Solution Sunday (on Monday!) Update on my Challenges

Well, due to family issues, this is one day late.  I am planning to update my challenges tonight, and so even though it's late, here goes.

Well, I am finally getting caught up!!  I read chapters 5 and 6.  While the Valentine's Day chapter was not really applicable to me (Valentine's Day is past), I think there were some ideas to save for next year.  I really liked the chapter about being creative.  Since I have had Martha, my creativity around the house has suffered.  I used to make the Christmas presents.  I used to decorate.  I used to always cross stitch.  And now?  I'm lucky if I get to bed on before 11!  I love that she said that this is a season of life that will pass.  I will have more time to be creative when my daughter grows up.  And one day I may even have my own home again.  I appreciate the fact that the author is so easy to relate to!  She is a real person, and she gives some very practical idea.  I plan on getting the book she recommended:

Beating the Winter Blues: The Complete Survival Handbook for Moms

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Okay, I did not finish the challenge for the week.  It was too long.  I will show you next week.  I am working on the same magazine area.  When you have 50 magazines to organize (and possibly more), it does take time.  I don't want to throw them all out.  So for this week, I am continuing with the organizing challenge of the magazine and organizing the area around it as well.  I know I am keeping this short.  I am going to be glad when I am fully functional again!

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Nothing new here.

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Okay, I just finished this book today, but I am putting it off till next Sunday to count towards the challenge.

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All right!  I finally did something for this challenge!  Here's my review of this book!

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Nothing new here.

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I plan to start this book  this week!

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Nothing new here.

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Check out my current recipe post here!  It is very pantry-friendly.

Twilight Tuesday--I Stopped Reading My Second Book...

I don't know about you, but I sometimes really get excited about a book, I wait to read it, and then, sometimes it is a great disappointment.

I remember reading this book.  It was a hard read, and I would not have persevered had it not been for the fact that I felt I needed to read it to understand my students. I once taught a student whose father killed his mother.  He was in foster care, and he had all sorts of trouble.  Unfortunately, this has become something that too many kids face in today's society.  I will never regret that I read this book.  It was one of my first reviews on this blog.







The other books I did not finish.  This was the first of those.  I was on a very long waiting list to read this, and when it arrived, I was ready to stop all my other reading and just devour this book.  Imagine my surprise when I was on page 70 and I couldn't get into it.  I was so disappointed, and I decided that I would not read it.  After all, with a classic book, I say it usually takes about 50 pages to get into it.  I gave this book till page 70, and I have enough interesting books to read that I didn't have time to invest in a book that I didn't enjoy.






Today I met the second book in recent times that I just couldn't get into.  I had started this book last week, and the premise was intriguing.  And it fit in with one of my challenges.  I will say that I enjoyed the two main characters, but I got tired of the senseless profanity and the other characters in the book.  I was around page 80, and I decided to set it aside.








Now, if I was reading these books for a publisher review or something like that, I would have persevered.  But what is the point of reading a book you don't like just to be reading it?  There are enough books in this world to read that I think setting a few aside that I don't like is not shameless.

I begin this book tonight.  Here's hoping it will be better!

Solution Sunday--Weekly Update on My Challenges

In spite of my issues this week, I am linking up my challenges because I accomplished a lot this week!

While I am behind in this challenge, I am posting for weeks 3 and 4.  I read week 3 on time, but I forgot to post.  And I just finished week 4 today.  So here goes.

Week 3 was about taking care of ourselves physically, and I can relate to that this week.  When I was attacked by a dog, I thought of everyone but myself.  I didn't bother to consider my pain.  Even yesterday, I found myself almost overdoing it.  I have tried to do better, but it is hard.  I even  apologized in the emergency room for complaining when I was cold or it was painful.  It is true that I often have to be told in no uncertain ters that I must take care of myself.  One time when I was very young, I made it a point to not go to the doctor since I didn't have insurance.  I learned from that, but I still have a tendency not to put my health first.  At least I got myself on a diet regimen and lost 50 pounds.  In fact, my concern with the dog bite is that I will put weight back on, but I refuse to let that happen!

Week 4 was about taking time for your spiritual life.  I absolutely love that she says it is better to spend 5 or even 3 minutes with God than none at all.  I used to be absolutely fantastic at spending time in Bible study.  Then Martha came along.  Since that time, I will admit that I have struggled.  I appreciate that she says essentially that it is quality, not quantity.  And my favorite line?  If you have time to go the bathroom, you certainly have time to spend with the Lord!

I'll try to get more caught up next week on this challenge!

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Okay, I also have no pictures this week.  I often forget to do it.  But I accomplished my goal for this week.  I  purged clothes.  Mainly, it was my daughter's clothes, and she helped me.  I am so glad that I didn't have too much to do because my dog bite did slow me down.  Up next is to purge my magazines.  The magazines in my basket in my room, that is.  I have an overflowing basket, and it is high time that I go through them.  I will try to remember to take a picture. 

I think my mind set has changed too.  I have discovered that I now try to keep up with the areas I have already organized.  Where I purged magazines a couple weeks ago it beginning to fill again, and I will not let that happen.  I find that I have a goal each week, and I somehow want to do it.  I am holding myself accountable.  I may not get everything done the way I want it, but I am pretty excited to get the task done each week.  It feels so good!  I looked at my bookshelf just today, and it was with great pride that I looked at it!  I don't want to mess it up again.

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I have finished two books for this challenge,  but I have to wait till the end of the month to post them.  I'll link the reviews here.

The Book Thief

Scandal Becomes Her

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Nothing new here.

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I am currently reading the following book for this challenge.

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One of the books I read for the Historical Fiction Challenge works for this one, too.

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Nothing new here.  Maybe by next month.

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I will be updating this in a moment with links to the two books from this week.

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Nothing new this week.

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Well, that should do it for this week.  Till next week on the challenges.

Solution Sunday--Today's Update on My 2011 Challenges

Well, here is the weekly update on my challenges.  I do not have any pictures this week--sorry.  I was basically up at 4:30 most days last week and had at least an hour trip both ways to work.  So here goes.

First of all, I am behind on posting for this challenge!

I apologize for not keeping up.  I will be getting caught up tomorrow if all goes well.  I read week 3 and never posted last week.  I will get caught up by the end of this week.

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The Love it or Lose it Challenge ended last week, but it certainly changed the way I look at my clothes closet.  I am trying to wear more unique and original pieces together.  And some of the things I hadn't worn I now love!

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Week 5--I got the DVD's and videos organized!  And I can answer her question. Why do I want to get organized?  So I can see what we have!  I had no idea which movies my daughter and I had.  And I listed a good 20 of them this weekend on half.com and amazon!  I must say it looks good.  My daughter can actually get to her videos now!  

For this week, I will be purging my clothes and my daughter's.  I have to figure out what I will do next week. I am so excited to be getting things done!

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I don't feel I can count my book this week--I don't consider it historical fiction, but maybe I'll change my mind.  The review doesn't post till later this week, but The Book Thief will definitely be done!

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Nothing new here.

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I will be starting this book for this challenge this week:

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I will be adding my review next week as it doesn't post until Wednesday.

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No update.  Hopefully soon!

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No update this week.

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Updated this challenge yesterday.

Satisfied Saturday--A Small Change in Themes

I realize that Friday and Saturday sometimes don't work as I have them laid out.  Sometimes, Friday is not conducive to planning out meals.  It got me thinking this morning.  I think I am going to have the option of having a Satisfied Saturday and a Free-Wheeling Friday on those weeks that meal planning happens on Saturday instead of Friday.  And that is exactly what I am doing today.

This is going to be in line with the pantry challenge!

I need to use the following items:
1.  Hawaiian marinade (bottled)
2.  shake n' bake
3.  cornflake crumbs
4.  peach preserves
5.  molasses

And my mom has asked for me to make a cabbage rolls recipe.

So here goes.

Today was easy because I thought we had gourmet sauce still (but I discovered it was gone!!).  So I found the Hawaiian marinade, and I put it in with some chicken.  I will be going to get some stir-fry veggies and making  some rice.

Here is that cabbage rolls recipe--sounds good!!  I think it is just what my mom wanted.

We have some plain yogurt that needs be used up, and shake n bake is also used in this next recipe, so it's great!  Greek Chicken.  And I just must have these zucchini fritters to accompany it!  We'll have a salad too.

Really easy, this one is!  Pork Chops in Corn Flake Crumbs!  I'll have some creamed corn and some other veggies with this.

Wasn't sure I would find something, but I did!  I am going to make this Hawaiian Sausage and Rice Bake.  I am going to use peach preserves instead of pineapple preserves.

And last but not least, here is a cookie recipe I am going to make using molasses:  WWII Oatmeal Molasses Cookies.

I know I need to be of more help to my mom and Martin this week, so I will mix up the dinner for the following day  the night before so all someone will need to do is pop it in the oven or something like that.  I hope that everyone is okay with these recipes.  I know Martin does not always like my concoctions.  But I get bored with his meat, potatoes, meat, potatoes, bread, sausage, greasy diet!  He is better than he used to be, but certainly not there yet.

Enjoy.  By the way, my recipes from last week were really good!!

And I am linking up with Org Junkie to promote the website Say Mmm.  Check out the site.  I have added the grocery list for one of my recipes to give it a try.

Printable grocery list for cabbage rolls.

Solution Sunday--Update on My Challenges

Here it is! The big post that will cover all of my challenges.  I think I have a lot to report today!

This is the last week I will be posting on this.  I only have one thing to show here.  While I plan to keep this mindset going and I will post updates to a degree, this is the last official week!  This vest was one I just never wore.  I wore it this week and love it!  I am keeping it.

While I only have gotten rid of one thing this month, I have been able to wear some items I have not really worn and thought I didn't like.  And I think I have finally understood my style--sweaters with sleeveless tops and slacks.  I have loads of clothes to wear, and I plan to keep on going!  I plan to tackle my accessories eventually as well.

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Week #4--I got my bookshelf organized!

I am still a week behind with this, but I got this done.  Remember this for last week?

 Look at it this week!!

Okay, it's not perfect, but I can find my books!  I didn't realize I had so many wonderful books that I have won and bought.  I have a lot of reading to do.  I also listed a lot of books to sell.

This week, I am supposed to be working on the DVD's/VHS cases.  I feel pretty good about the prospects of this one.  I plan to purge and straighten.  I love this challenge!

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Still working on The Book Thief.  I may have it done by next week.

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I am still reading through the Bible in a year.  I will start Proverbs when this is done.  But I did finish Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy.  That makes 2 books in this challenge.  I have enjoyed these!

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Nothing new to report here.  I will be reading my first book for this challenge pretty soon!

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The cool thing is that the "romance" I am currently reading has turned into a mystery!  I get to list it for this challenge when I'm done.  I never dreamed it would be.  I am reading Scandal Becomes Her because a friend sent it to me.  I didn't know what I would think of it, but I am more  than half through it and looking forward to discovering the secret to the mystery.
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Nothing to report here.  Sorry.

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Okay, I have this one going.  You will notice at the bottom of my blog posts that there is a map.  Sorry you have to zoom out to see the map, but for some reason, that is the default setting.  I have visited England, Indiania, and Texas.  You can see them on the map.  The hardest thing for me is to figure out where non-fiction books take place.  If I am not sure,  I go with where the author lives.  Or where the book takes place mostly.  

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Okay, that should do it for this week.  Man, I am a busy lady!!

Well-Spoken Wednesday--Quiet Strength Book Review

Summary from Goodreads:

He led his team to #1 in the world and showed the world a better way to live, lead, and succeed.

When Tony Dungy led the Indianapolis Colts to victory in Super Bowl XLIand made history as the first African American coach to win the big gamemillions of people, amazed by the success of his quiet, authoritative leadership style, wondered: how does he get it done?

In the pages of this fascinating memoir, Tony Dungy reveals the secrets to his successprinciples, practices, and priorities that have kept him on track despite overwhelming personal and professional obstacles, including firings, stereotypes, and the tragic loss of a child.

In the face of so much adversity, Tony has not only survived but risen to the very top of his profession in a way thats won the respect of fans, players, and even his competitors. His thoughts on leading, succeeding, and attaining true significance will inspire you to take a long, hard look at the things that really matter in your own life.

Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, & Priorities of a Winning Life by Tony Dungy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First off, I am not a football fan.  I watch it only because I have two people in my life who do love football.  The only time I even showed any interest in football was when I lived in the Tampa Bay area.  I remember when Tony Dungy took over as their head coach, and I remember how impressed I was and how the team changed.  I was horrified when he was fired, and then we he became the Colts coach, I was somewhat interested.  I remember how my heart broke when I heard of his son's suicide.  The constant for me with Tony Dungy was that he is a Christian, and he never yelled at the officials and the players like the other coaches did.

I was not looking forward to reading this book because I figured it would be filled with football stuff.  I was pleasantly surprised as I read the story of Dungy's life, and on almost every page, his faith showed forth in a very simple manner.  I was so inspired, and more than once he almost had me in tears.  To have the faith that he demonstrated throughout the book!  Goodness, he puts me to shame!  He gave all glory to God for everything, and he learned to trust Him in all things.

Indeed, this is the best Christian book I have read in ages.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to deepen their walk with the Lord.  It is autobiographical, but it is first and foremost a book of faith in God.


View all my reviews

Music Monday--Challenge Week #4

 I've got two to review tonight.  First off is The Band Perry and their self-titled debut CD.              
I will tell you right now that I was not a fan of theirs.  When their first single Hip to My Heart came out, I would turn the radio dial so fast it would make your head swim!  I thought I would never hear a song of their that I liked.  Then I heard If I Die Young and saw their video, and I was hooked!  I began to toy with the idea of ordering their CD from the library.  I did, so here goes.    

You Lie is their newest single.  It begins their album.  I think what drew me to this song was having a compulsive liar in the house  (my dad) and the clever lyrics.  One thing this group has is unique lyrics.  Their use of similes and metaphors are quite entertaining.  Next is Hip to My Heart that I still don't like.  But it could  have been good if it were sung a little  differently.  Their best song is up next--If I Die Young.  I will post the video for this even though I posted it this summer.  I love the simplicity of this song.  It is their first number one hit.  Whenever I hear it, I am always put in a good mood.  Now how can a song about dying put someone in a good mood?  It's not sad--it is all about being content with the life you live.  And it has some poignant lines.  All Your Life is a beautiful song, and certainly well-sung.  I got a good chuckle out of Miss You Being Gone.  Again, their clever lines sell this song.  Not a big fan of Double Heart, but I love Postcard from Paris.  I didn't know that was the name of the song, but it makes perfect sense.  It is again very clever.  I know I keep using that  word, but there isn't a better word to describe their songs.  Maybe pithy would work for this song.  Walk Me Down the Middle is possibly my favorite on the album.  I love If I Die Young, but Walk Me Down the Middle is so sweet and happy.  I love the way it is sung.    Quittin' You and Lasso  were not stand-outs for me.  I would say that for a debut album,  these kids did well. They need someone to help them straighten out their rough edges and they could easily give Lady Antebellum or Rascal Flatts a run for their money.


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Now on to the second CD.  It is a 2-CD set, and it actually took me a couple weeks to get through it.  I am a huge fan of the stage musical Phantom of the Opera, and I have seen it 3 times on  stage.  It is my favorite musical.  I remember when the movie came out,  and I saw it in the theater.  It was good--there are good points and bad points--and I enjoyed it.  I own the video, and I also own this CD.  I have only listened to it once before this.  I am not going to list the songs and review each one because it's just not that kind of CD.  It is a soundtrack CD.

Sometimes the movie actors get a really bad rap, I would say.  Loyal fans of the stage musical don't want to give this version too much credit,  but there are some points worth noting.  Gerard Butler is not Michael Crawford, but there are things I love about his Phantom.  He makes his Phantom extremely bitter, no one can match the points when he just "loses it."  His Phantom is very forceful, and you tend to believe that you would not hesitate to molest anyone.  I miss the gentleness you often see in the stage musical, and I also miss the warmth of singing voice of the Phantom.  You  get a hint of it now and then when Butler holds back, but when he tries to push his voice to do what it cannot, he does fail somewhat.

Emmy Rossum definitely has the voice for the role, and the looks.  I love her ingenue quality.  What I do not love is when she tries to take the classical quality out of her voice.  That is when she fails.  She is not much of an actress, but when she truly sings, she could sing any Christine out of the water.

I truly appreciate that they chose to include so much from the movie on the CD.  They use special effects, and they keep a lot of the speaking from the film on the CD to advance the story.  Some lyrics are changed so the songs make sense, but I don't like how they take away some of the singing and speak the lyrics.  I absolutely adore the orchestration!  Sometimes you miss out when you see a show live--you don't have access to a massive orchestra.  Never a problem in Hollywood.

My favorite character in the film is Carlotta!  She is exactly the way the part should be sung.  Here is Minnie Driver playing the role, but her voice was dubbed.  This is a great scene.  You'll figure out who Carlotta is!

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. Rules are simple. Leave ONLY the ACTUAL LINK POST here and grab the code below and place it at your blog entry. You can grab this code at LadyJava's Lounge Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.  


PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!

Solution Sunday--An Update On All My Challenges

Well, I have so many challenges going on that I thought I would do it all together.  So here goes!

I do have pictures!  Go me!  This is week 3 of 4, but I plan to continue it the rest of the year.  This is being hosted over at Crazy Domestic.  

So this sweater I got at the Dollar Tree last year, I believe.  I haven't worn it much--it's blue and white stripe.  But it was comfortable and looked nice for teaching.  I think I may wear it more now.

A gorgeous thrift store find!  It looked great.  It is a hooded shirt, and this was my first time to wear it.  I only added the lacy cami, and I thought it looked wonderful!

I found these brown pants by chance, and when I wore this today with a beautiful sweater and stylish belt, I knew these were a keeper!

Consensus?  I am keeping all of these!  I love them!

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Okay, I am reading my first book for this challenge.  The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.  I love it so far--it is a fantastic book.  So at least I am beginning this one!

I finished my first book in this challenge this week.  Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado.  

I am almost done with the second book for this challenge also.  Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life by Tony Dungy.

I haven't started reading Proverbs yet.  

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Sorry, nothing here yet.

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Nothing to report here.

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Plotted my second point on the map.  Nothing major.  I still would like to find a better map than what I have.

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Nothing new here.  I haven't started yet.

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I'm behind on this one, so I'll skip it tonight.  Hopefully tomorrow or the next day.

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And  finally:

I am in Week 3 of this challenge over at org junkie.  I am a little bit behind, but I did finish the magazines last Monday that were in the living room.  It was so nice to get his done!  Here's what I should have already tackled, but I am a week behind.

Doesn't it look great?  I will  be organizing the book shelf you see on the left.  I'll certainly post a picture when I am done.  I have lots of books to get in order.

So there we are. All my challenges.  Some going well, some not started.  Oh well.  January is not over yet!