(That title was actually the first sentence of this post, until I realized what a perfect pun it turned out to be.)
I have decided that since I am absolutely terrible when it comes to sticking to resolutions or establishing new habits, my official resolution is to add something to my life each month. It doesn't have to be something done daily, or even weekly. It certainly does not need to be something big. Just the addition of SOMETHING every month that enriches my life and keeps me from coming to the end of another year saying, "What the heck did I do all year?!"
With this in mind, January was all about reading for me. First of all, it was a month of unrelenting illness in our home. {E} caught it first, then she lovingly passed it on to her brother, {S}, then I was out for over a week with a fever that topped out near 102.5. Ouch. The point being, there was a lot more time than normal for reading, as we were homebound and even more anti-social than usual.
I was able to read two books, which is actually not bad when you consider that I have two children aged three or younger (and two dogs and a volunteer gig). The first book was a Christmas present that I was greatly anticipating, Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter, by Kate Larson. I had read briefly about Rosemary in another Kennedy bio, The Kennedy Men, (which I have yet to finish) and after starting to work for the Special Olympics, I definitely wanted to know more about her. I was not disappointed. Larson gives an intriguing look into the Kennedy lifestyle and expectations, and how they shaped the care that Rosemary received. What struck me most as I read was how similar their journey was to that of families today. The only difference being at that time, the chance to educate a child with disabilities was reserved for the elite who could pay for 1:1 aides and private schools that would take in these students. I was truly only aware of the institutional side of special education at that time and had no idea that these opportunities existed, albeit only for those with the means to pay. Prior to the controversial and tragic surgery that would change her life, Rosemary's educational experience could easily have happened today. Her parents were changing environments often, looking for the next "fix," or cure-all for her disability. I do understand the educational decisions her parents made, but I also understand the frustration of the educators who knew that what she needed was structure and stability. It is a fight being played out in schools across America every single day. But thankfully for students, it is now a RIGHT and not a privilege.
The next book I read was a quick Mitch Albom read, The First Phone Call from Heaven. I received that book as a Christmas gift as well, but last year. It sat on my shelf for a year and I read the first chapter a half dozen times at least. It just did not hook me right away the way some of his other books have. I was firmly resolved to cross it off the list this time though and once I was a chapter or two in, I enjoyed it. There isn't a ton to say about it, other than it is typical Mitch Albom. It tugs at your heart strings, give some good lessons about life and grief and has an interesting twist. I feel like he also touches on sensationalism journalism and fanatical religion without being overtly political or critical. Overall, a good read.
I read another book last week, but it was technically February so it counts toward this month's list I suppose. I pulled out My Sister's Keeper, read two chapters and promptly decided to give it away. I think I picked it up at a garage sale before I had children. Well now, it literally made me sick to my stomach to read about a sick child and I just couldn't do it. Every night in my prayers I thank God for my children's health and this book gave me such a visceral reaction I knew I would never make it through. So that was out. Instead I decided to tackle a Willa Cather book that I had not read, O Pioneers! I do not know what it is about her writing but I cannot get enough. She has a sensibility in her style that perfectly compliments the subject matter. She can beautifully relate the majesty of the untamed frontier without being overly romantic about it and therefore betraying the ruggedness and rawness of pioneer life. Perhaps it appeals to my own "Midwestern-ness" or maybe there is something left in my blood somewhere from the tough farm life in which my Amma (Icelandic for Grandmother) was raised. The really funny part is the Willa Cather quote that framed my last post is actually from O Pioneers! I really enjoyed that. And at any rate, I can't get enough. I'm re-reading My Antonia now. I'm telling you these books are poised to take over as my all-time favorites, even over Gatsby. That's pretty huge for me.
Ok, so now that I am done geeking out and exposing myself for the literary nerd that I truly am, I need to figure out what I am adding for February. I do have some "upcycle" crafts that need to be done. I guess that is not really an addition, but the routine of doing, say, two a month would be. Or maybe yoga...stay tuned!
-E
