The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion
FALL CHALLENGE 2009
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How are you making time for all of this reading?
Things are pretty slow for me at work, so that's where I do most of my reading. I also usually read for a couple of hours before bed... plus I also take my books to the gym and read while I run on the treadmill or elliptical :)
I ride public transportation to and from work which buys me at least 60-90 minutes of reading time, M-F. I also read during my lunch break at work most days of the week, which is approximately one more hour. My husband is taking some continuing ed classes 3 nights a week from 6-9 p.m. and I usually spend most of that alone time reading.
And if I can read on weekends I do. But if my husband is around, he won't let me read. Seeing me with a book is an irresistable temptation for him. My reading speed is very average and I am focusing primarily on the low-point tasks for starters so I don't have a lot of points, but I have read 7 books (not counting the 4 kids books) since 9/01 and that makes me happy. :)
Nicole wrote: "I am just curious because so many people have so many points. It's a struggle for me to read 5 books a week while I am working...I guess another thing is I didn't start with the high point task..."
I read every morning and night before and after work. I listen to CDs in the car and I listen to audiobooks from audible on my ipod. The audio really help boost my book count !!
I agree with Wendy that audio books help with the feeling of accomplishment. I commute about 90 minutes a day and try to have an audio book with me at all times just for this purpose. My lunch break gives me another hour to read. Evenings may give me another hour or so. Weekends give me a few hours a day to read, if I'm lucky.
I read at an average pace, so points don't add up quickly but that's okay.
I read on my lunch breaks at work, before I go to bed, and I read in the mornings when I have the day off from work. Today I had the day off and spent almost all of it reading, these kind of days are my favorite. :)
I am only working (very) part-time right now, so I have a lot of free time on my hands. I read for a couple of hours during the day while the kids are in school and another 3-5 hours at night after the kids go to bed (I don't watch TV, so that helps). I am usually reading 3-4 books simultaneously. I always have an audio CD going in my car, and I keep a book in my purse for when I get stuck in lines, soccer practices, etc. My kids were away for a whole day this weekend, so I took advantage and read for an entire day (I think I got three books in that day!).I think I am a fairly quick reader, but I don't know how to gauge that against other readers, so I don't really know. I have started with the quick reads first to get myself off to a good start, and I am saving the heavier stuff for later (I plan to switch gears a bit in October). None of my books are ridiculously long for this challenge (That slowed me down a bit during the last challenge, and I almost didn't finish - I'm avoiding books >500 pgs this time).
I read ALL the time, now if I had the multi book tasks done, I would have more points LOL I read in the morning, while the kids have computer time. I read in the car in between stores I merchandise. I read in the evenings for homework time. I read for 2 hrs during swim lessons. I read during commericals. I read taking a bubble bath, Reading is like breathing, I just do it and I WILL give up sleep to finish a book
I saw on the task board someone has 30 books read, I WANT to know how
Beth(MN) wrote: "I ride public transportation to and from work which buys me at least 60-90 minutes of reading time, M-F. I also read during my lunch break at work most days of the week, which is approximately one..."I am jealous...I used to have that time when I lived in NYC. I would have rocked the challenge then.
I don't like audio books, so that is out.
I feel a little better now. I think I can still finish the challenge, just have to pace it out more because I have nowhere near that much time per day to read. I get an hour at most, maybe 2 if I ignore my husband (which I don't like doing). On weekend I read more.
I've been wondering the same thing, Nicole.I do audiobooks in the car during my commute which averages about 2 disks per day, M-F.
Print is much more challenging for me. I read in the evenings while food is simmering or baking and I'm waiting for my husband to get home. After supper is our only time to spend together on weeknights so I feel guilty if I ignore him in order to read. If he's into something on TV, I usually grab my book.
On weekends, I'm usually up first so I read while I drink my coffee. If it's a "veg" day, I'll read between loads of laundry
I have weekly doctor's appointments right now so I read while I'm waiting. They're really, really speedy with getting patients in and out which is nice, but a curse when it comes to reading time. Yesterday I walked in the door at 3:40 and back out the door at 3:57!
Katie wrote: "I've been wondering the same thing, Nicole.I do audiobooks in the car during my commute which averages about 2 disks per day, M-F.
Print is much more challenging for me. I read in the evenings w..."
Haha. Katie, my father used to tell me that if you didn't have a book when you went to the doc's office....you'd have to wait a long time. However, he said when he brought a book, they are always speedy with getting you in and out.
I'm not sure I completely agree with dear old Dad though. I think the wait might be the same except he just never noticed it when he brought a book to occupy the time. :)
i used to think that i was a fast reader, but now that im doing this challenge, and after seeing that some people are already in triple digit point totals, i dont think im that fast anymore! i read almost all day long and still only have 30 points, however i am working on some multi-book challenges right now. im a substitute teacher, and since school has just started i dont work. and i have to admit, i am jealous of how much reading and how many points some people already have. :(
I am a fast reader, but I don't get much time to read these days. With 5 kids, it's always crazy busy around here. Even when I am at activities with kids, it's hard to read because of my 2 year old. I try to fit reading in wherever I can. I do listen to a lot of audio books while I am cleaning and doing housework.I am jealous of those with so much reading time!
I'm quite the fast reader; however, I do have other activities which pull me aside from reading. There's been times when I can power read. Evidence of that was reading near 300 pages yesterday (completing the book). But I think it had to deal with the subject matter. YAs I can pop through in a heartbeat. Harlequinns equally swift. Others? Not so much. I have a plan to get through 2 more before the weekend is out! *crosses fingers* Need to finish my giveaway prize (The Coral Thief) and The Princess and the Hound.
I read quite a bit, every night for at least 1-2 hours and on weekends I usually get a lot read. This past weekend (3 day of course) I read an average of 2 books a day. I am also a rather quick reader (I finished The Other Boleyn Girl in around 5-6 hours over 2 days) so that helps.I usually would rather read than watch TV so that helps too; however, last night I did watch a few hours of TV so I only read for about 1/2 hour yesterday.
I also listen to audiobooks at work so I get about 4 hours of audiobooks done per day (although this is much longer than if I was just reading the same book on my own but I can't read a physical book at work)
I don't read anywhere near as many books as a lot of people on here each week but I still feel I read a lot. I generally read during my hour lunch break at work and then I'll read in bed before going to sleep. That time at night reading may only be for half an hour or it may be for 3 hours. I don't really look at how many books other people have read I just continue at my own steady pace! I never really expect to finish the challenges as I just don't read that many books. I guess my average is 1 - 3 books a week depending on length and also how much time i get in reading at night!
I'm one of the 1 in 10 people in the US who are unemployed right now... So that helps quite a lot. Plus, my husband is in Vet school, so he studies a LOT. I listen to audiobooks while I clean and cook, and have time to read at least one book a day beside that. I've read 11 books for the challenge (well, 12, but I found out afterward one didn't count... grrr...) and am in the middle of an audiobook as well. My dogs think I'm the most boring mom in the universe, btw... ;)
Alice wrote: "I don't read anywhere near as many books as a lot of people on here each week but I still feel I read a lot. I generally read during my hour lunch break at work and then I'll read in bed before goi..."You make a good point about not comparing yourself to others. I just can't help it! Reading is my thing, so it makes me feel bad when i feel like I am not doing as well as everyone else. However, I know I read fast and I know I really get into what I read and understand it really well. It's just a time thing. I am still reading way more than I was my first few years of teaching.
Plus I do love watching certain shows (I don't just park it in front of the TV all night, but I love Glee, Heroes, Grey's and we are watching Medium on DVD- all shows with good writing and good story lines in my opinion).
I am rambling...or sharing depending how you look at it!
Anyhow, I am convinced I will finish the challenge even if it seems like I am getting a slow start. I figured out that reading 5 books or so per each week of the challenge will allow me to complete it on time!
Labor day weekend helped me a lot! I also am a big fan of audiobooks (I listen during my commute -which is long - and while doing housework and yard work) and I have been trying to read physical books at night, in the morning, and at lunch break every once in a while. It also helps that my boyfriend/housemate is back at school and thus reading a lot so I don't feel so anti-social with my nose in a book. We actually went for a hike over the weekend and then found a nice spot and read for a while.
I am not one of those in triple digits already, I've only got I think 25 points with a few others soon to be added. I read sometimes while my older kids do homework, when they go off to school, but before my 2 year old wakes up. I also try to read a little before bed. It is hard to make time for reading when I always feel like someone is demanding my time. Any small time I can carve out of my day for reading is a treat.
Tanja wrote: "I'm quite the fast reader; however, I do have other activities which pull me aside from reading. There's been times when I can power read. Evidence of that was reading near 300 pages yesterday (com..."Oh I read the Princess and the Hound when it first came out. i found it to be a sweet story.
Melissa, it was terribly sweet. I'll be reading the next book - The Princess and the Bear - for the bear task ^.^
I'm fiercely competitive, more with myself than with others, so when a challenge is laid in front of me...Bring. It. On! I think I get the most frustrated with my lack of reading time because I see people who work full time (like me) and commute (like me), yet are still able to complete the challenges. It's not about wanting to "beat" them as much as it's about wondering why I can't do it, too.
Katie wrote: "I'm fiercely competitive, more with myself than with others, so when a challenge is laid in front of me...Bring. It. On! It's not about wanting to "beat" them as much as it's about wondering why I can't do it, too..."
Katie, I totally agree. I used to consider myself a fast reader, until I met my neighbor (who reads whole books in 2-3 hours) and joined Goodreads; these two things quickly set me straight.
I used to listen to audiobooks on my commute, but our office recently moved within a mile of where I live and that drastically cut my "reading" time until last week when I started walking to work. Now I have my "reading" time back and a get a little exercise in the process. I also read while my daughter does her homework, plus she still lets me read to her at night (she's 10 so that will probably soon end but for now it's great b/c our tastes are merging a little). I also read maybe 30 minutes to an hour before I go to sleep at night.
Other than that it depends. Like most of you, I love those days where I can do nothing but read all day and this summer I had a lot of those, but sadly I think those are about to become very rare for me. :-( I also try to read when my husband watches TV and on my lunch breaks, when I actually take them. I actually get a lot of time to read in my days, but I still find myself wishing I had more.
I read in the morning before work (usually about an half an hour with my cup of coffee). People think I am crazy to get up before I have to in order to read, but I am not the jump out of bed type of person. I hate rushing!! I try to read on my lunch hour, but usually someone is in there with me and they have the tv on or they talk to me. Now that my shows are on at night, I read during the commercial breaks. I also read about two hours before I go to bed. I read a ton on the weekends, especially Sunday. I basically spend every 'spare' moment I have reading a book.
Teresa in Ohio wrote: "I saw on the task board someone has 30 books read, I WANT to know how "I saw that too! I can't wait to see their response to Cynthia. I was feeling good about my 1-2 books a day that I was doing, but haven't had time the last two days....I have a toddler at home and she takes up all of my time. I am reading during commercials and naps.
I am a full time student, plus I work 20-30 hours a week... I don't really have a lot of time left over for reading. I also watch a lot of tv... well, more like tv shows on dvd. I have read 2.5 books so far. I don't expect to finish... not while I am still in school anyway, but I use this challenge to read books outside of my normal reading zone and also to encourage myself to read. I used to never read until I discovered Goodreads and these challenges! I am so glad I reconnected with books!
I always have a book on CD going in the car. I will also bring it inside on the weekend if I am going to be in the kitchen for a while. I am usually reading 2 books at once also. My work schedule varies so I don't always have time to read in the morning but I usually read at lunch and before I go to bed. If my husband has something to do in the evening I will take that time to read also. I am an average reader I think but am envious of those that read faster and have more time.
I've started listening to audios a couple hours a day at work when it's relatively quiet in the office. Some people are making fun of me, but I don't really care. I'm tired of giving up perfectly good "reading" time.
Katie wrote: "Sara☺ wrote: "Teresa in Ohio wrote: "I saw on the task board someone has 30 books read, I WANT to know how "I saw that too! I can't wait to see their response to Cynthia. I was feeling good ..."
I hear ya Katie...good husbands are always helpful..glad to see that I am not the only one catching up on some DVR too though...I need to break it up a little ;-)
Katie wrote: "Sara☺ wrote: "Katie wrote: "Sara☺ wrote: "Teresa in Ohio wrote: "I saw on the task board someone has 30 books read, I WANT to know how "I saw that too! I can't wait to see their response to C..."
Me too!! I can't live without my Tivo!
I usually read in the morning before work, during lunchbreak, and in the evening for a few hours. Weekends sometimes a lot, or not at all depending on our plans.I seem to be in a reading slump this past week though, just not in the mood for it. I've been watching TV, movies, and playing computer games instead.
Sara☺ wrote: "Katie wrote: "Sara☺ wrote: "Katie wrote: "Sara☺ wrote: "Teresa in Ohio wrote: "I saw on the task board someone has 30 books read, I WANT to know how "I saw that too! I can't wait to see their r..."
After I get my own place, I am for sure getting Tivo... a lot of the shows I would be actually interested in watching (Dancing with the Stars) takes place while I am in class or clubs or other stuff.
i have no idea how we managed to live for so long without DVR! and i cannot imagine going back to a life without it!
Watching my favorite shows is at least 30% at fault for my lack of reading, there are so many good ones and I'm a post watcher, I get them all at once on Netflix and marathon! Just finished Battlestar Galactica, Lost, and Smallville :D. Work, husband, and art are the other 70%, but none of those are negotiable so reading gets in there where it may. Sometimes I get a twinge of regret when I feel like I should be reading more often than I do, but then I try to think of where else I would squeeze it in... and I give up lol.
I accept it though. I have a lot of other loves to keep up with so I'm not too hard on myself. This group does push me to read a little more than I did, it's so much fun to be able to apply my reading to the challenge and be stretched out of my normal genres.
Madeline... I also allow tv to take up too much of my reading time! But sometimes, when it is 2 in the morning at my job, I need to watch a show instead of read a book (the reading makes me tired)!!!
I usually read while commuting (half an hour), during boring lectures at the university, and as long as I can before falling asleep. I wish I had found this challenge during summertime - all that free time I had...oh well, I'll make the best out of what I've got now :)
By the way, any grad students doing this challenge?
alyona, im a grad student, but im not sure it really counts as im only taking one class this quarter!
Jennifer, Sure it counts! You still have to devote time to it :) I wish our system of education was more "USA-like". E.g., during this trimester (Sept-Dec) I have to take 8!! classes *sigh*
8 classes! yikes! i love being able to pick how many classes i take at a time. now, during undergrad i had to make sure that i had at least 12 credit hours (4 classes) to be considered a full time students, but during grad school i get to go at a slower pace which is nice, in theory. i dont like how looooong my masters is taking, but my wallet does!
I got my masters a couple of years ago, and was so burned out from all the reading that it was a good year after graduation before I could read anything that wasn't copiously illustrated (Fables and Alan Moore saved me from total illiteracy). I'm so impressed with everyone who's doing this while they're taking classes! That's real devotion to books! I'm starting cosmetology school in October, and am hoping there isn't too much homework involved. Anyone been through it already and know what to expect?
Kristina, i havent been to cosmetology school, but occasionally think about it! it would be really fun to learn. one of the women that works at the salon where i get my hair done said that it was a lot of chemistry. and that be sure to research the schools b/c some are better than others. good luck once you start!
I just got laid off on Friday, and I thought that on the bright side that would mean I would have time for more reading. However, it seems to be going in the opposite direction and I now have LESS time to read than ever before! I seem to be spending all my time updating resumes, looking online, and trying to figure out where to go next. In addition to that, now that I'm not working, my family look to me for all the household duties we used to share b/c I have more time on my hands. I'm not very good at the housewife thing just yet, but it seems to me I'm getting the short end of the stick all the way around here! A couple of the others on here mentioned that they have so much time to read b/c they're not working right now. Tell me it gets better please...
Jaclyn wrote: "I just got laid off on Friday, and I thought that on the bright side that would mean I would have time for more reading. However, it seems to be going in the opposite direction and I now have LESS..."I'm so sorry, Jaclyn. I hope you find an even better job, and lickety-split.
Having been un-employed or under-employed since last December, I know a little bit about what you're experiencing. For me this has been a marathon, and I've had to learn to pace myself, giving myself permission to indulge in hobbies like reading. It's hard to get anywhere if you're running on empty. But yeah, it's also hard to put the computer away and stop worrying about the unknown long enough to relax. Hard but necessary.
I think I'd have more reading time if I was secure in a 9-5. Job hunting is the kind of job that never gives you time off--you have to take your work home, socialize with colleagues, and take business calls on your cell phone. It might not be as intellectually taxing as what you're used to doing, but it is emotionally exhausting. Make sure that you give yourself a break once in a while, and that your family does, too!
I do end up on goodreads a lot, though. Those thread updates just keep popping up in my mailbox when I'm trying to type cover letters. :)
Good luck to you! Stay positive.
I don't! I am not doing the challenge to "win". I do it more to branch out of my comfort zone a little (but not too much ;) ). I read a lot and don't work, but I volunteer a lot at my kids' school (2 in elementary), for scouts, I host playdates, I clean, I cook real food, I am also the gardener. I might finish 1 or 2 books a week, depending on length, my schedule, and how engrossing they are. And I have been told (repeatedly) that I read fast!Nicole wrote: "I am just curious because so many people have so many points. It's a struggle for me to read 5 books a week while I am working."
I'm a very slow reader, and with the kids I really can't read during the day. I can only read before bed or before the girls wake up. I'm so happy that I've been able to read the two books I have already; that's a record for me!!
I usually read before I got to work and dring my Lunch hour. At the moment things are kind of slow at work (upgrades are happening next door in main building so everything is down) so I would like to read but I've been working on other things - e.g. assignment, rearranging shelves etc.
I'm a fast reader, but I work 50+ hours a week and I have an 8 month old. I also enjoy spending time with my husband so I try to read 30 minutes at lunch, at least an hour in the evening, and about 4 hours total on the weekend. When I have time to read more, I take it. I haven't been able to get into audio books, which would likely increase my point total since I travel almost an hour each way to and from work. I'm never going to finish this challenge, even though I would love to have time to try and to do so, but I am having too much fun and enjoying the books that I have read during these challenges not to participate. I've been using the library more, getting a bunch of books read from my shelves at home, and overall, I am reading more books. It doesn't get any better than this for me at this point :)
Katie wrote: "Having been un-employed or under-employed since last December, I know a little bit about what you're experiencing. For me this has been a marathon, and I've had to learn to pace myself, giving myself permission to indulge in hobbies like reading."Katie, thanks for the encouragement! I will say that although my reading has been cut back, my GR time hasn't been. Like you said, the updates keep popping up and I can't help but take a quick peek.
I agree about the importance of balance. I figure as the newness wears off a little I'll hopefully get into a system and find a good productive pace without overdoing it and stressing like I am now. (I hope)
I also agree that job-hunting itself is a full time job and I would have more time to read if I had a normal 9-5 job, which seems so contrary to what you would expect. Oh, well, besides the obvious, I guess that's one more reason for me to work hard to try to find a job fast!
I guess another thing is I didn't start with the high point tasks this time around!
Just wondering how everyone is getting in their reading time!