I read and ramble...

I used to read all the time.
Books.

I still read constantly, but a great deal of my reading is done online. I read a lot of politics lately, but it's the season, not that I really give a shit about the candidates. If I waste any emotional energy on them at all, it's just hate. I hate them with a strong passion almost approaching my dislike for Fluffy.

I read a study that was done many years ago about how people just didn't read anymore after they'd been forced to read and read and read in school/college. Several of the respondents admitted to hating reading. HATING it. How does that happen? I remember falling in love with books as a small child and being so excited about learning to read. I couldn't wait. I got in trouble in school because I could already read when I got there. And they didn't like that. My second grade teacher told my parents that "She's not really reading, she has memorized stuff." 
I still don't know how I could memorize books I'd never seen before, but that old bag was certain I couldn't actually read. I clearly recall the other kids in the class barking out sounds while 'learning' to read.

Once again, I ask... is there a more clueless demographic than the educrats?

I remember wondering how it was possible that people didn't love to read. So many stories out there. So many books. So many wonderful writers.
This summer, I've had a bit of time to do real reading. Paper. Books. A lot of books. I am grateful for the time I've had off work. Particularly glad I wasn't stuck with the cavalcade.

But I've reacquainted myself with real books over summer.
I've read so many stories. The good ones stick with me.
Favorite books come out on occasion. I read through a whole series.
It's not like the endings are a surprise, but the characters are old friends. Predictable friends... but friends.

My husband teases me about it sometimes, but he likes me. I know it amuses him.

I do the same thing with some movies, too. I have some old favorites there, too.
Like right now, while I am writing this, I'm watching The Birdcage.

Makes me laugh every time I watch it, too.

So I don't have a smart phone. I know just about everyone in the universe does, though. When I have to wait somewhere, I pull out the tangle stuff and draw or I :::gasp::: pull an actual book out of my purse and read.

I've actually caught people staring at me when they look away from their phones long enough to notice I'm not playing with my phone.

I was waiting for a job interview earlier this month and the receptionist forgot I was sitting there. She suddenly said, "OH!! I am SO SORRY! I totally forgot you were sitting there! You're so quiet!"

I looked at her, not sure what to say.
"Would you like me to be louder?"

She laughed.

"No, that's not what I mean. But everyone who comes in either plays with their phone or talks on it."

I didn't mention that I thought it was rude to do that, but that's what I think.

And have you ever been in line at the grocery store or Target or wherever and the person who's checking out in front of you doesn't even talk to the clerk? Not a hello or a thank you or anything... 'cause they're too busy talking on the phone.

Hate that.

So today was more sorting of crap. I'm trying to finish getting rid of stuff I don't need in time for school to start. I won't feel like farting around with it. I'll be too tired. Because I'll be getting up at 5 again.

Ah well.

So what are you up to?
And do you read?