Try not to yawn.
Today’s post promises to be even more exciting than yesterday. Because I lead a wild and crazy life. And then I blog about it. And then you get to read about it.
Look at it this way, at least reading this blog is cheaper than paying for Ambien or Lunesta.
When I was talking about my weekend I forgot to mention that I started reading a book. Yes. A real live book that wasn’t written for the four to six year old crowd. A book that has no pictures.
I am ashamed and embarrassed to admit to you that I have read only two books since I started blogging last summer. I used to be an avid reader. I could read a book in one night, if I was really into it. I even belong to a book club. (It doesn’t help that my book club has a very liberal policy on whether or not the actual reading of the book is necessary.)
I love to read. Lately though, I just have not had time. The time I used to spend crawling into bed with a book at night is now replaced by blogging. And reading blogs. And thinking about posts for the blog. And pictures for the blog. And wondering how it is the blog took over my life.
I kid.
It hasn’t taken over my whole life. Only my life between the hours of 8pm and Midnight. And sometimes between the hours of 8 and 10am. And maybe a stray afternoon here and there. But definitely not my whole life. Because that would just be weird.
So last week I hopped my self over to Amazon and ordered five new books. Two cookbooks and 3 books to read. Because the only thing that is slacking off more around here than my reading, is my cooking. But that is not related to the blog. That is just related to the lazy.
And yes, I did just write the lazy. Whatever that means. I’m not going back to fix it.
My books arrived on Thursday and they felt so good in my hands. Clean and new with crisp pages. I love books.
I started off with a book called Living Simply. I am interested in simplifying, organizing, de-cluttering and living simply while appreciating the people I have rather than the things I have. So the book was a good pick for me. I went up to bed Saturday night, without giving the blog a second thought, and dove right in to the book.
(And I’m going to be totally honest with you and say that the very next day after starting the book entitled Living Simply, I found myself making a list of six things that I am in desperate need of for my house and myself. So clearly, I have not finished the book yet.)
It felt good. It felt good to be in bed reading. It felt good to turn every page and actually be thinking about something other than the blog and what to write for the blog. It felt good to feel my eyes grow heavy and my body relaxing.
I think I’m going to give it a try again tonight.
It may even become a habit again.
Are there any great fiction or self-help or organizing-the-home type books that you love that I should read?
Posted: May 20th, 2008 under Embarrassing Myself with my Ramblings.
Comments: 26
Comments
Comment from JanMary, N Ireland
Time: May 20, 2008, 1:35 am
Reading? What’s that…other than reading blogs of course.
I too was an avid reader, but mine stopped when the kids arrived, well before blogs. Now I am too tired to read but i listen to podcasts instead of my bedtime reading. I love it, it’s like having someone read you a bedtime story and you can just drift off to sleep…..and wake up in the morning with your earphones wrapped several times around your neck.
Planning to read in Paris though! And not just guide books either 
Comment from Sister Honey Bunch
Time: May 20, 2008, 6:29 am
I wish I could read for a living. I love it more than almost anything.
I really enjoy Dorthea Benton Frank. Also Janet Evanovich is always good for a fun read.
Comment from PinkDaisyGirl
Time: May 20, 2008, 8:07 am
The Smart Chick Mysteries (series of three; must read in order) by Mindy Starns Clark and her non-fiction The House That Cleans Itself are some of my very favorites! Just right for avid readers that are a little obsessive compulsive.
Comment from Ashlee
Time: May 20, 2008, 8:10 am
I love reading. I haven’t gotten much of that done lately either. Time gets away from me and by the time I get into bed I’m too tired to pick up my book. :0( So glad you made some time for it!
Comment from the roost
Time: May 20, 2008, 8:21 am
Good for you! Balance is always good in our lives….I fight the same battle at times myself…Try reading Get More Done in Less Time by Donna Otto, 12 Steps to Becoming A More Organized Woman by Jordon.
Comment from Holly
Time: May 20, 2008, 8:40 am
This makes my heart swell, just a bit, to hear you are becoming an avid reader again. I could not imagine not being caught in the grasp of a good book, I feel lost when I am in between.
I hear you on the blogging-balance-time conundrum.
If you like fun, fairly clean historical fiction check out These is My Words by Nancy E. Turner. So, so, so good. It’s about a young girl traveling to the Arizona territories and all of their adventures. It’s quite humorous too. Sandra Dallas is another treat to read.
Comment from forcryeye
Time: May 20, 2008, 8:59 am
I hear ya. I have been slacking in the book reading department. If you learn anything from that simplify book…please share the info with me. As for my fried chicken, I will be delivering a piece to your door next time that I make it. Do you want a waffle with it? I made honey butter to go with it.
Comment from Org Junkie
Time: May 20, 2008, 8:59 am
Oh my gosh I can so relate, the stack of books to read on my headboard shelves is terrible. I did just manage to read Sophia Kinsella’s new book and really enjoyed that. The self-help books just tend to put me to sleep but I still think someday I’ll get around to reading them
Comment from Kim N
Time: May 20, 2008, 9:30 am
My husband and I both love The Simple Living Guide by Janet Luhrs. My husband’s hope is that I will actually use some of the information in it someday.
For quick reads I love the kids books The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo.
Comment from Becky
Time: May 20, 2008, 10:48 am
Reading……. I had kinda forgotten what that was all about. I love reading books and like you can usually finish one in one day if I’m really into it. I love Nicholas Sparks and find it so hard to put his down. I just bought The Last Lecture because of a story I saw on 20/20. It should be an interesting read, really put life in perspective for me. Something I deperately need right now.
Does it count that I purchased P.S. I Love You on Itunes to download and listen to on my iPod? I finished it in one day. Great book, now I need to actually see the movie.
I really enjoy reading your blog and must say that you have a GREAT sense of humor!!!!
Comment from Jen on the Edge
Time: May 20, 2008, 11:01 am
I can tell you what NOT to read: John Grisham’s latest book “The Appeal” which was okay for most of it and then went downhill in the last 100 pages. I was actually angry about the book and the time I wasted on it afterward.
Comment from ValleyGirl
Time: May 20, 2008, 11:45 am
I’ve given up a fair bit of blogging lately too, in favour of reading and ~ get ready for this (are you sitting down?) ~ HOUSEWORK and YARDWORK!!!!!! I told you you should be sitting. It WAS totally taking over my life, so I kinda did the cold turkey thing last week when my computer was in the shop, and since picking it up, it just hasn’t been my priority anymore. It’s actually quite freeing.
That book is on my Amazon wish list, too. Let me know what you think of it. I haven’t checked your blogroll ~ do you visit Joanne’s blog? If not, you should definitely check it out.
Comment from New Diva
Time: May 20, 2008, 1:12 pm
I love love love love love to read!!! Have you read “The Last Anniversary” by L. Moriarty or “The Time Traveler’s Wife”? Loved them both.
Comment from Beachy Mimi
Time: May 20, 2008, 1:48 pm
I Love love love to read. Currently reading the “Restoration” series by Teri Blackstock. Queen B is always trying new books and new authors. She has a great list on her site and I have an itty bitty start of a list on mine. Enjoy!
Comment from kristenkj
Time: May 20, 2008, 2:48 pm
Um, yeah. I know the feeling. I have read one — ONE — book in probably the last 3 years. Isn’t that pathetic? I love books, too. I love the smell of them, and the feeling of them, and the way they sound when they thump down. But I can’t seem to find the time to read them. I have two waiting for me, and maybe–just maybe–you’ve inspired me to do that. Except tonight is the Idol finale, isn’t it? See? See why I can’t read? I have too much tv to watch.
Comment from Stephenie
Time: May 20, 2008, 3:03 pm
Check out the website goodreads.com. It’s a community full of readers that give reviews on about every book out there. Since you’ve been out of the reading loop for a while (which I can totally relate to) you might find this really helpful. There’s a link to GoodReads on my blog, mamawantsmore.blogspot.com. Try it–you might like it!
Comment from Carolyn
Time: May 20, 2008, 3:19 pm
Thanks for the good boost. I love to read too, just haven’t done it in a while…and yes, blogging does take up well, some of my time as well!
Comment from Jan
Time: May 20, 2008, 3:59 pm
Well, I blog and I read, over 120 books each and every year. I read mostly fiction, but I’m flexible. I retired over 10 years ago, and for the last 7 have worked P/T at B&N to feed the habit. My second blog is book reviews: http://www.lovesbooksntea.com. Probably the best book I’ve read this year is “The God of War” by Silver. Check the book blog for something to suit you. Order from B&N.
Comment from Wendi
Time: May 20, 2008, 8:22 pm
I feel your pain. I too once read. I loved it. I am so involved with my children and their busy schedules…reading has not been at the top of my priority list. I really do need to make time for it. While you are searching for good reads… if you find one on how to BALANCE it all, let me know! I desperately need to know!
Comment from Nicki
Time: May 20, 2008, 8:46 pm
I so know what you mean about reading! I LOVE to read and all my life I read about two books a week… until I started blogging! Now when I do have an iota of spare time and can actually keep my eyes open, I tend to blog, or read other blogs, instead of getting in bed with a book. I definitely want to start reading again! In fact I keep going to the library and checking out books… but they become overdue before I get the chance to open them! 
Comment from Patricia
Time: May 20, 2008, 10:04 pm
Jodi Picoult is one of those, can not put down until I read every last page, kind of authors, I also like Elizabeth Berg and Sophia (sophie?) kinsella is good for a fun read. Right now I’m reading one of David Baldacci’s books. I needed a little change from the typically chick books. John Grisham is another favorite of mine.
Margaret Atwood’s The handmaid’s tale is good for a more serious read. Gone with the Wind is an old favorite of mine……
John Irving’s A prayer for Owen Meany is one of the best books I’ve ever read….
I could go on for awhile, but I’ll spare you.
I too love to read, but since I take public transport to school and work it gives me plenty of reading time now.
Comment from Ok, Where Was I?
Time: May 21, 2008, 8:31 am
I have to go to the library today to take back overdue, unread books. Every few months I will think, Gee, I haven’t read a grown up book in a while. Then I’ll start one and not be able to put it down until I finish, which usually means the kids and I stay in our pjs, they have to get cereal or cheese sticks themselves when they’re hungry, and I let them spill all kinds of things all over the house.
Comment from Soliloquy
Time: May 21, 2008, 7:34 pm
Oh, how I miss reading. But writing has taken its place. Sadly.
Unless my re-prioritization plan works.
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. READ IT.
Comment from Martha
Time: May 22, 2008, 6:23 am
Oh man. I’m totally interested in the book you’re reading. But I’d do the same thing - make a list about the things I want for the house
I tend to ignore everything when I read - the housework, the child, the work-work. So I can’t read too much or nothing will get done. It’s part of my very own OCD collection. And since I’ve been traveling so much I’ve been spending an awful lot on books and magazines. I’m sick of the chick-lit I’m mostly attracted to, so now I want to be sportin’ something a little more intelligent. But none of that looks good.
And it can’t be sad because I don’t want to be blubbering in front of colleagues.
So in short? I’m of no help to you. Amen. Buh-bye.
xoxo,
mvz
Comment from Martha
Time: May 22, 2008, 6:25 am
Oh YES!
The Glass Castle. A most excellent suggestion from Soliloquy. One of the best books ever.
Comment from Kristin
Time: May 24, 2008, 9:21 pm
I’m a self-help, spiritual, soul searching and motivational type of reader. I love the author Victoria Moran. She has some of the best ways to make a day count, in my opinion. I took her book, “Creating A Charmed Life” with me when my husband was in the hospital for awhile. Little short chapters about things you can do to create a charmed life. I’ve now read “Shelter for the Spirit” about three times in a row, just so I can try to remember all of the cool ideas she had. I am totally in love with the DVD, Book and Audio book of “The Secret” - I read, watch or listen to that book at least once a week. Debbie Ford, she has several books on the shadow process but also one called “The Best Year of Your Life.” I also really really enjoyed Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.
Enjoy your books!
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