Fail...

Remember this post? Well, my goal didn't really happen. I hate to say fail because in the grand scheme of things, it is not that big of a deal. It has taught me to try to make small steps in some of the goals I have for the New Year. Recently, I have realized a lot of things need to change in my life. I've been thinking about how my life has unfolded in the past few years and where I want to be in the next few years. All of this thinking has made me realize one thing, I'm the only one that can affect the outcome. Not my husband, not my family, and not my friends, although they are all more than supportive. The next three or four months are going to be tough and raw at times but I need and more importantly, want, to change.

There you go, I put it out there. Now I need to follow through. Here's to a good year.

My 8 Books in 30 Days

Ok, I've combed my bookshelves and picked out the 8 books that I plan on reading. I think having them picked out will help me roll from one book to the next one with less down time. I'm excited to start tonight and hopefully this feeling will continue!

Here it is:

1. Holidays on Ice, David Sedaris: I've been wanting to read this book for years and just haven't gotten around to buying it. I picked it up last week and look forward to a few good laughs that will be much needed in the coming weeks.

2. Cooked, Jeff Henderson: I've read many good reviews of this memoir and I love books written by chefs. Cooking is such an interesting way of expressing oneself and the restaurant industry is a very unique way of life.

3. Annie Dunne, Sebastian Barry: This is one of about 15 books I got in the big summer clearance at Borders. I like historical fiction and I love reading about places that are familiar to me. It's a shorter book so it should be easy to get into.

4. The Middle Place, Kelly Corrigan: I bought this book right before a good friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. Honestly, I've put off reading it because I'm afraid of facing this issue.

5. All Names Have Been Changed, Claire Kilroy: I picked this up on my notorious visits to Eason's in Dublin.

6. The Last Lecture, Randy Pausch: I might be the last person on Earth to read this book. I'm bringing the tissues.

7. The Death of Conservatism, Sam Tanenhaus: I find political parties and how they evolve in modern society fascinating.

8. Brooklyn, Colm Toibin: This came highly recommended from a producer at RTE during a late night talk about reading this summer. I immediatley went to Eason's the next day to pick it up. I'm surprised my bags weren't overweight on the way home!

Well, there you go. Now I'm accountable to myself for this goal. I'll update on how I'm doing and with reviews as I go.

Trying to Get Back into Reading as a Habit

I used to be a voracious reader, especially as a child. Since I got married I don't read as much because I prefer to read at night, in bed. My husband does not like the light on and so we have to compromise a bit. I've tried to use a small book light but it's just not the same. One of my problems is I also love TV. A lot. I'm trying to break myself of the habit of going to TV instead of reading. So in light of some other goals I'm trying to set for myself, I'm starting with a reading goal. Eight books in 30 days, that's attainable right?

Let me also say that this month includes my sister's birthday, my mom's birthday, Christmas, and New Year's. Oh, and my husband is coming home from being away for almost 2 1/2 months.

This 30 days will start on Thursday Dec. 10. I'm going to work on compiling my 8 books. I want to vary the titles with some good and meaningful titles and a couple sheer entertainment. Comments welcome!

Am I the Only One?

Well, I tried to post this three times last night but Blogger did not agree it was time. I'll give a go one more time.

Am I the only one who has not read the Twilight series? Or even worse, has absolutely no interest in them? None at all. I feel somewhat left out of all the talk but I could care less. I love to read as well so this is somewhat unusual for me.

I am, however, reading an absolutely hilarious book right now, Such a Pretty Fat. This is Jen Lancaster's third memoir and I find myself laughing out loud when reading any of her books. She's freaking hilarious. I definitely identify with her, although I'm not sure I should admit that in public! Seriously put her books on your Christmas list, you won't be disappointed, unless you have no sense of humor. And then I just don't want to know you anyways.