Does anyone else think this is the ultimate combo: a good book, a hot beverage, and a furry companion close by?
And if you add a beautiful view or a sunset to the mix… that, to me, is pure luxury.
Over these years of full-time pet sitting, I’ve read far more than I used to, and a few of those books have genuinely shaped my day-to-day life.
One of them was The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. I wouldn’t describe myself as what people typically call an “artist,” but I do believe creativity is essential in everyone’s life. Thinking outside the box is probably what gave me the courage to become a full-time sitter, travel the way I do, and eventually start my own online Spanish teaching project. If someone had told me five years ago that this would be my life, I honestly wouldn’t have believed them.
Other books that stayed with me? Atomic Habits and The Psychology of Money . Different themes, but both help me change the way I think about consistency, decisions, and long-term growth, in life and business.
Anyone else here part of the reading + pet sitting combo club?
What’s on your current reading list?
Hahaha, fair enough. Cold drinks are included too
Funnily enough, Lessons in Chemistry is another book I’ve read during this period, and I really enjoyed it.
Why are you assuming there are not nice views in front of me too?
This is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever stayed, THS or not. And it has huge floor-to-ceiling windows, so you get stunning views in every direction.
I used to love this combo more when younger, because I could sit comfortably anywhere for hours. Now, my back is fussier — I love a recliner with the right support and enjoy this combo most when at home, because I chose the seating.
And another experience edges out this combo for me: When we go road tripping, my husband and I listen to audiobooks and happily travel with our dog. We take our RV, for which I found a perfectly sized ottoman for between our front seats, so our dog can rest comfortably in his own bed atop it, between us. It feels cozy when we’re all together, off on adventures.
This is the audiobook lineup I have for our next road trip:
I learned Swedish during the pandemic and have read lots of books in the last 3+ years. Reading is pretty easy for me now but speaking is more of a challenge. Reading is great to grow your vocabulary in any language!
Wow, I’m impressed! Swedish can’t be an easy language to learn.
Absolutely, reading is a great way to learn a new language and also to keep your native one strong. Interestingly, even our native language can get a bit rusty if we don’t use it very often.
We read a bunch - in written format and via audiobooks. Try to mix fiction (well mostly science fiction) and non-fiction.
Psychology of Money is a great read and thoughtful. If you seek similar genre thoughtful books then, on request, happy share ideas as I’ve read several.
In fact Swedish is one of the easiest languages to learn espcially for English speakers. The only difficulty is the pronounciation of these three typical Swedish vowels öäå
I always try to mix fiction, non‑fiction, Spanish and English… whether I actually manage to do it is another story
Yesss, I’d love more recommendations for similar books, please!!! I’ve also read Rich Dad Poor Dad and I found it really interesting.
I’m very grateful for books, newspapers, libraries and curiosity. They changed the trajectory of my life. My parents were uneducated, unmotivated and irresponsible immigrants, so I largely self-taught from childhood. Unfortunately, no internet back then.
@MyrCar, below are a few books in same mindset as Psychology of Money. Here’s five books relevant to your request. Nothing to do with housesitting . Apologies in advance if over-nerd, or if bore broader Forum members, I’m predisposed to such topics. Each noted book made me read in phases, as I had to periodically reflect on content.
Bill Perkins - Die With Zero - Getting All You Can From Your Money And Your Life (primary theme: enjoy life and bequeath assets when recipients can use them)
Frederick Vettese - Essential Retirement Guide - A Contrarians Perspective (primary theme: frames academic studies against convention of working towards magical retirement period, that may not arrive or may not require as much funds as expect)
Sahil Bloom - The 5 Types of Wealth - A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life (primary theme: “wealth” goals/success should extend beyond financial to also include Time Wealth, Social Wealth, Mental Wealth, Physical Wealth.)
Frederick Vettese - Retirement Income For Life - Getting More Without Savings More (key theme: asset decumulation strategies, canadian focus but themes generic)
Andrew Ross Sorkin - 1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in History – and How It Shattered a Nation (key content: recently released book for stock market enthusiasts, with multi-person perspective of before/during/after 1920s stock market crash)
I’ve added it to the Featured Topics on our Forum homepage, so that it has extra visibility.
I’ve also read Rich Dad Poor Dad and I found it really interesting.
. Apologies in advance if over-nerd, or if bore broader Forum members, I’m predisposed to such topics. Each noted book made me read in phases, as I had to periodically reflect on content.