2010 Wrap-Up, and 2011 Goal

Wow, a New Year's resolution I actually kept! I read 100 books in 2010. That's 30,591 pages. Which breaks down to an average of 2,549 pages per month. Or 83 pages per day. Quite a feat for a busy mom of 3 kids!

My friends always ask me how I found the time. Some months were more of a challenge than others. But for the most part, it was easier than I thought it would be. It's amazing how much down time I have in a day, even being as busy as I am. For instance, instead of watching TV after the kids were in bed, I'd read (at least 3 or 4 times a week). I'd bring a book outside or down to the basement to read while watching my kids. Oftentimes, that resulted in me reading the same paragraph several times over due to the interruptions, but still, I made progress! I'd read while eating lunch. And occasionally during nap times. If I left the house without kids for any reason (dentist appointment, etc.) I'd bring a book along. And while my kids are watching Curious George for the 18th time, I'm curled up on the couch with them, reading.

On average, I read 8.3 books per month, or 1 book every 3.65 days. The stats look pretty amazing. But then I look at the list of books I read over the past year -- the adventures I had on the page. The worlds I inhabited, the friends I made -- and that's the truly amazing part.

I had so much fun on this project -- and gained so much momentum -- I can't stop now! I don't think I'll read as many books next year, but I have an ever-growing list of books that are begging to be read and I can't neglect them!

MY GOAL FOR 2011: To read 52 books.
That's one per week. Let the reading begin!