At the end of last year, when I decided to set a lofty book reading goal, I didn’t anticipate some of the life changes that are resulting.

Likely, it is a combination of decisions I’ve made. Last October, I gave up television cold turkey. This October, a childhood friend moved to town and hangs out at my place a bit. He enjoys watching TV shows I’ve collected over the years.

My standards of what constitutes a “good” TV show have become a bit more rigid.

Taxi? Still hilarious, obviously some episodes more than others. Mad Men? I still love this show, but I was satisfied with how it ended, so I feel no need to re-binge watch it. Game of Thrones? This is the only show I didn’t give up, because a.) it is a quality show, and b.) it is ending very soon.

Moonlighting? What did I see in this show? So boring now.

For what it’s worth, I’m also having a terrible time sitting through movies. I used to joke that my attention span was about the length of an episode of 30 Rock. Now? I can’t even make it through a ten-second snap on the Snapchat.

My attention keeps turning back to my books. I want to finish The Catcher in the Rye. I want to learn how to Fascinate again. I’m excited to crack Time and Again and follow another time traveler.

I’m also finding this is affecting my social life... considerably. I never realized just how much people talk about pop culture... probably because I could keep up.

Now, I’m an anomaly. I have no interest in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I’ve even lost interest in Star Wars—possibly because Disney’s newest cash cow will never end. Wait, isn’t Marvel owned by Disney too? I’m sensing a pattern.

People I meet refer to reality television shows, or Parks and Recreation, or Rick and Morty. I have no clue what they are talking about.

It’s hard to believe I was once afraid my eulogy would be based around, “He watched television.”

I have never seen Lord of the Rings, which is a deal breaker for my current favorite girl. At least she reads, so I can relate to her in other ways.

At least I’ve read those books.

I feel like I’ve crossed over. I’ve become a freak like Rory Gilmore, nose always in a book.

And now, I’m going to finish today’s work so I can dive back into the world of Holden Caulfield.