With a new year looming most people give themselves resolutions. I think the most popular one is loosing weight. Personally I can’t stick to a diet, I can stick to an exercise regime though.

I do have one this year. I want to do more volunteer work. I had thought of contacting the local food bank and see what I could do for them. I don’t have a lot of free time but I wanted to see if I could volunteer something like a few hours a month.

What about you? Do you have a resolution this year?

As much as I like reading Christmas themed books, I am looking forward to finishing the last one I purchased this year. I like reading about Santa and snow, but I’m starting to get tired of it as well. I did notice that this year there weren’t any books about new years. I’ve noticed the past few years that publishers aren’t releasing books about new years any more. That’s too bad because I loved reading them. That said I am looking forward to reading other types of books soon, very soon.

Have you been purchasing Christmas themed books? Did you like them?

My first plan for today had been to go out and shop. Let’s take advantage of those sales big time. However my plans changed. Its noon and I’m still in my PJs reading the last few Christmas books I have on hand. Now I’m planning on taking it easy and eventually getting dressed, maybe.

Here’s hoping you are enjoying a relaxed boxing day!

I hope you are enjoying a wonderful day surrounded by loved ones and remembering those who aren’t there with you.

 Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

For a brief moment hopefully not the last one, DEADLY SECRETS has hit the top 10 in Romantic Suspense at Amazon Canada. Yep I am #10. I find my title and name between Nora Roberts and Susan Brockman.  I’d put the link but with my luck it’d be gone by the time you read it.

Click here to see it ccf12242008_00000.jpg

I know I’m a few days late posting these pictures, but I swear they are worth it. I had to borrow my parents’ digital camera and then wait until they sent me a copy of the pictures. Here they are.

These are books meant for local bookstores. So I only had them for a few hours. My copies still haven’t arrived. I can’t wait to get my hands on those ones as well.

Thanks for letting me share.

If you want to make the picture larger just click on the picture itself.

I have read some many good Christmas books that I can’t do a blog for each. It would just be too much. So I’ll pair them up. I’ll start with HER BABY’S FIST CHRISTMAS by Susan Meier.

As many of you know I’m a HUGE Susan Meier fan. I buy everything she writes. Well her latest book is another great book. This one tells the story of struggling single mother Elise, her little angel Molly and her workaholic neighbor Jared. Together they travel to Four Corners where they discover to let go of the past. With Elise’s help Jared finally forgives himself for his fist wife’s death five years ago. Elise realizes there are still some good guys out there, Jared is proof. Love will bring them together and help heal their emotional wounds. I have to say the character development in this one is fabulous. I felt their pain. I truly can’t wait for Ms Meier’s next book

I just plain out right suck at waiting. I was told that the UPS man (or woman) would be here yesterday with my copies of DEADLY SECRETS. I patiently waited all day yesterday, and they didn’t show up. Again today I find myself running upstairs for any reason just to go and peak outside the window to see if the UPS guy is coming.

I know pathetic isn’t it? It’s not like me running to my window will make the delivery come any quicker, but it certainly feels good though.

I’ll be sure to take pictures of the box and post it when it arrives. Yes I plan to be polite the UPS man and wait until after I calmly close the door before screaming and tearing into the package.

Well the Biggest Loser Family finished this past week. I delayed blogging about it since I had already planned my I AM A SURVIVOR feature. As great as the Biggest Loser is, this feature is more so.

I was thrilled when Michelle won. She looked fabulous. They all did, but she did have a harder time the last week at the ranch since the others didn’t seem to really want to include her. Some of the contestants from last year were there to cheer everyone on.

The ladies certainly lost a lot of weight. Shellay and both Amys looked fabulous along with the others. The biggest change in my opinion was made by Jerry. He really wasn’t healthy when he walked in and now he’s not only healthier but running. Good on him!

It’s funny none of the contestants this year lost over 100 pounds while they were on the ranch. In the past they’d have a few, especially the men hit that weight loss target.  

Was I shocked when America chose Ed as their 3^rd finalist? Not in the least little bit. I have to say their reaction was a little disappointing, I know Heba wanted to be in the finals but she really didn’t come across nicely during her time at the ranch. That said she did fabulous and lost over 138 pounds. Good on her!

Will I be watching the new season when it starts in Jan 2009? You bet. I find this show very inspiring. I also like what they have set up. You at home (in the US) can sign up to loose weight from your own home and every pound you loose the show will donate a pound of healthy food to those who need it in the US. If I could I’d take part, but I don’t live in the US.

Here’s hoping all the participants keep off their weight!

Here is Part 2 of our I AM A SURVIVOR feature with A B Wallace. 

What helped you through the rough times?

The love of a good man, my husband Walt.  The comfort and love our three dogs gave me during this difficult time, and the love of our sweet sun conure. They have always been my strength.  They just make me feel like a million dollars no matter how I look or how I feel.  The warmth of my family and friends.  And laughter.  I watched Frasier every night before I went to bed.  The episodes just made me laugh and laugh.  I felt great and was able to go to bed with a smile on my face. 

What have you learned the most during the journey?

I learned the meaning of the word journey as it pertains to my cancer.  That it’s whatever you want it to be, that you determine what your journey will be.  For me the most important question I had was “how much time do I have?”  My journey taught me that it’s not the amount of time one has, but how you use the time you do have.  I hope to have many, many good years ahead of me. 

How did you feel when you heard the words “remission”?  How long have you been in remission? 

The first time I heard the word “remission” was a couple of weeks ago from my husband.  He was talking to someone on phone and mentioned my cancer was in remission.  Funny, I remember hearing the word remission in the past, on tv and in many discussions about cancer, but in my case, the word “remission” never came up.  All my treatments were weapons being used against the cancer in hopes of stopping it from returning.  I’ve been clear of cancer since my surgery in 2006.  There has been no sign of cancer in my body since then.  I’m very happy to say I’ve been free of cancer for two and a half years.   

Has this battle affected you writing in any way?

Oh, yes.  I’ve written very little during this time.  I’m not sure how to put it, but I lost that magical world within myself, that world that makes anything possible.  My insides were blank sheets of paper I just never wanted to bother with.  And I’m still fighting this.  It is getting better though.  I have started writing again. 

What would you advise a newly diagnosed woman if you were given the chance?

I expected the diagnoses and treatments to be devastating, far more difficult than it actually was.  Don’t let the cancer take over your life.  Instead, live your life even though you have or have had cancer.   

What are your new life goals?

My new life goals are to enjoy the time I have with our critters, enjoy the time I have with my hubby, and do everything possible to do this for as long as I can.  I’ll write because I love it, and no longer worry about making a career of it.  I’ll live my life, and explore what that is with my husband, family, friends, and my lovely critters too.  A chi-mix joined our family January of 2008.  We adopted her from a rescue organization.  Whenever we’ve lost a loved one, we brought a new life into our family.  Now we brought a new life in our family to celebrate life.  My life.  Their lives.  And that’s how I’d like us to live, by celebrating it every chance we get. 

I would like to thank A B Wallace for taking time to be a part of I AM A SURVIVOR feature. I’m hoping to do this on a monthly basis at first and increase as I get more survivors interviewed. If you are one or know someone who is a survivor of Breast Cancer please contact me.