Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is Things Getting in the Way of Reading.
I could probably just say REAL LIFE and leave it at that, but that wouldn’t fill up a top 10 list! So here we go — some specific reasons why I never end up reading quite as much as I’d like to:
1. Work. I mean, this one’s obvious. If only I had those extra 8 – 10 hours to do with as I pleased… just think of all the books!
2. Family time: Not that I mind! I love spending time with family.
3. Streaming: Netflix, I see you! I love my streaming habits, so I don’t regret the time I spend devouring good TV.
4. Blogging: It’s true — time spent blogging about reading means time not actually spent reading.
5. Jigsaw puzzles: I’ll go a month without taking out a puzzle, but once I start one, I’m pretty obsessive about working on it until I finish.
6. Other puzzles: I also have a subscription to New York Times games, so every day I need to do the daily crossword, the mini, Spelling Bee, and more.
7. Chatting with friends: Again, not that I mind! I usually listen to audiobooks during my walks, but that’s also a good time to catch up on phone calls and check in with people. Can’t do both at the same time.
8. Driving with others: Driving is my other prime audiobook listening time, but obviously, can’t do that when I’m giving someone else a ride.
I can’t really think of anything that truly gets in the way, so I’ll wrap up with:
9. Sleepiness: I always read in bed… but there are days where I just can’t stay awake enough to concentrate and have to give it up. Silly things like needing to sleep interfering with my reading habits!
10. Bad lighting: Just an occasional annoyance, but I can’t stand settling in at a coffee shop for a quick reading break, and then not being able to see the page in front of me!
What gets in the way of your reading?
If you wrote a TTT post, please share your link!
Bookshelf Fantasies 
Jigsaw puzzles! I have a friend who is crazy about them. I’ve tried, but I’m bad at sitting in place for a while. At home and work I’ll get up and pace if I have to.
I actually do my my puzzles standing up (better for my back), so I kind of move around a bit at the same time. One of my new habits/hobbies since the pandemic!
#9 has been making it hard for me to read lately, too. It makes finishing a book hard. 😦
Right! Or, I read right before bed, stay up for just one more chapter… and don’t remember anything the next day anyway.
Bad lighting is a good answer. Some places are so dark these days.
Here is our Top Ten Tuesday.
I feel like I should carry a portable book light!
I love jigsaw puzzles, too.
My post: https://lydiaschoch.com/top-ten-tuesday-things-getting-in-the-way-of-reading/
Before the pandemic, it was probably at least 10 years since I’d done one, but now I’m always wanting to have one on the go.
I hate it when there isn’t enough light in a coffee shop or hotel bar to read by.
So annoying. At least I can use my phone flashlight if necessary… although people give me strange looks. 🙂
I put work, driving, and blogging on my list, too! Puzzles are great mind work.
Thanks for sharing your list.
https://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/2023/05/top-ten-tuesday-top-ten-things-getting.html
I do love my puzzles! In fact, I’m torn between finishing a book or starting a new puzzle today!
I did a different list today, but some of these are similar to my life too – puzzles, watching movies, blogging, sleeping. I have to prioritize sleep because without sufficient sleep I’m too tired to read! 🙂
Ha, that’s very true — or I force myself to read even though I’m tired, and none of the details stick.
I’m also obsessed with jigsaw puzzles. I just finished one with a moose on it. The last one depicted three wolves. Jigsaw puzzles are the best.
So much fun! I’m about to start a new one — deciding between a really detailed Romeo & Juliet illustration or a Frankenstein-themed puzzle!
Let me know what you choose.
We did a lot of puzzles as a family during COVID lockdown. Funny how we haven’t pulled one out since! I like doing puzzles, too. They’re relaxing. And you can listen to audiobooks while you do them.
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
Before COVID, I hadn’t done a puzzle in at least 10 years, but then I got a bit obsessed. 🙂 I still love them!
I always read in bed, too, even if just a few pages before I fall asleep. I used to be able to stay awake all night reading. Not any more.
Me too, no matter how much I want to, I can’t stay up and read — or if I do, I forget it all by morning anyway.
I’ve been struggling with sleepiness a lot lately, which is bad because those are my main reading hours😭
I hear you 🙂 Sometimes the day gets completely away from me and I go curl up (late) with a book in bed… and can’t keep my eyes open for more than a page. Sigh.
Sleepiness has definitely hindered my reading in bed time, I used to always read before I went to sleep but nowadays I’m usually too tired to really concentrate on a book-it would probably be easier if I went to bed earlier, but I’m a night owl! Work, blogging and TV also take up a lot of my reading time as well.
My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2023/05/17/top-ten-tuesday-420/
I know what you mean — I keep thinking I should get into bed earlier so I can be more alert and read, but it just doesn’t happen!
Same!
what is it about puzzles that are so addictive???? Seriously!
SO addictive! Once I start, I just can’t stop!