I was joking with a friend recently about how I never appreciated the vacation time I got when I worked for a company. I’d been there long enough that I’d earned four entire weeks—weeks that I never thought were long enough.
As soon as I became self-employed, four weeks of vacation seemed like a very long time. Instead of four weeks, I gave myself one, plus a four-day weekend in the summer. And, if a client needed me, I didn’t leave work. I took it with me.
And don’t even get me started on maternity leave. People who work for companies take as much as 12 weeks off. I gave myself five—and that’s a lot for a freelance writer. I have colleagues who were back at the keyboard just days after pushing a baby through their nethers.
Now, with the economy biting into our income, I can’t afford to take a vacation.
But I need one. I do because I miss something very deeply. It’s my collection of books. My utter adoration of books is why I went into my profession in the first place. The typical bookstore is like Prozac to me. I walk in. I see and smell books. I feel happy.
It seems I can’t walk into a bookstore without walking out with a book or two or ten in my hands.
Yes, I am the one person in the United States who is single handedly responsible for keeping Barnes and Noble in business. If you are a shareholder, you really ought to send me a personal note of thanks. If it weren’t for me, they would have gone out of business a long, long time ago.
As a result, I currently have more than 30 unread books on my bookshelf. Seriously. This is no exaggeration. I looked at all of the books on my shelf this morning, and I thought, “That’s probably $1000 worth of books.”
That’s how many books I have. And I’m not a hoarder. When I’m done with a book, I donate it – either to another book lover or to the library. Still, I have hundreds of books that I either haven’t read or haven’t gotten around to giving to someone else.
Maybe I should give them away as Reader of the Month prizes? How does that strike you?
Anyway these unread books have piled up because I’ve been reading other things, mostly blogs. I subscribe to roughly 25 of them. They include other marriage blogs. They include blogs about topics that I need to know more about (SEO, marketing, cost-cutting). They include blogs written by freelance writer friends and other blogger friends.
It’s a lot to read, and I’m a better, smarter person for investing that reading time.
Still, I miss my books. I miss them dearly.
So, dear readers, I’m taking a break from every reading and writing pursuit except for book reading. During the next two or so weeks, I plan to become better acquainted with:
Committed, by Elizabeth Gilbert
The Condition, by Jennifer Haigh
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larsson
Freakonomics, by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
Confessions of a Public Speaker, by Scott Berkum
The Dip, by Seth Godin
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, by David Sedaris
It might not be a vacation to a Four Seasons in Tahiti, but it will be a welcome refuge and mental escape nonetheless.
After filling my brain with other people’s excellently crafted words, I know I will come back to blogging, writing and everything else feeling fresher, smarter and more determined than ever.
I’ll miss you, but I’ll see you soon. And when I come back, I’ll have an exciting promotion to announce. For now, let’s just say this: I’m going to give something away that is going to make on lucky woman very, very happy.
In the meantime, I’m hoping you can do something for me. During this time away from the blog, I’ll be putting some thinking into how I can improve it and make it even better. I’d love for you all to share your thoughts on that. What do you want more of? What do you want less of? What parts of the blog really speak to you? What turns you off? What do you want me to add? What topics do you wish I would explore? How can I make this blog more successful? Should I even try?
Let me know your thoughts and suggestions. I’ll do my best to implement every single one of them.
Copyright 2010 Project Happily Ever After
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{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
Alisa, we ALL need a vacation now and then. It’s just good for us in every way; mind, body & spirit. You taking a “reading vacation” is a great idea, I think we all become better writers by reading more. I read 3 books this past weekend, but it’s rare that I do that. I love going to bookstores too, and I really liked your analogy of Barnes & Noble being like Prozac to you; I feel the same way. Plus, it reminds me of my best friend, who literally reads 5–6 books a week, and also is a major reason why B&N is still open! I’m not a speed reader like she is, but I do enjoy reading. I didn’t do it much over the holidays and found that I really missed it, so I can see your point and “need to read.” As for this blog, I’ll give it some thought as to how you can improve it. Right now, I can’t think of anything. I do want to mention that I too want to read Elizabeth’s Gilbert new book, “Committed,” and right now, honest to God, I’m currently reading her best seller “Eat, Pray, Love.” So, please, let us know how Committed is! Anyway, once again, enjoy your vacation and congratulations for knowing when to take time out for yourself! We’ll be here when you get back!
Many Blessings,
-Sarah Liz
I’m your partner in crime as far as books (reading and collecting go). I too help keep B&N and other bookstores in the black.
Take a break, read till you can’t see anymore. I’m all for that. I read every night before bed. If it’s a really good book, I may not go to sleep until 3 – 5 AM. Oops! But, I’m in the book and can’t put it down. And some books, I even read during the day instead of doing chores or errands. Oh well, I’m stuck in the book.
I do give some books away, but since I’m such a book lover, I love having bookcases full of books and husband is the same way. We need a room with wall-to-wall bookcases. LOL!!!
I can’t think of anything I’d like to see different/changed. I love your blogs. They’ve helped me a lot in the months that I’ve been reading them. And it’s a safe place to write about some of the things going on in my life.
Have a wonderful two week vacation. So what if you’re not going away. A break from some of your daily routines is still a vacation, in my opinion.
I’ll have to check out some of the books you plan to read. I’m currently reading Sarah Palin’s “Going Rogue” and am loving it. Before that, I was on a Vince Flynn kick. It’s nearly time for me to hit the library again (have to cut back somewhere in this economy and books are getting expensive) and get some new reading material.
Hey, I thought I was the one keeping BN alive! I am int he same exact boat as you. I am not a hoarder, I give away my books too, but I also have big stacks to read. That is why I don’t mind unplugging when I go on my vacations because then I can have cherished time with my books! Have a nice book vacation!
.-= Andi´s last blog ..CES Taxi Tip – Save this for next year =-.
I forgot to mention that I don’t BUY my books, unless on Amazon.com and used. I am a HUGE supporter of my local library. I could live there sometimes, and occasionally do! LOL! I LOVE going in, spending an hour or two just browsing and then coming home with a BIG stick of books! You can take out 35 items at one time, I usually take about 19. I love buying books though, when I can afford it. And I also love browsing in a book store. I can going into Boarders (B&N is far from my house) and spend hours & hours & hours–browsing, reading, thinking. It’s always a wonderful time and inspiring as a writer! Oh, and of course, Alisa, we will miss you! But, again, enjoy your reading–we look forward to more fabulous entries to come!
*stick should be STACK, stack of books….excuse my typos!
Sarah Liz–you have so much more self control than I do. Once I walk into a bookstore, I’m done. Just can’t stop myself from buying something. It’s really ugly. At least my addiction is ensuring that everyone in my town has good reads to pick out at the local library!
I am the same way about books…the smell of books has always been the best smell to me. Anyway, enjoy your much needed vacation. I think your blog is great. One thing I would like you to write more about is how to balance the home (and child) work between spouses.
I’ll will miss you a ton! But I will be right here waiting for you when you return. Excellent book choices. I’m reading the 2nd in the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy – SO BRILLIANT. Read that one first. Have a great time…you deserve it!! xox
.-= Julie Roads´s last blog ..Scars…from bikes, toilet seats, words and such =-.
When I first read the title my initial thought was, “Nooooooooooo!” But then I read your reasoning and I completely understand (plus, you’re more than allowed to take a vacation!). As a for a former bookstore employee for the ‘other company’ I know how you feel about books and missing them! Enjoy your book vacation
As for the questions you asked, nothing turns me off when it comes to your blog. Very fun to read and though I don’t have children and don’t plan on having any, I do enjoy reading about your relationship with your daughter and I think it would be cool to learn how your relationship with your husband is different because you have a child.
I get the books from the library but then, if I really love a book, I have to own it, so I buy the book for guests at our B&B to enjoy. I hear you, though, about the time reading blogs requires. Glad to hear you are taking a vacation!
I’m the same way, I buy and buy books and I don’t get around to reading them! Right know I have two to read: The Angel’s Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon and My Favorite Wife by Tony Parsons. We will miss You Alissa but woman to woman, “we all need our vacation”. Enjoy! and as far as your question about the content of your blog, I really enjoy your posts about your daily interactions with your husband. (Because then I know I am not the only one).
Now go grab a cup of tea, get under a blanket and read a book!
.-= Elisa´s last blog ..Charity, Act of Kindness or Insult? =-.
Ooooooooo booooks……Yummmmmmm. Go and, read…….I got a Sony Reader for a Christmas gift and although it is less expensive than a REAL book and it is convenient…it is not the same. It does not feel as good when you fall asleep with an electronic reader on your chest. An open book rests beautifully on your chest. Aside from reading them, I love the they way their jackets look on my bookshelves. Just looking at them makes me feel great. I’ve taken many a trip in my arm chair. Escapism. I’ve visited all over the world. I’ve gone on emotional roller coaster rides, received marriage counseling, learned to cook, administered emergency vet care to a dog, basked in delicious poetry and changed the broken dryer belt with my friend, the book. Some pages are tear stained, others have coffee stains. Need I say more? Well, yes….of late I have been giving (not lending) my books to other readers, because I want to keep everyone reading, forever. Amen.
Alisa….enjoy your vacation! I love all aspects of the blog. Absence make the heart grow fonder, yes?
Yes, I’m the same way. I love the smell of books and newspapers. You will be missed, but I hope you enjoy your vacation!
Communication is something that my husband and I sometimes struggle with. We are often trying to communicate the same message or thought, but in just in slightly different ways. Our egos seem to be getting in the way. We seem too concerned about who’s right, as if we can’t both agree and both be right. We’ve been together for 6 years, married for one of them. Anything you have to offer on the subject would be appreciated.
Have a great vacay! I’m reading the third book in the Larsson trilogy (yes, special ordered from the U.K.–because I’m nuts). Love those books. And David Sedaris is one of my idols.
I would LOVE some book reviews when you come back. Hope that doesn’t add the pressure of thinking about blogging while you’re reading–haha. I just started reading a book that I’ve been meaning to read for a year, and I’m devouring it–Three Junes by Julia Glass. It’s breathtaking, if you get through your stack and need another.
Have a good vacation!
enjoy your vacation! I love your brutal honesty on this blog, and the “don’t read this at work” topics, and reader question and answers…
I also love to hear about the ups and downs of parenting. you make me feel normal
Congratulations, Alisa! What a wonderful vacation you’re giving yourself. Just fabulous. Better than anything I can think of. Make sure you add one more to your list – Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. Amazing writing and characters. One of my all-time faves.
I look forward to seeing you back here and reading more of your brilliant posts. Until then – bon voyage~!!
I’m glad you’re taking some time off. I’ve read a couple of the books on your list – you’re going to enjoy them. My problem is I never have enough books. I go through them too quickly then end up reading the back of my shampoo bottle or the ads at the back of Esquire.
What a lovely idea, and I will miss you! Have a great time, and do let us know what you enjoyed.
A staycation with books…sounds lovely…and likely just as rejuvenating as a trip to Tahiti.
.-= sarah henry´s last blog ..Serving People, Serving Food, Days of Service: Help Haiti =-.
David Sedaris is fabulous and you can’t go wrong with Freakonomics, but have you tried Foreskins Lament by Shalom Auslander? Excellent!
I can’t wait to hear your take on The Dip ( I really loved it–and appreciate it). Enjoy your time away!
.-= Meredith´s last blog ..Part 1: Sometimes money is just money =-.
Alissa,
I was missing the blog, and forgot about the book vacation. Bravo for you! I’m not allowed into bookstores any longer. My husband has forbidden me. It’s a slippery slope for me….much like an alcoholic likes liquor, my passion is books.
It all happened while a teacher, and scholastic would send out those wonderful little kid book orders….yes, I became obsessed…and kids…kids can’t ever have enough books.
I absolutely love the blog, not sure you could make it better, because I love reading it…you make me feel normal and okay in my mind!
Thanks for all you do!
I miss you madly. Come baaaaaacccckkkkkkkkk!!!!
Alisa, great time getting to know you tonight. Am looking forward to following your observations on life.
Love the pictures with your daughter ….
.-= Laurie´s last blog ..I Love To Dance =-.
OHHHHH! This must be why I thought I wasn’t getting blogs anymore…
I think the site is fabulous and I want you to do more of exactly what you do now… witty writing with a point.
Confessions of a Public Speaker is highly practical, yet funny.
The book reveals the techniques behind what great communicators do and shows how anyone can learn to use them well.
You’ll get new insights into the art of persuasion, based on Scott’s 15 years of experience speaking.
.-= saving a marriage´s last blog ..Problems in Marriage =-.