Yira Reads - Spring Reading Challenge- 2009

I love to read good, engaging novels but even since I started going to school part-time, having kids full time (always a pleasure ;-) ) and...well, having a life that is filled wonder and awe and frustration too..don't get me wrong, I don't live in la-la land, I could hardley make it through the first chapter, let alone a whole book.  

Since I asked for help redecorating a few weeks ago, I came up with this little reading corner.  I love it here, well, apparently we all do because there's almost always someone sitting here reading. 

My son is an avid reader and when he overheard me talking about the spring reading challenge he quickly ran up to his room and came down with this stack of books for me to read.  He placed them on the mantel in the family room because he wants to make sure "I don't forget."  I started reading John Grisham's book The Appeal.

He takes after his dad who picks up a book and can't seem to be able to function until he's done.  My teen daughter has recently started reading more as well.  The common denominator among the three is that they can stop and just read without interruptions.  I, on the other hand, have two younger kids tugging at my gym shorts regardless of whose around.  When I read to them I only day dream of reading something I would really enjoy for a change. 

So this challenge comes at a good time.  I am still taking online courses -- almost done with that, I still work part time at the gym (I could hardley call exercising a job), and the kids are still tugging at my shorts.  The difference now is that I decided to prioritize what I do with the time that I do have.  I can go to bed 1/2  hour earlier and continue to get up an hour before anyone else.  This time I will take part of that time to read something I enjoy.

Thanks Susan for the inspiration.  Here's my list - I can't say I'll finish all those during the spring time but I plan to make a dent on this stack.  Visit Susan at A Southern Daydreamer Reads to see what others are reading. 

Happy Reading!

Trying something new...30 Day challenge

When early morning doesn't work, one must adapt and overcome, or work at night. It has been an exhausting week for me. The baby was sick, my summer semester started off with a lot of reading to be done, and I'm still trying to maintain some level of sanity through my physical activity.

This month I decided to join my friend Nancy from CR8 Health and Fitness in a 30 Day Challenge. It is always fun to join others in a new project, to be accountable to someone other than yourself. In my case it's not so much the motivation but the desire to not let my mental state dictate whether or not I will exercise. I already know that when I do exercise I feel better, sometimes it's a matter of getting out the door.

Thankfully for me, my job as a fitness trainer sort of forces me to exercises and be motivated a few days a week, however on days when I don't teach I must work a little harder to get myself to the gym and work just as hard as when I do teach.

This challenge is about starting something new or reaching new heights in physical fitness or reaching goals that have been lingering for too long. After all, I can only claim that I'm holding on to some baby weight for so long--he's 19 months old and one of my goals is to loose the extra "baby weight" and tone my core muscles, my powerhouse. I'm not trying to get a six pack, just trim enough so I don't look like I'm carrying a keg. :-) My other lingering goal is to run a 5K. I ran in high school and again when I was in the military and I enjoyed it but then we ran in formation. This will be a huge accomplishment in my book of goals.

If you're feeling down and out and needing the extra moral, personal, professional and emotional support, or if you want to be a part of those who give the support, join me and Nancy on the 30 Day Challenge-- starting Monday, June 9th!

See you there.

(photo by thefiminator)