Sunday, December 12, 2010

What do you read?

There was this list going around facebook recently; 100 books you should read (or something like that) and apparently the average person has only read 6.

Just glancing at the list, I recognized most of the titles but hadn't read many. I was too scared to even count, didn't want to have an actual number. Why be more disappointed in myself for something I haven't done, right?

I guess you pick your path, and not everyone can do everything. For instance, I would love to be a successful career woman and I would love to be a stay at home mom. I can't do both now can I. I chose one path. Stressful as it can be at times, I love it. No boss, no set hours, no working weekends or holidays....no pay either! Ha!

Anyway, I brought it up to my husband last night and he was intrigued by this list so I looked it up. I was certain his number was going to be quite high. This man has read like a zillion books. And he's a super brain. Trust me. Yet, his number was pretty low. I think it was around 17. So, who is the one that makes a list like this? Who says which books you 'should' read? Is it supposed to be a way to gauge how smart you are? Because if it is, it's not a very good gauge. Like I said, my hubs is a very smart man. Well read. He just maybe prefers books that don't bore him to death. And, probably, the books that he reads would bore you to death.

My number was 11. But there were a number of books on that list I would like to read. It actually prompted me to make a list of my own; books to read. I am currently reading The Lovely Bones (which is on the list) and surprisingly enough, it was a book I ordered online this past summer, before I even knew this 100 books list existed. Go figure!

In my case, it's probably a pretty accurate gauge of brains. My siblings took all there was from the brain train and I just went for a ride. And I feel quite slighted by that, I might add ;) It does make me feel a bit like the black sheep of the family. I keep joking about how I should open up a bakery or a fitness club, or how about a fitness club/bakery? Don't see many of those, do you? Or I should go back to school and get a doctorate in something or other....make myself feel like I'm more than just a skin tube.

I think by the age that I am (I'll never tell.....ok, I'm 36. You are so persistent!), one should have a firm grasp on what they want to do the rest of their life. Me? I still feel like I'm 18. What do I want to do? What will be fulfilling to me? There are so many things I think I'd like to do, but which do I pick? I mean, what if I spend all this time and energy putting focus on one thing and it turns out not to be it? Then what? Back to square one? Try again? I could be at retiring age before I find out what it is I was meant for!

But for right now, I'll settle for being a successful mom. One who reads great authors like David Shannon, Tedd Arnold, Judy Schachner, Mo Williams and Anna Dewdney. :o)

2 comments:

Jess said...

Aw, you never give yourself enough credit. Your brains are just fine. You were working for Microsoft, weren't you? You are just the lucky one to find your perfect mate in a man who had good looks and the ability to make money. Not all of us are able to get one let alone both of those characteristics. I could think of a thing or two you could make some money doing. And from a person who is about to jump off into a new occupational adventure in the next six months who is exactly one month and 11 days older than you, for some of us there is never one right place. We have too many gifts to focus on just one thing. I think we definitely both fit that category. I love you and miss you and can't wait for the bakery/fitness shop. I'll even provide mood music on my spare time! We need to spend more time together!!!

carin said...

when you get that bakery/fitness club open I will happily work in the bakery side of things. The fitness I will leave to you since its just not my thing but baking I can do! I am proud to be someone very familiar with the works of Anna Dwedney as well. :) Love ya woman