Books.

I love reading. Sometimes I forget that about myself and I go through a weird cycle.

I won't read for a while. Because obviously, who has time for that?!
A book I've been wanting to read that I put on hold at the library ages ago is finally waiting at said library with my name on it.
I bust through it in less than 24 hours, the dishes are piled up in the sink, and the bags under my eyes vaguely resemble the state of Rhode Island.
I may or may not find more books because I remembered how much I enjoy reading.
I stop reading because I feel like I'm being a terrible mother/wife/housekeeper for reading.
Repeat indefinitely. 

I just get so caught up in books. And I have no happy median. At least not yet.

A couple months ago I started a list of every book I have ever read. (Or at least those I can remember.) ((In case you didn't know, I love lists. I have a little pink notebook FULL of them.)) At first I was really cute and started making my list in a Word Doc. When Ross peeked over at I was doing, I'm sure he rolled his eyes and gracefully transformed my meaningless list in an Excel spreadsheet. And then of course he showed me how to alphabetize it with a single click and showed me where I could even add the date I read it, if I so desired. I haven't had that inclination, but it is a pretty snazzy list. I love computer/technology smart people.

So I have this list. And it's cool. But it also reminds me of how much I enjoy reading. And the competitive side of me wants to fill that sucker up. So I had Ross take a picture of me right after we made my list:

I love that list. And I don't even know why. I love seeing everything I've read. The thing I miss most about school is the reading and intelligent conversation. It sounds weird, especially after enduring sleepless nights writing papers, stress crying, and mini panic attacks, but I really miss tearing apart literature, analyzing every detail, and discussing it. Some day I'll get back to that. But for now, I'll just turn pages and sip on my Diet Coke. And poor Ross will valiantly endure my 11 PM one way conversation about whatever book I've finished. He's so wonderful.