It is interesting to revisit this blog I started several years ago, mainly because so much has changed in my life. When I first began this blog in the summer of 2009, I was just beginning a new career and was done with school, at least as a student in a classroom, for the immediate present. I was preparing for my first year of teaching, which, in retrospect, I probably should have been doing more instead of writing book reviews. However, as I had just finished school, and actually enjoyed analyzing literature, I figured that practicing that skill would indirectly help my students. I suppose that it did, but I did need to focus on the more concrete and immediate needs of my first classroom experience rather than a theoretical journey into the already explored annals of literary criticism. Oh well. That was almost three years ago now. I suppose I should move on and save that advice for those potential readers who are considering teaching as a career. I must say, before I get to more personal matters, that I love teaching. I made the right choice, and despite my laissez faire attitude toward setting up my first classroom, it all worked out, I learned a lot, and I think I may be a better teacher now because of it.
At the time I was also living in Baton Rouge, LA. I am now a resident of sunny Tampa, Florida. It is December 19 and the highs are still approaching the 80's. A generally beautiful climate, but as someone who appreciates the gloomy overcast days of mid-December, where the cold air is present and conscientious enough to nip but not bear down with pointed fangs, I have to admit I get nostalgic. I'm sure they're still present here, but all the same, I'd like for them to present themselves.
Longing for a more tangible winter aside, I do truly enjoy living here. I'm with my amazing girlfriend, I have a great job teaching senior and freshman English, and there is tons to do, although I am often too tired at the end of the day to take advantage of all of it. The new year is approaching, though, and cliches abound. I am no exception. However, I have made significant changes in my life, though they do not depend upon the calendar change of the new year specifically. I would like to think that this may be the year my changes actually coincide with the literal new beginning and fresh start for all the transgressions, missteps, and indulgences of the former year.
That being said, my birthday is the 22nd, so for me, that is technically the new year. I wanted to get in the habit of writing before I "start over," to get in the routine. Here I am, ready to go on Monday, December 19.
If you're reading this, you probably got here from my Facebook page. I realize the pretension involved in writing something like this. A blog implicitly states that I feel my opinion on whatever proffered subject is valuable enough for anyone to want to read. In this particular case, I will focus on books because they comprise such an important part of my life. There was a time when I may have thought my opinions were unique snowflakes. I don't believe that anymore, and I actually shudder reading some of my earlier writing. I'm not devaluing my opinions, but I know that no one should value his or her own over another's. Anyone reading this has just as much right to say how he or she feels as I do. And, that's what I hope you do.
Louisiana, though not my birthplace, is basically my home. The pull of cities like Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Lafayette will always exist. I love where I live, I feel lucky to actually live and work in a vacation destination for many, but those places, no matter how much of my life I spend here, or if I spend the rest of my life here, will always be a place I can call home in some ways. Tampa is where I belong now, but my past, even though it is scattered across the United States, belongs almost exclusively to Louisiana. My friends there mean the world to me, and I hope that this can remain a way for us to stay in touch.
In a lot of ways, I am writing this for myself too. This is a way for me to think more critically about the books I read, which makes me appreciate the amazing art that literature is. However, should you choose to read this, I hope that you will take the time to comment on what I say. My opinions are just that: opinions. I love having discussions about literature and debating. You can even call me names. I won't be offended. I've probably been called worse.
If you choose to read this regularly, I'm honored. But, I would be just as honored to hear what you think too. Thank you and I look forward to what is hopefully a long-standing writing relationship!
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