Maybe we're the norm rather than the exception. I learned to read when I was four also. When I was older, I had a summer goal of reading all the books starting with the A authors. Don't remember how far I got, but I tried. We lived about a mile from the library, but I would walk there whenever I could. Don't think parents would let kids do that anymore.

Jessica, that's amusing about the books and reruns, mainly because I've been noticing that happen with me, too. More with books than TV shows, but since I've always hated rereading books, now I can do it because it seems like a new book.

Shannon, that's great that DSS is showing an interest in book. Cute, too, about getting the new library card. At our library, we can choose pictures for the front of the card--do you get to do that, too? That would be fun for kids. It seems like there are all sorts of programs at libraries now, too, at least more than when I was a kid.

Allison, that's a good idea about getting a bike stand. More cost effective, I think, plus easier to store. And they don't become a clothes rack. :)

Dagmar, the older I get, the longer it takes me to read a book, too. For me it's more of a physical thing, but it's annoying when I want to check out a brand-new book, which are only two weeks. Sometimes I can still devour a book in a day or two, but usually it's a couple of chapters a night.

Did I post photos of my two foster kittens? If I did already, sorry. Black kittens don't photograph well, but they're all big eyes and big ears. Those two are so funny. They really play hard. My older cat is getting a touch more tolerant in that she doesn't growl EVERY time they come close to her. The other night, she was lying on my DH's lap and one of the kittens was farther down his leg (his legs were on a footstool). My cat started twitching her tail a little, and I saw the kitten eyeing that tail. I said, you better not, little kitty, but she just couldn't stop herself. She had to go after that twitching tail and got a big old swat from the older cat. Hopefully one more week will fatten them up enough to be spayed (2 lbs.) and put into the shelter's kitten room.

A wet, but not real cold, Wednesday here--hope everyone is having a good one!

Another reader from youth here! My dad is an English teacher and has tons of books, so though I don't remember if I read early I quickly made it to "chapter" books in first grade and never looked back. Though I did learn from watching my parents over the years - my dad owns so many books he can't keep them all out. They have dozens of boxes of books in storage. What's the point of that? So I go to the library and try not to buy books myself, unless I know I will use them multiple times.

I'm on book three of the "Outlander" series and it's definitely addictive! The only downside is they're such big books to prop on the machines at the gym... but I manage. ;)

Megan - how are things going with the oil spill? Any fallout where you are yet? I've been worried about you guys...

Allison, glad the PT is going well!

Sheila, cute kitties! That is too cute about the kitten going after the cat's twitching tail.

Megan, I'm with you, I have been using the library more and buying books less lately. Although I will admit DH and I go wild when the local library has their semi-annual book sale. If you go on the last day, it's $5 for a grocery sack full of as many books as you can stuff in. Last time we bought two sacks packed with books. We have many, many books on our shelves we haven't read yet. I only buy new books if they are the next in a series by a favorite author (I need to pick up Lynn Flewelling's latest, The White Road, I love that series and it came out last week). I read my favorites over and over. The library is like a "try before you buy" for me! :lol:

In case anyone here is into the same funky subgenre of fantasy novels that I am, my favorite authors are Lynn Flewelling, Sarah Monette, Jacqueline Carey, and Carol Berg. Robin Hobb is hit or miss (well, Carol Berg is a little hit or miss too sometimes). I also really liked "Maledicte" by Lane Robins (the sequel was good too).

Jessica - Ive looked at Lynn Flewelling's books before. Have to look for those, too!

More on books....

Although we have nice libraries around here, we seem to buy more than borrow. When the kids were little, I insisted that they give a book as a present any time they were invited to a birthday party. They could also give something else of their liking, but a book had to be part of the present. Also my kids got a lot of books as presents and every time we went to the mall we went to the book store and I never said no to buying them books. Well, as time went by we had accumulated so many books! When DS was in first grade his teachers were looking for new or gently used books to give away to the students less fortunate--those who couldn't afford to buy books. I said I'd help. Boy were his teachers amazed when I brought in 5 bankers boxes full of books! And I kept the books that were special for one reason or another, so it wasn't even all our books!

A few years later when DD was in middle school, a local library was doing a similar drive to stock a new "teen room" at the library. Again, we took 3 or 4 bankers boxes full of once-read books that would appeal to teenagers.

Right now I have two banker's boxes in my closet over flowing with my past reads. Whenever we have house guests I encourage them to take a few.

All of the talk of libraries, books, and reading is warming my heart.
As I begin the monumental task of inventory in my library (over 27,000 titles), I am glad to see libraries are still appreciated.

I was an early reader, too. My mom was a "stay at home mom" until I was in elementary school and she taught me a lot of basics before I started kindergarten.

I'm trying to think of something yummy and preferably vegetarian to make for dinner... however the :devil: on my shoulder is encouraging going out for pizza and beer - which sounds very appealing and it'll be something my BF and I can both agree on. He doesn't consider it a meal without meat and while I'm not longer a vegetarian, I try to keep my meat intake low.

A couple of you mentioned the book "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," and there is a movie out right now by that title. I am thinking it is the same story as the book, so I'm curious what you thought about the book? My BF went to see the movie (at an independent theater, I don't think it's very popular mainstream but then I don't keep up much with that so I could be wrong) and he said it was disappointing.

I'm currently reading "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan. It's a great read for me because I grew up on a conventional corn and soybean farm and have gotten into local small-scale agriculture in college.

I've heard such great reviews about the Kindle but there is something I just love about holding a BOOK rather than an electronic. I'm a little old fashioned, I guess. I also tend to print out a lot of the articles I read for research - I know it is a waste of paper, but I can't stand reading on a computer screen and I like to physically write notes in the margins.

Marie - I think I need a trip to the Apple store! :lol:

I prefer "paper" books. There is something about reading with transmitted light (any screen) that really bothers my eyes after about 20 minutes. And I find I retain nothing if I read from a screen. Good thing I don't work in an office!

Plus there's all the design that goes into a paper book. I used to specialize in typography when I worked in graphic arts and I still appreciate it when it's used well in printed things. I haven't seen any equivalent in computer stuff and I find there are too many spelling errors (which jump out at me and interrupt my concentration).

Dagmar :book2:

Iris~The movie is based on the book. I went to see it as well and I really liked it. Had your BF read the book first? I think the movie did a pretty good job of weeding out a lot of the superfluous characters that were in the book and kind of bogged down the book, but kept the story going as it should. And it set up movied #2 quite well. I was a bit disappointed in the subtitles (it's a Swedish movie) because there were times when the white words were difficult to see on the whitish background.

Marie~I ordered a bike stand from Amazon yesterday and should get it next week. I think it'll make a lot more sense than a stationary bike, and it'll make things more portable. I'm thinking I could set it up on my back patio and bring it into my family room quite easily and then store it back outside.

I feel really good. I've been planning my day each morning and sticking to plan. Of course it's only been 2 days, but it's working! Hopefully I'll stick to it this time and I can get this regained weight off.

Pat, an Apple store sounds dangerous to me.

Dagmar, oh how I HATE spelling errors in a book. They nearly jump off the page or the screen.

Allison, great job on sticking to plan. Every day gets easier to be in the losing/on plan groove. I bet you’ll love the bike stand. Mine is great.

This morning I dove into the scary and jogged on my treadmill. I did intervals and it was cool. I’ve decided that I will do that 3 days a week. I had two open days since my elliptical is a 5X per week. I’m going to give up one of the elliptical days to do the walk/jog. I figured if I did it enough I’d get better at it and when I go on vacation in 2 months, I’ll be able to do it and not worry about finding an elliptical to use. Scary how I am so concerned about one week two months from now. That is not the fat Marie way of thinking.

Yesterday I stopped at the AT&T store that just opened. We just got AT&T in my area (yes, my iphone is jailbroke). I borrowed one of their phones to see if I get reception at my house. It’s remote in the rural area that I live. I had 4-5 bars through the whole house. I am so excited. When the 4G is released, I am so there. I’ve been month to month with t-mobile for years.
Marie

Marie-- that is cool that they let you borrow a phone to check for reception! Glad you have it too. What do you mean your iphone is jailbroke?

Running on the treadmill definitely burns the calories. I substitute running for the elliptical sometimes and find I get sore and sweat a ton! When I go to Houston I won't have access to a gym. I will be there almost two weeks. I plan on jogging around the lakes (I really hate jogging) and then reward myself with a swim in my inlaws new pool. I'm not sure if it is big enough for lap swimming-- I'll have to see when I get there.