Reading

For most of my life, I have been a voracious reader. When I was in high school (7-12), I would read most of my schoolbooks cover to cover weeks in advance. I would read all of my mother's magazines and novels (yes, even those Harlequin novels that came in the mail every month). I would visit the library faithfully to check out books at least twice monthly (sometimes twice weekly); and not just the public library, but also the high school library and university library (back when I was in high school and in college, respectively).

 I've also bought lots of books over the years. In addition to keeping 90% of my college textbooks, I regularly peruse Family Christian Stores, Berean, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Barnes & Noble, and amazon.com for  books. Most of my books are in storage in the basement, but I have everything that I've bought over the last year sitting here in my apartment (mostly school books, though).

   But really, I've been "slack", as far as recreational reading goes, over the last couple of years. Of course, I read the Holy Bible just about everyday, and I've done reading in relation to school and church. But, I haven't  really just "curled" up with a good book since 2007.

   I'm seeking to change that though. I recently bought two books - Touching A Dead Man (by DL Foster), and Think And Grow Rich: A Black Choice (by Dennis Kimbrough).
   I've finished Touching A Dead Man, and I've enjoyed the book. It's not a literary classic, but Pastor Foster's testimony/story shows the power of God at work in a way that society (and much of the "Christian" world) would question or even flat-out reject).
   I'm only 1 1/2 chapters into Think And Grow Rich: A Black Choice - so far, so good. I may say more about this book once I finish - we'll see. One thing I can really appreciate about this book thus far is that the author highlights the success stories of African-Americans who may not be widely known. I'm glad that Dr. Kimbrough is letting his readers know that there are successful African-Americans in other fields aside from entertainment and athletics.

   So... I'm trying to get back into a consistent pattern of reading. There's so much to learn and experiece through books, and I want to get back to those experiences.

The job (part II)/ resolution

Another video about my job:





********************************************************************************

  As I mentioned in the video, I put in a request to switch from 3rd shift to 1st shift, and the request was APPROVED!!! I just finished my 3rd week on 1st shift, and it's been much, much, MUCH better. I don't have to rush after church, I get to rest after Sunday service now, and I'm getting more done outside of work (since I don't spend the entire day asleep).

  The only thing about day shift is that I miss that night shift differential pay (it's noticeable); also, I'm finding that I get less sleep working day shift. I've had to resort to taking naps to get extra sleep (well, I only take naps on Tuesdays and Thursdays before church services). I have to learn when to stop doing stuff and lay down in the bed at a decent hour.... .

   But, I needed to make this switch. I'm very contented (despite less sleep and missing that differential). Being able to sleep at night, and being able to not rush after church, and having my Sunday evenings free is worth that $160 that I would've gotten on nights.

   I just thank God for letting day shift come through, and the benefits that I'm experiencing as a result of this switch.