Some of this and some of that.

So, I have not posted a blog since April 22. I had a good plan, post my weekly updates for the reading challenge, but that did not work. I have actually done rather well with my challenge list and will be done by the end of June. I had a few distractions that slowed my progress, but since I am on vacation I plan to get back on track. The bold titles are the books I have read.

1. Sandella’s Soldier by Sabrina McAfee (Review)
2. The Lotus Blossom Chronicles: Book 3 by Kelley Nyrae and Mandessa Selby (Review)
3. One in a Million by Barbara Keaton (Review)
4. The Lotus Blossom Chronicles: Book 2 by JM Jeffries and Dyanne Davis (Review)
5. Suite Nothings by JM Jeffries (Review)
6. Love Takes Time by Adrianne Byrd
7. Sex and the Single Braddock by Robyn Amos (Braddock Series)
8. Second Chance Baby by AC Arthur (Braddock Series)
9. The Object of his Protection by Brenda Jackson (Braddock Series)
10. Nobody But You by Francis Ray (Grayson series - friend)
11. Slow Burn by Brenda Jackson (Madaris Series)
12. Unfinished Business by Brenda Jackson (Madaris Series)
13. The Midnight Hour by Brenda Jackson (Madaris Series)

Wow, I just counted and realized I have 4 books left. The remaining books are all review books and I will make sure I post the link, as always, to the review when they are ready. I have read 4 manuscripts as well and sent reviews back to the publishing company for those. I still have 2 of those left to review. So that really brings my total to 13 books I have read so far.

I am excited because I am getting an copy of Wahida Clarks book Thug Lovin. That is one of the joys of doing reviews, I love advanced copies of books that I have been patiently(or not so patiently waiting for). I also have a copy of Rhonda Lawson's latest, Putting it Back Together. The link to that review will be up by the end of the week. I just mentally counted the fact that I have 6 reviews to write, guess I better get busy on that.

Now, I have also got to find the time to complete my sister baby blanket before baby Hayley gets here in June. I have to go to Michaels and get two more skeins of yarn. Yes this is the pink and green blanket I have been working on for a few months. Although my sister does not want to hear it, my carpal tunnel gets in the way of my crocheting sometimes. I will have it done and in the mail by Hayley's arrival. I will repeat what I said last month, I am so glad that neither of my sisters read my blog because I would be in big trouble with this one.

To give an update on my work out goal, I think watching The Biggest Loser was not a good ego booster for my workout. A friend reminded me that those people work out 6 hours a day, have no outside pressure and have people cooking for them. I do an hour of Cardio at least 5 days a week and 3 of those days include weights. I have decided it is time to take the dreaded spin class, but things have gotten in my way. I hate excuses and that sure sounds like an excuse. Now, to further challenge my weight goals, I not only made a lasagna for my family last week, but I ate it. No I did not just have it once and leave it alone, I had it I think a total of 3 times. Add in the chips I got out of the vending machine at work and that would explain why although I had lost 7.75 pounds as of May 15, I gained 3 pounds last week. No more scales for at least a week. I hate not seeing the number drop.

Speaking of my weight, I can tell you how much I have lost but is it wrong for me to refuse to tell you what I weigh? I have a doctors appointment tomorrow and I do not even want them knowing my weight. I think that I am also going to stop telling people what I have lost because anyone can do the math once I am done and figure out what I weighed since I plan to shout to the world when I reach my 125-130 goal. The above picture is me at that goal weight. I think that is a good place to be. My Bday is June 17 and I want to be down one size by then. Two sizes would be nice, but I will set a goal that is more healthy for my body.

I am getting a tattoo this weekend and kinky twist in my hair. I will make sure that I post pictures of both on my next blog. I will also really try to post more often. A fellow blogger has decided to post a memory lane blog, that is not a bad idea. I think I need a theme and a commitment to post about that theme each week. I really do have to make more time for my blog since I decided this was what I wanted to do.

Until next time, happy reading. In addition to my reading challenge list from 1st and 2nd quarter, I have reviews posted and the links to several other literary links. Take the time to explore and you may find something of interest to add to your library.