Nothing like a good book... except maybe a good workout!

Or two or three or four!

I'm moving along on my quest to read 12 book in 12 months in 2012. At this rate- I'll either be able to take a break for a few months, or read more than 12!

Up first- #3... Old Faithful, Nicholas Sparks...

Oh, Nick, you never let me down! I had this book done in 4 days- because I couldn't put it down!! I get so invested in his characters, it's hard to close the book, b/c you want to see what's going to happen next!

And OhhEmmGee!! Look what I just found!! Not due out until 2013- but I am so excited for another book to movie creations of his!!

Next up- #4... A little later than the rest, but still before the midnight premeire...

I surprised myself with reading a book in 4 days... well that was nothing compared to the 2 days it took to read "The Hunger Games"!! WOW! I admit, it was an easy read- but so very good also! I was instantly hooked and luckily, my ticket to the movie next week has been bought!! Can't wait to watch!

#5- No real surprise here... 

I had to see what was going to happen- and I am already 5 chapters in!!

Very excited to keep going!

In other news... this girl is moving along- by foot! I made my first trip over the Bridge last week with my friend Amy and it was A-MAZ-ING!! I was instantly hooked! I was also instantly sore! So, to fight that off, I decided to walk 3 miles around my neightborhood on Sunday. Followed by 3 on Monday, another bridge trip with my cousin Lauren on Tuesday and a lovely mile last night!

What to do next, but catch a leprachaun! Amy and I are going to be walk/run-ing in a 5K tonight in Mt. P to Catch the Leprachaun! We've got green shirts, make-up and a few other tricks! I can't wait. I may have a new addiction!!

Gotta snap a pic at the top of the bridge!! WOO HOO!!

KONY 2012- Help the Invisible Children!!

I saw this video on facebook, but didn't watch right away. To be honest, I thought it was a parody about Election 2012- I mean, come on, "Invisible Children"?! Gotta be a joke right?

Then I watched, and I urge you to watch too!
If we can make a talking dog video go global, we can certainly make this go global!!
This is what we as Christians are called to care about. We need to be the change!
These children need us to be there voice- and I'm speaking up!
Watch, get involved, care!!

Resolution Recap #3

3. 5K, 10K, 13.1, 26.2

One down, 3 to go!!
I completed my first 5K on February 11! I walked most of it and really wasn't trying to make it under a certain time- and well I did!!

The after!! (Can't find the before)

As I was finishing I thought, I really don't know what the hype is... so I walked 3.1 miles! But then I ran across that finish line and I realized- I DID IT! It was a great accomplishment! I can't wait to do another! I keep looking for more to sign up for- but one thing I'm struggling with is wanting to find fun ones or things that mean something to me.

I am registered for a 10K across this bridge, Ravenel is his name. Maybe you've heard of him?? Yeah, I'm attempting to do the bridge run and we'll see! I have really got to start training more and I'm determined to! Y'all keep me on track with that!!

A half and full marathon are still hanging out there in mid-air, but not sure what the result will be. A friend told me about the Disney marathon, so I'm considering that- but even more, I'm wanting to do "Team in Training" and raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society! There's something that would encourage me to run! I'd have my aunt Lee with me the entire time!! :-)

Resolution Recap #2

2. Get to 100

This is still a work in progress, but boy is it coming! I weight last night, and I had lost...
65 pounds!! (Pause for victory dance!)

That's only 35 more to go!!

These jeans were from my cousins before she became a skinny minny, but I benefit! They are Levi's! I have never worn Levi's before! No, not kidding!!

This dress is a size 14... yes, I just told my size and don't care! B/C I have not been in that size since maybe 8th grade?! This was after work and I was too lazy to take off the undershirt, so ignore the straps... but zipping that sucker up was the biggest thrill I've had in a long time!! Now to find a new goal dress!!

 These two were taken mid-January in the mountains on mom and my mini-vaca! I was proud to have some hips back... now I'm trying to get rid of them more!! Gotta up the cardio for sure!!

SO excited about the progress with this goal... can't wait to keep going!! :-)

Resolution Recap #1

1. 12 in 12 in 2012

My goal was to read 12 books in 12 month in 2012....
Well, I'm working on it!
So far I have read Tim Tebow's "Through My Eyes"...

No offense Tim, but stick to the field. I just couldn't get into it! I was very bored!! Not that he didn't have a good message and his life story was that dull, but this girl needs a little romance and love. Make me cry, make me angry, make me want to pick the book back up...

Which is exactly what this one did...

Jane Green's "Promises to Keep"
I haven't found a book by Jane Green I don't like. This one may be ranking up there as a fav soon! (But will never pass "Jemima J"...
This book hit close to home... it dealt with a woman struggling with cancer and WOW... very powerful. If you know me, you know I don't give away things in a movie or TV show and a book will be no different. But, trust me- pick it up, you'll thank me! There's also a recipe at the end of every chapter... some I can't wait to try!

Not sure what's next, but I'm thinking a Nick Sparks is in order! I'll be posting my progress tho! :-)

Resolutions...

2011 was a really good year! Things weren't always perfect- but for the most part... I'm happy with all of the outcomes!

For 2012- I want to start off right! I am making some resolutions for myself here to keep up with during the year! Feel free to ask how I'm doing on them!

1. 12 in 12 in 2012- I want to read 12 books in 12 months in the year 2012. I have no idea where to start, but I would love any opinions on books!! I also want to write a quick review of each book here!!

2. Get to 100- I have lost 40 pounds so far and would like to lose 60 more to get to 100! I'm not giving myself I time frame to do this in- just by the end of the year! (However I would like to be down more by summer! I may enjoy the beach more if I did)

3. 5K, 10K, 13.1, 26.2- I want to compete in a marathon! I will work up to this by doing a 5K, then the Bridge Run (a long time dream of mine), a half marathon- 13.1 miles and a whole marathon- 26.2!! I don't care if I run the entire thing or just walk- I will complete it!!

4. John 16:12- "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear."- I want to work more on my relationship with Christ. I want to be committed to my quiet times each day and grow more in the Lord.

5. ORGANIZATION IS KEY!!- This year- I will be organized! I do sooo much better when I am on a schedule! Down to the days that I clean certain areas of my house! Well, by golly- I'm going to do it! I ran on my lunch break and bought this handy dandy little planner and have already began to organize my runs! :-)

On God's Plan For Your Mate

I found this while blog surfing and just fell in love! How true are these words! My heart has been heavy at times wondering who God has planned for me and when He will have me meet him... but these words are like a reminder from Him of what He is planning for me! I will continue to pray for my future husband! That God will continually work in his heart and prepare him to be a husband who loves the Lord more than he loves me!

On God's Plan For Your Mate

Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone, to have a deeper soul relationship with another - to be loved thoroughly and exclusively.
But God says to a Christian: "No, not until you are satisfied, fulfilled and content with living, loved by Me alone -- with giving yourself totally and unreservedly to Me-- to have an intensely personal and unique relationship with Me alone...I love you My child, and until you discover that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found - you will not be capable of the perfect human relationship that I have planned for you. You will never be united with another until you are united with Me - exclusive of any other desires or longings.
I want you to stop planning, stop wishing, and allow Me to give you the most thrilling plan existing - one that you cannot imagine. I want you to have the best. Please allow Me to bring it to you. You just keep watching Me, expecting the greatest things. Keep experiencing the satisfaction knowing that I am taking care of you. Keep listening and learning the things that I tell you. You must wait.

Don't be anxious. Don't worry. Don't look around at the things others have gotten or that I've given them. Don't look around at the things you think you want. You just keep looking off away up to Me, or you will miss what I want to show you.

And then, when you are ready, I'll surprise you with a love far more wonderful than any you would ever dream. You see, until you are ready, I am working even now this minute to have both of you ready at the same time - But until you are both satisfied exclusively with Me, and the life prepared for you, you will not be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with Me, which is the perfect love.

And, dear one, I want you to have this most perfect and wonderful love. I want for you to see in the flesh a picture of Me, your relationship with Me, and to enjoy materially and concretely the everlasting union of beauty and perfection and love that I offer you with Myself. Know that I love you always. Believe it and be satisfied."

I am God Almighty