Top Ten Tuesday used to be a weekly post hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, but was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl. “It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.” This is definitely something I can understand and want to participate in.
While I would love to spend all day lounging around on the couch/bed/other comfortable spot and reading all day, life has other things in mind. This week’s topic is all about the things that get in the way of reading, and take up my time. Obviously, time that could be better spent reading, but what can I say? My attention span is short and I’m easily distracted. Here’s some things I’m doing when I’m not reading:
- Chores. As much as I despise doing chores, they have to get done regularly, or the work just gets worse. So this definitely cuts into my reading time.
- Healthcare appointments. This is a regular part of life for me as a disabled person with multiple health issues, so every week usually involves multiple health-related appointments. These can be stopping at the pharmacy, going to the doctor, or going for physical therapy.
- Jewish holidays. Last week I went to a little festival that was being held for a Jewish holiday, and there’s another holiday coming up next week. While they’re fun, they’re usually pretty draining on my limited energy, so it takes me a day or two to catch up and feel like myself again afterwards.
- Social media. Obviously following up on social media posts and keeping up on world events takes up some of my time. More if I get caught in a TikTok black hole, and I’m pretty sure any of you on TikTok know what I’m talking about.
- Cooking. I do enjoy cooking, but I’m also responsible for doing the cooking at home, so it takes a little bit of my time each day.
- Playing with my dogs. I have three of the most spoiled, adorable, sweet chihuahuas in the world (I’ll admit, I might be biased), and I spend some of my time hanging out and cuddling with them every single day. One of them is a total princess, and she demands a stress-relieving massage every night before bed.
- Making lists. I love to make lists, and it helps me keep track of things, like what I need to do. Part of my health issues make it hard for me to remember things, so I always have to write things down. If I didn’t have a daily to-do list, I’d struggle to recall everything that has to get done.
- Proofreading. I mean, I guess this counts as reading, technically. But it’s different from regular reading, because I’m not scanning, and reading much more thoroughly than normal to catch any errors.
- Learning a language. I can speak Spanish pretty well, but I practice it daily just to keep things fresh. I’ve also been trying to learn Hebrew, but it’s super hard to learn.
- Watching TV. I don’t watch much TV, but occasionally I’ll get sucked into a good show. I usually watch shows while writing my reviews, but there are some shows that I’ll sit down and watch with my mom.
What are some things that get in the way of your reading?
Categories: Top Ten Tuesday
Leah's Books 
I watch WAY too much TV. But I’ve spent less time with TV in the past and more time reading so I know I can switch it up again, I just need too. Most the time, I enjoy cooking too and while I’m not on TikTok, I do know Instagram has been my social media “black hole” in the past!! it’s a problem for sure. 🙂
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I’m not so bad with TV, but I’ve gotten sucked into a vortex of social media lately and it’s awful!
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I practice Spanish daily, too!
What a lucky person you are to have three dogs. 🙂
My post: https://lydiaschoch.com/top-ten-tuesday-things-getting-in-the-way-of-reading/
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The longer we interact, the more we seek to have in common! And thank you, I definitely feel lucky to have them.
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It sounds like it’s super busy all the time! I hope you have some time to wind down and relax 🙂
I get you with the lists. I get brain fog a lot from my autism, and making lists really soothes me – even if I never use them after they’re written! Maybe I’m a bit wierd lol.
Have a great week x
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I always keep a running list on my phone, which helps me to organize my day … usually. And it might sound like I’m super busy all the time, but I’m really not! Social media and other stuff keeps me distracted, but it’s also one of the ways that I use to relax. Enjoy your week!
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I’d say work, my other hobbies (writing, quilting, baking and gardening), friends (going out/parties/occasions) and TV!
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That sounds like a great list of things to keep you occupied!
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Is proofreading a work thing, or something you do for fun? My list is here. 🙂
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It’s something I do on the side, mainly for an author who is a really good friend of mine, but I’m also open to other authors as well.
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That’s kind of you! I hope they succeed. 🙂
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So far so good!
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Aw! Playing with your dogs. That’s a good one to take you away from reading.
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In my book (no pun intended), it’s the absolute best reason to take me away from my reading! And they’ll lay right across the book and demand cuddles and belly rubs.
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Our health really does take up a lot of our free time. I’m desperately trying to learn Spanish. I should have done it years ago considering I live in an area with a huge Hispanic population. But better late than never I suppose!
Here is our Top Ten Tuesday. Thank you!
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I never realized how good I had it when my health was better, but now I have so many appointments and errands relating to my health!
Fortunately, Spanish is one of the easier languages to learn. I started learning it in middle school, but I really got better when I started practicing with other people, who have always been so great about helping me learn. I do modules on Duolingo, but if you’re just looking to learn how to speak, I’d suggest the Pimsleur audiobooks, which you can get from the library. And yes, it’s never too late!
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Ah, thank you for the book recs! I’ll have to look for them now. 🙂
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Awesome! Hope you enjoy them.
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Ah, didn’t even think about Social Media. I do let that get in the way a lot, especially TikTok.
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Aha, the infamous black holes of TikTok – they suck all of us in sometimes.
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Sounds like you’ve got a very full life. Good luck managing it all. Cuddling those doggos must be the best part of your day!
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
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You know that cuddling and spoiling the pups is my favorite part of the day! And I’m pretty sure it’s theirs too – they get all excited for it. Hope you have a great week, Susan!
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I’m addicted to TikTok too. I spend a lot of time on science and nature TikTok, so at least it’s educational!
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Oh that’s cool! I keep finding adorable dog videos and can’t seem to find my way out of that vortex.
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