My Favorite Doctor

This week the library/education world has celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday with a nationwide program called "Read Across America." Yesterday, I was invited to read at a local school, and today, we celebrated at that library. This means that I have spent the last 2-3 days thinking in Seussian rhythm. Each of my thoughts seems to include some strange word or radical invention. What I love about Dr. Seuss is how well his books translate to my life.

"I am the Lorax I speak for the trees." from The Lorax

The Lorax is an enviromentally motivated story starring this lovable creature. I would never describe myself as "green," but did I ever tell you that I am obsessed with redwood trees. Someday I will see them. Seeing as I live in the right place for that it will be sooner rather than later. I am Michelle, and I speak for the sequoia.

"The Waiting Place" from Oh, the Places You'll Go!


Seuss describes a place where people wait and wait for their lives to happen to them. I'm sick of waiting for the perfect time to fix my internet connection, clean my desk, and organize my drawers. The time to apply for a promotion is now not in a few months. I'm moving out of the never-ending waiting room and moving on.

"Say! I like green eggs and ham! I do! I like them Sam-I-Am" from Green Eggs and Ham

I recently read that trying new things actually contributes to a person's happiness. I believe this. One simple example is that I just finished reading Percy Jackson and the Olympians. A friend of mine pestered me for months to read it. I have a ton to read so I kept putting it off. Plus, I did not want to find a replacement for my love of Harry Potter. Yep! The books are fun. (It was no Harry Potter, but it was entertaining.)

"I said GO and GO I meant..." from Marvin K. Mooney Will Please Go Now

This is how I feel every day at closing time.

Thank you, Dr. Seuss, for being a life-long influence.