August is finally here which means the end of the summer is drawing near and I’m not quite ready for it to end. July seemed like the most challenging and longest month of my life! Not to mention, it rained for most of the month as well. Nevertheless, it’s been a great summer for the most part, especially since I didn’t have to worry about school assignments and tests. It felt good being able to pretty much wake up later than 8:00 AM, or should I say, lay in the bed past 8:00 AM. Being able to sleep past 8:00 AM is foreign to me.

I didn’t get a chance to travel as much as I would have hoped for, but that was mainly because I was in desperate need of some wheels. I believe that was one of the highlights of my summer. I’m still in awe about my acheivement. It feels good being able to get into a car that I know will start and get me here, there and everywhere. I have yet to put the Silver Bullet to the highway test, but the summer isn’t over just yet. Hopefully after church this Sunday, we’re headed to Florida, or Mississippi, before they go back to school. That’ll at least give them something to share with their little friends when they return to school next week.

There’s a lot to be done this week. Besides getting settled in the house, I still need to get school supplies for my daughter, clothes, shoes, hair accessories – and not to mention, my son is going to need some things to for his school. As for me, school starts soon and returning to take on a new semester creates an indifferent feeling for me. I’m ready to return, but coincidentally, I could definitely go for a few more weeks before I have to return to such responsibilities. As with the start of any semester, I plan to remain organized. One of the things that I’m excited about, though, is shopping for school supplies. I’m a nerd and I can spend hours in Office Depot testing out pens, Sharpie markers, and the like.

The ending of the summer is always bittersweet to me, though. I was able to appreciate every event that has occurred. The smiles, the laughter, the tears, the accomplishments, the triumphs, the tribulations – everything. So besides the hot weather that permits cute summer outfits with bright colors, cookouts, late nights with daquiris, and weekend trips, my summers always present me with the opportunity to grow and to become a stronger person. It provides introspective moments, as well as time for self-reflection. And that, is what I look forward to each year.

The past few days since “the knowing” have been pretty difficult to deal with, but not unbearable. Each day gets better and I’m thankful for that. There are still moments that I shed tears about the entire situation, but focusing more on the happy times makes everything a little bit easier to deal with.

But, you know what else is a wonderful coping mechanism? Reading. For past few days, I happened to stumble upon a few blogs, like here, here, and here, that listed the novels that they were currently reading and how therapeutic reading is. I could remember the outlet this created when I had more time to indulge in reading before I became a mother.

Yes, my kids are a handful, especially my son; but, I’ve used them as an excuse for much too often when they enjoy reading as much as I do. So, why not let them read with me? The idea came to me when I noticed my son skimming through the pages of a book that I had just purchased. I’m going to make it a habit to take them to the library whenever I can.

My son reading a book to me

I remember how I used to beg my mom to bring me to the library. Any and every library I saw, I wanted to explore what was inside. I’d spend hours there–getting lost within the aisles of stories, poems, narratives, and history lessons. Sometimes, I’d find a quiet corner and sit on the floor by a window and read. Other times, I’d head over to the big comfy couch and bury myself within the cushions while simultaneously, burying myself withing the pages. I’m glad my mom exposed me to the joy of reading. And with my children, I plan to do the same.

My daughter reading online

So, my little family and I are starting a book collection, which I’m hoping to turn into a little library/nook in a section in the living room. I’ve even installed a little shelf in my room for my collection which is coming along great. I visited a few thrift stores and saw this:

 

Now can you beat that? I spent $2.00 on 5 books. I also visited another thrift store. Their prices were a bit higher but I great finds indeed. Right now, I’m currently reading A Gracious Plenty by Sherri Reynolds. I started yesterday and I’m half-way through. I’ll probably finish tonight.

Oh, and I also joined a book club. An online book club via Nerd Girl. I have yet to get the book to begin reading, but I plan on stopping by the library tomorrow since Borders didn’t have it with their going out of business sale. -_- You guys should join too. Discussion begins on August 15th and we’re currently reading Tananarive Due’s – My Soul to Keep. I may just be interested in hosting the next book club. We shall see.

What are you guys currently reading?