I've heard that the average person is admirable to read more than 10 books a year. What?! This boggled my mind, and even when I did my research I've heard it ranged around 6-16 a year. That's depressing to me. I consider that easily done in a month, even though we all have busy lives. Hell, Oprah is one of the busiest people imaginable and she's an avid reader. And I'm not stupid-I knew that the amount I read was more than what is considered normal because let's be real-reading is a dying hobby, but I didn't know it was that low.
By this point most people are probably thinking-uh, did I even read a book last year? Or for fun-ever?! Haha, don't get me wrong; I get it. A lot of people find it boring as hell and would rather do almost anything else with their spare time. I feel that way about myself about sports and watching tv for the most part, so I know that feeling only too well.
I get social media addicts for sure; I mean news and gossip is interesting-there's variety for whatever you like, and it's interactive. That makes sense to me, and I understand why Millennials or Generation Y are far more heavily reliant upon technology than any generation preceding it. (Just wait for Generation Z though-they're already blowing us out of the water guys) Technology is winning out over a good old-fashioned book. Even when many do read nowadays, people are using Kobos and Kindles and other e-reader tools instead of good old paperback novels that still have that satisfying page-smell.
Growing up, I got bullied and teased for reading so much, although more so for thoroughly enjoying it I think than anything. I got used to hiding it, and being embarrassed as a youth. Which I find highly ironic because nowadays people think it's so great when they find out how much I read. Then again, once my age group hit University and College age things definitely changed. Now being smart is considered cool. How times have changed!
Honestly though, I wish I knew more people that enjoyed reading like I do. It's hard to find fellow book-lovers out there and reading isn't exactly easy to do with other people either. It's not like you can read a book together with someone like you can watch tv or movies (ugh) together; it's totally different. I admit it can be frustrating when my peers talk about some show or another and I'm lucky if I've heard of it at all. I should join a book club.
Getting a job at a bookstore was probably one of the smartest things I've done this year. Being surrounded by like minded people is great. Already I've come across so many potential new reads and learned so much, it's fascinating. Like, did you know that the most commonly stolen book is in actuality the bible? How's that for irony!
My thoughts of the day:
- Texting- I hate it so much; why can't people just call you anymore, or wait until they see you in person? Like jeez, I don't mind the odd text especially if we're busy, but honestly it should be a last resort. What especially annoys me is when people are like "why didn't you text me back"- because I forgot or I just don't want too. Get over it and next time just call me. Or people expect to text every day, honestly I have a life and I'm busy. I don't need to know what you're doing every waking moment, and I don't really care. What happened to real communication? Misunderstanding is far too common when it comes to texting. On top of that we like to complain that younger generations are so reliant upon technology- uhm hello? Hypocrites.
- People that are absolutely obsessed with low fat, diet, or organic crap. I honestly don't care what you eat, but don't try to push your weird food habits on me. That's for you, do you see me trying to push a cake in your face? Sure, you want to be healthy, great that's your right, but if I want to get fat, that's my right too. In my opinion we're all going to die eventually anyways so what's the point in over obsessing? I'm bad enough at over thinking every tiny detail in life anyways without the added stress. So let's agree to disagree.
- Cuddling. Yeah, I'm a woman and to many people this seems odd to dislike. But seriously, who likes being all sticky and plastered to someone?! Not me. It's uncomfortable, and I dislike being smothered. Especially when I'm trying to sleep it's just annoying. Like seriously- go away. Unless I'm cold fine, but really that's what blankets and heat is for. Even my cat, yes she's adorable and fluffy but I can only hold her so long before I'm like, okay I've had enough, I need my space. I like my breathing room.
- People that can't handle the truth. Sometimes the truth hurts- I get it. But personally I would rather someone hurt me with the truth than soothe me with a lie. Frankly, I can't stand liars. Who likes people that are full of bs really? I'm going to treat you how you treat me or at least how I would like you to be towards me. And I want straight up, blunt honesty. Sugarcoating, being coy, and all that is a waste of time. Just be real, and tell it to me like it is. Honestly, sometimes after I'm in situations where I have to hold it in and watch what I say it's such a relief to be around people where I can be myself and not hide what I think all the time. People that encourage and appreciate that forward quality in others are such a relief to be around, like drinking a big glass of water after a hot, thirsty day.
