Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.
This week’s topic is “Things That Get in the Way of My Reading.” I read a lot, and I read every day, and it’s definitely a priority in my life. However, there are other things that take away from my reading time, some by choice, others… not so much. lol
1. Work
I recently got a new job, and it has definitely taken away from my reading and blogging time. Luckily, I’m really enjoying the work, and it’s remote, so I don’t even have to leave the house to do it! lol Plus, I get to talk about books for the job, so it’s a win-win!
2. Housework/Cleaning
Ugh! When you have three kids, three dogs, a lizard, and a not so tidy husband, there are always chores to do. Between cooking, cleaning, organizing, yard work, laundry, and all the other things you have to do to keep up a house, the work is never ending.
3. Gardening
I love working in my greenhouse and gardening! I wouldn’t say this gets in the way of reading, but I definitely start to divide my time in the spring and summer. I find it calming and peaceful, and it’s one of the few things I enjoy outside during the hot summer months.
4. Kids
I have three kids. Two are in middle school, and one is about to graduate high school. Between dropping off and picking up at school, organizing extra-curricular activities and drop offs, helping with homework, and just wanting to spend quality time with them, there are times when reading has to come second.
5. TV
TV and movies don’t get in the way with reading much anymore, but there are definitely shows that I prioritize. Any new Star Wars shows/episodes, Stranger Things, Bridgerton, and a few others are shows I binge the day they release. I don’t get a ton of reading on those days. lol
6. Napping
I’ve always loved napping, I definitely take advantage of lazy weekends to get my snooze on!
I think that’s about it. I read every day, and I always manage to squeeze in a little reading time. How about you? What gets in the way of your reading?
Kids totally get in the way! Although, I did used to read when I had to wait around for my kid during practices. Now I can just drop her off. I kind of miss that extra reading time.
I do that when I’m waiting for them to get out of school. lol I get there a little early so I have some extra reading time. 🙂
I used to do that too! Mostly because the after school pick up line was insane and you had to get there early to get a spot.
Yes!!! I have to do the same. lol
I love gardening! It just started to get nice here so I can’t wait to spend more time outside. I love canning in the summer time!
Nice! I haven’t tried canning yet, but I really want to!
Kid for me too! But it’s amazing you can manage reading and blogging with three kids. I have just one that too four yrs old and I still find it hard to balance everything.
It can be tough, especially in the summer, but I do my most reading when they’re in bed.
I definitely feel your list! lol. Not enough hours in a day for everything.
So very true!
I don’t necessarily mind the non-reading time spent on family time, TV, etc… but it there was a magical way not to have to work, I’d take it! 🙂
Agreed! lol
What a list! I have to say, looking at yours makes me so glad that I don’t have kids to create more chores to do around the house, although I know there’s plenty more upsides to having kids. But how cool is it that you have an actual greenhouse?!?! My mom loves plants – while I generally kill them. I’ve got one spider plant that I named Bitsy, and I’m really trying not to kill her. Happy reading!
I love my greenhouse! It’s made out of repurposed windows. I grow a lot of herbs, veggies, and flowers. I hope Bitsy lives long and prospers!
So cool! So far, Bitsy isn’t so itsy-bitsy anymore.
So happy to hear that you’re enjoying the new job! Gardening takes up a lot of my time, too. I’m jealous that you have a green house, though. That’s on my my gardening goals list. LOL!
lol – I love the greenhouse. It’s made out of repurposed windows, and it’s my happy place. 🙂