Jon decided we needed a trainer, and not that I didn’t agree with him, but I never figured we’d have the money for it. But, with our membership at the gym, we received a free orientation with a trainer. Jon’s plan was to sign us up for some serious “butt-kicking” so our lazy butts would be motivated. Well, it worked.

I have to admit I was nervous about the first time meeting our trainer. After all, my forty-something body is not what it used to be. And, looking around the gym at all the young, slim bodies made me yearn for mine even more, and at the same time, want to hide in the shadows. But I kept telling myself, “you gotta start somewhere!”

Our trainer was very friendly and listened to our needs and hopes. He sized us up and off we went. Now, I have to say, I’m not a stranger to a gym. I used to be a blackbelt in another life (many moons ago).  But I’ve never worked with a personal trainer before and it was exciting to have someone show me the proper way of working out and how to work around my limitations.

Jon and I took turns doing the same routines, working with free weights and gym equipment. We’d watch the trainer first, then I would go, and then Jon. Each exercise worked a different muscle group. Some were easier than others. Some made me feel like my little twitching muscles were going to pop right out of my skin. At one point, the lactic acids built up so much that I looked down at my biceps expecting to see flames shooting out of my arm. I felt every wee ounce of muscle screaming at me to quit, but I didn’t.  It was very cool to have someone giving you words of encouragement, rooting you on, pushing you to the brink.  And I did push through.  It was awesome!

By the end of the workout, Jon and I both knew that the next morning, we wouldn’t be able to hold our toothbrushes, but we gave it all we had.

So how did we do the “day after”? I have to admit, I didn’t want to leave the bed that morning, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought. Well, at least until the next day, then the pain really started.  Did I whine? Yes, yes I did.  My little twiggy arms could barely hold up my water bottle.  I squeaked and squawked like I was being tortured.  But the good news is, the pain meant I did a good job.  I’ve heard it said,

“pain is only weakness leaving the body.”

So between eating healthier and working out, I have a plan, I can do it. We both can. Jon’s a good supporter and we’ll help motivate each other.

Our hope is to continue to train. Coming up with the money is another story. I suggested ebaying things around the house. When we run out of things to sell, I’ll be looking around for more (kids… better be nice and be productive…just kidding).  Stay tuned for more details.  I’m sure this adventure will give me plenty of material for my blog.

When the local ADA, Victor Campbell reopens the unsolved mystery 10 years later, those that are witness to the event are forever changed, even his wife Claudia who was BJ’s best friend. Each character is dealing with their own trauma, their own failures and ghosts of the past. Will finding the identify of the killer heal their hearts or can they ever really let go of all the pain?

The Crossing by Serita Ann Jakes (ch. 1 excerpt) Jakes’ tells the story well, each chapter spilling over into the next, making it hard to put down. The most fascinating part was being inside the head (and heart) of the dying teacher – following her through her regrets, memories and her wavering faith. Each character deals with their own demons, and in the end their faith just may pull them through and make them whole again.

Mrs. Serita Jakes talks about her new novel The Crossingt novel The Crossing from waterbrookmultnomah on GodTube.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. Order this book from your local bookstore or www.amazon.com.

Your Seat-mate

1. No children below the age of 12. If your children are not at an age where they can sit still and be quiet, they don’t deserve to fly with me. Parents wanting to fly my airline must pack small children in their luggage if they insist on them being in the airplane. I don’t want to hear a screaming baby for 6 hours. Nor do I want to hear a mother saying “Stop it Johnnie, sit down Johnnie, don’t pull that lady’s hair Johnnie, quit banging on that nice gentlemen’s chair, Johnnie.” The list goes on.

2. Shoes. I don’t have to have to take my shoes off to fly in my airplane. I get the whole security thing – although I’m not convinced it’s really helping with anything other than aggravating your typical passengers that fly all the time. Last time I traveled, I wore my cute new sandals. They were a great idea right up until the time that I got in the TSA line and realized I had to take them off, without socks. The idea of walking barefoot where a thousand people have walked, today alone, made me want to throw up. Come to think of it, walking through vomit might be more appealing than that bare floor. And the smell – all those bare feet walking around, feet from all over the world. Some of those feet, I don’t think even Jesus would have washed. Ugh! How those TSA agents don’t pass out after a while, is beyond me. Maybe that’s why they make the big bucks (did you know they can make up to $172K? see: pay scale.  But that’s another story).

3. Conversation. There will be no talking unless consent is given by all of the immediate people surrounding you. I don’t want to hear about your family reunion, how horrible your business trip was or the color of your poop this morning. These are things a stranger really doesn’t care to know. I don’t mind doing a “good morning, how are you?” thing, but beyond the normal niceties, I really don’t want to converse. I bring a book for a reason. And that’s just it – why do people want to talk to you when they SEE you trying to read. Or worse yet, when you’re trying to sleep…the two women next to you want to gab a blue streak that would make a goat bleat! Airplanes are confined spaces for quiet. Think of it like nap time in preschool. Bring your “blankie” and hush!

The Friendly Skies

4. Connecting Flights/Be Ready to Move! There are two things that drive me crazy when its time to leave the airplane. First- trying to get off the plane to catch a connecting flight is like waiting to get the last drop of water in the dessert. I rode an airline (wish I could remember which one) that suggested that anyone with a connecting flight be allowed to disembark first. What a great idea! Those of us needing to get to another flight before it leaves us behind should have the right-of-way. Second thing… it should come as no surprise when its time to leave the plane. It amazes me when the plane taxis up to the gate, stops, and you have people towards the front of the plane that all the sudden realize it’s their turn to get up and move. All the other passengers have been unbuckling, putting away their things, and collecting their bags so that when their row files out – they are ready. But, no. You get grandma that’s collecting her knitting and trying to remember where her bags are stored that’s standing in the middle of the isle, while murderous passengers are looking at her trying to figure out if she’ll fit in the overhead compartment with her cute little suitcase. Be considerate of others – stay out of the way if you can’t keep up with the flow of traffic.

So, that’s my basic requirements of Sonya-Air. I know it sounds harsh and I know I sound really bad. But for those that fly – you know you agree! Have you ridden on an airplane for 6 hours and listened to a screaming child? How about one of those flights overseas where you’re trying to sleep and the weirdo next to you will not shut up? I have. Don’t judge. Besides, these are just the rules for my little airline- there’s always the alternative. But if you want to get in on the ground floor – let me know. Taking investors now.

In the midst of the current mysteries, Meissner weaves a tale of Susannah Page, another young bride, rumored to be a Civil War spy and a traitor to her own family.  Susannah is the great-grandmother of Adelaide, and her story is spun like a web that entrap both Adelaide, her daughter, and Marielle.  Can these women overcome their fears and find the love that has alluded them?

A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner (Chapter 1 Excerpt)Meissner’s book is a lovely read, traipsing among the large oaks of a Virginia plantation from one era to another, capturing the heart of her characters and the spirit that drives them. I definitely recommend this book to romance and history buffs alike.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Order this book from your local bookstore or www.amazon.com.

That was definitely our question, but for me, was easily answered. My husband however, wasn’t so convinced. Since moving into my husband Jon’s home when we got married, I’ve always hated… I mean “disliked” (sorry honey) our little master bathroom. From day one, the purple and white tile of the 60′s bathroom made me want to yak. The fact that the tiny shower stall was being used as a closet, was not encouraging either. And did I mention small? The word “master” and the size “8ft x 3ft” should not be used in the same sentence. Whoever built our house was either a midget or didn’t spend much time grooming.

After 9 years of dealing with our little closet bathroom, I finally convinced my husband we had to remodel it. I think the thing that finally tipped the scales was the black mold growing like claws from the shower stall. It also helped that I had my in-laws and my mother gang up on him. All is fair in love and bathroom space.

Demolition begins

We started on a Saturday afternoon, a beautiful day that would have been better spent at the beach, but our project was waiting. Our son Brandt was a huge help – he and I grabbed hammers, crowbars, ear/nose/eye protection and started sweating. Out came the ugly purple tile (which was 5 ft high on the four walls), followed by the drywall, concrete board, razor-sharp lathe strips, the sink, the toilet, window casement, flooring and miscellaneous crap. While pulling the walls out we found old, rusted straight-edged razors, a comb, and Copenhagen can. Interesting, eh? The million dollars in cash that I was hoping to find stuffed in there (like in the movies), wasn’t. Bummer.

The look and smell of the mold from behind the shower was disgusting. I was grateful for my fogged up eye goggles and breathing mask. By the time the last of the debris was dragged into our utility trailer outside, we were half dead. We bled like pin cushions from the flying tiles and nails. I looked like a Band-aid commercial going to work the following week.

When we were done, the end result was a dark, dank pit waiting to be brought to life. Sadly, our plumbing was the worst of everything. Even now, in the midst of a hulled out shell, our plumbing pipes are so old, they start leaking if you look at them funny. Matter of fact, just now, as I went to check on the patch job that was done days ago on the recently busted sink pipe, I notice that the pipe for the toilet is now dripping. Great.

Jon and I hauled off 3/4 of a ton of debris to our local landfill (costing us to dump it of course). It was the first time I was grateful for the smallness of the bathroom.

The next fun adventure was heading to our local Home Depot and Lowe’s Stores, where we tried to price what would go into the new bathroom. I say “tried” simply because we rarely found anything in stock that was usable. Thanks to our great economy, these poor stores can barely keep the lights on apparently, much less provide the selection they once had. The trip to Home Depot included 3 short isles of bathroom materials. Lowe’s was better, but still lacked a good comparison for us to look at. So, back online we go, realizing whatever we buy is coming in from a warehouse in Taiwan anyway.

We’re currently at a stand still. Because our bathroom shower was tiled to a specific size, there is no “cookie cutter” shower stall we can just pop in the empty space. Figures, eh? Now we’re looking at options, scratching our heads and getting into a few arguments now and then. Stay tuned… if all else fails, there’s C-4 in the closet (wink).

Several years ago I watched the movie of Memoirs of a Geisha and was truly captivated by the story. When I found the book it was based upon, it was even better. It is fascinating to learn about other cultures and this book was full of beautiful imagery and heartbreaking realism. Although it’s just a novel, I believe the author, Duncan Jones, wanted to capture some of the customs and the powerful history of the Chinese people.

The story is woven through 1930s Shanghai, sweeping through the volatile politics and struggles, traditions and customs that existed for thousands of years. We meet Feng, a young daughter that is cast aside in light of her older sister’s chances of marrying into a wealthy family. The mother puts everything she has into molding the eldest daughter into the perfect wife, giving them the opportunity to escalate their own family’s standing. The younger daughter is simply there to live with the parents, so she can take care of them in their old age. No one has ever asked what she wants, and perhaps she doesn’t know herself. Feng is content in her naïve bubble, simply sharing walks in the garden with her grandfather, never really knowing the sacrifices made for the family. But when tragedy strikes and the eldest daughter dies, Feng is suddenly poured into her sister’s mold and marries in her place. Feng tries to break the mold cast for her, but thousands of years of traditions weigh heavily on her fragile situation. Can she break free or will she repeat the sins of the mothers before her?

The book includes a discussion guide and notes from the author about his own upbringing, as well as other suggested reading. All the Flowers in Shanghai is beautifully written and hauntingly portrayed.

Who would have thought that Andy Stanley would be the one to encourage you to cheat. Well, not really cheat, but to figure out who you would rather cheat – your job or your family. “It’s time to prioritize some things and slight others.” The working class today are stretched beyond the limit. Every part of your day is demanding time – meetings, late nights, conference calls and traveling away from home. Those that are dedicated to the job, may not be dedicated to their family. Even those with the best intentions of working hard “for their family” end up sacrificing more than they can afford when their family doesn’t feel valued anymore.

Andy discusses real people that have been there, that have destroyed their family by choosing work over quality time at home. Executives that thought they were doing everything they could for their family, were surprised to realize their spouse and children just wanted them home for dinner. What are the warning signs that your spouse or family are feeling cheated? This book will help you find out.

When Work and Family Collide by Andy Stanley (Chapter 1 Excerpt)

Don’t worry – quitting your job is not an option, nor is getting fired. Andy walks you through, step by step, to find a balance between home and work. Andy says our biggest obstacle is trusting in God. He says,

“When you surrender your will to the will of the Father, He takes responsibility for the outcome of the journey.”

Using the bible, Andy explains that even the mighty Daniel was caught between two parties that wanted separate things from him. Did he bend to the will of a visible king or did he trust in an invisible King – God – and stand for what he believed in? Andy has a special way of drawing you into the story, so as you’re standing next to Daniel in the midst of his crisis, which gives you hope in handling your own.

In the process of teaching you how to manage your time between home and work, this book just may transform your life. It also includes a four-week discussion guide – perfect for small groups and friends to go through together.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Order this book from your local bookstore or www.amazon.com.

While struggling with his past, Chambers is recruited by an old friend to take part in an archeological dig which is shrouded in secrecy. A copper scroll is believed to hold the key to the greatest treasures of all times, that can change the course of history. Unbeknownst to him, others are recruited as well, including a nemesis from his past and his ex-fiancee. As the story unfolds for what this secret dig is really about, Chambers fights against everything around him, casting about like a reckless teenager. And just about the time he thinks he’s on solid footing, people begin dying around him. Caught up in the cloak and dagger world of secrets and espionage, Chambers fights for his very life and the safety of the objects yet to be found. As governments converge, and civil war threatens to explode, can Chambers find the greatest discovery of all time?

The Scroll by Grant R. Jeffrey and Alton L. Gansky (ch. 1 excerpt)

This book captured my imagination while teaching me about the past. Although a fictional book, I loved the way the authors wove actual scripture and history into the book. At times, it almost felt real. I would have loved to have seen sketches and maps for some of the details of the book, but enjoyed it nonetheless. I definitely will share this book with others.

Watch a video trailer for The Scroll:

Order this book from your local bookstore or www.amazon.com.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

To rank my review, go to: http://www.waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks/reviews/view/15376/blogr:7807

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I must admit, the story was a little difficult to get into. Bridget talks to herself, argues with herself (and others), all in her head, all while narrating her story. The banter back and forth is as realistic as what I hear in my own head, but a little disconcerting nonetheless.

Once you get used to Bridget’s “frame of mind” it’s easy to fall in love with her.  Bridget’s shedding of her “widow’s weeds” gets tangled into a story of her family’s sorted past. While her family holds tight to their beliefs and pray that Bridget can find her way back to her own faith, Bridget becomes the family spokesperson to JC Dirk, a Developer from Atlanta, who’s dealing with demons from his own closet full of ghosts.

The “widow sniffers” abound in this story, chasing poor Bridget and confusing her with what their true intentions are. The competition for JC Dirk is Caleb Merriman, who seems to have all the right answers.  JC on the other hand, is poking holes in Caleb’s story faster than a treehugger chased by a bulldozer. Bridget thinks JC’s heart seems like it is in the right place, but his heart is exactly what she’s afraid of.

Can Bridget find her own “happily ever after” or will her heart remain, “constipated” in the words of her little nephew? Readers wont be disappointed as Bridget’s road through family strive and intrigue find her renewing her relationship with a God she left behind.

Tamara’s story makes a trio of others including Leaving Carolina and  Nowhere, Carolina, in her “Southern Discomfort” series.  After reading “Restless”  readers will be wanting to pick up the other two.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Order this book from your local bookstore or www.amazon.com.

By Robert Liparulo

I love series books. I happened upon one of Robert Liparulo’s books in a used bookstore, not aware that it was a young adult series. From the book’s description, I was intrigued, from the first few pages, I was hooked. And so began my wanderings through the King house, page by page and room by room, I discovered a wonderful series for any age.

When the Kings move to a small town in northern California, they have no idea of the adventures – and terrors – waiting for them. Fifteen-year old Xander and his twelve-year-old brother David make a game of exploring the old Victorian home they move into. One night, they discover an intruder and follow him to a hidden hallway of doors. Each door transports them to far off places in long-ago times. But not only can they go from the house to the past, people from the past can come through into their house. Someone does- and kidnaps Mom, taking her into some unknown place in the past. The family begins a quest for Mom, which takes them to the most dangerous and fascinating places throughout time. Then the Kings learn a terrible secret: Their being in the house is no accident, and they must do much more than “simply” find their mother. (description from www.dreamhousekings.com – check out website for great information.)

The amazing thing about Liparulo’s books, is that you’re alongside the characters… creeping up the stairs to the third floor where they hear footsteps, running for their lives from cannibals in some long ago time, or fighting a Gladiator in Rome. Liparulo’s imagination runs wild on a face-paced chase through time and people. It’s a wonderful way for young adults to learn a little history by “being” in the middle of fighting in the Civil War, or watching the Titantic slip beneath chilly waters (just to name a few).

This book carries a warning however, once you start with the first book, you can’t put them down. I was borrowing these from the library (as I usually do) and as I started the first book, I would request the next one in the series. This worked fine until the last book, Frenzy, which took much longer to get (apparently a fellow library patron was reading along with me). It took 6 weeks to get the last book, and I nearly drove my librarian nuts asking if it was ready yet (even though I could clearly check online).

If you enjoy a great story with mystery and suspense, no matter your age, find this wonderful series and read them. My hat is off to Robert Liparulo, with a request to do another series soon!

The Books:

Book 1- House of Dark Shadows

Book 2 – Watcher in the Woods

Book 3 – Gatekeepers

Book 4 – Timescape

Book 5 – Whirlwind

Book 6 – Frenzy