"On Writing" by Stephen King

I'm currently reading "On Writing" by Stephen King. I'm enjoying it very much, although it's taking me forever to finish it. It's the kids, need I say more? The book is part autobiographical and part writing tips. I have it as an e-book on my PDA (downloaded from www.peanutpress.com). I could rant and rave so much about reading ebooks versus physical novels, but I'll just summarize and say that it's a really neat thing for anyone to try.

But oh, how I wish I could set aside long sessions for reading. Instead, because of the needs of the kiddies, I could only spare moments taking in paragraphs. Paragraphs and sentences, mind you. Not even pages. If I ever come across a parent that can average one or two novels a month, I'll ask him or her how they do it, because I certainly can't at this point.

In conclusion, I'd appreciate anyone's wisdom on better personal time management while juggling the responsibilities of 2 toddlers and a baby.

Thanks in advance. :-)

I didn't bike today.

I've learned that the road to consistent workouts lies not in motivation but in habit.
--self

Years ago, I used to exercise regularly to the point that if I stopped for a week or so, I'd get this horrible withdrawal feeling. Ahhh, those were the days of a good habit that no longer exists. So these days, I need the motivation that'll eventually help my exercise sessions evolve into a habit. Hopefully, I'll have better results tomorrow. And I must remind myself to wake up to "This Love" by Maroon 5. It just might give me the right push.

"This Love" by Maroon 5

It's the latest song that reverberates in my head -- "This Love" by Maroon 5. This group is a nice breather from others that I've listened to lately. Cool funky sound and nice rhythms. Songs are like prayers to me: reflective, moving and motivating. I hope to go cycling tomorrow on my bike trainer in the basement. I haven't worked out in too long of a time and need to take a best friend's advice on taking better care of myself. "This Love" will be part of the workout routine.

I saw a movie on DVD

I saw “Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!” yesterday. Nice romantic movie that reminded me of “Some Kind of Wonderful”.

10 Days Since My Last Post

It's been over a week since my last post. Been too busy with the kids and house to get back online. It makes me wonder why I bother to use my free time to blog. In fact, I've been wondering this ever since I started these entries. Initially, I wanted to create a journal to read over after a few months or years have passed, quite along the lines of why I've created photo albums.

However, after only a few entries, I see that blogging is more than what I originally intended. More importantly, it's become a form of reflection. I organize my thoughts and convey them in text as best as I can. I read what I'm thinking and think about what I've read. And perhaps it would cause me to better myself for the next day.

Mostly, I enjoy my blog. I like it, therefore I keep doing it. So does there really have to be a point at all?

Nick Berg

I viewed the entire execution of Nick Berg today. I did a search using Limewire (a file sharing program similar to Napster) and found an uncensored copy. His death was beyond horrifying to watch. The nauseating feeling in my stomach is still there. I can't fully describe my thoughts on this other than to just keep shaking my head in disgust. It's a very harsh reminder for me to keep hugging my kids and pardon the now relatively minor frustrations that parenthood brings. Today, I said 'I love you' to them more times than usual because of what I saw. I just hope that I never forget this feeling from watching that video clip; it'd be one of my more vivid reminders to help me be thankful for the good things in my life.

A memorial website has been set up here.

May the comforts of Nick Berg's family be many. May he rest in peace.

Just the 5 of us

Ah, the family! Mommy & I. Tina, Mindy & Miguel.

Ahhh those soothing songs.

This song plays incessantly in my head: "Why Don't You and I" by Santana. I've heard two versions -- one featuring Chad Kroeger and the radio version featuring Alex Band. Chad's version is a bit gritty and sung with seemingly more feeling. However, Alex Band's version has a smoother tonal sound, blends better with Santana's guitar and is my choice for listening; Chad's sound is less soothing and just doesn't do it for me. Nonetheless, my point is that I'm repeatedly amazed how the subtleties of music inspire my moods. It makes me want to search for the old songs that've moved me in the past and to see if they still bring about those same feelings today.

Hello world!

Hello there. This is my first post. Been thinking for a while of pasting my thoughts onto a ‘blog’ – I believe that is the correct usage of the term, although I should look it up. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the reads. Please feel free to comment on anything.