing again. Baby steps.... Where is Melissa and her writing club when you need her???

Stay Blessed!

Left Behind Series - Book One

Tameka's review of Left Behind
Left Behind by Tim LaHaye
edit
Tameka's review
rating:
status: Read in March, 2009
What a really good book. It got even better towards the end. I couldn't put it down. Now I'm starting on book two!! It's one of those books that makes you think the entire time that you're reading it. Plus it's made me really search about how I've been doing in my own Christian walk. I would definitely recommend this book to others!!

Motivation to write...

Geez... I started this blog a while ago as an inspiration to keep me writing on a daily basis. Doesn't seem to be that way lately. I mean I do write/blog, but under my sparkpeople.com page. It just seems an easier place to keep track of my weight loss journey & chat with friends at the same time.

Who knows... maybe sometime at some point during 2009 I'll start to develop some new ideas to jot about & expand upon. New books that I've been reading. Journeys that I'm taking or challenges that are presented before me.

Still early in the new year here. Anything is possible!

Into 2009!!!

It has been a long while since my last blog entry. Although I plan on getting back into the habit. I do know that all things come in time.

So far, I did set up some goals for myself coming into the new year:

** Get out from under this black cloud! Commit to do Whatever it takes todo so! <== been in a serious funk, but have been working on this one!!
** Get finances under control. Stop unnecessary spending. The hardest being - not to purchase any new books this year. Now that will be theHARDEST challenge so far. lol...
** Goes with the one above - Get ALL current books that I own in order & READ all books that I haven't read yet (that I ALREADY OWN!!). lol....
** No more excuses - get to goal size & maintain!!
** Dedicate more quality time to spend with Nicolas - ex: game night (no TV- just us hanging out) or movie night...
** Dedicate 1 day to myself - mandatory once a month for whatever I want to do (pampering, hanging with friends etc.,).

So not too many, but enough to get me through the year, one step at a time.

One thing I have noticed since January is this one bible verse that I keep seeing every where it seems...

"... and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14

Not too sure what the Lord is trying to tell me, but I plan on definitely taking the time to figure it out!!!

Stay Blessed

Working it out in 2009!!!

So last year, I started my list of 105 goals in 1005 days. I did well in some areas & was able to check off some thing. Now that it's a new year, I'm ready to start knocking some other things off this long list!!!

I figured I go through the list and only concentrate on ones that seem reasonable for me to go after within the next 12 months!! If things should change 6 months in from now - of course, I'll revisit and revamp once again!!!

2009 GOAL LIST!!!

1 Attend a baseball game

3 Attend Bible Study regularly

4 Attend Church on a regular basis

5 Attend Sunday School regularly

6 Be a positive example for Nicolas

7 Be Comfortable in my own skin

9 Be totally and completely in love with my husband

11 Bowl a Perfect Game

14 Buy a new wardrobe in my CORRECT size

20 Do 100 regular push-ups nonstop

21 Do 5 one arm push-ups (G.I Jane style) nonstop

22 Do 50 chin-ups

23 Either loose the Baby Pooch or come to terms with it

24 Finish Nicolas' Baby Book

25 Get a full makeover (hair, clothes etc)

26 Get another tattoo - preferable a Butterfly

27 Get Body Fat % down to healthy level

28 Get out of & Stay out of debt

30 Give back to my Alma Mater

31 Give Up Pretending for good!!

32 Go away to B&B on the beach, by MYSELF (3 nights minimum)

33 Go Camping

34 Go Dancing

35 Go Hiking

36 Go horse back riding

37 Go on a Romantic Picnic

41 Go to a Broadway Play or Musical

44 Grow out my relaxer & wear hair naturally

46 Have a successful, loving and Christ-Centered marriage - (1 year down)!!

48 Have an At Home Gym complete with Treadmill, Elliptical & TV/DVD for videos (purchased the treadmill)

49 Join a Woman's Bible Study Group

52 Learn to ENJOY my son now

53 Learn to Forgive and Move on

54 Learn to swim

55 Live Authentically

57 Maintain a healthy weight (preferable goal weight of 130)

58 Memorize Bible Verses important to me

66 Raise Nicolas to become a true man of God

67 Read a minimum of 10 books on the New York Times Best Seller List

68 Read ALL of my books in full

71 Reinvent Myself at least once a year

73 Run a 5K in under 30 minutes

74 Run a mile in 10 minutes or less - personal best: 15min 00 sec

81 Study & Learn all the Women of the Bible

82 Take a Belly Dance class - have free pass, need to take the class!!

83 Take a Bikram Yoga Class

85 Take a karate class

88 Take a positive stand for something I believe in

89 Take a summer vacation - EVERY summer - 2 week minimum!!

91 Take a walk on a moonlit night, hand in hand, with someone I love

92 Take Morning Prayer Walks

95 Take Nicolas to visit FAMU

99 Treat myself to an ALL DAY Spa Retreat

100 Turn a Cart Wheel

101 Visit a nice Jazz Club

102 Visit the top of the Empire State Building