Lent and Easter Sunday are over. I have no idea where those 40 days went, I just know they go a lot faster now than when I was a kid when that time seemed to last forever!
My goal this past lent was not to give up something but rather work on improving and doing better. I tried to do the 40 bags concept..this is a theory of getting rid of and cleaning out-40 bags in 40 days. I did not do a bag a day. And the concept does not just mean stuff. It did range from getting rid of stuff, but it also meant things like email files or files on your laptop or cell phone. I worked on this concept off and on over the course of the 40 days of lent. Somedays I got rid of nothing or very little. Other days is was a free for all. I burnt stuff, I bagged it for charity, I put stuff in the trash. I cleaned out drawers. I went through email files I went through pictures on my phone and laptop. I went through paperwork both at home and school. One day it was as simple as cleaning out the tooth brush drawer at home! One day last week my office floor at work was covered in piles and I pitched junk, big time. It was a good feeling on the days I accomplish my daily lenten goal. And on good Friday I took a load of "stuff" to a local charitable organization and dropped it all off. I left it and didn't look back. There is less stuff in my life. But I didn't stop after lent was over. I continued to clean and purge, even on Easter Sunday. I went through coats yesterday and I will hang on to that bag of coats until next fall when I can donate them to a coat drive so someone who can't afford a winter coat can home one of mine!
I spent time yesterday taking down some of the decorations and belongings in one of my extra bedrooms. It is, correction, was my son's room. He hasn't been home to live full time in almost 5-1/2 years, he's now an adult, married, a college grad and working a full time job-he won't be back to live in that room any more. I struggled a little with taking down all the things that remind me of him and made that room his room. I'm not gonna lie it made me very sad. But then in my nostalgic sadness I remembered a mom in my community who lost two of her three sons four months ago in an auto accident. She also has empty bedrooms but for a much sadder and heartbreaking reason. It made me a lot less sad but instead grateful for what and who I do have in my life. Suck it up buttercup I told myself. So my lenten cleaning continued. Today is was files on an electronic device and I will continue!
So as I head into post-lent season I hope I remember to continue to keep the "less is more" mentality and continue to clean, get rid of and pass along the "stuff" that fills my life.
Less really is more...and we can't take any of it with us.
Monday, April 17, 2017
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Make your own sunshine
We had beautiful weather back in February here in the midwest. It was in the 60s and 70s for a while. We got spoiled and March was a rude awaking and reminder that it was still winter with much colder temps and a mix of rain or snow.
It is now April and we are into a very gloomy, wet, cold pattern here. We've seen very little sun over the past week or more. Clouds and rain or drizzle have been the norm and people are getting tired of it. I imagine the farmers are getting antsy to get things dried out and get into the fields.
Yesterday was the first sunny day we've had a week. It wasn't fully sunny but we had more sun than clouds. The attitudes were much better and happier. It was nice to see the sun and smiles and see better attitudes.
And then there is today, cloudy with a north wind. It's dreary to say the least. Everyone seems to be in a funk. I'm not sure how people is Seattle, with the rain they get, handle this but here in the midwest we are tired of this. It's April and spring time. Things should be blooming and growing and turning green. Instead we kind of sit idle, wet and muddy. The grass is turning green as are some of the farm fields, otherwise its brown. The trees are trying to bud, but they need sunshine. We need sunshine.
So when I saw it was another cloudy, dreary day and I checked the weather app on my phone I decided to make my own sunshine and not let it get me down. I'm wearing yellow jeans/pants...a brave move for me. Black usually is my go to color, but in an effort to think spring I'm dressed like it is sunny outside. At least I'm trying. A coworker is wearing a dress with sandals....she mentioned trying to find spring as well!
But spring also has to come with a spring-like attitude. It's easy to get sucked into the drama and negative attitude that is going around. It's darn right depressing around here some days.
So in addition to wearing sunshine-yellow jeans I'm going to do something that makes me happy or brings sunshine-like affects for me. I'm thinking walking, even if it's on the treadmill (I'd rather be outside) but the sweating is therapeutic as much physically as mentally. And I may do something for myself like read for a while or something that brings a sunshine feeling to my world.
I hope you find your sunshine regardless of what it is like outside today.
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
The world keeps spinning
Despite what happens in your life the world keeps spinning, the sun comes up and life goes on. But I am not talking about the world spinning in that sense today. I'm talking about how I'm feeling, once again!
Vertigo-I know this is a movie title but I'm talking a medical condition here. I watched my mom deal with vertigo for years. And to be honest I think it affected her a lot, and became a way of life for her-sadly. She always struggled with balance, which I had also dealt with until things got really bad about three years ago. It was so bad that I could not get out of bed or move without vomiting. And my mom always said it made her feel like she'd been drinking. That is the best way to describe it.
So guess what I woke up with this morning?! My world was and is spinning-literally. I made the discovery a couple of years ago that a visit to my chiropractor and the vertigo would improve or go away completely after an adjustment or two or three. Alleluia!!
This little medical calamity is not fun. Walking much less walking straight is a challenge. Getting up regardless if it is from a sitting position or laying down is a challenge, if not sometimes impossible. The bed may spin or levitate-yes that probably sounds like a horror movie, but that is how it feels. Using the wall to walk is normal and how I remember my mom walking, with her finger tips lightly touching the wall to keep herself walking straight and a method I use. See, I learned from the best. You also use a focal point keeping your eyes down to learn how to move and walk in order to keep going without weaving all over the place. Thank goodness for flooring with lines-it helps you walk straight.
Today's attack got progressively worse as my morning went. I could not walk straight and keeping my breakfast down was getting to be a challenge. A midmorning visit to my chiropractor required some popping and adjusting, massaging my sinus's to get them to drain and I'm back at work. And a conversation by my doctor pointing out the fact that for the third year in a row I've been in his office with this vertigo issue at this same time of year is hinting that this could be related or triggered by allergies? Perhaps we are thinking, that is the culprit! I do feel a bit better, the stomach has settled down and I'm not doing much walking or moving around purely for the fact that I'm not too good on my feet and I don't want to look like I've had a liquid lunch!
So while the world keeps spinning my world does too, but in a different way and for a different reason but, and this is big news, we finally have sunshine, and this is a good thing because we've seen little, if any sun in the past week or more! May your world keep spinning and for all the right reasons!
Vertigo-I know this is a movie title but I'm talking a medical condition here. I watched my mom deal with vertigo for years. And to be honest I think it affected her a lot, and became a way of life for her-sadly. She always struggled with balance, which I had also dealt with until things got really bad about three years ago. It was so bad that I could not get out of bed or move without vomiting. And my mom always said it made her feel like she'd been drinking. That is the best way to describe it.
So guess what I woke up with this morning?! My world was and is spinning-literally. I made the discovery a couple of years ago that a visit to my chiropractor and the vertigo would improve or go away completely after an adjustment or two or three. Alleluia!!
This little medical calamity is not fun. Walking much less walking straight is a challenge. Getting up regardless if it is from a sitting position or laying down is a challenge, if not sometimes impossible. The bed may spin or levitate-yes that probably sounds like a horror movie, but that is how it feels. Using the wall to walk is normal and how I remember my mom walking, with her finger tips lightly touching the wall to keep herself walking straight and a method I use. See, I learned from the best. You also use a focal point keeping your eyes down to learn how to move and walk in order to keep going without weaving all over the place. Thank goodness for flooring with lines-it helps you walk straight.
Today's attack got progressively worse as my morning went. I could not walk straight and keeping my breakfast down was getting to be a challenge. A midmorning visit to my chiropractor required some popping and adjusting, massaging my sinus's to get them to drain and I'm back at work. And a conversation by my doctor pointing out the fact that for the third year in a row I've been in his office with this vertigo issue at this same time of year is hinting that this could be related or triggered by allergies? Perhaps we are thinking, that is the culprit! I do feel a bit better, the stomach has settled down and I'm not doing much walking or moving around purely for the fact that I'm not too good on my feet and I don't want to look like I've had a liquid lunch!
So while the world keeps spinning my world does too, but in a different way and for a different reason but, and this is big news, we finally have sunshine, and this is a good thing because we've seen little, if any sun in the past week or more! May your world keep spinning and for all the right reasons!
Sunday, April 2, 2017
My mom's birthday
Today would have been my mom's 92nd birthday. I celebrated her last birthday here on earth with her 5 years ago. And to say I miss her is an understatement. My mom and I didn't always see eye to eye. I was a daddy's girl. It's not that I didn't get along with my mom growing up, but I'm a lot like my dad. So I didn't always understand or appreciate my mom's take on things until I was an adult and more so now that she is gone.
My mom was a kind, gentle soul. Forever young at heart, up to the very end. I truly believe she never wanted to die. She was fiercely proud of her kids. She hated to see us go as we grew up and left home and when we'd come to visit and left to go back to our own homes and lives. She loved and spoiled her grandchildren like a pro! She was a wonderful grandparent.
My parents had a 50/50 marriage. They argued and had their share of tough times. But they respected each other, treated each other how they wanted to be treated. They still had the newness that often gets lost and forgotten even after 50 years of marriage. They had fun together. And my dad always told my mom that he never knew happiness until he met and married her. He would bring her chocolate and flowers for no reason, a lot. She would make his favorite meals, shine his shoes and make sure the car was sparkling clean-all things my dad loved. Dad would build things for mom, including a house! They farmed together, making a living off of the land and raised livestock. And they raised five kids together! My parents would always make every birthday and anniversary a special day from start to finish for each other. It was always fun to watch and hear about.
So after my dad died I felt a responsibility to be there for mom on her birthday if I could. To help her through the tough days and the important days. This included me often taking a day off of work, driving four hours, spending as much time as I could with mom (usually ham and pineapple pizza or Chinese buffet and of course strawberries!) and then I would drive four hours back to my home and family. I would do it all over again, in a heartbeat. Great memories.
My mom was a kind and soft-hearted soul. I only saw her angry a handful of times. She would discipline us kids but we always knew she loved us fiercely and wanted nothing but the best. We were all raised the same but all turned out differently. It's amazing how that works out.
My heart is always a little sad and heavy when this date rolls around every year. I miss my mom, mainly to talk with, I can still hear her voice. The older I got the more I valued her wisdom, knowledge and insight. And the one thing I keep trying to strive for as I continue my journey is the phrase I heard dozens of times at my mom's visitation and funeral....grace. She was a woman of grace, without a double.
So today I'll find something to do in my mom's memory, even if it's just writing this blog, although strawberries sound good. My mom was one of my biggest fans when it came to my writing-I think it made her proud! So here's to grace, she set the bar high and I'm not sure if I can ever achieve her level but I'm so blessed that God chose to make her my mom.
My mom was a kind, gentle soul. Forever young at heart, up to the very end. I truly believe she never wanted to die. She was fiercely proud of her kids. She hated to see us go as we grew up and left home and when we'd come to visit and left to go back to our own homes and lives. She loved and spoiled her grandchildren like a pro! She was a wonderful grandparent.
My parents had a 50/50 marriage. They argued and had their share of tough times. But they respected each other, treated each other how they wanted to be treated. They still had the newness that often gets lost and forgotten even after 50 years of marriage. They had fun together. And my dad always told my mom that he never knew happiness until he met and married her. He would bring her chocolate and flowers for no reason, a lot. She would make his favorite meals, shine his shoes and make sure the car was sparkling clean-all things my dad loved. Dad would build things for mom, including a house! They farmed together, making a living off of the land and raised livestock. And they raised five kids together! My parents would always make every birthday and anniversary a special day from start to finish for each other. It was always fun to watch and hear about.
So after my dad died I felt a responsibility to be there for mom on her birthday if I could. To help her through the tough days and the important days. This included me often taking a day off of work, driving four hours, spending as much time as I could with mom (usually ham and pineapple pizza or Chinese buffet and of course strawberries!) and then I would drive four hours back to my home and family. I would do it all over again, in a heartbeat. Great memories.
My mom was a kind and soft-hearted soul. I only saw her angry a handful of times. She would discipline us kids but we always knew she loved us fiercely and wanted nothing but the best. We were all raised the same but all turned out differently. It's amazing how that works out.
My heart is always a little sad and heavy when this date rolls around every year. I miss my mom, mainly to talk with, I can still hear her voice. The older I got the more I valued her wisdom, knowledge and insight. And the one thing I keep trying to strive for as I continue my journey is the phrase I heard dozens of times at my mom's visitation and funeral....grace. She was a woman of grace, without a double.
So today I'll find something to do in my mom's memory, even if it's just writing this blog, although strawberries sound good. My mom was one of my biggest fans when it came to my writing-I think it made her proud! So here's to grace, she set the bar high and I'm not sure if I can ever achieve her level but I'm so blessed that God chose to make her my mom.
Friday, March 31, 2017
Doing your best work!
I've always been a night owl-this is what my mom always called me. I guess I was not a good napper as a baby or child. I was the kid laying on her kindergarten mat fidgeting and looking around instead of resting! My favorite part of the day....the later the better. I would stay up until 1, 2 or 3 a.m. reading with a flashlight under the blankets at a kid. I loved summer time when I could do this then sleep late. And when I woke up after my late night/early morning reading binge, I'd grab my book and pick up where I left off!
High school and college years were no better. I did some of my best work after 9 or 10 p.m. in the evening! I would pull all-nighters at semester test time in college. I don't know why but I do my best work later in the day. I've always said if I was a nurse you'd want me on the 11-7 shift or the 3-11 p.m. shift. I've always been like this.
Fast forward to adulthood/parenthood and if you think you are sleep deprived in college that's nothing compared to being a parent. Newborns are so messed up with their days and nights and I understand why. Before they are born they sleep during the day because they are lulled to sleep by the movement and sounds, at night when the mom is quiet (you are sleeping) they are up and at it! I was blessed with a colicky baby on my first round. Sleep walking became the norm for me! Things got better. Kids grow up and learn to love sleep (most, with the exception of me!). Someone once gave me the sound advice to sleep with your baby/child sleeps...best advice ever! It took me a while to learn but I did-a rested mom is a much better parent. And life continues to move along...teenagers love to sleep late after usually staying up late. I was blessed with a child who is like her dad, she loves to sleep and requires a LOT of sleep. The other two did okay in the sleep department as well.
Now that the nest is empty I'm involved even more. I work two jobs outside my full time job and I have to have something to do. I don't like to just sit and watch tv or play games on my phone. I need something productive to do. And besides the full time job and the two other part time jobs I have a house to run and take care of with little help. I've tried and struggled to train myself to be a morning person. And honestly I keep a better handle on my migraines if I do get up seven days a week at the same time. It's tough to do this some days when I've stayed up late but I feel so much better if I keep a schedule.
And I've tried to train myself to go to bed earlier. I've never been a morning person and I'm still not admitting to myself that I probably never will be but I probably won't ever be "good morning sunshine" kind of person! I was recently to the point of crawling into my bed after 8 p.m. to watch a movie on my laptop or read for a few weeks. Winter was hanging around too long, it's dark out and it is good to be home. But as you can probably guess I'd fall asleep and guess who would wake up sometime between 2-4 a.m. ME!!! Ugh. So last night I had the opportunity to stay up and wait for my youngest son to arrive home. And I was amazed at how much I got done! I was more than ready for today. I had actually gotten up earlier than normal yesterday morning and got a lot done at home as well before heading into work. I've not been home much after school this week so I was not on top of things. It happens, don't judge! But back to my late night accomplishments-I impressed myself. I felt coherent (not always the case in the mornings) and I felt ready for today when I crawled into bed after midnight. I got things done that had been on my mental "to do" list all week! Yay me!
We all have different personalities and times when we do our "best work". I'll never judge someone who is a morning person or does their best work at 3 a.m. Yay you regardless! Now someone who needs 10-12 hours of sleep....I struggle with that one...but we're all different. I feel like poo if it get too much sleep-usually triggers a migraine and I'd rather eat dirt to avoid one of those. But it is what it is! Make the most of whatever kind of personality your have, be it a night owl, an early bird or an exhausted pigeon!!
High school and college years were no better. I did some of my best work after 9 or 10 p.m. in the evening! I would pull all-nighters at semester test time in college. I don't know why but I do my best work later in the day. I've always said if I was a nurse you'd want me on the 11-7 shift or the 3-11 p.m. shift. I've always been like this.
Fast forward to adulthood/parenthood and if you think you are sleep deprived in college that's nothing compared to being a parent. Newborns are so messed up with their days and nights and I understand why. Before they are born they sleep during the day because they are lulled to sleep by the movement and sounds, at night when the mom is quiet (you are sleeping) they are up and at it! I was blessed with a colicky baby on my first round. Sleep walking became the norm for me! Things got better. Kids grow up and learn to love sleep (most, with the exception of me!). Someone once gave me the sound advice to sleep with your baby/child sleeps...best advice ever! It took me a while to learn but I did-a rested mom is a much better parent. And life continues to move along...teenagers love to sleep late after usually staying up late. I was blessed with a child who is like her dad, she loves to sleep and requires a LOT of sleep. The other two did okay in the sleep department as well.
Now that the nest is empty I'm involved even more. I work two jobs outside my full time job and I have to have something to do. I don't like to just sit and watch tv or play games on my phone. I need something productive to do. And besides the full time job and the two other part time jobs I have a house to run and take care of with little help. I've tried and struggled to train myself to be a morning person. And honestly I keep a better handle on my migraines if I do get up seven days a week at the same time. It's tough to do this some days when I've stayed up late but I feel so much better if I keep a schedule.
And I've tried to train myself to go to bed earlier. I've never been a morning person and I'm still not admitting to myself that I probably never will be but I probably won't ever be "good morning sunshine" kind of person! I was recently to the point of crawling into my bed after 8 p.m. to watch a movie on my laptop or read for a few weeks. Winter was hanging around too long, it's dark out and it is good to be home. But as you can probably guess I'd fall asleep and guess who would wake up sometime between 2-4 a.m. ME!!! Ugh. So last night I had the opportunity to stay up and wait for my youngest son to arrive home. And I was amazed at how much I got done! I was more than ready for today. I had actually gotten up earlier than normal yesterday morning and got a lot done at home as well before heading into work. I've not been home much after school this week so I was not on top of things. It happens, don't judge! But back to my late night accomplishments-I impressed myself. I felt coherent (not always the case in the mornings) and I felt ready for today when I crawled into bed after midnight. I got things done that had been on my mental "to do" list all week! Yay me!
We all have different personalities and times when we do our "best work". I'll never judge someone who is a morning person or does their best work at 3 a.m. Yay you regardless! Now someone who needs 10-12 hours of sleep....I struggle with that one...but we're all different. I feel like poo if it get too much sleep-usually triggers a migraine and I'd rather eat dirt to avoid one of those. But it is what it is! Make the most of whatever kind of personality your have, be it a night owl, an early bird or an exhausted pigeon!!
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
When I do dumb things
We all do dumb things. Some people do dumb things daily or several times a day. Some people rarely do dumb things. I have mastered the fine art of doing dumb things, so I'm a daily dumb things doer! I've also tried to master the fine art of covering up or ignoring my stupidity or praying no one notices! But I'll be the first one to laugh at myself.
My dumb thing today....leaving my lunch sit out on the counter all night. Duh Lynn. I sadly put it in the trash at 6 a.m. when I discovered my unthinking act. I was half mad at myself. because I was looking forward to lunch! So lunch today consisted of dry granola bar and an apple with some water. I had a perfectly delicious leftover lunch I could have been eating....but noooooo. Nice job Lynn.
The other almost dumb thing I did was wear shoes that have holes in them (not like they are worn and old but part of the design on the top of the shoe-I call them my perforated shoes!). It has been pouring rain for the past 12 hours and is sloppy and wet out. I stepped outside my back door and turned around the went in to change my shoes-at least I didn't get any farther than that! I knew it was raining, hard, but didn't give it a thought when I slipped on my shoes for the day. Another duh Lynn moment, that was like the second one within an hour this morning. Insert eye roll emoji here!
Being the youngest of five I did a lot of silly, embarrassing and stupid things. And my siblings liked to laugh and make fun of me when I did this. I get embarrassed easily and I'm still very conscience of what I say or do and try to avoid at all cost the risk of embarrassing myself. Having people laugh at you, especially when it is an embarrassing moment is not a good feeling. And especially when the people laughing at you is someone you trust or are close to and it's in public, it hurts because they are laughing at you.
I try, as I've said before, to fly under the radar. Stealth-mode, as I like to call it. I worry about having food in my teeth or saying something dumb or tripping in front of a crowd. No I have not embraced my klutziness nor my stupidity, especially in front of people I know or people who I know will be the first one to point out my faux pas. I don't need someone calling out my stupidity, I'm fully aware of it! I also try to cover when someone else makes a mistake or does something embarrassing. We're all in this together and the last thing I want to do is point out someone's screw up.
I love a good laugh, it's good for the soul, and I often laugh at myself for the dumb things I do or think or say. So when it comes to laughing at myself or a good friend for something dumb, it is truly good for the soul. But when it is an embarrassing moment I'll try to cover or ignore or help divert attention away from the situation. I'm a safety kind of person!
So I will continue to try to embrace my dumb moments and if someone points them out I will try to handle it with dignity and grace rather than turning 12 shade of red from blushing and getting flustered (this is my usual method of dealing). I'm sure I'm not finished with dumb things for today...it happens, I need to embrace my stupidity and mistakes and laugh at them rather than hid them. I'm working on it....
Have a good dumb-free day!
My dumb thing today....leaving my lunch sit out on the counter all night. Duh Lynn. I sadly put it in the trash at 6 a.m. when I discovered my unthinking act. I was half mad at myself. because I was looking forward to lunch! So lunch today consisted of dry granola bar and an apple with some water. I had a perfectly delicious leftover lunch I could have been eating....but noooooo. Nice job Lynn.
The other almost dumb thing I did was wear shoes that have holes in them (not like they are worn and old but part of the design on the top of the shoe-I call them my perforated shoes!). It has been pouring rain for the past 12 hours and is sloppy and wet out. I stepped outside my back door and turned around the went in to change my shoes-at least I didn't get any farther than that! I knew it was raining, hard, but didn't give it a thought when I slipped on my shoes for the day. Another duh Lynn moment, that was like the second one within an hour this morning. Insert eye roll emoji here!
Being the youngest of five I did a lot of silly, embarrassing and stupid things. And my siblings liked to laugh and make fun of me when I did this. I get embarrassed easily and I'm still very conscience of what I say or do and try to avoid at all cost the risk of embarrassing myself. Having people laugh at you, especially when it is an embarrassing moment is not a good feeling. And especially when the people laughing at you is someone you trust or are close to and it's in public, it hurts because they are laughing at you.
I try, as I've said before, to fly under the radar. Stealth-mode, as I like to call it. I worry about having food in my teeth or saying something dumb or tripping in front of a crowd. No I have not embraced my klutziness nor my stupidity, especially in front of people I know or people who I know will be the first one to point out my faux pas. I don't need someone calling out my stupidity, I'm fully aware of it! I also try to cover when someone else makes a mistake or does something embarrassing. We're all in this together and the last thing I want to do is point out someone's screw up.
I love a good laugh, it's good for the soul, and I often laugh at myself for the dumb things I do or think or say. So when it comes to laughing at myself or a good friend for something dumb, it is truly good for the soul. But when it is an embarrassing moment I'll try to cover or ignore or help divert attention away from the situation. I'm a safety kind of person!
So I will continue to try to embrace my dumb moments and if someone points them out I will try to handle it with dignity and grace rather than turning 12 shade of red from blushing and getting flustered (this is my usual method of dealing). I'm sure I'm not finished with dumb things for today...it happens, I need to embrace my stupidity and mistakes and laugh at them rather than hid them. I'm working on it....
Have a good dumb-free day!
Thursday, March 23, 2017
What are you reading?
I've been a book worm since I learned how to read! Today I'd like to call it a library/book store rat!!
I used to read any and everything I could get my hands on. I read all the books left behind by my sisters. I would go to the library on Saturday while my mom would get groceries to stock up on books for the week! I would do the reading club/challenge that the public library offered every summer. I would ask for books or use gift money to buy books. I can't imagine what it's like to NOT be able to read.
So recently I sent out an email to all female staff at my school inviting them to be part of a book club here at school. I heard back from seven other people and so we created "our little book club," as I like to call it. We have a variety of people involved. When we met two weeks ago to discuss our first book, two members had finished the book, two of us were in the midst of reading the book, two had not gotten the book and one I'm not sure of but could not be there. The discussion was interesting and educational.
So we forged ahead to read book number two. (I still have to finish the first book-but don't tell anyone!). So I'm on a reading kick right now. I have bought a few books, after I read them I donate them to the library I work at so the book can be read by others-pay it forward. I've started the second book...and I've read at least 2-3 other books in the mean time. I used to read any and everything. Now I have a hard time finding books that keep my interest or I feel worth my time. Yes I've gotten picky.
I ordered three books from ebay last week that arrived earlier this week, they were cheap, it was a buy two get one for free deal and all were books that were on my "books I want to read" list. None of them are current or on Oprah's must-read list or the New York Times best sellers list right now. But non-the-less they were books that I wanted to read. Well guess what, they arrived, I grabbed the top book and to say I'm a little obsessed with it is an understatement! I read during the night the night before last...for 2-1/2 hours, instead of sleeping. I haven't done this for a long time. It's an autobiography by an actress and I've found it funny. Funny to the point where I've actually cried because I'm laughing so hard. That might be part of the reason why I'm enjoying it. And I'm NOT getting my book club book read, once again!
I'm a feast or famine reader. I can go months without having a book to read or take months to read a book. In the past four weeks I've read six books. I love this. Yes, there are things that are NOT getting done, but no one is going hungry and work is still getting finished. Why do I have this obsession again, I don't know. Maybe I've opened my mind or tried a new genre or two. I read a murder mystery and that genre has not been my forte for a while. It was a good read suggested by my daughter. Regardless I have enjoyed this down time, other than my lack of sleep, for the past month or so. For me reading is like exercising-it's good for my mind and soul.
We all forget and don't realize how much we read every day-it's like breathing, you just take it for granted. It's part of life!
By the way, what are YOU reading right now?
I used to read any and everything I could get my hands on. I read all the books left behind by my sisters. I would go to the library on Saturday while my mom would get groceries to stock up on books for the week! I would do the reading club/challenge that the public library offered every summer. I would ask for books or use gift money to buy books. I can't imagine what it's like to NOT be able to read.
So recently I sent out an email to all female staff at my school inviting them to be part of a book club here at school. I heard back from seven other people and so we created "our little book club," as I like to call it. We have a variety of people involved. When we met two weeks ago to discuss our first book, two members had finished the book, two of us were in the midst of reading the book, two had not gotten the book and one I'm not sure of but could not be there. The discussion was interesting and educational.
So we forged ahead to read book number two. (I still have to finish the first book-but don't tell anyone!). So I'm on a reading kick right now. I have bought a few books, after I read them I donate them to the library I work at so the book can be read by others-pay it forward. I've started the second book...and I've read at least 2-3 other books in the mean time. I used to read any and everything. Now I have a hard time finding books that keep my interest or I feel worth my time. Yes I've gotten picky.
I ordered three books from ebay last week that arrived earlier this week, they were cheap, it was a buy two get one for free deal and all were books that were on my "books I want to read" list. None of them are current or on Oprah's must-read list or the New York Times best sellers list right now. But non-the-less they were books that I wanted to read. Well guess what, they arrived, I grabbed the top book and to say I'm a little obsessed with it is an understatement! I read during the night the night before last...for 2-1/2 hours, instead of sleeping. I haven't done this for a long time. It's an autobiography by an actress and I've found it funny. Funny to the point where I've actually cried because I'm laughing so hard. That might be part of the reason why I'm enjoying it. And I'm NOT getting my book club book read, once again!
I'm a feast or famine reader. I can go months without having a book to read or take months to read a book. In the past four weeks I've read six books. I love this. Yes, there are things that are NOT getting done, but no one is going hungry and work is still getting finished. Why do I have this obsession again, I don't know. Maybe I've opened my mind or tried a new genre or two. I read a murder mystery and that genre has not been my forte for a while. It was a good read suggested by my daughter. Regardless I have enjoyed this down time, other than my lack of sleep, for the past month or so. For me reading is like exercising-it's good for my mind and soul.
We all forget and don't realize how much we read every day-it's like breathing, you just take it for granted. It's part of life!
By the way, what are YOU reading right now?
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