Ready To Relax
YEE-HAW!Don't worry, I haven't migrated to Texas.
Nope. I'm just celebrating the fact that crazy.busy.work.week number two is almost over...only a few more hours to go! Can I say it again?
YEE-HAW!
Undoubtedly, these past couple of weeks have been really hard, but I tell you, it's been worth it. The teachers I am privileged to work with are going to make such a huge difference in the educational futures of kids in this city. That means a whole lot to me. I care so much, too much perhaps, about making sure that we have educational equity, making sure that all kids have a teacher that's going to work hard and push them academically. It's important and it has to happen. All kids, regardless of the color of their skin or the zip code they live in, deserve to be taught like they're attending an elite private school.
Yes, it's tiring, working so much, caring so deeply.. I'm not going to lie...the dark circles have gotten out of hand this week. But you know, other than writing, I seriously can't think of another worthy cause that merits my busting out the heavy-duty MAC concealer! What did folks do before it was invented? (And men, a little concealer could really be a good friend to your dark circles.)
Anyway, I have to say it again: YEE-HAW!!! Tomorrow I'll be spending time with dear friends and heading to the bookstore to get something to read during my four days off. I miss books. It's so weird but I haven't read anything in three weeks.
Any literary suggestions for me?
Comments
Also, anything by Tananarive Due. Her latest (with her husband and Blair Underwood...yes THAT Blair Underwood), "Casanegra", has gotten good reviews.
I haven't read either of those and since one of the themes of the novel I'm writing is the relationship between mothers and daughters, I'll definitely have to check those out.
Joy,
Those are some really really good suggestions. You know what I think I might do? I think I am going to go get myself a library card so that I don't go broke at Barnes and Noble! It's so sad but I haven't had a library card since my third year out here. My wallet got stolen and I just never got my card replaced. I am going to have more time than I thought to read so I'll definitely be checking those books out.
Also, I was reading this post very frantically because I wanted to hurry and understand why there was a photo of MAC concealor up front. Haha.
Enjoy your reading time!
I haven't read that one yet so I'm adding it to my list. These suggestions are going to keep me occupied for most of the summer! And LOL about the MAC concealer. Seriously, that stuff can make me look like I had a good night's sleep.
Velvet,
I haven't read "The Space Between Us" (scribbling the title down!) Seriously, I'm so behind on books. The last one I read was "Ace of Spades" by David Matthews. And that was a good five weeks ago. Because I knew I wouldn't have a ton of reading time, I got an O'Henry short story collection and that's been entertaining me in my "spare" moments.
so, while i see the draw of having a well-balanced life, i don't think that always lends itself to being an agent of change.
rest well and know all the hours were worth it!
kari
I do this all the time.
Here are a couple of suggestions: Food & Booze, ed. by Michelle Wildgen--essays on, erm, food and booze. Good essays. Also The History of Love by Nicole Krauss. And I'd second joy's recommendation of Kindred. I loved Octavia Butler.
Wow, that's so very sweet of you to say that. I'm really touched! I do think what I have to get better at is balancing being an agent of change with being a good parent, good (and present) wife, and recognizing that while sacrifices are necessary in order to make change, I tend to put my work ahead of everything else. That is not good, but it is, of course, easy to do when you care so deeply about a particular issue. Unfortunately, I just can't do it anymore and actually, my job and I have finally parted ways, which is a wonderfully amazing thing. I slept so well last night...maybe this will be a turning point in my insomnia? In any case, I'm ready to blaze a new trail of service!
Miz JJ,
I got the library card today! Yeah! But, being a writer, I feel a little like a traitor. I always feel like it's better to actually support writers by purchasing their books. I sometimes feel like I single-handedly keep Barnes and Noble in business. Anyway, I need some self-help/positivity in my life so I'll check out the 8 minute meditation. "The Book of Negroes" -- just read Lawrence Hill's bio and wow, that sounds like one I will enjoy, so merci beaucoup for that one!
Sundry,
I am so excited about my newly acquired library card! Now that I actually have time to go to the library, I think that I'm going to create a tradition of an every Saturday morning trip to the library for me and my sons. My husband...well, maybe if I attach a TV to a book, maybe he'll come. I am looking forward to taking advantage of the new hold thing. I agree, it is VERY cool. I'm so glad I asked for some literary suggestions because you are giving me some good ones! I'm going to head back to the library later this week with my list because I didn't have it with me today.
Nah!
LOL! I'm sure I'll also be reading plenty of children's books this week and a comic book or two. So if you have any suggestions in that vein, please do share! :)