Jodi Picoult

It's official - I'm addicted. In April I was visiting an old friend, she introduced me to Jodi's books. First one I read was My Sister's Keeper, I was a junkie from page one. Have now read two more: The Pact and currently reading Vanishing Acts. It sucks big time, since this is all I did the entire weekend. I didn't get any housework done, when the kids asked me what they could do, cause they were bored and I was being boring, I pushed books (Terry Pratchett) into their hands and told them to start reading. This was only a good idea in theory...

They are now officially addicted to reading. How do I know this? I watched them this morning while they were 'getting ready for school' . Trying to put on their school uniforms. The book open next to them on the bed while struggling with their stockings. Then things regressed even more: pick up book, walk with nose buried in it to the bathroom to brush their teeth. Try to apply toothpaste to toothbrush with one hand whilest not taking their eyes off the words. All the signs are there, I have turned my most prized spirits into zombies.

This would've great if it weren't for the fact that they start with their exams on Thursday. When we were getting ready to leave this morning, the inevidable happened. I had to tell them to put the books down.

"But Mom," came the retort, "we want to read at aftercare". Much as it pained me, I had to say no. They need to start studying. So my question is simple: why does my timing ALWAYS have to be bad when it comes to my children?