Still Reading...#bookaday

In my first post of the summer #bookaday challenge, I uploaded book covers to showcase what I had been reading that week. Soon after that, I left for a month in the Czech Republic and took a break from online technology. It was my intent to come back and post more pictures and book titles, but I've read 31 books this summer and don't want to fill my post will that many images. (You can see what I've been reading by following my new school Twitter feed @libpirates.)

I read 12 books while in Czech. (It was just the kind of get-away I needed before tackling a new job in a new district for the new school year.) All those books made me think about the many debates and conversations I hear about digital books vs. print books and if print books are going to disappear in the future. I'm not concerned.

I'm a multi-platform person -- I read print, audio, and digital books all the time -- usually at the same time. In fact, I have so many books I want to read, I have to keep three or four books going at the same time.

That may sound crazy to some, but it works for me. I have one I listen to while driving, working out, doing housework (makes it bearable), or riding public transportation (in Czech). I have a digital book on my phone so I'm never without something to read...I hate getting stuck in lines or waiting at doctor's offices. And then I'll have a personal print book by my bed at home (at least 15 minutes every night before bed -- it helps me wind down from the day) and usually a student selection at school to read when I have a moment or two to steal. My husband thinks all I do at work is read books...if only that were true. -sigh-

Each platform has its use and I'm grateful to be able to carry a library with me on my Nook when I travel. (It sure lightens the luggage!) But I will ALWAYS prefer to have a book in my hand to actually feel the pages. I can't pass a bookstore/library without walking through the doors. Books feed our minds and penetrate our hearts. It doesn't matter how or where you read, just READ!

I'm back, and I have work to do!

From June 15th through July 11th, my husband and I were renting a flat in Pilsen, Czech Republic. We were meeting with friends and working with our church mission team to teach a conversational English Camp the last part of our visit. It was a wonderful change to our often chaotic lives. I was "unplugged" most of the month and unable to post my #bookaday readings, but I did finish a dozen books on the trip! (I'll post a complete list in the next few days.)

Not quite a week back in the States and I have already started "work mode." My husband complains, but I don't have much choice...there is so much to get done. I attended two summer staff developments this week and have more scheduled in the days to come. It's fun to be back in the saddle; however, the new school year looms ahead of me and I'm stuck!

I should know better. I should remember Robert Burns' words, "the best laid schemes, o' mice an' men..." and try not to be disappointed.

But I am.

Rumor had it, my library was going to start getting its makeover right after I left the country and be completed before I got home. I realize this was a best case scenario; I know how much work needs to be done....but it's not even close to where I thought it would be with only 37 days left until the first day of school. ~takes deep breath in, deep breath out~

It will all be okay.

I have a plan B...I always have a plan B. :)


If I can just keep my husband from killing me because of the amount of "junk" I have to store at the house until the library is ready to move into.

 

Here's hoping things get going and going fast!