I did it. I actually finished something!
I often think of blogging and then decide not to because I am afraid that if I start, then I will not follow through and I hate not finishing what I start. It is a really bad habit of mine.
But I recently stepped out of my comfort zone and signed up for my library's adult winter book reading program. The motivation? Well, there are a few prizes: $1 off of library fines coupon, a computer cleaning cloth, and a tote bag. But what really motivated me was a "new year's resolution" to see if I could sign up and then actually finished the reading program. I really like to read, but finding time to read as a mom of two little ones with emotional disorders and trying to squeeze in some time to keep up with my very part time job and trying to stay awake past 8:30pm each night, well, let's just say it is not easy to make time to read.
But I challenged myself, nonetheless, and now I have finished it! Yea! 6 books in two months from 6 different categories. Here's my list:
Play With Me by Sally Miller/Cheri Mueller (Non-fiction: Relationships)
I picked this up because as a stay-at-home-mom of two preschoolers I'm always looking for new things to do with my kids. I thought it might give some cute ideas of different things to do with my kids. Also, I have two very close friends from church who have authored a book together and their last names are Miller and Mueller (no joke!). Anyway, the book was actually a collection of essays, prayers, poems, and recipes by two moms who are best friends. I really enjoyed it. It was a quick read. I especially enjoyed the parts where one family shares about going through the adoption process with their little girl from China. I'd recommend this book to all new moms.
Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albon (Non-fiction: Biography)
A simple but profound book. I have heard so many people talk about it before, so when I just happened upon the title, I thought it is something I should check out. It is a memoir of a man who goes back later in life to visit his favorite college professor who is dying from Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS). Morrie lives life to the very last drop and teaches Mitch along the way about the meaning of life and the importance of relationships.
Mrs. Pollifax On Safari by Dorothy Gilman (Fiction: Mystery)
I'm not big on mysteries, but this was charming. It must have a couple "Mrs. Pollifax" adventures in the series before this book because it started out already having some characters in place assuming that the reader knows their history with Mrs. Pollifax. Besides that, I loved the idea of this little old grandma who leads mostly a quiet life raising geraniums who was called upon to go take pictures at a safari in the hopes that she will capture the portrait of an international assassin. But she can't just leave it at that. She decides to take it upon herself to figure out who the murderer is and intercept him (or her) before the next strike!
Tiger: The Five Ancestors by Jeff Stone (Fiction: Historical Fiction)
An interesting book about 5 warrior monks who each mastered a different style of Kung Fu and what happens after their Cangzhen Temple was destroyed by a fellow brother monk traitor. The thing I found most interesting about the book was the back page blurb about the author. Jeff Stone actually grew up in the town where I live now and wrote this book, his first novel, in the study rooms of the Carmel Clay Public Library where I actually borrowed the book from! Small world! He now lives somewhere in the Midwest and is an author, photographer, and martial arts studio owner.
Loving Our Kids On Purpose by Danny Silk (Non-fiction: Religion or Psychology)
This book has been recommended to me by my uncle and aunt over and over for the past couple of years and was always on my "list of books to read". I thought this reading program would be a great time to break it out. My only regret is that I didn't do it a year ago! It is so good. This Christian parenting guide gives practical steps on creating a heart to heart connection with your children by honoring them. It's a whole new way to look at obedience, love, and discipline. This is not easy teaching...not for the weak hearted! Be prepared to do some hard work (but totally worth it!!!).
King of the Road by Alex Debogorski (6th book: Your Choice)
The only reason I picked this book up is because my husband was reading it and was laughing out loud the whole way through it. I had to find out what my husband thought was so funny. I enjoyed the book although it is not something that I would typically read. A real manly man's book. Very entertaining; larger than life stories by a legendary ice-road trucker, Debogorski, who was featured on History Channel's show "Ice Road Truckers".
So, there you have it. And now, I'm kinda hooked. I can't wait to read my next book. Any suggestions of some titles that I should check out next?
(picture: Ginny and her gear. What fits in her backpack is all she will have with her for the next 11 months!)
