I blink open my eyes, reach out my hand, grab my cell phone, and squint to see the bright 9:25 glaring back at me. The attraction of returning to sleep for another two hours tempts me as I lie there for a moment and realize my serious lack of responsibilities for the day ahead. By a wonderful stroke of luck, I did not have to wake up at my usual 6:15 and drag myself to work for seven hours this morning, with the data sheet completed, the English section of my planner reads the word “none”(an extremely rare occurrence), with most of my college apps finished I do not have to dwell on that, and the miniscule rest of my homework, for some strange reason, does not weigh down on me like usual. So as I reach over and am about to turn out the light and take full advantage of my chance for a ‘lazy Sunday’, I see the book beside my bed that has waited patiently on my nightstand for a disgraceful 3 months or so for my time to read it. Recommended by brother over the summer, I remember the day I had taken The Shadow of the Wind from his shelf and put it in my room to remind myself to get around to it one day. So, instead of grabbing the light switch, my hand veers off course and picks up the book. I feel foolish as I have the instant mental response of “I need a pen to make notes”, because of AP English brain washing, as I suddenly realize how long it has been since I last read a book just for fun. Two hours fly by and I set down the book at 11:30, with a good start and a satisfied feeling of accomplishment as I walk down to get breakfast and my mom’s comments on how I slept late today just enhance my content feeling. With everything going so fast and free time as the seven hours allotted for sleep, the rare occurrence of a moment for something as simple as reading really deserves serious cherishing. Slowing down and taking time for reading depicts a great challenge, so Gogol…good job.
Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteI also finally had the time this weekend to pick up a book for the pure enjoyment of reading. Although nothing new, rereading the Harry Potter series for the millionth time relaxes me so much, providing an escape from any daily stresses.
Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteMany times I also have the response of where is a pen when I pick up a book to read for fun. After so many hours of AP English reading I find it odd to read and not take notes and even when I do read I find myself noting literary devices even if I do not write them into the book.
Carolyn! Reading this post made me feel sad about the 2 books I have sitting next to my bed that I excitedly bought a few months ago and have never gotten around to reading. I'm also finding that no matter WHAT I read, I always have a momentary feeling of panic when I think "Wait! I need a pen!" Only to realize that's crazy talk. This has motivated me to pick up one of those neglected books and actually enjoy one of my favorite hobbies!
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