I spent my first day of 2012 recovering from my last day of 2011.  I slept in, made a simple Sunday brunch of fresh fruit and baked oatmeal, painted the trim in my daughter’s bedroom (my new least favorite activity in the whole wide world), and watched Inception with my family as a last hurrah before the daily grind begins again.  It was a raw, wet Sunday and I was happy to be inside with nowhere to go.

In the afternoon, while I was surfing the Web, I stumbled upon an intriguing year-long contest at fiftyfifty.me which sounds like a truckload of fun.  The 50/50 Reading Challenge is a simple concept – read fifty books and watch fifty movies of my choice by the end of 2012.  The only stipulation is that all books and movies must be ones I’ve never read or watched before.  At first glance, this challenge seems like quite the undertaking.  However, after doing some quick math I figured I’d only need to read approximately four books and watch four movies a month.  That’s definitely doable.

I can’t resist – I am taking this challenge.  The timing is perfect.  Hubby gave me a Nook tablet for Christmas and I’m dying to use it.  I’ve also been wanting to work my way through some of the Top 100 Books Lists and Movie Lists I’ve discovered on the Internet.  Now is as good a time as any to get started on that project.  I’m  encouraging my kids to give the Challenge a try, too.  This, my friends, is the beginning of a grand adventure.

My plan is to update my progress here at Whimsey Pie at the end of each month, sharing what I’ve read and watched and keeping track of my goal.  As always, if you have any suggestions for movies or books, I would love to hear about them.  And, if you are as intrigued as I was, you can sign up for the 50/50 Reading Challenge, too.  It’s free and you don’t need a blog to participate.  I’d love to know if you decide to jump on board.  There is strength (and support) in numbers.  Wish me luck!