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When I’m challenging myself to do something difficult, I try to make it as easy as possible.
Early morning appointment with the kids? Sure, I prep every possible thing the night before.
Tough night with the kids? Sandwiches for dinner.
Need a little entertainment while I tackle a boring job like laundry folding or bathroom cleaning?Ā Audio books.
Too busy to read this month’s book club book? Listen to it instead! This is actually how I got started with Audible, this new kind of “books on tape.”Ā I was excited about the book chosen byĀ my group, but I really didn’t have any time to sit down with a book. That’s when I finally tried Amazon’s Audible offer to listen to one for free.
Of course, it was just ONE free download when I started, now they’ve upped it to TWO.
What I figured out quickly was that I really liked having books going in the background and that using Audible was really easy … so I kept my subscription going and have loved it.
The House is Too Quiet (when it isn’t really loud)
I think my four kids have gotten me used to a certain amount of noise, because the house can be eerily quiet when I’m alone. Whether I’m working from home or doing home-stuff while the kids are all at school, I like noise in the background. I’ve tried keeping the TV on while I do housework, but it’s hard to be productive when I’m looking at the screen.
Listening to Audible is my favorite way to multitask. I listen whileĀ I’m doing lots of stuff – decluttering, painting, organizing, cleaning, cooking dinner, or sitting in the pickup line at school (that seriously takes 20 minutes to get 200 feet).
I’ve even put onĀ headphones while grocery shopping because I was at such an exciting moment in the book and couldn’t stop when I got out of the car.
My Favorites
These are some of my favorites from the past year –
Let’s Pretend This Never Happened (A Mostly True Memoir) by Jenny LawsonĀ
I read this because a memoir from another blogger was intriguing and it got great reviews. It ended up being so quirky and entertaining. As much as I cringed during some stories, I still really enjoyedĀ it.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
This book helped me understand myself and my introverted children better. And, it was reallyĀ fascinating. This is one of those books I still try to get every friend to read even if they’re not quiet!
Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling
Mindy is one of my favorite comedians. I’ve enjoyed everything she has written, but listening to HER read her own book … even better than turning pages myself.
Dad is Fat by Jim Gaffigan
Listening to a Dad make fun of himself? Cathartic.
Talking As Fast As I Can by Lauren Graham
A stark contrast to ^Quiet, though if you’re a big fan of Gilmore Girls like me, then you’ll probably enjoy this too.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
I read this in paperback a long time ago, but it was awesomeĀ to hear StephenĀ Covey’s voice – he has been one of my time management heroes for a long time.
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
I’ve been following Brene since I listened to her Ted Talk a few years ago. As a recovering perfectionist, I need this kind of reminder A LOT.
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
I’m taking my girls to see this movie this weekend. Isn’t it better to “read” the book first? Listening to books with my tween girls is good quality time, especially for ^QuietĀ daughters who always have their nose in a book.
Try It NOW
I’m not sure how long this deal will last from Amazon’s Audible, but getting TWO free books just to try it is a steal.Ā
From my home to yours,
Mary
Kristian Spring says
I also love audio books. Audible is great, very reasonably priced, a great selection, and so easy to use. I too have been known to listen while grocery shopping. Excerxise is a good time too. Have you ever used Overdrive? You can borrow audio (and Kindle) books from your library right to your phone for free, and when your time is up they are aromatically returned. It saves me a lot of money because I often listen to books sped up and get through them really fast. My library doesn’t have everything I want, and I still buy some, but it’s a great place to start.
PS I love your blog, I’ve been following for about three years. I am really enjoying this declutter challenge.I don’t have too much clutter so when I have extra time some weeks I’m rolling in cleaning and loving my rooms and I and my home feel wonderful!
Mary says
That is so awesome – thanks for sharing!
And I love that your home feels wonderful to you. That is what I want for everyone!
Jill in Ohio says
I also am a firm believer in audio books and Audible. I have moved to Overdrive a bit more recently and I enjoy listening to the books sped up, as well. I love being able to adjust the speed and listen at the rate my mind moves. It doesn’t work for every book, but for quite a lot of them. My to listen to list is so long!!
Mary says
I used something like Overdrive (it may have been Overdrive – but it has been too long to remember) during college. Some of my professors had recordings to listen to and I always listened to it at 1.75 speed. š
If I’m trying to do 2 things at once, though, like put a planner together or clean a bathroom, I usually just listen to normal speed. Sometimes if it is going faster, I find myself pausing what I’m doing to just listen. I do love speed-ups, though, for when I do just want to listen!
Michelle Jensen says
Love this list! I was just searching audible last night for something new before I could clean the bathroom
Mary says
Ooh … good to know that you like it to. What are your favorites?
Kim says
This is a trick I learned this year, laundry with a book is much more palatable. I love audible to and I love your list of favorites, I’ve read “listened” to some but I’m excited to look into other on your list! Thanks for sharing!
Mary says
Awesome! And yes, laundry with a book is just better. š
Karin Henderson says
PERFECT timing on this! I just got a new audible credit and want to start a new book. I needed a recommendation. thanks so much!
Mary says
Awesome! Enjoy!!