Summer is upon us my friends and with the kiddos home that means good times and fun in the sun for us. But, it could also mean less time for reading. On the other hand, if I can schedule some fun library activities, time on the beach, and other similar fun, it could mean increased read time. I feel a challenge coming on. 
You see, I’m selfish about my reading hobby. I adore my family and friends but I get a little whiny if I have to give up my precious reading time. I’m clever about how I wrangle my time but sometimes something has to give and it’s usually quiet time.
But never fear! I have a plan! This summer I have vowed to get back on the treadmill on a regular basis. Right now I walk a couple of times a week for about an hour at a park near my daughter’s pre-school, but really, that’s just not enough. We have a treadmill in the garage collecting dust and that baby is coming back in the house so I can kill two birds with one stone. (Peeta peeps: Please note that I will not actually harm any feathered friends. I promise.) I am hoping that I am coordinated enough to read and walk at the same time. *crosses fingers* The plan is to keep up my reading AND walking stamina. I’m thinking I will have to stick with my Kindle since it can rest on the dashboard of the treadmill. If I try to hold a book and tread at the same time, I could get hurt and it won’t be pretty. STOP LAUGHING!
So, at summer’s end I plan to have a smaller butt and a fatter ‘read’ shelf at GoodReads. That’s the plan and I’m sticking to it. Unless of course the treadmill doesn’t work after it’s rather long hiatus from service. If that is the case I will have to go with Plan B. Can someone email me Plan B please?
Do you experience a summer reading slowdown? If so, how do you wrangle extra reading time? Or, do you just let the reading slide and enjoy your summer activities? Answer in the comments and if you’re feeling frisky, vote in the poll too!
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About Sophia (FV)
Brilliant plan! I, unfortunately, am not coordinated enough to walk and read on a treadmill at the same time. I have a hard enough time using a treadmill as it is!
I seem to be unable to walk or run in a straight line (I swerve back and forth like a drunk) so I’m always stepping off the belt on the treadmill and tripping! It’s very pathetic and made it hard to run in formation when I was in the military.
I didn’t think summer would be any busier for me, but work combined with a little boy who has games and practices and parties has made a liar out of me. Now I’m stuck trying to sneak in reading here and there in between events.
I am retired so no reading slow down for me.
@Catherine: I’m really good at sneak reading, especially ebooks because I can read them on my phone.
@Estella: A nice perk of being retired!
I’m thinking audio books and bike riding. I really want a treadmill but I can’t afford one, and I really don’t have the room for one. Hopefully, audio books will keep my addiction “fed”
@Theresa: Oh yes, I will most definitely take advantage of my Audible membership this summer. I love my audio books and they are perfect for the treadmill.
That *is* a brilliant idea, Sophia! I haven’t quite figured out what I can do yet; the big plan is for me to be decluttering this summer, and I can’t figure out how to read and sort at the same time!
@Fedora: Oh I feel you on the de-cluttering. I did a massive de-cluttering of the house a few weeks back. The local charity didn’t know what hit them. I listened to audio books while I worked. LOL
Yay on dusting off the ‘ol treadmill!! Hopefully yours has a spot for your Kindle. Reading is the only way I can get my butt on the treadmill. I can’t do print books though; it has to be on my Kindle. I usually use my Kandle light and I supersize the font a bit. But me and the treadmill may be breaking up soon.
As for your question – I can’t answer it. Last summer I was working full time so I didn’t get much reading time anyways. This is my first summer at home, with 2 kids, so I’ll have to see how it goes.
@The Book Vixen:Good luck with the kiddos this summer. I hope you can find lots of fun things to do and get in some good read time!
The fun side to being a college student is I actually have the most time to read during the summer months. Granted I still work 30 hours a week but there is plenty of time to read! yay
@Alexa: Oh that is awesome. I didn’t think about students having more time during the summer since I’m coming at this from a moms perspective. LOL Happy summer reading!
The hubs and I have no kids yet, so fortunately for me the summers don’t slow down to much for me. Granted we spend more time at the pool, but I usually just bring a book with me!
Walking and reading? I don’t think I could handle that. I had a hard time figuring out how to walk on the treadmill and not hold on to the rails. And jogging without holding on? That one took me weeks (literally) to master. Apparently I don’t naturally jog in a straight line or at an even pace.
Good luck with your plan! And I recommend holding on to the rails, so you don’t end up face-down on the treadmill.
@MinnChica: Ahh a book by the pool. Verra nice!
@Ava March: I’m sensing a lack of faith in me Ava. Sup with that? lol
I have a hard time changing the song on my ipod and run at the same time.
Let’s face it – I have a hard time walking and doing something else. ;p
But damn it – I’m gonna try too!
I wish I could make a plan and stick with it, but as far as summer goes… my plans tend to go out the window and stay there. And it’s not really Monkey’s fault. I have to blame my schooling for that. I read as much as I can and review when I can.
I find that I read more in the summer, but I think that’s probably down to the holidays. If I go away for a week or two I seem to read lots more than if I was at home. Also, the fact that I don’t have kiddies yet probably helps