TinaV95's Fall Frolics

With apologies in advance to Richard!

Sisters...

My babies (Tux and Gizzy) snuggling next to me while I'm reading.



Obligatory kitten picture
Gizzy with her permanent eye color. Blue-gray eyes are gone (*sob*; I was hoping against hope lol).

My completed and intended plans for Mark's American Author Challenge:

January: Willa Cather Death Comes for the Archbishop Loved!!

February: William Faulkner The Hamlet Completed; barely. My first AND LAST Faulkner. Loathed the chapter about the intellectually disabled character. What the heck???

March: Cormac McCarthy The Road Completed

April: Toni Morrison Beloved LOVED!

May: Eudora Welty Delta Wedding Just could not finish...made it to page 80 and gave up My sincerest apologies to Mrs. Welty.

June: Kurt Vonnegut Slaughterhouse Five Thoroughly enjoyed!

July: Mark Twain The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Completed

August: Philip Roth Nemesis Completed and enjoyed

September: James Baldwin Go Tell it On the Mountain Completed

October: Edith Wharton The Age of Innocence Completed and enjoyed...except for the ending

November: John Updike Several short stories in Christmas at the New Yorker... Best I could do. I still loathe Updike.

December: Larry Watson Montana 1948 on my shelf

2014 at a Glance

Read in January
1. Hexed 4.5 stars
2. Death Comes for the Archbishop 4.5 stars
3. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner 3.5 stars
4. Midnight Riot 4 stars
5. Changeless 4 stars
6. Babbitt 2.5 stars
7. The Impossible Knife of Memory 4.5 stars
8. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie 3 stars

Read in February
9. The Grimoire of the Lamb 4.5 stars
10. Hard Choices for Loving People 4.5 stars
11. Death Masks 4 stars
12. Scarlet 4 stars
13. Glitches 3.5 stars
13.5 The Queen's Army 3.5 stars
14. Betwixt and Between 4 stars
15. The Hamlet 2 stars (I'm being generous here...I'm peeved with his treatment of the intellectually disabled)
16. Blameless 4 stars
17. Hammered 4 stars

Read in March
18. Heartless 4 stars
19. Moon Over Soho 4 stars
20. The Road 3.5 stars
21. Leviathan 4 stars
22. Timeless 4 stars
23. Whispers Underground 4 stars

Read in April
24. Oryx and Crake 4.5 stars
25. Just One Damned Thing After Another 4.5 stars
26. Divergent 4 stars (re-read)
27. Insurgent 4 stars (re-read)
28. Tricked 4 stars
29. Beloved 5 STARS!!
30. Fun Home 4.5 stars
31. Wonder 5 STARS!
32. Fat Vampire 1 star

Read in May
33. A Symphony of Echoes 4 stars
34. Broken Homes 4.5 stars
35. Red Rising 4.5 stars
36. The Cat Who Talked to Ghosts 3 stars
37. Blue is the Warmest Color 4 stars
38. The Cat Who Lived High 3 stars
39. Allegiant 2 stars
40. Experiencing God 4 stars
41. Delta Wedding 2 stars -- Did Not Finish
42. The Coldest Girl in Coldtown 3.5 stars
43. Born Wicked 4 stars
44. The Cat Who Knew a Cardinal 3 stars

Read in June
45. Written in Red 4.5 stars
46. Star Cursed 4 stars
47. Trapped 4 stars
48. Being United Methodist: What it Means, Why it Matters 4 stars
49. Slaughterhouse Five 4 stars
50. Enchanted, Inc. 4 stars
51. Gone Girl 4.5 stars

Read in July
52 & 53. The Amber Spyglass 2.5 stars library audio, then off my shelves
54. Murder of Crows 4.5 stars library
55. I am Number Four 4 stars library, on audio
56. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children 4 stars off my shelves
57. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn 4 stars off my shelves
58. My Life as a White Trash Zombie 4 stars library
59. A Second Chance 5 stars Kindle
60. A Trail Through Time 5 stars Kindle
61. Hunted 4.5 stars Audible
62. Lies My Girlfriend Told Me 3.5 stars Early Reviewer

Read in August
63. Behemoth 4 stars off my shelves
64. City of Souls 4 stars off my shelves
65. Cheat the Grave 4 stars off my shelves
66a. Rene 4.5 stars off the internet
66b. Wake Up! 3 stars off my shelves
67. Nemesis 3 stars library
68. Even White Trash Zombies Get the Blues 4 stars library
69. The Lost Hero 4 stars library
70. Sizzling Sixteen 3 stars library
71. Wicked as They Come 3.5 stars library
72. The Neon Graveyard 4 stars library - to finish the series
73. The Hundred Foot Journey 4 stars library
74. Bloodshot 3.5 stars library
75!! The Heart is a Lonely Hunter 4.5 stars off my shelves
76. Shattered 5 stars Audible
77. Their Eyes Were Watching God 5 STARS off my shelves

Read in September
78. Goliath 4 stars off my shelves, newish acquisition
79. Clan Rathskellers and Kaibab Unbound Kindle
80. Go Tell it On the Mountain Library
81. Neverwhere The BBC audio production
82. For a Few Demons More and The Bridges of Eden Park Library
83. Beach Music -- did not finish library, audio, bored

Read in October
84. The Outlaw Demon Wails off my shelves
85. Mark of the Demon off my shelves
86. Third Grave Dead Ahead audio, library
87. The Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes off my shelves, recent acquisition
88. Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet audio, library
89. The Age of Innocence e-book, library

Read in November
90. Anatomy of a Misfit library, audio
91. Unholy Ghosts off my shelves, recent acquisition
92. Making Sense of the Bible off my shelves, from several month long church Bible study
93. Sandman Slim off my shelves, recent acquisition
94. The Story Sisters off my shelves
95. Christmas at the New Yorker e-book, library -- Did Not Finish just couldn't get into the spirit enough to read straight thorough all those short stories before the 3 week e-book limit was up
96. The Rosie Project off my shelves

Read in December
97. Sins of the Demon off my shelves, recent acquisition
98. Rosemary and Rue Audible
99. White Trash Zombie Apocalypse off my shelves, recent acquisition
100. Joy and Suffering: My Life with ALS by Martin D'Amore Audible
101. Maplecroft off my shelves, recent acquisition

List of 2014 Book Purchases

To increase my accountability and guilt simultaneously!
NOTE: **These numbers do not count e-book purchases, since they don't take up space in the house!**

1. Still Life
2. The Miracle Worker
3. Hush: Moving From Silence to Healing
4. The Sexual Healing Journey
5. Divergent re-read
6. Montana 1948
7. The Heart is a Lonely Hunter
8. The Daniel Plan
9. You are Not Your Brain
10. Clockwork Prince
11. Changeless read
12. Wintergirls -- signed by the author & got to meet her SO THIS SHOULDN'T COUNT AGAINST ME!! :)
13. The Impossible Knife of Memory -- DITTO above read
14. Blameless read
15. Heartless read
16. Second Wind -- again, signed by the author, so it really shouldn't count in my totals ;)
17. Little Girl Blue
18. Fear Has a Name -- the author was at the store signing books and came up to me as I was shopping. I couldn't resist someone brave enough to do that. So now I have a new series with a signed first book.
19. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
20. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
21. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
22.My Utmost for His Highest
23. No Greater Love
24. Bad Girls
25. Every Visible Thing
26. Quentins
27. Glimpses of Heaven
28. The Wit and Wisdom of Abraham Lincoln
29. Leviathan read
30. Behemoth read
31. Written in Red read
32. Fun Home read
33. Blue is the Warmest Color read
34. Mythology
35. The Giver
36. Midnight Crossroad - signed by the author *swoons*
37. Hounded audio - read
38. Hexed audio - read
39. Midnight Riot audio - read
40. Death Masks audio - read
41. Hammered audio - read
42. Tricked audio - read
43. Broken Homes audio - read
44. Trapped audio - read
45. Hunted audio - read
46. Shattered audio - read
47. Neverwhere audio daily deal for next to nothing!
48. Goliath - to finish the trilogy!

Number of Books Culled

1-11-14
Took 14 books to the used book store!

3-1-14
Took 12 books to the used book store

To LT friends:
Sometime in March or April, sent approximately 10 books to a friend.

In July, sent 6 total books to two friends

In September, sent 2 books to a friend

Running Total of Books Removed from House = 44

Forgotten mini confession... This past weekend had to pick up a book I had to order when it wasn't available for my Thingaversary. Goliath wasn't in stock, so I had to pick a different book.

I don't count that as a book haul or anything, but since I just entered by books purchased, I was a good girl and added it to the list like an honest person. ;)

Too many ongoing series to list, so my ongoing series are listed on Fict Fact. Come find me!! www.fictfact.com. I'm SweetT95. :)

Current favorites are
Iron Druid
Rivers of London
White Trash Zombie
Leviathan

Favorite 2014 Reads

Best Literary
Death Comes for the Archbishop
Oryx and Crake
Beloved
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter
Their Eyes Were Watching God ***Best of the year, thus far!

Best Fantasy
Hexed
Just One Damned Thing After Another
Broken Homes
Red Rising -- also YA, but fits more here IMO
A Second Chance
A Trail Through Time
Hunted
Shattered

Best Young Adult
The Impossible Knife of Memory
Scarlet
Wonder
Written in Red
Murder of Crows

Best "Other"
Fun Home
Experiencing God
Gone Girl
The Rosie Project
Making Sense of the Bible
Maplecroft

Book 74

Bloodshot



A light and fun urban fantasy...another author I needed to read before October's date with Mr. Kevin Hearne as Cherie Priest will also be signing books there. My library didn't have Boneshaker which is the one I wanted to start with, so I decided to read this one instead.

A different twist on your typical vamp tale and I will probably read more.

HOLY MOLY, I finally reached 75~! Can I get a whoop, whoop here??

BOOK 75
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter



I surely cannot do any better than Richard's review, which is the review I read many months ago that made me want to pull this off my shelf and read it. So when I was thinking of candidates for what book should get the 75 slot, this was on the short list.

It did not disappoint!

Not to say that it was a light-hearted read. Ha. The title itself is a warning the book's contents are going to be rough. But I will echo what struck me so vividly in Richard's long ago review that I remember it to this day... Carson McCullers wrote this work when she was a baby. Only 23 (or so, I can't remember what he said exactly now). That she dealt with such harsh topics as racism and class struggles and loneliness and isolation, etc. at an age when I was thinking mostly of partying and living life to the fullest nearly blows my mind.

I can't believe this wasn't required reading for me in high school or college. I grew up in Georgia where the novel is based! More on my issues with that when I review my current book (Their Eyes Were Watching God).

Happy new thread, Tina!!

Thanks, Nora! :)

And, Book 76
Shattered



Pardon me while I gush just a little........... (or maybe a LOT)

Is this the best Iron Druid since the first one or WHAT???? I loved it!!!!!!!! I'm not sure what it is; maybe the addition of Arla and Owen, but Hearne has knocked it out of the freaking park for me here, folks! I was so sad to hear this one end! Thank goodness there are myriad short stories that I haven't read, because I am going to need some serious tiding over now!

Ok. Rant / gush over.

If you are not a convert to this series yet, I have no words for you. ;0) Just kidding.

No really. Resistance.is.Futile.

:P

Let's celebrate your 75th book with champagne in the Green Library, shall we?

Congrats on 75! Heart is a Lonely Hunter is achingly beautiful.

I really liked Shattered too! Owen turned out awesome. I was worried because he always sounded so harsh but I shouldn't have been.

Way to GO, Tina! Congratulations on blowing past the 75 book mark, and I agree about Shattered. Love, love, love the kitten pictures.

Happy New Thread, lady!

Congrats on reaching 75!

>1 TinaV95: What cuddle monsters!!! I'm not a cat person either but I love cuddles.

>12 TinaV95: Tina, I have all the Iron Druid books (save Shattered) in my stacks now. It's only a matter of time before I get fully embroiled. The gift of an e-version of the first made me want them in paper so I could loan them a friend who will also love them.

Oh and Woo Hoo for 75! *hugs*

Three cheers for passing 75 and for finishing Shattered :) Hope all is good with you.

From Richard's thread...

My first ever meme -- I think :)

What was the last sf/f/h book you finished reading?
Shattered by Kevin Hearne

What was the last sf/f/h book you did not finish reading and why?
The only one I can think of is The Shining by Stephen King... I finish ALL sf/f/h books!!

What was the last sf/f/h book you read that you liked but most people didn’t?
I Am Number Four -- the reviews are mostly mixed and talk about the poor sentence structure, but I listened to the audio book and enjoyed the story.

What was the last sf/f/h book you read that you disliked but most people did?
Allegiant -- do NOT get me started on this one!

How long do your 1-sitting reading sessions usually last?
On a daily basis, 2 hours at a time. I have to read to unwind.

What are you currently reading?
I don't have any sf/f/h currently reading. JUST finished Their Eyes Were Watching God and I adored it!

Do you like it so far?
See above!

How long ago did you buy the book you are currently reading (or the last book you read)?
TEWWG was a gift from Roberta earlier this year. It has been on my shelf for less than 6 months. That isn't too bad for me. :)

What was the last physical sf/f/h book you bought?
Goliath by Scott Westerfeld

What is the sf/f/h sub-genre you like the most and why?
Urban fantasy

What is the sf/f/h sub-genre you dislike the most and why?
Hard Science Fiction - over my head too thick to get through (stealing Morphy's answer on this one, cause it is just SO right for me too!!)

What is your favorite electronic reading device?
Kindle

What was the last sf/f/h eBook you bought?
A Trail Through Time by Jodi Taylor

Do you read books exclusively in 1 format (physical/electronic)?
No, but I do favor physical books. There is just something about the feel and smell of a real book to me. I can't replace it. I do love the convenience of my Kindle and tablet, but I pick my 'tree' books far more often.

Do you read eBooks exclusively on a single device (eBook reader/ smartphone / tablet)?
No - I have a Verizon tablet and a Kindle. My Kindle stays at home, but my Verizon goes on my work trips (and pleasure travel) with me because it has mobile hotspot.

>13 richardderus: I love the green library, Richard! Let's build that at The Tome Home, shall we?

>14 luvamystery65: I had the same worry. I was afraid he was going to be a giant A-hole the way Atticus had always talked about him! :) We should have trusted in the good sense of Master Hearne. hahaha

>15 ronincats: Thanks, Roni! I'm excited about reaching the goal for sure. And I'm pleased as punch that girls are settling in so well together. **All except Sophie. She still hates Gizzy. But then again, she only barely tolerates the other two pets and they have lived with her for a LONG time, so there you go. ;)

>16 scaifea: Thank you, lovely Amber!

>17 foggidawn: Wow! Hi Foggi! Welcome~~ and thank you!

>18 AuntieClio: - >20 AuntieClio: Even non-cat persons can see how sweet those babies are! Notice Richard didn't say a word to the fact that I apologized to him in advance of posting the pictures? ;) You are one fine friend to buy the series so you can loan them to another friend! Wow. Lucky for your friend; I hope she/he tells you thank you effusively!

>21 BekkaJo: Thanks, Bekka!

>23 TinaV95: It's a mutual thing. She bought the Rachel Morgan (Happy Hollows) and ... the Stacia Kane series to loan to me. :-)

Aaack! Series rant!!!

Winter the fourth book in the Lunar Chronicles was supposed to come out in February 2015. It has been pushed back to November 2015 because she has written Fairest Queen Levana's back story. Why? Please don't go all Malificent on me Marissa Meyer! I hope she doesn't pull a Charlaine Harris and drag this series out. It has been so tightly written and spot on. I hope I'm not being a Chicken Little.

End of series ranting!!!

On the good news front, Book 3 in The Others series by Anne Bishop is out in March 2015! I haven't started the first yet but my mom absolutely loved this series and I know you did too.

>24 AuntieClio: Well, okay then. I'll say she's a keeper then! I enjoy the Rachel Morgan series myself. I'm not familiar with the Stacia Kane series. Do tell, please.

>25 luvamystery65: ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? I am NOT happy to hear that about Meyer! :( I haven't gotten to Cress yet, but I am going to be disappointed to have to wait on Winter now. I will be waiting in the store (maybe literally) in March for book 3 in The Others. Your mom had excellent taste, you know! :) You need to start on them when you need some serious entertainment.

Book 77
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
5 STARS!!



A huge and glorious THANK YOU to Roberta for gifting me this wonderfully amazing book!

I cannot fathom how it has taken me until I am 41 years old to read this book? When I was two chapters in, I IM'd my best black girlfriend from college (the one who owns the stationery company) and asked her (ludicrously) if she had read this book. She goes, "it's like mandatory in black households, Tina." I proceeded to ask how in the world did I make it through high school, college, and then graduate school with NO ONE ever mentioning an author of this caliber to me. Let me hold up. ANY black author, I should say. YOU folks have introduced me to all the black authors I have read thus far in my life. Schooling did NONE of that for me. Library Thing has broadened my horizons and introduced me to Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, and now Zora Neale Hurston. Who else is out there waiting for me?? Angel and I talked for over an hour about how white-washed history is and how I was already blown away by the writing and story after just two chapters.

Suffice to say, that I loved this book. I loved Janie. I loved her growth; I groaned with her and at her mistakes. I found myself aching as I read. Hurston is a masterful storyteller. Yes, I had to read the dialogue aloud at first, but I figured it out and she flew between the vernacular and her graceful storytelling narration in an incredibly beautiful way. It was seamless. I must get my hands on more Hurston.

You can find plot summaries anywhere, but I would be remiss if I didn't at least tell you a few things about the book in case you are wavering on whether or not to read it.

*First point -- read this book because Hurston wrote it in 7 weeks. That is genius in and of itself.

Their Eyes Were Watching God is the story of Janie's life. It is not a pleasant story for most of her life. She has three marriages; two of which are not happy. But Janie is not a typical black woman in the 30's. She is more independent minded. She speaks up for herself and challenges her husband(s) at times. She makes mistakes, but she is striving to be happy and to live fully. A feminist novel by a black female author in the 1930s? Who knew one existed? Everyone but me, apparently...

I can't do justice to the beauty Hurston draws so I will use some of her own words:

Janie's grandmother (an escaped slave) on raising her child: Ah wanted to preach a great sermon about colored women sittin' on high, but they wasn't no pulpit for me. Freedom found me wid a baby daughter in mah arms, so Ah said Ah'd take a broom and a cook-pot and throw up a highway through de wilderness for her.

After Janie's husband (I will remove the name for spoiler purposes) hits her: Janie stood where he left her for unmeasured time and thought. She stood there until something fell off the shelf inside her. Then she went inside there to see what it was. It was her image of Jody tumbled down and shattered. But looking at it she saw that it never was the flesh and blood figure of her dreams. Just something she had grabbed up to drape her dreams over. In a way she turned her back upon the image where it lay and looked further. She had no more blossomy openings dusting pollen over her man, neither any glistening young fruit where petals used to be. She found that she had a host of thoughts she had never expressed to him, and numerous emotions she had never let Jodyknow about. Things packed up and put away in parts of her heart where he could never find them. She was saving up feelings for some man she had never seen. She had an inside and an outside now and suddenly she knew how not to mix them.

Oh... there's more. There are other passages, but I won't bore you with more. Those are just two I found compelling in a great sea of loveliness.

Unabashedly recommended.

That's a wonderful review, Tina, of a wonderful book. I first read it in junior year English in high school. I remember writing a paper on it and even remember the title of my paper (which I think I have confessed to before - maybe to Kerri? - I was famous for my pretentious paper titles :-) ) I'm so glad you liked it. Janie is a remarkable character.

ETA: I think you might have inspired me to re-read it (again!).

>9 TinaV95: and >27 TinaV95: - I'm glad you read both and had such wonderful reading experiences!

>27 TinaV95: - Who else is out there waiting for me?? For pre-1950 stuff, I really love, love, love Nella Larsen, especially the short novels Quicksand and Passing. Also, The Street by Ann Petry.

Been out for a bit, so missed it. Congrats on 75!

Brown Girl, Brownstones by Paule Marshall too!

#27 And hup the list it goes (it's been on there for ages TBH).

Ooh, I second Kerri's recommendation of The Street!

Late to the party but felicitations on arching the magic number, Tina!

So glad that you LOVED Their Eyes Were Watched God!!! I did not read it in school either, but I've read it twice as an adult. Wonderful!!!

And congrats on reaching 75!!!

Hi, Tina. I have been out of the loop for a little while. Congrats on reaching 75 books! I think you could eaisly reach 100 if you really wanted to :) Also happy new thread, the cat/kitten pictures are so cute, very suitable thread toppers. I love kitties, they always make me feel fuzzy inside. I hope you and Lisa are doing well :)

Happy new thread, love the Gizzy shots and congrats on blowing past 75 books read!

>26 TinaV95: Stacia Kane's Downside Ghosts series is also urban fantasy. Much grittier than Kim Harrison's The Hollows series.

Kane's protagonist Chess also has powers but works for the "church" proving whether hauntings are real or not. Chess is more deeply flawed than Rachel and really hangs with the wrong crowd but I think that makes her more interesting.

If you like The Hollows, I'm sure you'd like Downside Ghosts.

>9 TinaV95: Whoop, Whoop!

Congratulations on reaching 75.

Hugs.

Missed your 75. (CONGRATULATIONS!) Missed your new thread while it was still new. (Congratulations!) Am happy to see your lovely kitties - I think Gizzy's eyes are beautiful. You remind me that I need new pics of Archie Sparks and Lulu while they're still little....... AS is definitely an adolescent now, and it's time we were thinking about altering him!
You're doing some great American reading! And I still have the first Iron Druid to look forward to.

Congrats on 75 and your babies are so cute!

I am glad you liked Their Eyes were watching God I should re-read it.

Sometimes I wish that LT had heart and smiley face emoticons for books that I really, really like.

>9 TinaV95: well, it looks good. I think it has found its way on to my WL that one. (The Heart is a Lonely Hunter). Darn it ;)
Happy 75!! You made it.

>28 katiekrug: I would love to know the name of that paper, Katie! :) I'm happy to see that someone read this wonderful work in school in her formative years.

>29 DorsVenabili: I did have terrific experiences, thanks to everyone's recommendations. I wouldn't have found such jewels without this group! That said, all of your suggestions now sit atop my wishlist. :) Thank you for sharing them.

>30 drneutron: Thanks, Jim.

>31 richardderus: Another one on my wishlist, for sure!

>32 BekkaJo: I don't think you will regret this one, Bekka.

>33 katiekrug: Seconded motion received and duly acknowledged! ;)

>34 MickyFine: Thanks, Mickey.

>35 porch_reader: It's good to know someone else was late to the party, Amy. But I'm thrilled that we are able to love it, even though we are late comers!

More on the way; working on the Kindle tonight.

>36 NicolePatrick: Thanks for the congrats, Nicole. We are truly loving the kitty here! Don't think I'll make it to 100; I was hoping, but I've slowed considerably with lots of work stress lately.

>37 lkernagh: Thanks, Lori!

>38 AuntieClio: So the Downside Ghosts series sounds just my speed! Onto the wishlist they go. Ouch...that was the sound of me being crunched under the weight of Mount TBR. ;)

>39 MDGentleReader: Thanks, MDGR. Hope you & yours are well. (((Hugs)))

>40 LizzieD: Yes, ma'am. You need pictures please. :) I hope to see them next time I check in on your thread.

>41 banjo123: I totally agree about emoticons! I so badly want to "draw" a heart that one time I thought "screw it, I'm going to do it". I did the "less than" sign and 3 like you'd do in text. I'm such a dumba$$ sometimes! It just referred back to the third message of the thread. Geeze.

>42 LovingLit: Finally! I've never hit you with a bullet, Megan! Turnabout is fair play, as they say. :)

I've been missing around the threads because it has been extremely hectic at work. It has also been very busy at home. We have a lot of church commitments on Sundays and on Saturday, we did something huge.

We joined a gym. First time ever for Lisa; first time in over 20 years for me. My stress levels are climbing continually and we are both packing on pounds. We have decided to make some serious life changes.

We have been to the gym twice now and have lived to tell the tale. We can barely move, but when you have been sedentary for eternity, I suppose that is to be expected. I've already cried... I hurt and I'm hungry. Not a good combination. Lisa keeps reminding me, "I'm not the enemy." This lifestyle change is going to be very hard.

We could use prayers, encouragement, stories, white light, or any other positive reinforcement you have...

The reason we joined this gym specifically? It's a Planet Fitness that caters to "general" fitness & most clients are first time gym members. When we took our tour, we saw lots of people that looked like us. We knew then we could be comfortable exercising there because everyone wasn't perfect.

I may not be around as much because of all of this. But I'll do my best to visit and stay active.

OMG. Gizzy's face is TOO CUTE. Makes me miss my Edgar.....

Hi Tina! Sending you all kinds of good thoughts and white light. (Really? What is that?)
No, really, it sounds like you and Lisa are trying to take good care of yourselves and the gym-joining is a way to build some movement into your lives. I'm glad you found a place that feels comfortable. I have a dear friend who had gained a bunch of weight and whose doc told her that she simply had to get some of it off. She is in her early 70s and tends to be sedentary (she's a reader!), and was having a hard time figuring out what to do regarding exercise. I love what he told her: "It doesn't matter what you do. I'm not even that invested in how many pounds you lose, but I want you to move. Swim. Walk. Just move." This has helped her -- very permission-giving (to quote her, "I simply am not going to run at this stage of my life") and it has really worked. She swims and doesn't worry about whether she is going fast enough or hard enough. She is just moving.

So, I applaud you and Lisa for just moving. xo

Hi, Tina. Sorry to hear that work has been stressful, however I am happy to hear about the gym news. That is one of the reasons I haven't been around as much as I was last year, I've been trying to spend more time pounding the footpath. I needed to take care of my health, this year I have had a hard time with depression and uni related stress, and I have found exercise to be a great help. You will find the more that you exercise, the better you will feel both physically and emotionally. So happy that you found a place that you both feel comfortable in. Sending positive thoughts to you and Lisa!

Good on you for joining a gym! And it sounds like a good one, too. Where we lived in Ohio, there was a line of gyms that were for women only and catered to the not-already-super-fit type; I always thought that I'd like to join one of those, although at the time we lived there I simple didn't have the spare time to do so.
I've been using the My Fitness Pal app to track my calories and water intake and exercise, and it's really helping me to stop grazing. I find it to be a great motivator - when you complete your food 'diary' each day, it predicts what you'll weigh in 5 weeks, assuming each day will be like that particular day, and that's very motivating to me. Just a thought - you & Lisa may want to check it out...

At any rate, I'm cheering you both on!!!

I'll second (I've been doing a lot of that lately...) Amber's endorsement of My Fitness Pal. I've got the app on my phone and iPad but it's also a full-service website - super easy to use, their database of food has not yet failed to find me what I'm looking for, and I love the motivator that Amber mentioned of telling you what you'd weigh 5 weeks out. Best of all, I've lost weight steadily since using it, and that's just counting my calories - I haven't worked in getting back to the gym yet. God, I sound like a paid advertisement!

I think it is great you and Lisa have joined a gym and have committed to a life style change. I know it is tough but I have faith in both of you to stick with it and experience the benefits all this pain and suffering will produce.

>45 TinaV95: Congratulations! All those aches are signs of building new muscle. I work out a little each day, my mood is much better on the days I really move. I don't do much, but it helps. Word to the wise - when you need to be gentle with yourself, don't skip the gym, just tell yourself you'll do the first bit and see how it goes. I nearly always find that my energy level lifts once I start moving and I keep going for longer than I would have thought when I started. It's great that you have each other as workout partners. I find it really helps to have folks who hold me accountable. When I've attended classes or a gym at set times I have found that the regulars ask if you aren't there. The reminders have always been in a kindly and supportive manner whereever I have gone and gives me that extra little push to show up.

>46 EBT1002: Just moving makes a big difference to how my day goes. A little yoga. some wonderful, relaxing, do-these-before-you-start-doing-Tai-Chi exercises (haven't made it to the Tai Chi exercises themselves in the book yet) I found in a book and then I alternate between upper and lower body workouts each day.

Keep moving! You are both beautiful ladies inside & out and the extra glow of health will just enhance your beauty.

Hugs to you both.

>49 katiekrug: Katie: Holy Moly - I haven't even thought to check their website?! WooHoo!
Also, I've steadily lost weight since starting to use the app, too!

Best wishes re: the gym endeavor, but I don't like the sound of white light. Isn't that something we are all supposed to stay away from?

For myself I am not a gym goer. Instead I make do with the Job Anxiety Plan which pretty much eradicates the appetite when the plan is operating at full throttle. Take yesterday for instance. I didn't have anything for lunch OR dinner. All I could force down my gullet in the afternoon was an apple. On the bright side I didn't have to make lunch today cuz it was already done!

Just love the Gizzy photos. She is so sweet. Want. Kitteh. Now! Good thing Willie has no idea what I am typing while he snoozes on my legs. He would be so mad!

>53 Fourpawz2: Depends on what kind of white light! The kind from fluorescent lamps isn't good, but sunlight is also white light and most definitely good for you!

Gizmo is cute beyond words!

27 & 29> I'll second the recommendation of Passing and Quicksand.

I was expecting to see a discussion of the True Blood finale. Have you seen it yet?

Adding my cheers to the batch - as long as you are both together in it all and still have time to enjoy yourselves too :)

And still have time to read of course...

>46 EBT1002: Hi Ellen! So happy to have the world traveler drop by! :) So, first an explanation. I had a friend who always referred to any positive thoughts & energy that we exchanged as "sending white light." It was her version of prayer / good energy. Then, a former co-worker and I used to say before really hard day's in challenging buildings that we were imagining ourselves wrapped in white light to protect us from other people's negativity. So that's where I get white light from. And I love what your friend's doctor told her. That was a smart way to provide motivation!

>47 NicolePatrick: Sounds like you & I are having similar issues, Nic. That's another main reason I wanted to start exercising... to help me deal with the stress. You are right that it is helping. I can already tell a difference in my stress after exercise vs. without. We can make it!! :)

>48 scaifea: and >49 katiekrug: You're both geniuses, Katie & Amber! Lisa's coworker had just mentioned that to her the other day, so we have started using it. It has made a huge impact on what I'm eating. Why does it take writing it down to make me accountable??? I don't understand the psychology of that. It's the same calories either way, but when I know I'm putting it in that app and have a certain budget I'm working with? Suddenly, I will rethink my choices.

>50 lkernagh: I hope you're right, Lori! It's certainly easier having support doing it, rather than doing it alone.

>51 MDGentleReader: Another friend of ours who has lost a ton of weight was encouraging me in an email earlier this week and she said she same thing about muscles, but first said that the hurt let me know was still alive. Lol. I suppose that's true!

>53 Fourpawz2: I don't think the Job Anxiety Plan sounds very healthy! But I bet if you get a new kitten, that would help alleviate some of the Job anxiety. Don't tell Willie I sold him out. ;)

>53 Fourpawz2: & >54 PawsforThought: See my "white light" explanation to Ellen above... Sorry for all the confusion. I guess that it's more of an individual term than a universally known phenomenon. Lol

>55 BookLizard: She is adorable...and into everything! YES! I saw it. No one else seemed interested, so I stopped talking about it. I'll come to your thread so we can dish! I was floored.

>56 BekkaJo: Being together is good... reading is suffering. :( But right now, I have to focus on my health and less on reading. That's so sad to say, but I'm shifting priorities.

>57 TinaV95: I know, right?! It really helps keep you accountable, doesn't it?

Beautiful kitties... great thread!

Gizzy is beyond cute! Trying to catch up on the threads today (yikes).

Good luck with the gym endeavor! I love my gym classes--I have a couple of really good instructors. Unfortunately, I also enjoy eating, so it balances out, but it's hard to make much headway.

And I think kittens are the best therapy.

*skips posting in order to go check out My Fitness Pal app*

>57 TinaV95: We can make it, Tina! I am glad that you are starting to feel the benefits of it :) I hope you have a great weekend :)

Happy New Thread, Tina! And Happy Saturday! I hope you have a R & R weekend planned.

>57 TinaV95: - I'm absolutely sure you are 100% right about the Job Anxiety Plan not being healthy. Trying to do something toward changing that though. More later, I hope.

Getting the white light thing. White light sounds good. Got to go and get me some...

Hope you are having a good Saturday, Tina. I finished another Iron Druid book and will get around to posting it soon, I hope.

>45 TinaV95: - I'm sorry work is stressful, but I'm so happy that you and Lisa have started an exercise regimen! You're a champ! I know you'll do well.

I have to get back to using MyFitnessPal. When I'm biking, I just use BikeJournal and neglect other forms of exercise. I really have to do some strength training this winter, but I hate it. :-|

Also, congrats on reaching 75! Yay!

>57 TinaV95: I don't know what it is about using my food journal either. What I do know is that when I use it, I lose weight. When I don't, I gain weight. It puts the brakes on my over-eating.

I'd watch the "hurting" after exercise. Soreness that lasts a couple of days is fine. Actual *pain* is not good and you need to stop whatever it is you are doing to figure out what's wrong.

Hi Tina!!!!
I've spent a goodly amount of time catching up with you tonight. And what do I find??? A new KITTY! Oh, so sweet that Gizzy!
What a beauty... And cuddles too? Lucky you ;-)

Can't say your threads are boring... lol. Congrats on 75! Where on earth do you find the time to read all those great books - and then write reviews too? I must admit I've been wanting to read Their Eyes Were Watching God for ever so long... you are inspiring me.

I really admire your effort in joining a gym and wish you lots of luck. I must take all that advice about moving to heart, myself.

Just saying hello.

LOVE the new kitty!! Just starting to try to catch up with everyone - I really loved Their Eyes Were Watching God when I read it last year. It was one of my favorite reads for the year - the audiobook narrated by Ruby Dee is truly incredible if you are ever wanting to revisit it.

Hi Tina,
For some reason when I read your response to my last post, in my head I imagined you with an American accent and I got a fright. I usually think of everyone as having NZ accents (the internet is a crazy thing, actually its more that my head is a crazy thing).
Anyway, I just thought to say that:)

>45 TinaV95: good for you joining a gym! It sounds hard.....making yourself do something that feels hard is the hardest thing. Once you are doing it though, I bet you feel good. I have given up yoga recently as I cant justify the time away from the family with so much time being taken up with university work. I miss feeling active.

Hello my lovelies! Sorry for my lengthy absence, but I've been working my buns off trying to get into a new routine.

We are now eating at home almost every night (that is HUGE for us) and going to the gym or walking 3-4 times per week.

My Library Thing time has suffered, as has my reading time, but I'm feeling better!

It is a very slow process, with many obstacles to overcome, but I have a great support in Lisa doing this with me. And I also have my very own LT cheerleader in Morphy, who has been fantastic in giving me tips and letting me whine to her. :)

So... a group apology for my thread absences. Tonight, I'll respond here and I will try to start visiting some of y'all tomorrow evening.

HI TINA!

>58 scaifea: It is pretty amazing to me how putting my food in my iPhone makes me think hard before I reach for something! It's like I have a budget. I keep saying, "I'm getting charged xxx for that... do I really want it?" Coke? Total non-issue now. No way I'm wasting precious calories on that when I could have something good to eat for the same amount!

>59 mckait: You are too kind, Kath!

>60 Thebookdiva: Wow! Abby is here! Hey Abby!! I think she's pretty adorable myself, too. :)

>61 banjo123: We haven't tried any classes yet. We found the circuit training room. It is kicking our butts. It's a red light / green light system. One minute of steps in between machines... it's a killer workout! We figure we need to master that and increase our endurance before we attempt any classes. Obviously, I love eating!

>62 EBT1002: You don't need the app, she who hikes across Scotland! You are incredibly fit as is!

>63 NicolePatrick: Chanting with Nic, "Yes, we can! Yes, we can!"

>64 msf59: Mark!!! Hey there you!

>65 Fourpawz2: Here's some white light to help with the job anxiety, Charlotte. I'll send it with hugs... (((~~~~~~Charlotte ~~~~~))) Yay for another Iron Druid book!

>66 DorsVenabili: I don't know if I'd say we are doing "well", but I posted a pin on Pinterest on the new board I created to help inspire me that says, "No matter how slow I'm going, I'm still lapping everyone on the couch." I gotta start somewhere!

>67 Morphidae: I think I should stop caring about the psychology behind it and just know that it works for me. I'm a "why?" girl though. :) You're right on the hurting. It's my bad knee / hip. I have to be careful. I talked to the trainer & he gave us some exercises to strengthen our specific bad areas as we work out. Also, I wasn't stretching enough before exercise. I'm working on that too now. I'm a bit impatient. ;)

>68 -Cee-: You made it, Cee! I'm so happy! Yes, we've had quite a few events in our world since you were here. Gizzy is a doll. She's into everything now though! Lol. I told Lisa today that when I got downstairs this morning, she had gotten into the fireplace and had a piece of wood as her play toy. New carpet stains. Yay! I'm thinking she's reached the kitty equivalent of The Terrible Twos. :)

>69 EBT1002: Hi Ellen!

>70 Crazymamie: Will you look at that! I've gotten a visit from.Mamie now, too? I should go away more often! :) I will definitely revisit TEWWG.... and as an audio book? That sounds lovely!

>71 LovingLit: Your head isn't crazy, Megan! Everyone speaks in an American accent in my head too. Until I meet them and I hear their actual voice. :) TOTALLY normal! Or, we are both the same level of crazy. Either way, I'm good with having a NZ accent. I wish I did have something other than the accent I have. I bet you really do miss your yoga. I'd like to try that one day... once I'm in better shape and can move around on the floor, that is. And you're right...I always feel better after I've finished. Like I'm making progress.

>73 norabelle414: Hi Nora!

Hi, Tina! Good to see you!

haha, yes, I'm back. Sorry for my very long absence, things got pretty busy around here. I have high hopes of sticking around day to day through October, so you will be seeing quite a lot of me.

I don't think anyone who saw Gizmo couldn't fall in love with her at first sight. Please share more pics if you have them!

Congrats on the changes, Tina. I've also started keeping a food log since I got back from vacation, and you are right. It changes your eating. Whenever I've kept a log, I've been able to lose weight. If I don't--NOT! Now if I could just get my exercise going...you're an inspiration, girl!

>76 scaifea: Going to pop in to check in on you tonight, Amber! Thanks for your visits!

>77 Thebookdiva: Well, I'm just glad you're back, Abby. You've been missed around here young lady! :). I'll see if I can manage some new Gizzy pics.

>78 ronincats: I don't think I've ever been called an inspiration before, Roni! You've made my week! :)

Wonderful to see you posting Tina and I am super excited that you mentioned "We are now eating at home almost every night". Well done! That is the easiest way to manage the food you consume, even though it does mean more effort. I am also really happy to see that you are feeling better! That alone is great news!

You're so right, Lori! It is a lot of effort, but it is so hard to control what restaurants serve! Unless we go to a chain where we have the nutritional menu printed off and we can plan what we are eating before we go, there's no way for us to know what calories are in something. I ate at my nursing center today and chose wisely, but I was still surprised when I put my food in the myfitnesspal app afterwards.... that even with no gravy, my instant mashed potatoes were 110 calories for 1/2 of a cup. I didn't think they tasted good enough for that many calories. :)

I'm starting to think a little differently now. Is _____ worth ______?

Off to try to catch up on some more folks' threads!

Love to all!

Way to go, girl!

#81 Well done you - it is a step when you pick things up and think 'Are you worth the calories?'. And sometimes that chocolate brownie is... but it does help most days!

Plus cooking together is lovely (so I've heard - my hubby gets unbelievably irate in the kitchen and is therefore banned) and/or cooking treats for each other is fun :) I highly recommend Megan's (IreadthereforIam) recipe for butternut squash laksa - so so good! And, if you use low fat coconut milk, not too bad for you.

Hi Tina, and a happy weekend to you!

So many wonderfully positive things going on here! Cute kitty pics, a big Yippee for passing 75, a great review for that wonderful Their Eyes Were Watching God, and some encouraging life changes. Good for you both for taking this step. Brava! Brava!

Hey Tina! just a quick hello... 'cause I just have nothing else right now :P

Tina

Many thanks for posting the lovely photos of your fur kids. Will has asthma, so cats are not a possibility in our house. I brush Lilly daily for 20-30 minutes to keep the fur manageable.

Thanks also for taking the time to post all your lists. I own a copy of Their Eyes Were Watching God. The problem with owning so many books is that you cannot find a copy when you need it.

geesh. I've tried a number of times to get my books in order, but it just never works somehow.

Happy Sunday

>82 ronincats: Thank you for encouraging me, Roni! And speaking of being a cheerleader, I have a new picture of my mom that I need to post. She borrowed my Tree of Life necklace to wear to school & I asked her to take a pic & send it to me. She couldn't figure out how, so she just stopped by my house after school so I could take the photo myself. ;)

>83 BekkaJo: Why does the hubby get irate in the kitchen? I guess I'd ban him too! Lol. I must go ask Megan for that recipe. I've not heard of laksa...had to go look it up! Looks good!

>84 banjo123: Hi Rhonda! Hope you had a good weekend too. Happy week!

>85 michigantrumpet: Thank you, Marianne! I'll take all the positive reinforcement you've got! :)

>86 mckait: Kath! My friend! Hello is good... Just a visit and a simple wave from you is great and always brightens my day!!!

>87 Whisper1: Linda! You made it! It is SO good to see you! I have given up on trying to "reign in" the book madness. Until I get rid of a substantial number, I think organization is impossible. You're probably like me... I'm guessing lots of folks here have bookshelves two rows deep, several layers high, with books they can't find and/or forget they have purchased. Can I get a witness? ;)

I seriously need to update & do some reviews, but that will have to wait.

What I can share is this... It is SLOW progress, but I am making progress. I've lost 10 pounds. Lisa has lost 12, so I'm losing slower, but I'm also not restricting calories as much as she is. I know that if I am hungry or feel deprived, I will not be successful. I have tried countless diets that don't work, and this HAS to be different. This HAS to feel do-able for me for it to be a way of life. And I'm doing OK I think.

Today was tough. We had a quality review. They brought in lunch. Boxed Chic-fil-A.... which I usually love. I looked up the calories & thought, there is no way I'm spending that many calories on one sandwich -- not even counting the condiments, chips, and my favorite... Chocolate chip cookie! So, I drank a shake, ate a protein bar & had a string cheese while the rest of the folks ate away. That took a lot. My main temptation was that darn cookie! I didn't even look it up! Thank goodness the protein bar had chocolate... I pretended. ;o)

This is for Roni....

This is mom sporting MY Roni Special ToL necklace!

Beautiful.

Woo hoo! Congratulations on getting through a difficult eating situation while making GOOD choices. I've been keeping my food log, but the range is between 1200 and 1550 and that's too high to actually lose weight. I need to be down around the 1200 calorie point for weight loss to occur.

Great picture of your mum, Tina! Thanks for sharing. ;-)

>91 MDGentleReader: Thanks, MDGR! Not sure if you mean my mom or the necklace, so I'll say thanks for both. :)

>92 ronincats: Roni, I'd be a raving lunatic beotch if I was only getting 1200 calories a day! I'm not even kidding! ;o) I guess it will take me forever to lose if I have to adjust to that few kcal eventually.

You're welcome about the picture. You know I have to advertise for my friends in small businesses!

>93 TinaV95: both!

Hugs.

10 pounds (and 12 for Lisa)!! You're doing an amazing job! And how you refused the Chic-fil-A, I don't know... We were there this weekend while visiting my parents (they have a great indoor play area that Charlie loves), and I didn't really want to go there for more reasons than one (I really don't agree with their politics at all), but, dang it, their chicken is so delicious! So, anyway, you're a stronger woman than I am. And you're doing more than okay, lady!

ETA: I forgot to say that your mom is beautiful!

Ten pounds!!! Ten pounds is AWESOME! You go, girl!

*waves flag and banner*

Go you guys! You are both doing amazingly. Don't worry about the speed it goes off - it's bout sustaining the changes you make. You guys are doing so well - my probably un-needed advice (having spent last 20 years on one or more diets) is not to let it rock you when the weight loss slows. Just take a deep breath and keep going, keep strong.

Of course I'm now editing because when I re-read that it reads terribly patronisingly and I don't mean it to. Sorry :/

Hi Tina! Go you! (And Lisa) *hugs*

Hi, Tina. Well done to both you and Lisa. It's not easy to lose weight and you are both doing a great job :) well done on sticking to your guns and not giving in to the cookie

Great job on the weight loss! Your mom is beautiful, and you look just like her!

>89 TinaV95: Congratulations on the weight loss and building new habits.

Hugs.

Hi Tina, still making slow rounds around the threads. So, there are cats? Lovely :).

And most of all congratulations to your and Lisa's weight loss. That must be such a fantastic feeling to see how the pounds are flying off, by just changing some of your eating habits.

I wish you a lovely weekend!

10 pounds is amazing! The thing is to accept that you're making permanent changes and all that. I know it's hard, but you're doing a great job so far!

>90 TinaV95: Adorable photo of mom!

You all just rock my socks off!!! Thank you so much for all your positive feedback! It really helps!

Now for individual responses because you all deserve it! :)

>94 MDGentleReader: Well thank you for both compliments, then! (((MDGR)))

>95 scaifea: Hey Amber! Yeah, I'm not in love with their politics either, but man-oh-man the food! So...it was hard, but I felt strong after I said no, so thanks for knowing how hard it was! :) And thanks for saying that about my mom. I think she's pretty nice looking, but I'm a bit prejudiced. ;)

>96 Crazymamie: Thank you so much, Mamie!! I know you've been working hard too, so you know what a battle it is!

>97 BekkaJo: (((Bekka))) Not patronizing at all... I need the encouragement, because I do get frustrated when I see that there is "only" a pound gone. So I know there are going to be weeks when there aren't any pounds gone at all and it's going to be very hard to know that I'm still making progress. So I will need these pep talks!! I get discouraged easily. So while Lisa weighs every day, I only weigh twice a week. I'd prefer to only weigh once a week, but it almost kills her that I won't weigh more often. So we compromise. ;) I just get so down if I don't see more movement in the numbers; she's a daily girl. It's weird how our brains & motivation are so different.

>98 AuntieClio: Thanks, Stephanie!! Hugs back!! (((Stephanie)))

>99 NicolePatrick: Thank you, Nicole. That cookie almost had me for a minute! ;)

>100 odudu: Dang spammer

>101 banjo123: Awww... thank you so much!! You know what?? It just struck me. I used to get really mad when I was a teenager/young adult and people would say that I looked like my mom or acted like my mom. And now, I take it as a real compliment. I guess I'm mature now and I can see the good in her whereas when I was a teen (and in college), all I saw was the bad. So thank you, Rhonda. I appreciate that!

>102 MDGentleReader: Thanks, MDGR! I think we really are building habits now! I just had my first Subway sandwich EVER without any mayo. I'd switched over to the light mayo a while back and we've only been using light at home for the past month. But today after our morning work out when we went to grab lunch, I decided to try a sandwich without any mayo or oil at all. Just mustard and vinegar. That's historic. Write it into Ripley's Believe it or Not! ;)

>103 drachenbraut23: Bianca??? Wow! You're back!?! I have got to see if I can locate a thread and see what you have been up to! Yay! I'm glad to see you! And, thank you!! :)

>104 DorsVenabili: Thanks, Kerri! I know... Morphy has said the same thing to me. I have to stop worrying about the numbers and concentrate on the feeling better part and living better part. I FEEL so much better already!!! It's pretty darn exciting. I can't wait to see how much better I feel as we keep shedding pounds and get more flexibility and better fitness. We've bought more workout gear and sports bras. :) We're having fun with it now where at first it was "let's go get the ____ (gym / walk) over with". And, thanks so much about the comment about my mom's picture. She loves jewelry and loves that I post pictures of her on here as a model for Roni's stuff!! :)

Tina 10 pounds is a big deal. It really is. Even my doctor told me that would be a reasonable weight goal loss for a three month period if you are in the beginning of losing weight and trying to gain new habits. Congratulations.

xoxo to you and Lisa

10 pounds gone.... that is fantastic news, Tina! Hurray for both you and Lisa!

well done on feeling so well, Tina. And losing some ponds helps with the motivation too I am thinking! Good on you, it is so hard to resist all that crap food out there. It takes real will-power.

Morning Tina!

Ten pounds is *amazing*. One to two pounds a week is a healthy and reasonable rate of weight loss.

Heck, you've lost more than I have recently!

Hi Tina! Hope all is well. Love the photo of your Mom. She is lovely.
Good luck with the weight loss! Sending positive vibes...

Strike up the Band!! Fanfare!

Hooray for you and Mrs. Lisa for getting such a grand start. I am so impressed. Plus you seem to have such a good attitude about it. You rock!

Hi Tina! I hope you're doing well this week. I hope to get your package sent in the next week (I told you I'm terrible when it comes to mail.)

Howdy Tina!

Hi, Tina. Just checking in. I hope you and Lisa have had a good week, and your weekend is a great one :)

Hi Tina!! I'm so behind on threads so I'm just learning about your positive changes! Good for you!! My husband and I have been trying to eat healthier and exercise too. I dropped a few pounds, but have leveled off lately. Still I figure each time I make a good choice about food or exercise it is a win!! Hope you are doing well!!

*waving* at Tina

Congratulations on your weight loss!

Just dropping by to say hi!

Hey folks... I have been absent from my own thread for ages it seems. Much has been going on in this corner of the world.

Here's a quick recap:
I worked as a non-licensed medical volunteer at the Susan G. Komen Atlanta 3-day event last weekend... one word for that --- AMAZING!
I had a friend end up in jail and had to help her husband navigate the system to get phone calls made, etc. (never done that before!)
Still trying to exercise and work on eating better
A church friend's mom died (she was our friend too, incidentally), so we took the family food one night and went to the funeral on Saturday morning before....
I MET KEVIN HEARNE!!!!! (I was almost late because the traffic was horrendous, but Ms. Jane was worth it. I had to say goodbye). Hello! Meeting Kevin has been the highlight of my last several months for real!

I'll have to try to get some pictures posted to Photo Bucket so I can share them soon.

My reading has slowed down, but I'm more than a month behind on posting so I need to catch that up as well.

This weekend I was able to talk to Kath and get contact information for Richard, so I talked to him today. He sounded much better than I thought he would. He sounds like he has hope now and that made me feel tons better about his situation. I don't want to share too much on his thread because of the hand-slapping I got there and I'd better keep my opinions to myself here too just in case, but I've been appalled at how he's been treated. Since I've been MIA so long I didn't know how bad it was until I saw Kath posting about him needing nursing home placement on Facebook. He really does seem okay with that decision for now especially after I answered several questions for him. Gosh, I miss him. :)

>106 luvamystery65: Thanks, Ro!!! (((Roberta))) Can't wait to meet you for reals... Wait til you see my picture with Kevin!!! :)

>107 lkernagh: Thank you, Lori!

>108 LovingLit: Thanks, Megan! I don't always do well, but we keep saying that even when we aren't doing 100% great we are still making much better choices than we were before so it is STILL progress. Perspective!

>109 Thebookdiva: Hi there, Abby! :)

>110 Morphidae: Hey look! It's my hero, Morph!! Thanks for all your tips and encouragement! I still use it all the time! **And the pinterest button always comes to mind when I think about stuff you said, "No matter how slow I am, I'm still lapping everybody on the couch."

>111 msf59: Awww. You are too sweet, Mark. Thank you! I'll pass that compliment along.

>112 michigantrumpet: Thank you, Marianne! We are definitely trying to make this time different than all other former attempts.

>113 DorsVenabili: Oh, Kerri! Please don't stress. I am seriously so behind with reading that it is NO problem!!! You are sweet and anytime you have a chance to mail it will be the perfect timing for me!

>114 luvamystery65: ((((Roberta))))

>115 NicolePatrick: This weekend was great, Nicole! I met Kevin Hearne! *Swoon*

>116 porch_reader: Hey Amy! That attitude is the right one, I think! Every good choice is a win! Every not-so-good choice is a chance at another try, but NOT a reason to beat myself up. **Still working on that second one...

>117 alcottacre: Hi Stasia!

>118 Whisper1: Hi Linda! We just got your Halloween card! Thank you so much! :)

>119 ronincats: Hey there, Roni!

>121 TinaV95: Tina you & Lisa even made it on Kevin's FB page! How awesome is that!!!

Wow, you've been busy, lady! Good to hear from you!

Hi Tina! Yah, for meeting Kevin Hearne! And yah, for talking to RD and giving us an update. Hope you can find some time for those books. They NEED you.

Sorry to hear about the up and down week or so - and wow for meeting Hearne! Rather jealous...

Also re-iterating Amber - good to see you (I was starting to worry a little...).

OMG

You met Kevin Hearne?!?!?!?

Best thing I have heard in a long time

Hi Tina. I have to admit I needed to google Kevin Hearne. I had no idea who he was. Maybe I should read the iron Druid series, it looks pretty good. I hope you have a great week, Tina.

Hooray, a Tina sighting, in her own thread! Sorry to hear that RL is so crazy, but that's great about the Kevin Hearne meet. Looking forward to pics.

Pics as requested... On my tablet so this may take a while!

//rs1324.pbsrc.com/albums/u605/TinaValdes/Facebook/Mobile%20Uploads/B7995F03-209D-403C-8DA4-18EC4F3291A6_zpslojqs18l.jpg~320x480

OK.... This is NOT working :(

Okay... let's try this again! Had to pull out the work computer.

Here is Kevin signing for someone else. Lisa is the photographer in all these shots.



I had a funeral the morning of and it was terrible traffic, so all they had left to purchase when I got there was paperbacks. :(

It's okay. I have his autograph and I GOT TO MEET HIM!! Plus, he's coming back so I'll have one more shot.

During part of his talk... He's very enthusiastic. I loved him! :)

Was there ever any doubt that I would??????

Me... AND FREAKING KEVIN HEARNE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



This one is bigger. Just because it's MISTER KEVIN HEARNE, ALREADY!!!

This is Delilah S. Dawson signing the book I bought. I'd already read Wicked as they Come to get ready for this day, so I figured I'd have her sign one (I borrowed it from the library). She has a broken back, apparently.

And this is Delilah signing Servants of the Storm for me. I accidentally purchased it thinking it was Cherie Priest's book. Which I handed to Cherie Priest to sign. Whoops.

This is Cherie Priest. Funny as heck. I thought I was buying her book (see above), but then had nothing for her to sign. The line was incredibly long and they actually had nothing good of hers left to buy anyway. I did go back after we ate lunch to see if there was anything in the store at all to buy to have her sign, but there was nothing.

She's coming back again in March (WHEN KEVIN COMES BACK), so I'll have to do better then.

And this is Molly Harper signing a book. She was also very funny. In fact, all four of them made me laugh quite a lot. She wasn't advertised as coming, so I've never read anything by her (that I know of).

So despite the fact that I only went for Kevin, and originally only purchased his book, I ended up going back up to the register and buying one of each author (except for the mistake on Priest's which I will rectify...)

>123 luvamystery65: And I would have never known if you wouldn't have shown me, Ro! I'm only on FB hit and miss these days so unless I just happen to get on (like today) where I see he has posted something and it hits my newsfeed in the few minutes I have to scroll through, I would have missed it entirely!

>124 scaifea: Hey Amber!! :)

>125 msf59: I miss my books, Mark!! ;) I feel like I'm neglecting them! LOL

>126 BekkaJo: It's kind of nice to be missed, Bekka! But don't worry. I'm still around; just not spending as much time on the internet these days. I really miss you guys though. That's for sure!

>127 mckait: I did, Kath!!! See >133 TinaV95: for photographic evidence!! Not that I'm proud or anything. I just wish Richard were here to share in my excitement!

>128 NicolePatrick: Oh, Nic! Based on how closely we tend to enjoy similar books, I can wholeheartedly recommend you go get the Iron Druid series from your library (or bookstore!) right away! It is SO much fun! It is one of my all time favorite series! Seriously. Go get it!

>129 banjo123: Here you go, Rhonda! Happy to oblige!

In the interest of brevity and because I'm so far behind....I'm taking the shortcut for book reading recaps.

Read in September
78. Goliath 4 stars off my shelves, newish acquisition
79. Clan Rathskellers and Kaibab Unbound Kindle
80. Go Tell it On the Mountain Library
81. Neverwhere The BBC audio production
82. For a Few Demons More and The Bridges of Eden Park Library
83. Beach Music -- did not finish library, audio, bored

More shortcuts. It's how I roll these days!

Read in October
84. The Outlaw Demon Wails off my shelves
85. Mark of the Demon off my shelves
86. Third Grave Dead Ahead audio, library
87. The Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes off my shelves, recent acquisition
88. Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet audio, library

For whoever I asked about opinions of 'will I like Sandman?' The answer is "YES"!!

I'm so far behind that I can't rate things or give proper reviews, but I distinctly recall really enjoying it and thinking ... "Oh yeah, I'll be buying more of these off thriftbooks.com! **Stupid conservative library ^$&%$##$&&$#$&*

I still owe a confession or four about book purchases, but that will need to wait. ;o)

LOVE the pics!

Especially you and KH

Cool! Kevin Hearne! he looks like a really nice guy! Lucky you!

Great photos, Tina! I especially like the Hearne shots and Kevin is a lefty! Yah! I have not read Cherie Priest, but I've been meaning to.

Looks like you had a great time!

>133 TinaV95: I haven't read any Hearne (yet!) so while I'm excited about you getting to meet him I don't have to suffer insane jealousy (yet!). I do, however, absolutely *love* that Lisa is in the photo, too! Very artsy-fartsy of her, I must say. Ha! (Also, you look gorgeous in that photo. Just sayin'.)

Just checking in and saying HI!! Looks like you've been busy rubbing shoulders with writers. ;)

Hi Tina. Love the shortcuts and want to be the first to congratulate you on reaching 100 books completed. No, I know you haven't read 100 books yet this year, but you're getting so close! I'm just sneaking in my congrats a bit early.

And congrats on meeting Kevin Hearne! I've never read any of his work, nor am I likely to, but I love how much fun you had meeting him. Very cool.

I have to know what you thought of Mark of the Demon!

And I just finished the last Hollows book, The Witch with No Name. Le sigh. It was a good, if not great, end.

What delightful photos! Looks like a great time! My speculative fiction book club will be reading Cherie Priest next year, and I'm looking forward to it.

I hope you're getting some rest this weekend!

>133 TinaV95: I love that shot!! You both look really happy :) And it is cool that Ms. Photographer features too.

Off to see about who HE is now!!

*ducks*

>142 mckait: Thanks, Kath! That's my favorite one too, of course!

>143 michigantrumpet: He seems really nice and genuine too. On top of that, he made me laugh out loud several times! :)

>144 msf59: I did have a great time, Mark! I've only read one by Priest so far, but I'll fix that. ;)

>145 scaifea: I love that Lisa made it in the photo, but I don't know if she realizes that she managed that! And you are very sweet, Amber. Thank you!

>146 jolerie: Hey there! Glad to see you back, Valerie! Wish I could say that I rubbed shoulders with writers on a regular basis, but it's a rare treat!

>147 EBT1002: Hey Ellen! You had me awfully confused there for a minute. "Did I miss my own 100 mark being so busy?" went through my head until I kept reading. :). Here's hoping I make it. I've slowed considerably. I won't be disappointed if I don't make it, because I'm gaining my health (that's what I keep telling myself anyway so I don't focus on the numbers).

>148 Morphidae: Hey Morphy! I loved Mark of the Demon! I thought it was awesome... So much so that I passed it on to Stephanie. I think I love the White Trash Zombies a tad more, but I really enjoyed it and will definitely keep reading the series.

>149 DorsVenabili: Not a lot of rest here this weekend, Kerri, but that's OK. I'll manage. You'll have to tell me when you're reading Priest and what your BC chooses. Maybe I'll join you if I haven't picked her up again by then.

>150 LovingLit: Thanks, Megan!!! You should definitely read him!! He will make you laugh. A LOT!

>133 TinaV95: great photo. You look so happy

>152 Whisper1: Thanks, Linda! I was happy. I'd actually been crying at a funeral just a few hours previous, but the memorial was a great celebration of a lovely & spunky 90 year old lady. Following it up with this meeting / event made it a pretty great day!

Woo hoo! Congratulations on stumping your doctor with your healthy living style!

Book 89 (last of October)

The Age of Innocence

I enjoyed it...mostly. But really, without spoilers, could someone please explain to me WTH is up with the ending!?!? Or use the spoiler thingy and tell me what / why please.

>151 TinaV95: - We'll be reading Boneshaker in February.

^I tried Boneshaker last year. I just could not get into it. I am not made for alternate realities.In evidence of that, I watched 1/2 an episode of The Walking Dead last night (mainly to see NZs Keisha Castle-Hughes who was in it). And I thought it the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen. I had that look on my face almost the whole time, the *what the??* one :) LOL, my brain just isn't geared for it.

>157 LovingLit: After looking up Keisha Castle-Hughes, I think I know who she is. I love The Walking Dead! There was a bad season in there, but it's really picked up again. This week's episode was weird and atypical though, if that's the only episode you've ever seen. But then again, you might think a more "normal" episode is ridiculous too, so nevermind. Ha!

Note to self.... Buy Boneshaker soon. Oh, and start watching The Walking Dead. 'Cause if Kerri loves it, I'm all for giving it a try! Orange is the New Black was a fantastic recommendation!

Hi Tina! Hope the week is going well. I am also looking forward to reading Boneshaker, with Kerri. I've had that on my To-read list, since it came out. What??

Oh Boneshaker is on my to borrow from the library list, but I'm so hesitant to start yet another series when I'm in the middle of so many as it is....gahhh! :)

>159 TinaV95: I hope you like zombies! I should warn you it's quite violent. I'm often looking away.

Hi Tina, keep focusing on your health. The books will be there. And it's true, numbers are just numbers. Reading is supposed to be fun, not something about which we feel pressure!

Me, I'm skipping Boneshaker. But I'm very excited that we got the DVD of the first season of Orange is the New Black from the library today! We had watched the first two episodes and then it was due back. And the queue was long!!!

Stopping by to wave hi!

Howdy, Tina!

Hi, Tina. Just stopping by to say hello. I hope you and Lisa are doing well :)

Waving hi!

Stopping by to keep your thread warm. :D

Just droppin' in - hope all is going well. Hugs to you and the missus.

Hope you're doing well, Tina!

My goal is to get that darn book to the post office this week!! Oh, and I forgot to tell you. As a warning, a few parts (not many) might not be suitable for train/lunch cafeteria reading.

>160 msf59: Hey there Mark! So somehow, we will all have to try to remember that February is the month we are going to commit to read Boneshaker with Kerri! Even if I'm not actively keeping a thread, someone will need to PM me as a reminder! Please?? I want to read it with y'all!

>161 jolerie: Oh, do join us Val. We all share the same disease here. It's called "series-start-itis". :o)

>162 DorsVenabili: I do enjoy zombies. I love vamps a LOT, but I'm relatively new to zombies. I don't usually mind violence (with vamps and mysteries books or horror movies, etc.) so I should be fine. I'll keep you posted once I start it.

>163 EBT1002: I am going to keep going on the health track. I'm feeling way too good to go back to the "old way" of living now. It's just hard to keep up with LT anymore and that makes me sad. I hope you get to check out OITNB again soon. We really love it. Good drama, but lots of silly laughs too.

>164 Whisper1: Hi Linda!

>165 michigantrumpet: Hi Marianne!

>166 NicolePatrick: Hi Nicole!

>167 banjo123: Hi Rhonda!

>168 jolerie: Thanks so much, Valerie!

>169 EBT1002: That is truly a great one, Ellen! I love it!

>170 BekkaJo: Hi Bekka! Thanks for dropping in and more thanks for the hugs! Hugs are always welcome around here!

>171 DorsVenabili: Hey Kerri! Will you STOP stressing!?! I told you I will NEVER run out of things to read in this house. I mean that quite literally. I forget about that book until you bring it up. I promise it will be a pleasant surprise the day it comes -- whenever that is! So please just relax and mail it whenever you have the time. Be that 2 weeks, or 2 months, or 2 years from now. I'm serious! I'm not going anywhere...any time soon! And if I ever DO move, I'm sure we'll announce it on Facebook and you can just get my new address then, so it's not a big deal. ;) As my dear friend Richard would say, **smooches!**

I feel terrible for abandoning my own thread for so long but you guys all know where I've been and what I've been doing.

It's a sad statement to have to admit that I can't focus attention here because it takes so much time to commit to changing our way of living, but it is true. There just isn't any time for Library Thing on a regular basis any more.

I miss you guys terribly. My reading has decreased (I know I've mentioned that above already), but I can't tell you all how much better I am feeling.

So, I guess the trade off for my health has been that the time on my butt has been sliced down drastically. ;)

It's been two months now and I've lost (are you ready for this?).... drumroll please...............

.......22.5 pounds and 19 inches!! You can't really tell it very much because I am SO large, but I am pretty dadblasted proud of those numbers even though only Lisa and I can really see the differences in our bodies thus far. **Oh, us and our doctors, I mean!

Most of y'all are my friends on FB now so you know that I pop on there from time to time and will say some stuff about healthy living, but these are the kinds of things I cannot and WILL not share on there. I can only be brutally honest and totally open with you guys.

So. I have SUCH a very long way to go, but these past two months have shown me that I can feel better and do better. Even if I'm not perfect, just moving (who said that above?) is better than sitting around. I can feel the difference and I am not turning back now.

In the beginning it was ME that needed the "kicking in the butt" a few times. Here lately, I've been the more motivated one needing to kick Lisa in the butt a few times. I think that's what is different this time for me. I actually have someone doing this with me, so it is easier. Most other times I have attempted to get healthier or lose weight I have done it alone or with someone who gave up very quickly. So, pray for Lisa's strength to hold. She's been wavering and I've done the pulling along lately.

Alright, enough sharing for one night. I'm going to try to go catch up with a few of you all now!

Wow - well done you! So proud of you guys - as you say, don't turn back, keep going and it'll all be so worth it. Many hugs to the increasingly vanishing two of you.

>173 TinaV95: Well done! Don't worry about not being able to keep up here.

Amazing! Congratulations! You are a ROCK star!

*mutters, "But did you have to send it MY way?"*

;)

>173 TinaV95: Awesome, Tina! That's fantastic! You've definitely formed the habit! I'm so proud of you! Do you do audiobooks at all? Sometimes I listen to them when I'm on an exercise machine, but do admit that music is usually better.

Congratulations! You are both making great progress with your healthy living plan! I am so proud of both of you and great job in helping to motivate Lisa.

Go, Tina, go!! That is AWESOME!!

Wow, that's great!

That's fantastic, what an achievement! Give yourself huge pats on the back. It must be great to be able to do it with Lisa, what a fabulous motivator when one of you is down. Keep it going even in the rough festive period, but don't be too bad on yourself if you slip slightly. We're all human :)

That's fantastic, Tina! I read about your chickpea snacks on FB with interest. I think it is so great that the two of you are working on it together, and it often happens that one's motivation will start to lag while the other's increases--so much easier to stay on track that way! Keep up the good work!

Well done Tina. As someone else who has struggled with weight problems for a decade and with time issues for half a year, I can fully appreciate both your achievements and the restrictions it places on time here.

You know very well that you are well established in the heart of the group and we'll all lap up the time you are able to spend spreading joy.

Have a lovely weekend. xx

Good for you and Lisa, Tina! I know how hard it is to stick with these good habits, but I agree that it is easier with two! Keep it up!

Oh, Tina! You're amazing!! WooHoo!!!

Congrats on those impressive numbers, Tina! You go girl! I hope you had a nice weekend and got some reading in.

Tina, you are amazing. So very inspirational, just what I need. I have fallen off the wagon myself. I only wish I had someone to do this thing with. Sending lots of positive energy to Lisa and yourself. Xx

Awesome accomplishment Tina!! It's so great that you are able to work on this together with Lisa! It's important to prioritize the important things in our lives. We will just be happy when you do get the chance to check in. Wishing you all the best and so much more! :)

Happy Thanksgiving, Tina!

Hi Tina! hope you had a great thanksgiving!

Congratulations on your tremendous accomplishment. You must be so very (deservedly so) proud!

>173 TinaV95: Even if I'm not perfect, just moving (who said that above?) is better than sitting around.
Perfection is a myth! Just keep going while you are feeling good, what an amazing thing you are doing!
I hope you two can take turns at inspiring each other.

>173 TinaV95: AWESOME!!!
We miss you around here, Tina, but it is so great that you are prioritizing your health. In the long run, you'll be able to read more books in your lifetime because you are taking care of yourself now.

Moving is good. I've been sedentary for the past month due to a very weird ankle injury. I think it is finally healed enough that I will go for a very easy 2-mile run later this week to see how it feels.

Keep moving, woman. It's a good thing!

Missing you, Tina! And definitely going to the post office this week. I'm serious this time. I have to buy stamps, so that helps. :-)

Thank you for all your responses and positive reinforcement!!! I need all the support and motivation I can get! I love you guys and gals and in order of response, special thanks to Bekka, Heather, Morphy, Kerri, Lori, Rhonda, Jim, lunacat, Roni, Paul, Amy, Amber, Mark, Nicole, Valerie, Linda, Megan, and Ellen.

Also thanks for the general check ins and the Thanksgiving wishes... as well as Ellen's cute kitten yoga! ;)

My dear Lisa has officially fallen off the wagon, so I'm doing this alone now and have been for a bit. It's a lot harder this way, but I feel too good to stop. I hope that she will get re-motivated after the holidays.

>187 NicolePatrick: Nic, have you heard of My Fitness Pal? That's what I'm using. I've got one RL friend who uses it regularly, but the rest of the folks that support me on there I have found through Facebook. FIND ME! I am tinavaldes95. Having that tool has been SO helpful. Of course you have the tracking of your calories and exercise, but you can also add friends and they can view your diary (if you allow it), cheer you on, and help motivate you. It really helps me stay motivated. I need all the cheering and support ~ so I'll be glad to do it with you!

We are headed to NYC for Christmas this coming Saturday... I'm hoping to be able to add some pictures of our trip once we return.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Updated book stuff (for those of you who might want to know about books and such):

Read in November
90. Anatomy of a Misfit
91. Unholy Ghosts
92. Making Sense of the Bible from a several month long church Bible study... more later
93. Sandman Slim
94. The Story Sisters
95. Christmas at the New Yorker Did Not Finish just couldn't get into the spirit enough to read straight thorough all those short stories before the 3 week e-book limit was up
96. The Rosie Project

Read in December
97. Sins of the Demon
98. Rosemary and Rue
99. White Trash Zombie Apocalypse
100. Joy and Suffering: My Life with ALS -- I didn't know this was book 100 until just now. Disappointed that this one falls in the #100 slot
101. Maplecroft

Oooh, I just sent you a friend request on myfitnesspal! I'm so glad to hear that you're still going strong! And Christmas in NYC - woohoo!!

Glad to see you check in, Tina! We have missed you. How was the Rosie Project?

Big Waves from the Midwest!

So happy to see you Tina! Keep up the work and hopefully we can all send you some motivational vibes to keep you going.
What did you think of The Story Sisters?? I read it earlier this year or maybe it was last year...ha!

Tina, when you are trying to do something good for yourself and your partner falls off that wagon, that is hard. Know that I (and others) are pulling for you. It feels good, stay with it. Stay inside yourself. Lisa, as much as you love her, will have to travel her own path. Odd, isn't it? To love someone so much and to know that your paths are parallel but not the same.

Hang in there, Tina! What Ellen said. So, what did you think of Sandman Slim and Rosemary and Rue??

What Ellen said!

I am so proud of you for all you are doing for yourself. When you are used to being a caregiver, it's hard to switch gears and care for yourself.

And way to go on the reading! 101 already? Quite an accomplishment.

Very proud of you Tina - be strong and she'll be back on the wagon before you know it. Plus if you are making healthy dinners at home she'll at least be getting one healthy meal a day - generally when I am being really good (post Xmas I will be promise) my hubby ends up losing weight because I feed him more healthily. Actually sometimes he loses more weight than me which is just annoying!

What Ellen said too.

Maybe I will set up a My Fitness Pal account and friend you and Amber. I have a bit of work to do in the coming months. :-|

It's Chrismas Eve's eve, and so I am starting the rounds of wishing my 75er friends the merriest of Christmases or whatever the solstice celebration of their choice is.

Happy Christmas, Tina!!

From our family to yours!

Merry Christmas, Tina, and a joyful Happy New Year in which you continue to GO, Girl!

Happy happy happy Christmas Tina! Here's to an amazing Christmas for you and Lisa X

Tina, I'm so happy to have made your acquaintance this year. Okay, ha ha ha ... that's an understatement. I am delighted we are friends, and I'm very grateful to have you in my life.

Merry Christmas, Tina!

Happy Holidays, Tina!

Stopping by to wish you and your loved ones a happy holiday season and all the best in 2015!

Merry Christmas, Tina! BIG holiday hugs to my friend!

Merry Christmas Tina and a Happy New Year!

Happy, happy Christmas! I hope you and Lisa are having a wonderful day.

Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Tina.

It has been such a blessing to have met you this year, Tina. Looking forward to more of the same in 2015.

Have a safe and Happy New Year!

Tina,



Happy New Year from your friend in Kuala Lumpur

Tina, Wishing you and Lisa a very happy new year. May your year be full of great times, love and laughter.

Happy New Year, Tina!

Happy New Year, Tina! Hoping that it is filled with fabulous!