Vacations in Disguise

As a new Mom, the second time around, I've come to appreciate somethings that I never really appreciated before. The vacations in disguise. After entering into the world of sleepless nights and diaper bags (again), I'd never thought I'd look at these little events as getaways. Now I've come to cherish them and look forward to them on a weekly and sometimes daily basis. You don't really realize how creative you can be when you're searching for little pockets of peace. :) I always give credit to Moms any where, but now being a Mom of two (step Mom to four) - I bow down to those with more then one kid. Lol... I had my son & thought the world was grand. Now there are days where I wish I could either grow extra hands or either become an ostrich and stick my head in the sand. ;)
If you're a new Mom (first, second or third time around), what mini getaways have you found?
Here are a few of my own:
-- I've learned that a trip to the store (and that's any store) can be the best getaway! Lol... Of course that's if your both childless and husbandless. And yes I mean husbandless as well!!  There is something about walking aimlessly up and down the aisles that just takes your mind off of things. But hopefully it's not too hard on your wallet.
-- Car rides in between pick ups and drop offs is also a little getaway. I get the music of my choice and hopefully (if the little one is asleep in the back) it's a peaceful ride.
-- I know I've heard that bathroom time can also be used as a mini getaway, but that doesn't seem to work for me. Hmmm... Every time I get into the shower it seems I get that knock on the door - "Mom, I have to use the bathroom!!" Go figure... ;)
-- The best getaway, for me, is that wake up in the middle of the night. You don't know why or what wakes you up, but it's still dark out and the house is quiet (if your husband has happened to stop snoring). Everyone is sleeping and the house feels so still. It's at those moments when I feel surrounded by total peace. I find that I force myself to lay awake just a little while longer to just soak it all in.

So what else am I missing? I'm still functioning on less than 5 hours of sleep. I'm sure they're other getaways out there.

Challenge... Of sorts.

So I have this problem. I love to books. I mean, really love books! Call me a nerd or what have you, but I love bookstores and the library. I can walk through them aimlessly just reading titles and checking out different ones. Lately I've gotten into the world of book blogs and reading about the different new releases (and some old releases) out there. I find that I'm always jotting down my next "new read".  I've also downloaded Amazon Kindle & BN ereader onto my laptop, as well as onto my Ipod touch. It doesn't help me much, that both sites have tons of free downloads. Lol... At least this way, I can throw my Ipod into my pocketbook and have a book with me at all times. It doesn't matter if I have a chance to read or not - just the thought that I have it with me is comfort enough. Lol...

Anyway, the other day I was checking out my upstairs bookshelves and the over flow of books that I have stashed on them. Even I had to stop and shake my head because I don't think I've read even half of the books on one bookshelf (and I have two of them in the bedroom). Well, that started me to thinking - I really need to read the books that I actually have and stop investing in new ones.  And thus begins a new mid-year challenge. My goal is to tackle at least one of the two bookshelves by end of this year.  Here is just an idea of what I'm working with:

I also have some library books to finish up as well:

Here is my challenge in a nutshell. Some "to read" list huh? Although some books I have read, although that list is limited. Another interesting twist to this self-imposed challenge is that some of the books on my shelves are bible studies, self-help and writing books. Most of these books require me to do some writing, thinking and well... mental work.

Another fun twist? I have a one more distraction...

I know he looks adorable and innocent, but don't let this face fool you. But even with his baby charm, I'm determined to get through those books! Wish me luck!

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert review

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I just finished Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. This was book choice #2 for my bookclub.
I feel like I'm going to be in the minority here, but I really did not enjoy this book. It was just okay for me. It could just be me, but I could not relate to her story. I felt like she came across as whiney and spoiled for majority of the book. Like she wanted me to feel sorry for her for the first half.
I do give her credit though, her writing was excellent. I loved a lot of her metaphors and descriptions throughout the book.
I'm looking forward to the movie this summer. I have a feeling that I'll enjoy the movie better than the actual book.

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Wounded: A Love Story Review

Wounded: A Love Story by Claudia Mair Burney


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Wounded: A Love Story by Claudia Mair Burney, was an interesting read. I'd rated it 3 stars because I have such mixed emotions about it. The story line was intersting enough - as in it held my attention until the very end. The ending, for me, could have been better. I felt like I was left hanging a little bit, but it was also a little predictable.
I thought it was a okay read since this is Lenten season. So the theme of the book was fitting for me. The characters were interesting. When asked, personally, to summarize the storyline, I can't really describe it.
So would I recommend this to a friend - I guess the answer would be yes.

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Goodreads Review: Godmother: The Secret Cinderella Story

Godmother: The Secret Cinderella Story by Carolyn Turgeon


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I think I was more attracted to the title of this book more so than anything. The first 100 pages started off kind of slow. I kept waiting for the story to happen. However, once I got past that point things picked up and the book did get much better.
I usually rate the books that I read based on if I would recommend them to a friend. This particular book, even though I gave it 3 stars, I wouldn't pass it on. This one went back into the cue at paperbackswap.

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Starting to Track Weekly Goals

Finally decided that I need to start listing my goals & putting them "out there" in hopes that I accomplish what I set out to do for the week!! It's a list of everything I want to accomplish this week & hopefully by Saturday (20th) I'll be checking everything off!!!


Workouts
Sun - Biggest Loser Bootcamp (L1)
Mon - Turbo Jam Cardio Party
Tues - Rest
Weds - BL Bootcamp (L1)
Thurs - Rest
Fri - TJ Cardio Party
Sat - BL Bootcamp (L1)

Eating Plan - Stay within my calorie range AND getting down min 64oz of water per day.
Bible Study - Praying in Color...
Reading - Finishing, Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert & Wounded: A Love Story by Claudia Mair Burney

2nd Book Club Choice...

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert





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1st Book Club Meeting

The first offical meeting of the PCQB Book Club was today. The first book that we discussed was The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd (I did a semi review under Good Reads).  Although our first meeting consisted of myself & my two best friends (and our kids... lol...) - we still had a good time! Nothing like getting together with your girlfriends and having some good food and conversation! We're hoping to expand our book club in the future, but for now I think we're just enjoying ourselves. Any excuse to get together with your girlfriends, right!! ;) Especially when you have busy lifes, husbands and kids!!

Our next meeting will be in March and we'll be reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. We're trying to stick with the book to movie theme. We heard that Eat, Pray, Love will be out later this year and will be starring Julie Roberts!! Can't wait to dig into the book this week!!!

Happy Reading...

Secret Life of Bees

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I recently just started a book club with my family and friends and this is our first book.

I think it was a good first choice. It was a quick and easy read. I enjoyed the story line & the friendships developed between the characters in the book.

It's a good dynamic of sisterhood friendships & mother/daughter relationships.

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Left Behind Series Book Six

The Indwelling by Tim LaHaye


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Just as good as the first 5 books. But as always, it gets really good right at the end of the book. :) I can't wait until start Book 7.

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Getting Back In Shape - It Begins

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Game On Diet - Week One Results...

IN FIRST PLACE

THE HAPPENIN HAMHOCK HOPPERS

Following on the Hoppers tail....

THE CHILLIN' CHITTLIN CHAMPS

And filling spot #3...

THE BANGIN' BLACKEYED-PEA BOMBERS

As for the others...


We'll get them next week!!!!

Cool contest I found to win free groceries for a year

Hey, I just entered this contest on Cozi.com to win free groceries for a year. All you have to do is put in your email address.

Even if you don’t enter, please click the link to help me win. (I get an extra entry for telling you.) Thanks!

View >>

Cool contest I found to win free groceries for a year

Hey, I just entered this contest on Cozi.com to win free groceries for a year. All you have to do is put in your email address.

Even if you don’t enter, please click the link to help me win. (I get an extra entry for telling you.) Thanks!

View >>

Cool contest I found to win free groceries for a year

Hey, I just entered this contest on Cozi.com to win free groceries for a year. All you have to do is put in your email address.

Even if you don’t enter, please click the link to help me win. (I get an extra entry for telling you.) Thanks!

View >>

We Are Family...

Talk about joining together as a family... In my determination to loose my baby fat & get healthy, I challenged my family members into a game of sorts. And you know what?! They joined up!! Willingly! Lol...

The Game:

I saw this on another blog and it looked like fun & a great way to get in shape. :) More information can be found here.

The Teams:

The Bangin' Blackeyed Pea Bombers

The Groovin' Grits Gang

The Chillin' Chitlin Champs

The Happenin' Hamhock Hoppers

And the best team of all (and I'm not just saying that because it's MINE!)!!! Lol...

The Slammin' Sweet Potato Pie Players

WHO WILL WIN!?!?!?!!!

I'm Committed

So here I am on Day #2 of the 100 days of weight loss. Day 2 simple asks you to make a choice, are you interested in your goal or committed. It says the main difference is that when you're committed, you will stick with your goals no matter what; however, when you're just interested in your goal anything can distract you from your goal!

In my case, I had a couple of distractions today. Those donuts that my mom-in-law brought into the house and the marshmallows that my son was eating while doing his homework - both of which I resisted!! This time around, I'm committed to getting the weight off!!!

As for the Game On Diet challenge with my family. I'm happy to report that we're all fully committed to sticking with this as well. It's nice to have the family along for the journey. :)

2010 Update

Wow, didn't realize that I didn't update this blog. Oops...

Introducing Noah Wallace Cathey. Born October 30, 2009. He entered this world at 7:55am. Okay, so the time is a bit fuzzy. You'll forgive me, it wasn't a pleasant morning. Whoever said that planned c-sections were better... NOT!!! Good thing he is my last! I think a half dozen kids is MORE than enough. Lol... Don't you?!

So here is my baby...

Well of course in the above picture he was 4 weeks old. And as of Friday Jan 8th he is 10weeks old. And for 10wks I've missed sleep so much!!! :) But it comes with the territory. He's a joy and we love him.

Now that I'm back to work, my goal is to establish some sort of regular routine. I'm ready to get back into my bible study/reading (I plan on reading through the bible again this year), get rid of debt (Coupons here I come! I'm learning a lot about couponing lately) and get rid of this baby fat (back to the gym - I go).

Happy New Year!!!

100 DAYS OF WEIGHT LOSS PREP WORK

My 100 Days of Weight Loss Cont. One of the prep tasks for the 100 days of weight loss challenge is to write out 10 reasons why you want to lose weight & then make copies and place them where you can see them daily.
So here are my Top 10 in 2010!!
I want to lose weight because:
1. I want to be in love with my body again!
2. I want to be able to get dressed/undressed in front of my husband without feeling self conscious (even though he tells me he loves me no matter what)!
3. I want to finally wear a two piece bikini!
4. I want to have more energy!
5. I want to be fit & more athletic!
6. I want to finally be able to say that I DID IT!
7. I want to be the "Hot" Mom with kids! Lol... :)
8. I want to feel good about myself & what I can accomplish when I set my mind to it.
9. I want to be healthy!
10. I want to be an example for my family, epsecially those who suffer with diabetes & other ailments.

Blog Overload... Maybe...

I think I may have entered into blog overload. Lol... Trying to keep up with 3 blogs at once might prove to be overwhelming to me. But you know, as my Mom says, nothing hurts a failure but a try. So I'm going to TRY and keep up with all three at the same time.

So here it is 2010. My baby, baby boy is now 10 weeks old. It's time to start working on getting this baby fat OFF!! I don't want to be the same weight 3 years from now talking about, "I just had a baby". Lol... That does get old! ;)

What am I doing? Well so far I'm doing the following things to jump start operation remove baby fat!!

#1. Starting 100 Days of Weight loss Challenge

#2. Recommitting myself to Sparkpeople.com. The best weight loss website ever!!! I need to get over there now & log in my food etc., Lol...

#3. Game On Diet! challenge with my family. We're set up in teams of 5 and our challenge begins on Monday. Fun! Fun! Fun!!! :)

#4. Following Dr. Oz's concepts from You: On a Diet plan. My goal is to drop at least 5-6 pounds by my birthday - Jan 25th. Let's see how I do.

Game On!!!