Hat on Top, Coat Below
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Three Books Behind
December 15, 2014
I took a few minutes this morning to update my book log and Goodreads for the first time in a month. Goodreads now informs me that I’m three behind schedule on my goal to read 100 books this year. I’m not too worried about it; if it looks like I won’t make it, I can get to the number by splitting up ebook “box sets” into their component titles (if they were real boxes, I’d treat them as separate books, after all). The set I’m reading right now has ten full length novels in it, which would put me over my number right there. But the number is not really the point. I read because I enjoy it, because books entertain and inform me. Setting a reading goal is a way to say “this is important to me” and “I give myself permission to spend time on this”. It works.
For 2015, I’m considering setting separate goals for printed books and ebooks, after reading articles like Your paper brain and your Kindle brain aren’t the same thing. I want all my brain parts to be exercised. I have made some effort to read physical books in recent months, after going almost 100% Kindle there for a while. With that comes the challenge of managing to return them to the library on time. The part of my brain that handles that fell down on the job with this most recent batch, despite me using as a bookmark the receipt that shows the due dates. By the time I realized I’d failed to return or renew, I ‘d accumulated $7 in fines, which at 10 cents a day per book, is quite impressive. At least my library lets me renew online, which I did from my phone while lying in bed. So at least I’m not getting further and further in hock with the library police. I don’t mind paying the fines; more money for the library is a good thing. I just wish I were more on top of all my stuff. I’ve been wishing that what seems like a very long time.
On this date in 2013: No entry
2012: Sidetracked
2011: Big and Bright
2010: No entry
2009: Obsolescence
2008: Socks of the Corn
2007: WDW VI: The Undiscovered Attractions & A Night at the Opera House
2006: No entry
2005: Winter Count—May
2004: Pictures Taken and Not & Froggie Went A-Courtin’
2003: Weekly Update
2002: Unofficial Party
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3 Comments
December 16th, 2014 at 4:15 pm
I’ve never been able to keep up on my Goodreads page. I finally gave up on it, but I still go to Goodreads for book reviews and information. Reading 100 books in one year is impressive! Good luck!
December 18th, 2014 at 9:02 am
Do you use a calendaring program–like at work? If so, add your due dates to the calendar and schedule an alert for the day before–that way you can renew if you need to–or plan a trip back.
My library also lets me sort my books out by due date–makes for quick renewals (especially since because of my kids, I regularly have 40 books on my card)
Hmmm maybe I should write an app that lets you put in your due dates and sends you a text alert the day before…..
December 19th, 2014 at 5:27 pm
Lisa-Marie, thanks! I think I’ll make it to 100.
Jodie, what’s really sad is that my library sends me e-mail when I have loans that are about to expire, but my inbox in the account where they send them is such a mess I don’t always see them.