Where are you now ... already!

I've probably read just about every mystery written by Mary Higgins Clark. Her latest (that I know of) is called "Where Are You Now?" It was never ending for me, even though it was only about 300 pages. This one wasn't one of my favorites. I can usually get through one of her books in a day or two. It took me a while longer with this one. And I even picked up other books and was tempted to start them (that's something I never do!)

The premise of the story was intriguing. A young man disappears weeks before his college graduation and for the next 10 years the only contact he has with his family occurs once a year on Mother's Day when he calls him mother to let her know that he's okay. Even more interesting is the fact that Clark read a news article about this very thing happening and was inspired to pen this tale.

It was okay. I was "shocked" at the end. But I may think twice about reading her next book. I may just be over it.

Yes, Bob. I'm ready!

It's 2009! Hard to believe another year has come and gone, and once again we are making resolutions to be better, stronger, nicer, leaner ... and all that other stuff.

I've decided that 2009 is going to be a year of prepartion for me. (I have a milestone birthday coming up next year and I want to be fabulous!) And I picked up this book in the library last week that is going to help me. It's not the first time I've started the year out with some kind of "diet and exercise" book. But this time, the book includes information about the emotional aspects of weight gain. I know for sure that's something that I need.

Last year my coworkers and I had a couple "Biggest Loser" contests. And the cash pots should have been incentive enough for me to shed the pounds, but after a week or so, I always went back to the unhealthy, comfort foods that made me feel better. I did manage to lose 10 lbs, and could see a difference in my clothing and the way I felt.

Unfortunately, my reaction to my grandmother's sickness and eventual death put an end to my efforts. I gained back the 10 lbs. I lost and 10 more. I've never eaten as much junk or moved around less in my life. I told someone last year that I hadn't really shed any tears, but I have eaten enough to mourn the deaths of a hundred people.

My grandmother wouldn't have wanted that. In fact, she told all of us to take better care of ourselves so that we would have a better chance to fight high blood pressure and other diseases that are more likely to strike overweight, sendentary people.

This book by Bob Harper, a trainer from one of my favorite shows, The Biggest Loser" starts with working through the "why" of eating. I think that's a good place for me to begin. I especially like the fact that Bob admits to being an emotional eater -- even though he's in phenomenal shape. He's just found a way to recognize and overcome the habit of overeating.

I got a gift card from Barnes and Noble for Christmas, so I think I'll buy my own copy of this book. Hopefully by the end of this year, it will be worn and a bit tattered from use. And there will be no question about my readiness!