Week 1

Well, this is week 1 of up to 24 to learn to read and complete my book!

I can confirm that I’ve started my book and have learnt a new word ‘procrastinate’ since my last post (although I haven’t yet learnt how to use the word in the correct context yet). After the success of picking up the book and reading at 3 or 4 page pace I followed up with a good 5 page session on Friday night before I fell asleep.

This weekend, I went to the pool and managed to read 10 pages, before again getting too tired to continue. It’s so hard to turn the pages in this 85F heat and the pages can get sticky but, not in a dodgy way. On Sunday I took my book out for some quite time over a nice hike, however it’s difficult to read on uneven ground at times, so I had to give up.

The library near my current rental is lacking on the book front, especially those with large type so I’ll have to make do with the book I have now, but I might learn more words if I persevere. When I move in a couple of months there is a large bookshop in the community, so I should be sorted with loads of choice.

The variation in reading times through the day is good as it keeps me interested. The evenings is of course the main time and I will be reading the next 3 nights. My aim is to read for a total of 6 hours over 4 nights this week and I’ll be upping that each week moving forward – here’s looking forward to new words! Tomorrow, I’m in Los Angeles and rather than checking out the City, I’ll stay in my hotel room and read my book. On Wednesday night, I might venture outside for a read, but that depends on the weather (heat and stickiness of pages).

The next twelve weeks really are getting me ready for the big event. Once I’ve completed a book I’ll be able to read on the internet, as I feel I’m missing out now. I’ve been told that 12 weeks learning to read is a good base and I should be in a position to read to a fair standard (and also learn some more words).

Back next week, I hope to find a word longer than ‘procrastinated’ to use, so make sure you come back. If everything goes to plan I’ll be 20 new words to the good I hope!