After the brilliant kickstart to the reading year, March so far seems to be an off book radar kind of month. One too many things taking up time and energy, but mostly in the words of Mark Manson, these are good problems.
I am trying to diversify my interests and while it is enriching, it is also time consuming. I am exploring a few different opportunities within the local community, supporting local women entrepreneurs who do not have formal education through mentoring in management and helping them developing business models that are sustainable. I have also been involved in some Rising Cancer Awareness initiatives and that has also been keeping me busy. All of this along with BAU day job! 24 hours is really not enough!!!
There have have also been several mini home renovation projects, which are also eating into my non existent time. The water pipes of our apartment needed fixing as did the smaller bathroom and many such non glamorous home improvements that will never feature on architectural digest, but are critical for a comfortable living.
Source http://www.artistsandart.org/2010/05/richard-emil-miller-american.html
Between these projects and the fact that I had several doctor appointments and tests lined up this month, reading has been really slow. I am trying to read In Memory of Memory by Maria Stepanova translated by Sasha Dugdale and there are parts I really like, but it is book that needs focus and focus is currently in short supply! I am also struggling to complete The Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens; I think the violence of the real world is making me shy away from a narrative set in similar conflictual backdrop! But I will get to it, sooner rather than later. I did manage to complete, The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles and I hope to share a review soon. Every other reading is between this and that and the only thing I have been reading consistently and eagerly are Tintin comic books! I hope to find my reading groove soon and must at times remind myself, I read because that is my “thing” and do not need to stress about so called “lack of progress”. I am sure I will soon find “the book” to shake me out of my reading slump.
The highlight of these last 12 odd days has been that I had my first full body scans and extensive blood works done since I completed my Chemo cycles in Nov 2021. And the great thing is, it all came clean!! I have fatigue – sick days as side effects still, but overall I am doing very very well. This alone makes me so grateful and count my blessings.
So here’s to good health and good problems and good books!
Mockingbirds, Looking Glasses & Prejudices... 
My goodness, what a busy time you’re having!! With all that to deal with, I’m not surprised your concentration is a bit off. Definitely read something light which doesn’t strain your concentration too much – I find short books help at a time like that! ;D
I know …..I think I found the right book. Mrs Lorimer’s Quiet Summer by Molly Clavering. Middlebrow at its best!
So happy to hear you had a great checkup! I also loved hearing about the community work you are doing. These things do take up reading time, but it’s important work. You will soon find a good groove no doubt.
You are so right! These things do take time but its totally worth it!
Oh that is such wonderful news on the clean scan! Bravo and congratulations.
That’s a piece of good news to take out into the world with me today 🙂
Thank You so much Brona! Honestly I am so glad it all came out ok!!!! Much relived! Thank You for cheering me on always!