Hi guys! First...I want to thank you all so much for your comments last week on my various bloggiversary posts. I can't tell you guys how much you make me smile, or laugh, and even sometimes cry. But all in very very good ways. I actually wanted to do more last week but life got in the way and my blogging fizzled out a bit. That's how it goes, huh?
The other day I had an AWESOME idea for a Sunday Salon topic. Sadly I failed to write it down and the idea has vanished completely. Don't you hate when that happens? Especially as it seems to be either feast or famine here--I'll have more ideas than I have time for or plenty of time but nothing to write. I could just ramble your ears off but I think I do enough of that already.
So instead, I thought I would ask you guys about your reading habits.
Would it surprise you to learn that I rarely think to myself, "Ooooh, I've got a few minutes to spare! Maybe I'll pick up my book." Don't get me wrong, I looooourve to read but usually there seem to be 10 million other things that also need to be done (like writing this Sunday Salon post on Saturday morning while the babe is napping). And that's not to say that there aren't days when I take every single opportunity I'm given to read a few pages in my book, because I'm thinking that Stephen King and I have a date with the LazyBoy later today...
Most days, though, my reading time looks like this: Listening to audiobook on the way to work. Maybe reading during my lunch break (if I'm not catching up on email/comments/blogs or working out). Listening to my audiobook on the way home from work. Maybe reading for thirty minutes before bed--this probably works out every other day. Unfortunately I can't read with the tv on. In fact, I was "anonymous...in bed" for Jenn's A Little Book Told Me So feature.
I think of it as scheduled reading and when that time is taken away from me (like busy season when lunches are shortened), I get cranky and restless. I've actually pondered getting up earlier to read before leaving for work (sometimes I do read before work if I'm really early). We schedule time for workouts and even for dinner. Why not schedule time for reading? Or does this idea seem silly.
So I'm wondering--how do you carve out time to read? Do you "schedule" it for specific times during the day or just pick up a book at will? Are there days when you don't read anything at all (gasp!)? Do you have specific reading habits in order to fit your reading time in?
And please, this post is not about not having time to read.
Also--for the two giveaways last week.
1. Winner of any book I've reviewed is Melissa from Avid Reader's Musings!
2. Winner of Puffin Classic is Rebecca (RivkaBelle) from A Word's Worth
Right now during the summer I have plenty of time to read. However during the school year (I am a grad student getting my MLIS) I have to really schedule time to read. If I dont have class that day I tend to read at night. If I do have class then I will read when I get home.
ReplyDeleteCool! I just finished my MLIS in December. I live in southern Ontario, Canada, but got it through the distance option at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. It was a great program - learned lots. What about you? Where are you going to school? What class are you currently taking?
DeleteI am attending Kent State University. This fall I will be taking classes on cataloging and Public Libraries. What did you specialize in? I want to be a public librarian so I take classes on that. Congrats on graduating! I cant wait until I get my MLIS!
DeleteI have to say that my reading habits look a lot like yours. I think I'd actually listen to more audiobooks if I could get myself organized to check them out from the library on a regular basis. When I do have one on hand, I listen to it on the way to work. My one consecrated reading time is before bed, but I try to sneak in a little time here and there throughout the day. One of my favorite "stolen" reading moments is when I'm cooking--I'll pour myself a glass of wine and sit down on the counter to read in between cooking stages.
ReplyDeleteI don't really schedule time, but in the last couple weeks I've been more concious of how I'm wasting time (online!) and have walked away from the computer more. Now that it's nice and warm out I've been making myself drop everything and read on the porch for at least an hour every time the girl naps. When I worked I would get up an hour earlier than I needed to get up just so I could have some alone time, and it worked really well for me. Now I tend to stay up late for it, which I don't enjoy as much but I can't seem to swap the habit. And last, I'm a really big believer in "the house will wait, enjoy life" so my house is not very neat, and it just doesn't bother me.
ReplyDeleteEvery since the birth of the nutter, I have been having a terrible time trying to set aside a chunk of reading time. I hate reading in five minute increments, seriously drives me crazy, and when Madison loses the battle against napping, I tend to wash bottles (neverfreakingending) or lay on the couch in defeat instead of reading. :)
ReplyDeleteBut back to you...I, personally, am not a scheduled type of person, so I'm sure it wouldn't work for me. You, on the other hand, seem to be more put together, so maybe scheduling reading time is just what you need.
I cannot believe you didn't do the AWESOME post because now we just have THIS post. :--)
ReplyDeleteI also get cranky when I don't have time to read, and I also "schedule" time - as much for me as for anything (i.e., so I don't feel guilty sitting there reading when I could be doing "chores" or something). I have renamed my blog my "job" to help also. (I.e., from x time to y time I have to "work".)
I don't schedule time but I should really start. As it is now, I listen to my audio book to and from work, when I am getting ready in the morning, when cooking, and when working out. My print reading has become almost exclusively a weekend thing - I always MEAN to read before bed but it rarely happens these days. I think if I scheduled time for reading I would probably get a lot more reading done!
ReplyDeleteThe only habit I have is reading during my lunch/dinner breaks at work when I work long enough to get one. I work at a part-time job so don't always have enough hours to have a lunch/dinner break. Otherwise, I play it by ear and yes, there are days I don't read at all (gasp!). I'm lucky actually if I read a book a week, but then some weeks I finish two or three. Usually if that's the case, the books are under 300 pages.
ReplyDeleteI get cranky when I don't work in some reading time, too. I'm pretty introverted and spend alot of time with people big and small during the day, so reading at night is when I recharge. Usually I read after the kids go to bed, and if I'm lucky, I can squeeze in a couple of hours. We have a lovely little gazebo in the backyard, too, and I read out there on weekends when my littlest one is napping.
ReplyDeleteI get cranky too if I don't get to read and, yes, there are some days I just don't get to. I tend to get up early so I can read for about an hour before going to work. I do also try to read for a bit at night before going to bed, but I'm usually so tired that I only read for about 20 minutes before falling asleep. So I guess that I've more or less scheduled early morning time to read. The benefit of this is that I'm not sleepy while trying to read! I can usually fit in reading time on weekends, but it is not scheduled. Fit it in around house cleaning and spending time with husband.
ReplyDeleteI try to keep some kind of reading material with me at all times. There's usually something on my Iphone, on CD in the car, a book in my purse, etc. and I grab whatever minutes become available during the day. Since summer has started I've had longer opportunities for reading though...I'm giving myself permission to read so many of the books that I've had stacking up over the year. I read in our recliner after everyone's gone to bed, outside on the porch or in the swing...I don't read a lot in bed bc I fall asleep :)
ReplyDeleteI try to schedule time for reading but fail at is miserably. THEN I feel guilty for not keeping up with it. *sigh* I don't know. This topic was actually something I had been giving thought over for a couple of weeks. Especially since I'm on summer break. I want to multitask and get through some projects that I normally don't have the opp to do.
ReplyDeleteOMG I totally forgot about Stevie King. I usually read on the bus. So if it's a really good book, I may finish while waiting for my son to come home late. I rarely schedule any other time for reading, as you say there are just one million other things that need to be done. Reading before bed doesn't work for me, I just fall asleep. So I take a great many bus trips.
ReplyDeleteI don't 'schedule' time per se, although there are days that I do specifically say, "today I'm going to spend the afternoon reading" or what have you. I get my reading in by generally reading a little bit of fiction every day. Even if it is a few pages between honey-do's or just before bed or over the lunch hour. Occasionally I'll miss a day, but that is rare. I don't like going very long without reading at least a few pages.
ReplyDeleteI've heard people say that they don't have time to read. I don't believe that any more than I believe people "don't have time" to do (insert whatever here). It is all about "making" time and deciding which things are more important to do. No one, even the most busy person, runs from sun up to sun down every single day. Or I should say, "few" people do that. There are always exceptions. But "most" people who really want to read can take a few minutes every day to work some reading in.
I too will work in a little extra reading on occasion by listening to audiobooks to and from work.
Wow, we have the EXACT same problem at night! Reading before bed is essential for me to turn off my brain and not obsess about life but the husband insists on watching tv and, well, I'm easily distracted. Then, when his show is over and I want just a few minutes of quiet reading, he complains that my light is still on. Sheesh! ;)
ReplyDeleteRight now my only guaranteed reading time is the half hour twice a week when Z is in swim lessons (really more like 45 minutes since we get there early). Other than that, I just take it when I can get it. If I'm finishing a good book, I'll read during a meal but otherwise, it's all random.
*Hillary Roberts - Very cool about you getting your MLIS! When I was a grad student (literature) I rarely read outside of class. I always looked forward to those summer breaks for "ME" reading!
ReplyDelete*Beth - Reading while cooking! I haven't thought about doing that but sounds like a great idea if I'm alone. Does your library have an option to download audiobooks from the library? That always helps me.
*Lisa - Life would be so much easier if I could get up earlier. Just can't seem to do it. ;) And yes, I'm with you with wasted time online. Reading on the porch sounds so wonderful though!
*Trisha - Key word, my dear, is SEEM. I am not as put together as I seem. ;) But yes, like you I wash bottles (still) while the babe naps. Or lie on the couch defeated. ;)
*Rhapsody - The idea is probably only awesome because I can't remember it. :P And also glad I'm not the only one who feels guilty for reading instead of cleaning. Like this idea of scheduling!
*Heather - Your reading sounds a lot like mine except I'm not good enough to listen to audio while I get ready for work. I should!! Too bad work doesn't have Drop Everything And Read time, huh?!
*Unfinished - Another person who sometimes doesn't read every day! I was beginning to think I was the only one. ;) Sometimes I feel unsocial for reading during lunch but sometimes it's the time I can make!
*Teatimereader - Your gazebo sounds wonderful for reading! I bet it's especially nice this time of year. Usually my evenings are reserved for my husband...even if just watching tv...but sometimes I tell him that I HAVE to go read. ;)
ReplyDelete*Terri - Think I'm going to try getting up earlier to read. It does sound nice to be able to sit with a book before anything else needs to be done and anyone else is awake. My weekend reading is also centered around house work and Scott/Elle.
*Peppermint PhD - LOL! I usually fall asleep in bed while reading as well. I'm lucky if I can get in 20-30 minutes. Interesting thought about giving yourself permission to read--though I feel the same.
*Christina - Hmmmm, can you make a challenge out of those projects? ;) That seems to be the only way I can get it done these days... bhahaha!
*Irene - Reading on the bus, huh? You find that you're able to concentrate? Sometimes the other people get my attention instead (people watching). Have you started The Stand yet?
*Carl V - Yes, you're exactly right about "don't have time" and that's why I didn't want to make this post about that. I am really trying to break myself of the habit of saying "I don't have time for xyz" because I DO...it's just a conscious choice. I think it's also important to allow ourselves the pleasure of spending an afternoon reading...even if it just comes once in a great while. ;) ps--I love that you mentioned "honey-dos"
*Kristen - Jenn (picky girl) suggested earplugs for me and I've actually considered them! ;) But that also somehow seems rude (even though we both get what we want). I've heard many moms mention "waiting time" as their time to read. Seems like great time management!
I posted that comment as much for myself as anything because I find myself saying, or sometimes just thinking (which is worse) that I don't have time for XY or Z. But the hard truth is that most often I realize that if I would give up A to do B then I would have time. Just need to make those conscious decisions be a more frequent part of my day to day existence.
ReplyDeleteI have a hard time getting into a book if I have less than half an hour to spend with it. Typically, I read over my 45 minute lunch at work, but I often use that for magazines or short stories. (With a novel, I fear getting so absorbed that I won't be able to go back to work.) And most evenings I try to finish all my housework, blog stuff, etc., in time to give myself an hour to read. Living alone probably makes that easier than it would be otherwise, but I do sometimes have to tell myself it's time to stop noodling around on the Internet and read my book!
ReplyDeleteI like the way you have reading intertwined with your daily routines. I would like to do more of this. I have recently gotten back into reading after a long hiatus -- health issues and other stuff was getting in the way -- and my reading is still sporadic.
ReplyDeleteMy mom use to get up earlier than normal for reading an "quiet time"....LOL
ReplyDeleteMy schedule looks a lot like yours for reading -- audio books to and from work; (1) hour of reading at lunch and sometimes another 30-60 minutes at night. (All my time is being take up by THE STAND right now -- 20% down of 1,100 plus pages)
I never did figure out how to schedule time to read but I carried a book with me at all times so that any time I had even a few minutes, I could read. It meant not picking up big books, or even very literary books when all three of my kids were little. I read a lot of magazines, some short stories, and mysteries. And did always try to get in at least a half hour of reading before bed. I was lucky if I finished a book a month!
ReplyDeleteI usually read on my days off when I soak in the sun. Those days are always planned, I look forward to them all week. I am an outside reader, I read in the morning on the patio with coffee and the birds,there is nothing to distract me outside. I have just started to plan my reading due to The Stand ALong and I must admit I'm not doing so well. It's hard to do ten here and thirty at night. I need a vacation on the beach soon perhaps then I can do 8 hours a day!
ReplyDeleteI find it a bit embarassing to admit that at 13 months my baby is still nursing at least four or five times a day, particularly long at naptime and bedtime. So I usually make it a point to read when she's on my lap. During the day there's just so much to do I often feel guilty if I sit down to read, but I try to set aside time right before bed. It helps me relax. Oh, and of course I love to read on cartrips, as long as someone else is driving!
ReplyDeleteI don't really plan my reading during the day, but usually I read on the way home from work and I am in bed (helps that I don't have TV in my room). I also read whenever I am watching a hockey or baseball game or a soccer match or anytype of sporting events. I do have days in which I don't read and is usually the result of reading a lot in a short amount of time.
ReplyDeleteI'm a "must read before bed" sort of girl . . . every single night, without fail. In fact, I can't fall asleep if I haven't read for at least 20 minutes or so! Of course, sometimes I'm too tired to read much more than that -- and I might make it through just a dozen pages or so. But if I don't fall asleep without a book in my hand, I don't sleep at all!
ReplyDeleteBeyond that, I do sneak some reading in on my lunch break every other day . . . when I'm not running errands, meeting family, etc. And sometimes I have time after dinner when my boyfriend is working on a project or some such. It's hard because I consider reading such a solitary activity, and I often feel "rude" if I'm reading in front of my family or boyfriend when I could be spending time talking to them. That's not always a huge deal, of course, but if we only have so much time together, I don't want them to think I'm ignoring them!
When I'm working, (yay Academia & summers off!), I read during my lunch hour. When I'm not working, I try to read when I eat lunch, or at random times during the day -- normally it's before I go to sleep at night: reading is a great way to settle my mind (although sometimes I get tremendously distracted/into my book and read more than planned, haha) ... But yeah, there are totally days when I don't read at all - and sometimes even a span of days when I don't read (especially if I've just finished something and am having a hard time starting a new read). I used to fret over it, but now I just let life take it's course...knowing I'll always get back to my books :o)
ReplyDeleteI read every night before I go to bed, even if it's only 5 minutes. I feel like that I have earned that time for myself. I try to be upstairs and ready for bed by 10:15 or so, thus getting 15 minutes of reading. Lights out at 10:30. Depending on the book, I'll read an additional 15 minutes.
ReplyDeleteAs for during the day, I usually read back and forth to work. I take the subway, so it's like 20 minutes each way. So that's 40 minutes/day. However, right now that time is sucked up by reading for the class I'm teaching :( Two more weeks of that nonsense and it's back to me time!!!
Great question. I read during my lunch at work except Thursdays when I meet Steph and PJ for lunch. It's a solid hour where I can get in my most reading. I have to walk away from my desk for lunch, I can't eat at my desk. So I go to our cafeteria. If things are really busy I'll eat at my desk, but that's rare.
ReplyDeleteI also read before bed. And, sometimes, in other places like waiting rooms and the restroom. However, I have been known to also use my lunch to watch Netflix shows/movies on my Nook instead of reading.
The time that I least get a chance to read is over the weekend. Most of that time is used up doing things with Steph and PJ and sometimes other friends. PJ kinda knows I don't work on Saturdays and Sundays so he "requests" more of my time and I am not going to deny him.
Pax
*Carl - Yes, I've also been thinking a lot lately about giving up in order to do--sometimes it's a hard truth but life is a juggling of priorities. Now--if we could just find the magic balance to do everything we want, right? ;)
ReplyDelete*Teresa - Isn't it funny how we can feel so short on time and yet still "noodle" around and that precious time just disappears. Just me? Ok. ;) Like you I have a tough time getting into a book with just five minutes here and there which is why I think I've been reading less lately. I always struggle fitting in short stories but you're right that it's a perfect dose for lunch breaks. Will have to try that!
*Stephanie - The only problem with intertwining reading with routines is when the routine goes haywire. That's when the grumpies set in. ;) Hope that life goes back to normal for you soon--sorry to hear about your health issues.
*(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea I'm going to have to seriously think about this whole getting up early business for some "me time." Sounds like your mom was a smart woman! And I hear you about The Stand. Have you considered doubling with the audio? It's helped me keep up.
*Lisa - Now that Elle's sleeping is much more regular than it was, evening time is much more predictable for me as well. But I really think that getting up is the only solution. I read magazines while watching TV but sometimes it'll take me a good month just to get through one issue of Real Simple!
*Lorna Male - I feel you Lorna! If not for my long commute to work I'm not sure that I'd be very far along with The Standalong either. ;) Hope you get your beach escape soon!
*Jeane - I'm plagued with that guilty feeling when I read as well--which is a shame because we should be allowed to unwind, huh? It's great that you're still able to use that nursing time for reading. A new mom on twitter has mentioned listening to audiobooks while she nurses her newborn. I mostly watched tv. Ha!
*Melissa - I envy you guys who can watch TV and read at the same time. I don't have the concentration to be able to do that--even if it's a program that I'm not very interested in (hence reading in bed while hub watches tv).
*Meg - That sounds like a great habit--to fall asleep with a book in hand. There are many nights when I head to bed early to read and end up falling asleep as well. Though I typically fall asleep with the TV on instead. I'm absolutely with you on reading as a solitary activity and feeling rude if reading in front of others. Sometimes I even feel that way for reading at lunch but sometimes that's all I can get! ;)
*Rebecca/RivkaBelle - I certainly miss those academia summers when I could dive into a book whenever I wanted! ;) Though I am relieved to see that I'm not the only book lover who will go a day (or two or three) without picking up a book. It's great that you're able to give yourself that mental clearing at the end of the day with a great book!
*Jenny Girl - Bet that will be nice when your class is over and you won't have to worry about it anymore. I really envy you all who can take public transportation to work. I could but it would be more of a hastle than help. Until Dallas can get it together I'll just use that time for audiobooks. Sounds like you have a great habit with reading for X amount of time before you go to bed! I need to follow suit.
*Paxton - Did you really just mention reading in the restroom? Bahahahaha!! But our habits sound similar except that I'm absolutely guilty of using my lunch break for browsing blogs rather than reading my book. If I don't walk away from my desk then I won't get a page read. Maybe I need one of those electronic book thingies that everyone else seems to have. Ha! And yes, like you I don't read much when Elle is awake--that time is so little that I hate to while it away with a book in hand.
Oh for sure, there are days when I don't read at all. I don't like reading in small increments, so if only have a few minutes to spare, I definitely don't pick up a book. I usually read during my commute, but recently I've been spending a lot of that time on twitter or doing blog admin. Mainly I read on my lunch break, if I'm not at my desk working (sad I know) or meeting a friend, or in bed before I go to sleep.
ReplyDeleteWhen I'm really into a book and I just have to know what happens next (don't you love that feeling?) I sometimes read during the walk from the tube station to work, which so far hasn't resulted in me falling down or crashing into someone else.
I'm in between semesters so I have a lot more free time but there's still so much to do (cooking, cleaning, kids). I decided to make reading part of my morning routine so I try to read once I have my first cup of coffee in my hands. If I'm really desperate for reading time, I get up early to get some time to myself or read once I go to bed. (I'm single so I don't have to worry about keeping my lamp on.) Scheduling reading time helps a lot.
ReplyDeleteI didn't read all the comments here but your post reminds me that some blogger admits to reading while brushing her teeth and I know I'm not coordinated enough to do that! I read whenever and admit there are days I don't ever pick up a book. But having a good audio helps so much when I have activities that lend itself.
ReplyDeleteI always thought - before we owned a boat - that I would get SO MUCH reading done if/when we owned a boat! BUT. I never seem to read when we are at the marina; it's so gosh darn SOCIAL at the marina!
My time is mostly my own, as Mr. Nomadreader often works nights and weekends, so that certainly helps, but I do schedule a lot of time to read. I *usually* get up and read in the morning for about an hour with my coffee. It's my favorite time of day, and it makes me a better worker. Still, I am a sleeper, and some mornings I opt for sleep instead. Some mornings I read for two hours (if a book is *that* good.) I take the bus to work, so I usually get 15-25 minutes each way, depending on how long I wait at the bus stop. I try to take my lunch hour for reading, but that happens less and less. When I get home, I hit the gym, where I listen to audio. After my shower, I usually read for anywhere from 30 minutes to five hours, depending on the book and how tired I am. Some nights I watch more tv than others. I will say, once I got in the habit of getting up to read, I'm not only happier and more of a morning person, but I'm also more on task at work.
ReplyDelete*Maria - LOL!! I've definitely had those walking/reading moments where you just have to know what happens next. Like you I don't like to read/listen in short increments but sometimes that's all I can seem to fit in. Glad there's another in this world who doesn't read every single day!
ReplyDelete*Vasilly - Today I woke up about 20 minutes earlier to get in some reading time and it worked fine! My brain wasn't quite on yet (was 5:45) but I figure with baby steps then I'll be able to work up to an hour in the mornings. Like this idea of scheduling time! Like you say--there always seems to be SOMETHING that needs to be done!
*Care - Can you you imagine brushing your teeth while reading? ;) I'm definitely not that coordinated either--though I do use my brushing teeth time to find an outfit and sometimes tidy up. Ha! Audio has definitely helped me be a better reader these days--and too funny about the marina. Isn't the marina FOR social activity?!
*Nomadreader - Very sage advice Carrie and I definitely think I'm going to take it. It is TOUGH for me to get out of bed early in the morning--especially as I try to leave my house for work at 6:45--but I do think that's the only consistent time that I'll be able to get any reading in. Might try to do a rotating schedule where I also fit in some email and blog time as that seems to fall the wayside more often than not these days, too. But what I'm wondering is...when do you see Mr. Nomadreader!!
I've been listening to audio books a lot lately, walking the dog, working in the house or the garden. Physical book, or e-books, I'll read while waiting somewhere to pick up my daughter, before my husband's softball games, at night just before bed, whenever I can sneak in a minute. No I don't schedule reading time, and I don't really want to. I have enough scheduled things, it's nice to have something that isn't.
ReplyDeleteListening to audiobooks when I read or clean has been a huge help for me. I also always read during my lunch break at work. I work from home sometimes and when I do I never seem to make time to read at lunch. I always do dishes or something else. I love giving myself a specific hour or two to read instead of doing something else, but it's hard for me to forget about the other things on my To Do list.
ReplyDeletep.s. Woo hoo for winning the giveaway!!!
I read whenever I can fit it in. I can read with the tv on so I'll read while the family is watching television. I'll read while my son is warming up for his baseball games. I read before I go to bed and on my lunch breaks. Some days I won't read a page...those are the days that make me the craziest :) There is no set answer to finding the time (especially when you have a little one). It is just whatever works for you :)
ReplyDelete