Yira Reads - Spring Reading Challenge- 2009

I love to read good, engaging novels but even since I started going to school part-time, having kids full time (always a pleasure ;-) ) and...well, having a life that is filled wonder and awe and frustration too..don't get me wrong, I don't live in la-la land, I could hardley make it through the first chapter, let alone a whole book.  

Since I asked for help redecorating a few weeks ago, I came up with this little reading corner.  I love it here, well, apparently we all do because there's almost always someone sitting here reading. 

My son is an avid reader and when he overheard me talking about the spring reading challenge he quickly ran up to his room and came down with this stack of books for me to read.  He placed them on the mantel in the family room because he wants to make sure "I don't forget."  I started reading John Grisham's book The Appeal.

He takes after his dad who picks up a book and can't seem to be able to function until he's done.  My teen daughter has recently started reading more as well.  The common denominator among the three is that they can stop and just read without interruptions.  I, on the other hand, have two younger kids tugging at my gym shorts regardless of whose around.  When I read to them I only day dream of reading something I would really enjoy for a change. 

So this challenge comes at a good time.  I am still taking online courses -- almost done with that, I still work part time at the gym (I could hardley call exercising a job), and the kids are still tugging at my shorts.  The difference now is that I decided to prioritize what I do with the time that I do have.  I can go to bed 1/2  hour earlier and continue to get up an hour before anyone else.  This time I will take part of that time to read something I enjoy.

Thanks Susan for the inspiration.  Here's my list - I can't say I'll finish all those during the spring time but I plan to make a dent on this stack.  Visit Susan at A Southern Daydreamer Reads to see what others are reading. 

Happy Reading!

College education...for mom!

Many, many, many years ago I decided to go back to school and get my college degree. This decision goes back to before I had kids (my oldest is now 17) so you do the math. Anyway, it seems like its taking a lifetime to get this degree but then what else have I got to do...have children, raise children, move around the country, pack and unpack the entire house, work, stay in shape..nothing to do, might as well go back to school.

I figured I could at least take classes since getting a good job was proving to be nearly impossible. It seems that moving every 18 to 24 months was not enough time to get that awesome job. Plus I really wanted to stay home with my kids for a little more than just six weeks after birth this time. Anyway, I went back to school taking one course here, one there, skipping semesters to have my kids and going back when I could. For a while my job paid for my education, when that ended because of another military move, I had to resort to my own cash, financial aid, etc. I, however, did not want to give up on my dream so I kept going and doing what I could to take classes.

Well now I am down to the last classes, most of which are electives. I have been a part time student at the University of Maryland University College for a while and I am really enjoying this online schooling thing, except for the mountains of reading I have to do, much more than live classes. I don't have a choice, I have to go online so I sacrifice some sleep time and take advantage of nap times to get my reading and my work done. So far I'm doing pretty good.

My major is in Social Studies with a minor in Humanities. Unlike most who get this degree and go to work as a social worker or counselor, I am not leaning in that direction. I'm still leaning towards the health and fitness industry. I love teaching people about fitness, nutrition, wellness which is why I am an AFAA certified trainer. I do love watching the faces of those who experience the benefit of a good workout.

The Spring semester is now over and I somehow I was able to get a B in both my Gerontology and Linguistic Anthropology classes. Now I'm in the second week of the summer semester taking another Humanities class called "The Religious Quest: Cross Cultural Explorations of Human Beliefs." So far it is a very interesting class but requires a lot of reading. I just hope I can keep up with the reading and the written reports they demand in a compressed class.

I can see what I'll be doing in my early mornings--reading, reading, reading!!!