2016 Resolutions

I like to start each year with a couple of resolutions, but I don't like things that are vague (be nicer, save more money). I like having goals that I can count, and definitively cross off the list as done.

In January I decided this would be the year that I finally learned to really play the organ. I have been playing in church off and on for the past 10 years, but at my best, I'm mediocre. But then I got released at the organist, and I decided I wanted to focus on something a little more useful.

I decided that I wanted to read more, so I set a resolution to read 52 books this year. The subject didn't matter, it just had to be a book.

I am at 82 books right now, and counting! 9 of those books were audio books (audio books are not cheating), the other 73 were on my Kindle. All but 3 of the books were checked out from the library (no late fees, it's free, I don't have to leave the house - win, win, win!).

I was going to type a list of the books, but... I'm lazy. But I do have a few reflections:

1. Reading makes me a terrible homemaker and mother. When I really get into a book I don't want to stop reading! I have stayed up half the night, let Jules watch TV for 3 hours, and not made dinner because I was "finishing a chapter".
2. Reading makes my mind happy. I have been exposed to so many new ideas! I love being a mom, but it's not the most mentally stimulating thing in the world. I feel like I can bring more to a conversation now than just what happened on Doc McStuffins this week. 
3. Violence and strong language don't bother me in print. This is surprising, because they really really bother me in movies or real life. This isn't always a good thing, I probably need to raise my standards a bit! 
4. Some audio books are terrible, and some make the book more enjoyable. My personal favorite audiobook of the year is Dad is Fat by Jim Gaffigan. Least favorite was Mary Poppins.