Newspaper Reading, Plan 1,001. On the one hand what do you expect from someone with attention deficit disorder and a severe lack of perseverance? I am currently reading the paper the day it arrives and where applicable, doing the crossword puzzle at the same time.

I get the paper seven days a week, and only receive mail five days. That leaves me with two papers to read two days, usually Monday (Friday and Saturday) and Tuesday (Sunday and Monday). I am dedicating two to three hours each day to reading the paper, and solving the crossword. I have stopped collecting any articles for the time being since I have over one hundred awaiting my attention!

Yes, it is a lesson in letting go and not taking on more than I am able to accomplish. I still have over three weeks of papers in my locker that need to be read, but having slightly downgraded the scope of my reading, maybe I can realistically keep current and get rid of the old papers too.

I am still clipping out articles that might be of interest to my parents, and working on sending them out the same day I clip them.

I have realized that part of my problem was letting go.

I was (am?) tormented that I might miss something if I did not read each and every article from beginning to end. Then even if I read the whole paper, (Okay, I did not read every single article), I would become obsessive, clipping out articles for future reference.

Yes, once in a while it paid off. One time we received a new cast iron skillet and there was a discussion on how to properly season the pan. I knew I had saved an article on the benefits of cast iron cookware and knew the article included a "How to Care For" section. I was able to locate the article, which in itself is a minor miracle. Of course, if I was not so technically challenged, I would be able to go to the internet and use the New Times archives and reprint any article as needed.

I am able to recall the articles I clipped but I certainly do not remember each and every point the articles mention.

For now I have lightened the burden and am trying to enjoy the paper and so far for the last two weeks this plan is working. Based on my past track record, I will probably abandon this current schedule in another few weeks, and all of a sudden be shocked to find my locker contains a stack of over two weeks of newspapers that need to be read.  ¶ 11:19 AM