How the librarian encourages playing Wii and sparks my yearly goals

"Mom, come play with us," George urged as I slipped out of the front room and padded down the hall in my Oobies (super-cute and fashionable house slippers) and teal sweats (Yes, they're making a come back).

"No, no.  You guys go ahead and bowl without me.  I'm not so good at it."  I shrugged at George and then walked into my room and flopped on my bed.  From beneath a pillow, my novel of the day, Beautiful Creatures rested.  (Side note:  if you haven't read this one, it's a little slow moving but BEAUTIFUL and enchanting and full of bewitching-ness...dang, I love a good book).  I flipped it open and read until the end.

The next day . . .

After I taught my first aerobic class of the new year, I jumped in the car and Mark turned to me.

"Where do you wanna go?" he asked, eyes bright.  I could tell he was sick of hanging at our house for all of winter break.

"Let's go to the library."

His face fell.

"I'll find you a really good book."  He thought about this for a second and then shrugged.  (Over the last few months, and after The Hunger Games, Mark's really taken to reading more.)  So, we went to the library.

After I found the books I wanted, Mark met me at the desk and said he'd wait in the car with the kids while I checked out.  I nodded, and stepped up to the counter.  The librariarn pulled my pile closer to her and then also pulled out two more books from beneath the counter.  Books I had resereved.  A smile spread across my face--I love when books come in for me. 

"You have three weeks before they're all due back," she said.

"Yeah," I reached out for the books.  "I know."

"You must read a lot." 

"I love to read," I gushed at her, books pulled into my arms.  "Don't you?  You work at the library.  I wish I could work at the library."

She smiled a kind smile.  "Yes I love to read too, but I don't think I could finish that many in three weeks."  She motioned to the dozen books in my arms.  "I wouldn't have a life if I did."

"Ha ha," I laughed as I walked out of the library and got into the car, a frown forming on my insides. 

When we got home, George and Henry asked if they could play Wii.  At first I was relieved.  "Yes," I agreed, thinking of the time I would have to read.  And then I remembered the wise librarian's prophetic comment.  After a moment, I walked into the front room and picked up one of the Wii controls.

"Let's play." 


Goal 1 for 2010:  Play with my kids