The Resolution - 52 Books in 1 Year

As a kid, I loved to read. I loved to read so much that I often got into trouble for forgetting to set the table or put away the groceries because I was so engrossed in the book I was reading. It's a running joke with my family now that my parents would get more mad at me for reading than at my brother the time he backed the car into our house (with no damage, but still!). I would sneak the flashlight away and read under the blankets, or if I was feeling very bold, just stuff the bottom and sides of my door with blankets so my parents wouldn't see that my light was still on. I was your typical bookworm.

Then, university happened. All of a sudden, I barely had time to keep up with my assigned readings, let alone read for fun. Reading for pleasure became a laughable thought. I would cram in all my "fun reading" during winter and summer breaks. I told myself that once school was over, I would return to my neglected first love. Little did I know I would end up getting a job after graduation that would have me working some days as late as midnight. And those times during the commute where I told myself I would get so much reading done, I spent asleep due to exhaustion. Well that job has ended now, and I find myself turning over a new leaf to welcome 2009.

I'm one of those people who always has a million and one resolutions they want to achieve, and this year is no exception. This year's list includes:
- eat out less and cook at home more in order to improve cooking skills (with which to attract a rich husband)
- exercise more; potentially start training for Sun Run
- read the newspaper every day
- volunteer; submit Big Sister application

Then I realized I needed at least one resolution that was a bit SMART-er, or at the very least, slightly less vague (and cliche). I thought to myself, what's a resolution that I can really hold myself accountable to and be passionate about achieving? The lightbulb turned on, and this resolution, 52 Books in 1 Year, was born. This encompasses my quest to reclaim my love of reading and continually improve myself through learning more about the world. As such, many of the books I choose will focus on a topic on which I have little or no knowledge. That said, a little fluff is bound to turn up once in a while. In choosing my readings, I am inspired by the World Citizen Reading Challenge and my good friend Chris's website, Goose Educational Media.

Enjoy!