First of all, the Academy Awards. Last night I tuned in, all set and ready to be cynical. My attitude toward the entertainment industry has been, well, resentful, for a couple of years now. But then actors like George Clooney, Rachel Weisz, and Reese Witherspoon, and director Ang Lee reminded me of why I adore entertainers. When they received their awards, they spoke from the heart. Charming, classy, intelligent, humble, and genuine.  They blew apart my cynicism with their down-to-earth grace. I really needed that.

For those of you who read yesterday's entry, you know I was feeling somewhat blue. I thank everyone for their heartwarming comments. You guys are amazing. I ended up leaving the house for a couple of hours, went shopping, something I rarely do, and bought a few new clothes in bright, cheery colors. I didn't cringe when I looked in the three-way mirror, at least not so much.  I'm proud to report that I've taken a cue from my good friend Mary Stella and have started preparing healthy meals and exercising. I've only been doing this for five days and I have already lost weight. I'm astonished.  Now if I can only keep it up. I'm not weighing myself because I think I have an unhealthy number ingrained in my brain. I'm going by what I see in the mirror and how my clothes fit. I know what I'd like to see and that's my goal.

I've stopped and started eating and exercise programs before, however I'm fairly certain I'll follow through with this one. I admit, I'm somewhat motivated by vanity. Being in the limelight, whether it be on stage or at a booksigning makes me ultra-sensitive to my appearance.  But mostly I just want to look and feel more healthy.  I need more energy and a less-weighty mindset. I'm pretty sure the answer is better food, more exercise. Thanks for the inspiration, Mary! 

What are your current personal goals and what are you doing to make it happen?  

You can do it, B! See, a couple of days and already positive results. Keep up the great work.

Um, lose weight (as it always is). Eat healthier (but those white mochas really make it hard).
And um get an agent and publisher, get paint on every wall of my house (in colors that inspire me), clean the basement, take more time out for my son.... But hey, i could go on and on about myself.

Glad to see you are feeling better Beth! I can tell you are smiling today.

My goal this week is to stop staring at the monitor like it's my mortal enemy and *actually* start writing the third book. I swear, it's like after I typed 'the end' on book 2 my brain decided to go off on an extended holiday. I spend an hour or so just staring at the blank page, get frustrated, and go off and reorganize my sock drawer or some other such nonsense. So, that's my goal . . .

Hey, race you to the last open treadmill. (Apologies if the avatar link doesn't work.)

I've been in a low biorhythmic period, haven't felt like cooking or eating.

My goal is to have at least a dozen reasonably easy and delicious recipes juat about alrways ready to fix. Right now, I have maybe three or four that I know I have the ingredients for.

B! I can't believe you are cooking and exercising! That is so great! It's not easy to always stick to a healthy lifestyle, but at least if you try to most of the time, I think that's all it takes! Keep on! (This coming from someone who sincerely understands, as I avoid cooking myself ... though when the mood strikes, it can be fun).

I'm so sorry I missed your blog yesterday about the gig. You've already got the book world by the tail! One door closes, another opens ...

Love ya! C

Cyndi and Mary, you would be so proud of me. you know how I hate cooking, but I've been doing it everyday. Also Pilates. Steve is stunned. ;)

Bethany, my list is at least as long as yours. Trying to tackle a little at a time. Hey, did you finish revising those chaps for the agent??

Scott, I can relate. I'm going through the same thing right now. I think after writing back to back books, it's our brain's way of saying, "I need a break, man." I'm trying to trust the process. Trying not to freak out. I'm trusting that soon, it will just click for me. Until then, need any help sorting socks? ;)

bob, I think my heart would burst if I got on a treadmill. Need to work up to that. ;) I've been doing low-impact Pilates and weight training. i've been cooking dishes out of a book called "Eating for Life" by Bill Phillips. I'm a lousy cook, but even I have turned out some tasty dishes. Nutritious and easy. good luck stocking up on those recipes!

My goals are to work on two books; to lose weight (went back to weight watchers and I'm back to exercising); and to organize my house (which is my goal every year, sigh). Oh...I love to cook, but not to clean. I'll email you some healthy (and easy) recipes when I get a chance. :)

I'd guess the same as your's, Beth. Gotta keep my figure! ;)

In other news, however, I was very upset last night watching the Awards. After they announced Best Supporting Actress I fell asleep! And I didn't wake up till 5:30 AM this morning! I missed everything! I am quite upset about it because everything gets good as the show progresses! I missed even the Memorials! (I do appriciate seeing those talents who have passed away being honored one final grand time). ARGH! I felt like I was 9 all over again! Boy, I am getting old!

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