It blows me away just sitting here thinking that January has come and gone already! How fast the times goes....just the other day my youngest took his first steps. It was breathtaking to watch but I have to admit that I cried a bit. I guess I'm not quite ready for him not to be a baby yet and didn't realize it :) Even though he just turned one (literally a week before his 1st steps), looking back has made me just that much more conscious of time and how fast it goes. He is a joy each and every day though and I couldn't ask for a better baby. But on to bookish news :)
January was a good reading month for me as I was able to read and finish four books. Surprisingly enough I was also able to review all four of them which may be a first for me. I'm so proud of myself...lol! In January I read the following (reviews are linked on my 2011 reads page):
- The Agency: A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee
- Cold Magic by Kate Elliott
- Kitty Goes to War by Carrie Vaughn
- Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane
My favorite read of the month was Cold Magic by Kate Elliott but I was lucky enough to enjoy each book that I read. I also began reading Wuthering Heights in January but that is one that is continuing on into February. I just finished Feed by Mira Grant which was amazing. I can tell you right now that this is one book that will be on my top reads list this year. And now I'm about to begin a reread of Stray by Rachel Vincent. It is looking like February is going to be a really good month of reading as well!
But to continue on in my randomness, I have a question for all of you. Do you ever feel guilty for not reading?? The other day before I fell asleep I was pondering this in bed. It had been a crazy day at work, we all went grocery shopping afterwards (and yes my entire family goes grocery shopping together...kids, fiancee, and all), and when we finally got home it was a must for the kiddos to watch the DVR'ed American Idol episode. They love it. Followed by a couple of episodes of The Middle (also DVR'ed) and I was heading to bed. Where I promptly realized that I hadn't touched a book whatsoever the entire day. And normally this might not have bothered me if I wasn't reading such a GOOD book and I wasn't getting so CLOSE to finishing. I was too tired to read by then but obviously not too tired to think :) And wish that I had gotten the chance to read a little bit more of my book. But it got me thinking about all of the books that I want to read and if I should feel guilty that I had taken the day off of reading.
Ultimately, my sleep deprived brain shut down but not before realizing that taking days off from reading and books is not just okay but also a good thing once in awhile. Because books may help keep my sane on my craziest days, but there are also times when I need something else. And that day I needed nothing but relaxation and television. To be specific: The Middle. Because that show never fails to make me laugh. Does anyone else wonder why Brick whispers to his stomach?? And Sue's character?? I love it! And relaxing with my family made my day that much better. Ultimately, it comes to the fact that taking breaks from reading helps to keep reading fresh for me and helps me to avoid slumps as well. But I've still gotta ask if you ever feel guilty for not wanting to read?? Anyone??
What an adorable baby! And he is still a baby, even if he's taking some tiny steps now. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, I do feel guilty sometimes about not reading. But, we have busy lives, and you are so right--taking a break from the books can refresh us.
Enjoy your weekend--even if you don't do much reading! :)
I don't think I feel guilty for not reading, but there are times when I think "Oh, I could have used that time to do some reading".
ReplyDeleteI feel guilty when I don't feel like reading, but that is mainly because when I do that my blog gets quiet and books I have to read get neglected and then I get very far behind. Or if I am reading a book with someone I am not done on time... Etc!
ReplyDeleteLoving the baby pic! I have felt guilty too...isn't that crazy though? Reading should be a fun escape not something to make us feel bad. Heck, I have enough of that on a daily basis!!
ReplyDeleteYour son is just a doll!! I'm hoping for little blue-eyed babes as well, though I'm not sure I'll have tow-heads (I was one to the extreme but my husband is darker). Too cute, Sam--don't you wish you could just bottle this time up?
ReplyDeleteI'm the opposite from most bloggers, I think. I feel guilty when I DO read. I think about ALL the other things I could be doing instead and just don't get very far. I think this is a huge part of the reason why I do most of my reading at work during my lunch breaks, but even then sometimes I feel guilty for not using that time to check email or visit blogs. It's ridiculous.
My husband isn't reader, so I think this is another struggle. We watch TV in the evenings together and if I want to read I'd have to go to another room. I don't like being that isolated from him when I only see him 4 waking hours a day, so I don't. He doesn't mind and I'll sneak away every once in a while when I've had a busy work week that hasn't allowed me to break for lunch. Guess I'm just a strange bird! Maybe I need to make this a Sunday Salon post, though I am guessing I'm in the vast minority!
Awwww...hes too cute!!! They are so sweet at that age.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to finish Wuthering Heights too, I keep putting it on the back burner.
Thats an interesting question, if I'm supposed to be reading for an author/publisher and I don't get any reading in, I do feel guilty.
There just arent enuf hours in the day. We also watch The Middle and Dio Idol :) Brick and Sue are a riot, my hubby is the one that got me into that show.
If I'm just reading a book for myself, I dont feel guilty on the days I don't read. Sometimes I cant focus enough to read. I just want to relax and watch tv instead.
Suko- LOL, Jack said the same thing when I said that I just wanted him to stay baby...he said "He is a baby Sam!" But it just goes by so fast :)
ReplyDeleteNikki Ann- I do that once in awhile as well. Especially if I have been on the computer for a large amount of time...
Kailana- I try not to feel guilty just because then reading can become a chore. But that day I did feel a bit guilty only because I wanted to read that book so badly...but I was also glad that I took the time to relax and do something else. I'm weird like that :)
Staci- You and me both! And I do read to escape sometimes especially when everything is crazy in real life!
Trish- Jack has brown hair and brown eyes yet all of our babies have blue eyes and blonde hair. Well, except my daughter whose eyes are more hazel than anything :) So there is always the possibility.
I'm the opposite in one sense...I have the tendency to feel guilty when I am on the computer blogging and commenting. Or just on the computer period. I can usually think of everything else I should be doing during this time which does make me feel a bit guilty. And I am with a nonreader as well but I sit with him on the end of the couch every night and read while he watches television or plays a video game. Or I watch television with him...depends on my mood and what he is watching of course :)
I don't feel guilty about not reading. I sometimes feel SAD about not reading, but never guilty. Don't feel guilty! Reading is for fun, and if it's not fun at a particular moment then there's no point doing it.
ReplyDeleteOne!!
ReplyDeleteI am too busy to feel guilty about not reading! how am I MORE busy without an outside job?
I feel guilty when I have review books that need to get done. :)
ReplyDeleteOh you have an excuse to not read. That sweetie in that image is all you need. Plus, it's nice to read fresh as you said and also to be back with the baby a bit renewed there as well. :) Don't feel guilty! :)
I love this picture - so cute!
ReplyDeleteSam--yes, I feel the same guilty thoughts about commenting and posting. Sometimes I won't get online to comment all week long but then spend a few hours on Sunday doing it. I know it drives my husband crazy but I have to remind him that I need to have my time as well! :) I try to schedule posts where I can so I'm not blogging in the evening, but doesn't always work out that way. Oh well!! ;)
ReplyDeleteHope you're having a great Sunday.
Awww...your baby looks JUST like one of my babies...when he was a baby. He's now 19 years old. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteSamantha! How in the world is that baby one already?! Say it isn't so! Wow that year flew by... and I was a remote spectator, too! Well, congratulations! He's a cutie. ^_^
ReplyDeleteI don't necessarily feel guilty about not reading, but definitely at times disappointed and frustrated. The worst is when I REALLY want to read and I try to at bedtime and the need for sleep is stronger, yet I fight it with all my might. And I lose every time! Then the next day I have to reread at least 4-5 pages that I "tried" to read the night before. LOL!
Oh, I forgot to say I'm so glad to hear you loved Cold Magic. It's been on my list--was hoping the library would get it.
ReplyDeleteThat's why I took off for so long because I just haven't felt like reading. It made me feel so guilty when I'd walk by my library and look at all the shelves of books waiting patiently for me. Sounds like you had a great reading month though!
ReplyDeleteHe's so cute!
ReplyDeleteI never feel guilty about not reading, but I do feel a little down when I really want to read but don't have the time. Hope you have more time to escape in a book soon!
Jenny- That was part of the problem...the book I was reading was too fun and I was upset that I didn't get the chance to enjoy it. LOL!
ReplyDeleteLisa- Three kids keep everyone busy...trust me on that! And I don't know how you are possibly keeping up with everything that you have going on at the moment.
Melissa- I try not to let review copies weigh me down...I had that issue when I first began blogging. Now I try to mainly read books from the library so that I can follow my "moody" reading :)
Coffee and a Book Chick- Thanks! I love how he is sticking out his tongue like he can't wait to dive in :)
Trish- I am the same way. And I just have to tell myself that everyone needs some "me" time once in awhile. That always helps lessen the guilt factor.
Ms. Dawn- I try not to think about my babies getting older. I am in denial :P
Christine- I can't believe he is one either..I swear the time just flew by! And I hope you read Cold Magic soon..it was really good!
Ladytink- I am so glad you are back though! And I did have a pretty solid reading month for me..can't ask for more than that!
Anna- I hate when I can't find the time to read...reading relaxes me in a way that nothing else does. Well, besides sleep that is :)