For years, he never wanted me to get a library card because as a kid, he was haunted by late charges and apparently, he never got over it.
So for years, I did not visit the library.
And then, for one reason or another, I got myself a card and have been checking out and returning books ever since.
A few weeks back, before Hurricane Sandy came to town, I checked out an obscene number of books, including one that is sure to trip you up every time: the dreaded 7-day book. It goes without saying that I did not make it back to the library a week later and then the hurricane happened and then a million other things prevented me from going, until it got to the point where, when I checked the library's website, I learned that I owed $11.50. Not a fortune by any means, but disappointing and somewhat embarrassing when the whole point of the library is to read free books.
Oy.
Anyway, I went back today, dragging my huge bag of books behind me. And paid the fines. I broke a twenty on those fine. I hate breaking twenties.
And the whole way there, I kept telling myself that there was no way I was checking any books out today. I was going to return our books and leave. And then we made the mistake, the little one and I, of visiting the children's room. Long story short, we are now the proud renters of 14 new books.
I had no willpower in the library.
But happily, I had huge willpower today - and completed day 8 with flying colors.
I had the same breakfast I have everyday.
Lunch was poached salmon and half of a leftover sweet potato.
Dinner was vegetable soup and some turkey.
And I reached my water quota for the day before I even picked the kids up from school.
I think I can almost see that halfway point of day 15 just up ahead!