Friday, May 28, 2010

Wasting time...it's a matter of perception

 posted by Suzanne

After yesterday's blowout in the Lair with Anna's launch party, I think most of us need a day of recovery. So today's blog is a salute to ways to waste time. Some of these ways will be very laid back and lazy, others might surprise you.

1. Reading.Yep, my most favorite way to waste time is to read. From the time I brought home my first library book to this very afternoon, I find nothing more enjoyable than wiling away the day or evening or night with my nose in a book.

This drove my father crazy. (Note: I said father. My mother was my enabler, supplying me with various books and authors over the years.). About once a month my mother worked late and it fell to me to cook dinner. Well, I figured that if I had to be stuck in the kitchen cooking, I could read while things were cooking on the stove or in the oven. Especially if I was reading a Kathleen Woodiwiss or Johanna Lindsey book. I mean, what's a burned hamburger compared to the emotions and intrigue in those books? Dad's idea of wasting time was my idea of multi-tasking!



2. Watching TV. Yes, I love my DVR. I can record my shows during a baseball game or while I am at work and get caught up when my insomnia hits or when I'm not quite ready for bed. 2 AM is early for me! Now, mind you not all my favorite shows are crime shows or cooking shows, despite what my hubby will tell you.

No, one of my favorites these days is..........Holmes On Homes. Have you seen this? Mike Holmes is a Canadian contractor who goes in and fixes the disastrous errors committed by other, less trustworthy contractors. He makes no bones about what the others have done wrong and isn't above gutting entire rooms or homes to "make it right" for the families living there. (Personally, I think a man who can fix things to be verrrrrrrrry sexy!)

So watching TV isn't really a waste of my time. It keeps me current with popular genre fiction, up to date on crime scene technology, new recipes, and home remodeling. See my dear hubby's idea of wasting time, is my idea of research. (I'm seriously hoping Mike Holmes will come fix my bathrooms!)


3.Cleaning my office. Stop groaning! This is actually a very therapeutic activity for me and constitutes wasting time, since it keeps me from writing. :) (I'm basically stuck in the middle of a sex scene, so I need some non writing therapy to let my subconscious figure out the problem....no jokes about coitus interrupt-us, y'all!) Anyways, organizing files and papers, determining what is needed and what can be shredded can free up my creative side. Besides, it's sort of like a treasure hunt....and we all know how much Banditas love treasure! (I wish my office looked this organized!)

So what treasures did I find today? Some pictures I'd meant to scrapbook. My latest credit report...been looking for that for a while. Some cards from former patients and some from my kids I want to put in my private momentos box. See treasures! One writer's waste of time is another's answer to writer's block!

I also came up with the idea for this blog and managed to write a few pages on a side project titled, and yes this is it's actual title, "An Attempt At Regency".

So, that's some of my time wasters...(and we didn't even cover Bejeweled Blitz on Facebook). What's yours? Any particular ways you like to waste time? Do you find side benefits for them? Anything someone else does that you think is totally unproductive?

66 comments:

Fedora said...

What??!

Fedora said...

Reading is SO not a waste of time, Suz! As for time wasters, I had to stop playing Bejeweled because I'd think, "hmm... just one more game" and then realize in horror that I'd whiled away far too long moving sparkly bits around instead of getting anything done in the real world :)

I used to put off studying by doing laundry and vacuuming... :) Sometimes my room was VERY clean!

As for things I find a waste of time, I'm sooooo not a runner--the thought of setting aside time to run seems almost a waste to me, but I'm sure many would disagree. Bring me a book and some chocolates, please :)

Marie said...

Reading is NEVER a waste of time, although, my hubby would differ (as would my mil, but that's another story). Give me a good book and I don't see, hear, or smell anything...hence many blackened meals.

I guess most ppl would say me sitting outsice almost year round (except when coats and gloves are needed) would be considered a waste of time. Not to me though. I love the sun and being outdoors. I swear, I feel more claustraphoic every year. If the ac or heater are on in the house, I just feel the need to claw my way out! And of course, there are my grandsons, and since they are boys, both under the age of 6, they love being outside and someone has to watch them, or encourage them, or take them exploring...don't they?

Helen said...

Congrats Fedora have fun with him

Suz
I am with everyone else reading is not a waste of time LOL I learn so much from reading heaps of history how to attract a man (LOL) how to keep things lively in a releationship what is going to happen in the future. Lots of things to be learned from reading I love it.

My biggest time waster is bejewelled blitz yep gotta stop wasting time there I could be learning something while I read, I don't watch a lot of TV usually just the weekend football games and I read while watching them there are 2 on TV tonight and my team are playing in the second game so cadbury chocolates were on special today while shopping so I have a great book chocolate and chips to keep me going while watching the games.

Have Fun
Helen

Unknown said...

Congrat flchen on the rooster!

I read, visit a lot of blogs, play farmville on facebook, watch some TV mostly off of the DVR. I can find plenty of things for wasting time and I do my share. Forgot checking e-mail several times a day! Internet is a great time waster!

Jane said...

Hi Suzanne,
I also spend a lot of my free time reading and watching TV/DVDs. I waste a lot of time on the computer, too. I like to see what good deals are on eBay and watch comedy bits on YouTube.

Congrats, Fedora.

Anna Campbell said...

Oh, my aching head! What did I drink last night? And why is my underwear draped over the remains of the chandelier? And why did the police knock on my door at 2am to return a stray Regency rake wearing nothing but a plastic bag? I don't think I want the answers, thanks!

Fedora, congrats on the chook. I think after yesterday, even he's a bit done in!

Suz, what a lovely post! Actually I'm about to turn off my computer early and go and watch some TV and then I'm going to finish Beth's latest book (fabulous by the way, Beth. You do wonderful principled heroes who are still really sexy!). Both wasting time but my subconscious needs some time to play before I launch into a weekend of heavy edits on the manuscript.

One of my favorite time wasters is tidying the bookcase! I love handling books - there's something so satisfying about it!

Helen said...

Anna

Sounds like you need to sit back and relax what a party. I have just finished Beth's book as well and agree with you what a story what a hero Nick is

Have Fun
Helen

Kim in Baltimore said...

I veg out by watching TV - reality shows (Top Chef, Project Runway, Celebrity Apprentice), USA Burn Notice, White Collar, Psych), and The Tudors ... Henry Cavill is the most excellent eye candy!

I read when I work out on the exercise bike - trying to work on my TBR pile and the thunder thighs at the same time!

Anna Sugden said...

Congrats, Fedora!!

Great post, Suz, though now I've got that song "You're my Favourite Waste of Time" on the brain!

I'm another reader, no surprise there *g*.

I'm also another computer game player (Plants vs Zombies is my latest addiction - who'd have thought?!). I recently finished playing the Nora Roberts hidden object game based on her Brides' series - really good.

I also do Japanese Hanjie puzzles, which are kind of like logic puzzle and you get a picture at the end of it, instead of a square full of numbers *g*.

Hockey hunks ... I mean hockey blogs are another way I waste time - got to keep up on the latest.

I tend to clean and file and tidy when I'm stuck too. Every now and again, I have to blitz or go crazy with the state of my office - but it's rare as I work better in clutter *g*.

I watch some TV, read a couple of magazines and, like Marie, love to potter outdoors.

I'm afraid cleaning, dusting, ironing, washing the car and reality TV are things I find a waste of time. I like things like Project Runway and Top Chef, but a lot of reality TV I can't stand.

I have to say I'm not a big shopper and I hate grocery shopping. one of the best things about moving back home was a return to online grocery shopping!

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

Oh no, reading is not wasting time. I make time to read. Wasting time for me is playing Farmville on FB, I have two, my daughter has two, my BF has one and now my son has one. Farmville is fast becoming a job!

No one I know would dare to tell me reading is a waste of time, they might think it but they wouldn't say it out loud.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey flchen, congrats on nabbing the bird! You got any special plans for him?

Suzanne Ferrell said...

See, Fedora...I agree. Reading is sooooooooooo NOT a waste of time, but try telling that to a non reader! I have learned to limit my reading while cooking only to things baking or roasting in the oven... so a timer can keep me from burning things!

Bejeweled Blitz is deadly and I soooooooooo know you point about "just one more game". Luckily for me I can't play it on my computer, (Neither can I watch videos on mine). I have to use hubby's so that does limit my obsession with that!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Marie:Give me a good book and I don't see, hear, or smell anything...hence many blackened meals...another cooking while reading fan!

Now my hubby would think sitting outside not a waste of time. He'd expound about the Vitamin D you're metabolizing from the sun. This is the time of year when I am outside the most, (since I work nights my daylight is limited). I swim daily and in the mornings if it's not muggy I read outside or write on a pad of paper.

gamistress66 said...

Sometimes a nice nap is a good way to procrastinate, er waste, while away -- that's it -- while away some time ;) Particularly the day after a lair party. Happy Friday (& long wknd to those of us in the US) :)

Nancy said...

Fedora, congrats on the rooster! The "one more game" issue you describe with the Facebook game also arises with me and Tetris (on the boy's old N64 set, which only I use any more) or online mah-jongg.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Helen!

I so know about reading during sporting events. As long as it isn't one of my favorite teams, I can read while watching any baseball or football game, but especially basketball or golf. To me those are both TV programs that I think are a waste of MY time!

Nancy said...

Suz, as noted, Tetris and online mah-jongg are way up there for me. I do find, in my own defense, that my subconscious cycles story issues while I'm occupying the front of my brain with these things. However, I try to remember Orson Scott Card's advice in one of his writing books (paraphrasing): "Inspiration is more likely to strike the writer hunched over the keyboard than the one playing video games in the basement." Urk!

I love to read and wish I had more time for it. I have to be really, truly desperate to turn to house cleaning as a way to pass time. I'd rather watch a video or wander around a bookstore.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Virginia!

Internet is a great time waster!...but at least on the Bandit blog you've made some great friends! We always love when you waste time with us! :)

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Jane!

I like to see what good deals are on eBay and watch comedy bits on YouTube....

I have a great friend who spends hours looking at Craig's list and ebay for electronics. To me that's a waste of time, but she buys and repairs cameras and cell phones, then resells them as a hobby. And for her it's profitable.

And luckily for me Youtube is limited by my computer's video card abilities!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Anna! Great party yesterday!! (And Sven wants to know about those undies on the chandelier, too!)

Speaking of rearranging the bookshelves, I realized yesterday that I need to do mine, too! I'd purge some, but they're all keepers on those shelves. The non-keepers are in the bags on the floor already!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Kim!

I do DVR The Tudors, too! I'm wondering, now that we're nearing the end of Henry's life if they'll continue the series through all the children and end it with Elizabeth?

Reading while working out? **covers my ears** Don't tell me such a thing is possible! REally, don't! LOL

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Anna S!

I love logic puzzles, too. And crosswords. When I was home to visit my parents I drove my mother crazy stealing the crossword section before she came down for breakfast. hehehe

I tend to clean and file and tidy when I'm stuck too. Every now and again, I have to blitz or go crazy with the state of my office - but it's rare as I work better in clutter *g*....

I function just fine in limited clutter...but there is something soothing about negative space in a room. My hubby will come and sit in my office while I'm writing, (or wastingtime with Spider solitaire). I asked him why, he said, "Your office is peaceful." Given the state of his, I understand completely. It's my aread of negative space!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Diana!!

playing Farmville on FB, I sooooo get this!! I've watched coworkers get so distracted while playing this, (until management banned facebook period at work). I avoided it like the plague. Figured once I started I would be the worst one! Figured it would interfere with my writing time.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Gamistress!

Sometimes a nice nap is a good way to procrastinate, er waste, while away -- that's it -- while away some time ;)...

Oh no! This is NEVER a waste of time! I am a firm believer in naps. AS a night shift worker of many years, naps are essential to the body and mind!

Nancy said...

Suz, I love crosswords, too! And jigsaw puzzles, another way to let the subconscious cycle. I always receive a book of crosswords for Christmas, and I usually take one to RWA. It's a way to relax and unwind in the evening.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Nancy!

Orson Scott Card's advice in one of his writing books (paraphrasing): "Inspiration is more likely to strike the writer hunched over the keyboard than the one playing video games in the basement." Urk!

Yes, he's right, we do need to spend time working on our craft, but remember sometimes the brain needs a break, and our posture needs a break from hunching over!!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Nancy...crosswords at RWA in the evenings? Darling, that's what the bar is for!

Nancy said...

Suz wrote: Nancy...crosswords at RWA in the evenings? Darling, that's what the bar is for!

LOL! Didn't I see you there last year?

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Nancy:LOL! Didn't I see you there last year?...and the year before, and the year before.

jo robertson said...

Great post, Suz! My dad was always complaining too, about my having my nose in a book! So I never ever criticized my kids' reading. That's a super great waste of time, IMO.

One of my favorite wastes is sitting on the back patio in the swing with Emma.

p226 said...

The term "waste" is, well.... subjective. I'm sure that others might view the hours I spend at a reloading bench as a waste of time. But I view it as extremely productive. Last week I reloaded 1120 rounds of 9mm. My cost per cartridge, roughly 14 cents. If I'd bought factory ammo, that cost would have been about 26 cents each. Or more. So, in my mind, I'm being productive AND saving money.

And hell, I'm sure all that ammo will be shot by the end of next weekend.

Another application is handloading precision rifle rounds. It costs me 35 cents per shot. And I might do a couple of hundred rounds over the space of 4 or 5 hours. The cost savings is still high. Match-grade, precision rifle ammo is over a dollar per shot. So, what looks like "wasting time" from the outside, is really giving me precision ammunition that I can shoot into a three inch (7cm) group from five hundred yards away. So, with this ammo, and a good rifle, if I can see it, I can hit it.

Then there's the dry-firing. That looks like a waste of time too. Laying on the floor of the living room aiming at a speck on the wall, and firing the rifle with no ammo in it. Click. Cycle. Click. Cycle. Or in my bedroom in front of the mirror, drawing an empty gun from its concealed holster. Draw - click. Draw - click.

Dry-firing is one of the best shooting-skill building exercises you can do. If you think about it, you're doing exactly everything you would do when shooting live rounds, except without noise or recoil.

To an outsider, it looks like an utter waste of time.

It's not.

It seems even my time-wasting activities have an angle of productivity to them, even thought it might not look like it to others.

Nancy said...

p226, my Scots-Irish ancestors would say nothing that saves money is ever a waste of time. I'm curious, though, as to how dry firing improves skill. Does it work on coordination? Smooth process? Muscle memory? Checking accuracy would seem to be difficult without the use of ammunition, so is it like learning the proper for for a punch or a kick without actually making contact?

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey p226!

Anything that saves money in the long run can't be a waste of time.

Then there's the dry-firing. That looks like a waste of time too. Laying on the floor of the living room aiming at a speck on the wall, and firing the rifle with no ammo in it. Click. Cycle. Click. Cycle. Or in my bedroom in front of the mirror, drawing an empty gun from its concealed holster. Draw - click. Draw - click....This sounds like a good practice tool for anyone wanting to increase their accuracy! I'll have to pass it on to my son.

Funny thing: My boss bought her self a glock for self protection. She went to the firing range to practice and posted the results on the staff lounge door...with the caption...

"Choose your complaints carefully."

All her shots were in the center of the target!

(I love my boss!)

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Jo! I knew the Bandits wouldn't think reading was EVER a waste of time! Neither is strolling through bookstores, IMHO. That's where you get a feel for where the market was or is going.

One of my favorite wastes is sitting on the back patio in the swing with Emma. ...I know Helen would agree with us, but no time spent with grandbabies is a waste of time.

We had my grandson's birthday party on Tuesday. I have this pan that makes over sized cupcakes. I waited until he and his sister got to our house to ice them. At 2 she's the queen of sprinkles!! Waste of time? Nope, no way!!

Deb said...

Reading isn't a waste of time on my list, 'cause I don't read as much as I'd like.

Facebook really makes me procrastinate. I'm sure the world won't come to an end if I don't check in every day, but, geesh, that's what I find I do--check in on FB several times a day when at home.

Sometimes, I channel surf and do waste time on mindless-why-am-I-watching-this shows.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Ooops, thanks Nancy for pointing out this activity would be more for precision and less for accuracy. (Can you tell I've only fired a gun a few times in my life?)

p226 said...

I'm curious, though, as to how dry firing improves skill. Does it work on coordination? Smooth process? Muscle memory? Checking accuracy would seem to be difficult without the use of ammunition, so is it like learning the proper for for a punch or a kick without actually making contact?

All of the above. Top level shooters in any discipline dry-fire constantly. As far as checking accuracy, there's a concept called "calling the shot." You can (and should) do this when dry or live firing. Basically, what you do is take a mental snapshot of exactly where the sights were when the shot went off, or in this case, the hammer goes "click."

The more you shoot, the easier it gets to "call the shot." You'll see precision rifle-shooters fire a shot, then pick up a pencil and scribble on paper. What they're doing, is marking where they think that shot went on a little drawing of the target. Most of the time, they're right.

But yes, you build muscle memory. There is absolutely no thought involved in my draw, for example. I think "target," and all of the things that happen between that thought and putting a round on that target are automatic. I don't have enough money to shoot enough live rounds to build and maintain that kind of muscle memory and technique.

It's a little known-fact that the USMC spends over a week in a circle in the grass dry-firing at little black targets painted on a white barrel before they're handed a live round at bootcamp.

Louisa Cornell said...

Congrats on the GR, Fichen! He's our favorite waste of time!

Reading a waste of time? NEVER!! It's research. All of it. Research. That's my story and I am sticking with it!

Now I have to agree with VraiAnna. Cleaning, dusting, laundry, etc THAT is a colossal waste of time. I mean, you do it and turn around and have to do it again. An exercise in futility. And ALL exercise makes me tired!

I reorganize my DVD's, CD's and books when I am procrastinating.

And I go outside and play with the dogs. And bathe the dogs. They really HATE it when Mom gets bored enough to waste time giving them all a good scrub.

And many people see my writing as a waste of time. After all I'm not getting paid for it. Why would I spend so much time working on something that may never see the light of day? Same reason they climb Mount Everest. Nuff said.

p226 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
p226 said...

All her shots were in the center of the target!

Women who have received proper instruction almost universally outshoot men. I've heard this since bootcamp. But over the past couple of years I've been doing more and more instruction. And I keep seeing this story repeat over and over again. Often it makes me giggle a little. The women actually listen to the instruction. The men think they're already John Wayne. Then they get all miffed when their fragile widdle egos are bruised because they get outshot by a girl.

Always good for a laugh.

My wife is no exception to this, by the way. She's a more accurate shot than I with both handguns and rifles.

p226 said...

I sure wish Blogger would let us edit our comments. :D I hate spotting horrendous grammatical errors AFTER I've clicked "publish your comment."

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Deb! FB is a time sucking activity, isn't it? Again, this is one of the reasons I love MY computer. I can access FB, but I can't comment. Need hubby's for that! So I do have some limits already in place!
Sometimes, I channel surf and do waste time on mindless-why-am-I-watching-this shows.

Now this happens to me when my insomnia kicks in. Amazing what I'll watch when I can't sleep!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Louisa!! Another reader heard from! And yes, I do agree all reading is reasearch.

OH...speaking of which, while cleaning my office desk I found this wonderful and insightful article on "The Anaphylactic Phenomenon Of Pregnancy" that I'd been looking for. A fascinating topic I mean to present to the staff...so, see, "Treasure"!

And many people see my writing as a waste of time. After all I'm not getting paid for it. Why would I spend so much time working on something that may never see the light of day?

Dear, I tell them I can write or commit murder to those around me! See, keeping the crime rate down is NOT a waste of time!

jo robertson said...

I love the title of your blog, Suz. It really is a matter of perception, isn't it?

Dr. Big likes to say, "time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time."

So true!

s7anna said...

Reading is a vital part of life...it's not a waste of time at all. I mean cooking, dishes and cleaning and all the other stuff can totally wait until you get the oh so important reading out of the way... and well if things burn...that's just extra flavour...if laundry piles up..well you're trying to be more eco-friendly and doing a fuller load thus wasting less water. :-)

My fave way to waste time...GOOGLE READER!

hugs,
Anna

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Jo!

I love Dr. Big's quotes! Good thing he gets the reader in you, huh?

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey S7anna!

...if laundry piles up..well you're trying to be more eco-friendly and doing a fuller load thus wasting less water.

I love a person who can justify their reading habits. I'll have to give there a try next time dear hubby asks me why I always have a book in my hand!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Suz!! Great blog! And whoa! Fedora! He's come back to play at youuuuurrrrrr house! Grins.

I love Holmes on Holmes! And all the other ways you've got of "wasting time." Altho' like the others, I'd say none of this is time wasted. I learn a LOT from Holmes.

Grins.

Hellie Sinclair said...

I'm definitely on the reading and TV wastes of time. I also like to go to the library (or bookstore) and waste time. Esp the library because then I'm not spending money and there's always a chair to sit in and lounge. Watching Harry Potter for the billionth time. I love to do it, even though I can quote the thing practically verbatim. Going to JoAnn's or a craft store to see what craft projects might inspire me; flipping through cookbooks to find a recipe I want to make; going through my writing craft books and seeing if I can find anything to jog me out of my current writer's block. (Waste of time: I should just sit in my chair and stare at the blank screen.)

Christie Kelley said...

Reading is never a waste of time, Suz. And watching TV is good for ideas. Now, cleaning the office? Well, I do admit I go at it before I start a new book. I need a clean slate all around me.

But don't get me started on Bejeweled. It is my worse time waster, and yet, I love it. In fact, I didn't play at all this morning so I think just one game would be okay. Right?

Tracy Garrett said...

I "waste time" by following research threads that have nothing to do with what I was looking for; I read blogs then go read the sample chapters for the books that were mentioned; I sit and stare at the lake...

I'm going to have to add clean my work area to my list. That's the only way it will get done. :)

Scorpio M. said...

I agree with all the others, reading is never a waste of time! I'm always shocked at how the hours just fly by with a good book in hand. :)

Mo H said...

Enjoyed the blog, Suz!

I waste time on Facebook, too. I love looking at pictures friends post of trips and kids. TV is a big draw for me, too. Anyone catch the season opener of "So You Think You Can Dance"? If I'm really desperate, I can procrastinate by folding the clean clothes on my dining room table! :)

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Jeanne!

I LOVE Holmes On Homes and Mike isn't too hard for me to look at. I find him ruggedly handsome...and oh yeah...he FIXES things!! It's also amazing what he finds once he starts tearing things down, isn't it?

Now, if I could just get him to come to Texas!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Ms. Hellion!

(Waste of time: I should just sit in my chair and stare at the blank screen.)

Okay, THAT'S a waste of time. Here's a suggestion I've given several people to jump kick their writing:

Write yourself a letter from the character or to the character the scene involves. Have them tell you what is wrong, or you can ask them what is needed for them to cooperate.

That is much more productive and you'll be surprised what you figure out!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Christie!

But don't get me started on Bejeweled. It is my worse time waster, and yet, I love it. In fact, I didn't play at all this morning so I think just one game would be okay. Right?

Yeah, don't get fooled with that one! One game leads to two, which leads to three, etc...

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Tracy!

Research threads can be time consumptive, but hey you never know when that one rare item of knowledge will be needed to round out a scene or make the dark moment click!

I sit and stare at the lake...

I've enjoyed your view of the lake. How could you not want to stare at it? I'm also thinking it might inspire you, too. So NOT a waste of time!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Scorpio M: I'm always shocked at how the hours just fly by with a good book in hand. :)

I am too! I had to be careful when my kids were little not to pick up a book until they were ready for bed. My son used to call it my ignore tool! hehehe

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Mo! Glad you're enjoying the blog!

I don't get to watch the So You Think You Can Dance show as often as I'd like, since I work nights...but sometimes I do get to watch it with my patients and it really is cool to watch what those dancers can do.

Again, this probably falls under research, so not a waste of time. See, it's all about the perception!

Nancy said...

Hey, Mo--We're looking forward to having you join us on June 12. So don't waste too much time in the interim. :-)

jo robertson said...

Suzanne, that's precious. I love to bake with my grandkids!

Christine Wells said...

Hey, Suz! Great post! LOVE the sound (and look!) of Holmes! I'd love him to come to my place. Hopefully I won't need him when the renovation's done. We have a great builder lined up so we should be ok.

I think you're totally right--all those so-called 'time-wasting' activities do serve their own purposes. And I'd never call reading wasting time!

One time-waster that I've found really is a productive one is collaging my book. Usually, I'm not into all that touchy-feely creative stuff, but because a lot of fantastic authors do it and because I wanted to procrastinate, I tried collaging for my second book. It really works! Who knew? It gets me into the mood of the story and while I'm working on the collage, I notice and clarify things about my characters I'd never thought of before. I'm working on one for this book and it just occurred to me that a secondary character I'm having trouble with isn't represented at all on the collage. Maybe if I can find him, he'll start to come to life more on the page... Hmm, I can feel another "time-wasting" session coming on!

Ah, Fedora got the bird! Well done!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Christine!

ooooooooooo remodeling! I so crave a new kitchen and two new bathrooms!! One thing I've learned from watching Mike Holmes, (besides my new love of capable contractors), is that you as the home owner need to SEE the signed permits before you let any work begin! See, so not a waste of time to watch his show!

Collaging, huh? I've never tried that. Do you think it would help me finish this sex scene?

Pat Cochran said...

I'm so with you on reading not
being a waste of time! In fact,
I really need to find more time
for reading!

My biggest time waster: I'm right
here in front of it - my computer!
Blogging sites and Bookworm take
up most of my time. I so try
not turning on the computer, but I
just can't keep away from it! I
cringe when I think of all I would
miss.Like Anna's launch party held
just yesterday! Like the Regency
rakes, yellow aprons flying, who
danced naked all day! Chocolate
painting, jello shots, I couldn't
miss all that! (Have I whined
enough?)

Pat Cochran

Becke Davis said...

Reading is NOT a time waster. Cleaning, however, is. I avoid it as much as possible! And I spend way too much time hanging out online . . .