Struggling

I have been struggling, as of late, to get thoroughly involved in a good novel. I should have loved, Year of the Flood, but I found it too horrific. I tried to read The Childrens Book by A.S. Byatt. Again, I should have loved it: beautiful language, the creative process, historical (Edwardian age with the Great War in development), women's rights. It's all there and I became engaged immediately, but I couldn't sustain it and returned it unfinished.

Similarly, I was very excited to get Wolf Hall by Hillary Mantel. I typically enjoy Booker winners and this one grabbed my attention from the first page. I have read numerous works regarding this era and this books should have engrossed me. Again, I just couldn't make the time to read and again, it was returned unfinished.

After a week of vacation, I think I have identified the problem: I've been too exhausted to be engaged. I've also been too busy with my mind focused on other issues including the hosting of Christmas this year.

This cannot continue.

I love reading and enjoy a good book so I'm going to make some changes in my life.

Step one: I've noted all the things have have to been done daily, weekly, monthly and I will post them in the new year. The goal is to create some ebb and flow so that if we're really busy, some things will have to go to the way side in order to give M & M some opportunities to relax and rejuvenate. It will help us prioritize.

Step two: schedule date nights and planned family activities.

Step three: schedule some alone time. M gave me a membership to the AGO. It's perfect since I love art, and I need to set aside time to think and rejuvenate.

Goal setting: Also, I'm getting a little bored with this blog, so instead of limiting my comments to books, I'm going to focus my efforts in creating my own personal MBA -- something I've been doing for years. I'm going to discuss 12 issues in 2010. I've accumulated a number of good books, but I haven't made notes about them and different issues. I'm going to set up a program for myself. If I read a good fiction book in the meantime, then such entries will be an added bonus.

So here is to goal setting and making a plan.