The Rights of The Reader

I'm currently taking a class about teaching reading to children.  It's called The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child.  Well, if nothing else comes of this, it is definitely awakening the reader in me!  I joined a book club and am getting excited about reading again.

In one of the chapters, the author references "The Rights of the Reader" by French author Daniel Pennac.  I figured I'd share, because I really think it empowers all of us as readers.  Enjoy!

• The right to not read.
• The right to skip pages.
• The right to not finish.
• The right to reread.
• The right to read anything.
• The right to escapism.
• The right to read anywhere.
• The right to browse.
• The right to read out loud.
• The right not to defend your tastes.

Happy reading (and happy hump day)!!

Life Update: January 2014

I haven't done a very good job of keeping up on my day to day.  So I figured I'd give you a little update on what I've been up to lately.  Thanks to Ashley for the format inspiration. ;-)

Cooking: I've been focusing on cooking healthy, but also making it fun and delicious!  Some of our favorites so far include fish tacos, tortilla pizzas, and roasted red pepper soup w/ barley.

Reading: I just finished The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde and am getting ready to start Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosch for the girl power book club I just joined!  Also, I'm in the middle of The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller for a class that I'm taking.

Studying: How to teach reading to students for the class I'm in.  I'm in this class to renew my substitute teaching license, but I think that it will be very helpful in the tutoring business that I'm about to launch!

Looking forward to: February 2nd!  Yes, Super Bowl day, but also, launch day for my tutoring business! Holy moly is that already only a few days away?  I'm getting very nervous, but very excited about it.  My biggest fear is not having anyone interested, but I've already had three potential students just based on discussing this with friends and neighbors.

Obsessed With: Taking pictures of my cats.  I sent one of the pictures to Ryan on Monday and he said if I wasn't married to him, I'd be a crazy cat lady.  Probably...

Sick of: Being sick!! I'm currently sick for the second time this month.  Not sure what the deal is, but I have a feeling it has something to do with the fact that I got about 6 hours of sleep between Friday and Saturday night all together.

January Renewals: I gave up alcohol and caffeine for New Year's and I physically have felt so much better!  I think I've even lost a couple pounds from it. :)  I also attended a CEW (Christian Experience Weekend) this past weekend and though I ended the weekend physically exhausted, I'm feeling spiritual renewed!  It was an extra bonus to spend this weekend with my mom and my friend, Brooke.

2013 Highlights - Part Two

• July - Fourth of July downtown, Des Moines trip, Em's bridal shower, and a day trip with Hannah

• August - Emily graduated, double date night with Em and Brad, more baseball games, and Emily's first bachelorette bash!

• September - Las Vegas trip, girls night with Jess, and Omaha trip to visit friends!

• October - Emily's official bachelorette party, Emily and Brad's wedding (!!!!), annual McGregor weekend trip, and Halloween fun!

• November - Chopped my hair, Chicago trip to visit friends AND go to the Bears game, Holiday Pops concert, and Thanksgiving.

• December - Brad's birthday celebration, put up Christmas lights and tree, another Des Moines trip, and Christmas time!

2013 was a fantastic year!  I am looking forward to making more memories in 2014, but I'd be OK with a slower pace. :)

2013 Highlights - Part One

Is it really already January 6? Of 2014?! I feel like last year was a crazy blur, and I hope to slow things down a little bit in 2014.  That being said, 2013 was an amazing year full of lots of memories with friends and family.  Here are my highlights!

• January - My first CEW weekend and a vacation to Cancun with Ashley and Andy!

• February - Annual Girls weekend, my birthday and Omaha for Fish Fry and Beerfest!

• March - St. Patrick's Day Race and fundraising event for our friend Kyle.

• April - Our third anniversary celebrated in Wisconsin and Easter Weekend up in Cedar Rapids.

• May - Des Moines for Tessa's Baby Shower, Wisconsin for a girls weekend with mom and Emily, Ryan's family in town for Michael's graduation party, and golf lessons!

• June - Color the Quads, date night/date day competition, father's day party and Andy and Ashley came to visit!

To Be Continued...can you believe this recap is only six months of my year?! Wow!