549th Friday Blog Roundup

I have transformed my book purchasing problem into a library problem.

In the old days, I bought more books than I had time to read.  I would buy a book, super excited to read it, and then before I could start it, I’d find another book I wanted so I bought that, too.  Maybe the second book seemed more time-sensitive, so I would start with that one and leave the first book in a to-read pile next to my bed.  Midway through the second book, I would purchase two more books and drop them in the pile.  So now there were three books in the to-read pile and another in my purse.

The pile grew unmanageable, so I would move some of the books to the bookcase, telling myself that this was a good thing.  When the zombie apocalypse started, and you all know that it’s one day going to be here, I would have plenty to read while we’re hunkered down in a windowless room.

The bookcases filled.

We were short of space, so a few years ago, I started to check out books from the library that I didn’t think I’d read a second time.  I reasoned that if I loved it, I could always go buy a copy.  But in the meantime, I would save myself bookcase space.

This is how the library thing usually goes down.  It may look a little familiar if you read the first half of this post.

I’ll go to the library and take out two books.  I’ll start reading one, reasoning that it’s a good thing that I have the other because once the first book is done, I’ll move onto the second book.  But in the meantime, even though I don’t need another book, I will go to the library and take out another book the next day.  I will add that book to my to-read library book pile, sometimes dropping the book I’m currently reading to read the new book because it’s a new release and I can only have it for a short period of time.

Now, you would think that someone who is currently holding three library books (not to mention owning thousands of books) would not need to go back to the library for a few weeks.  BUT I DO.  I go back.  Daily.  Most of the time, I check out another book.

I’ve realized that part of my enjoyment of books is the acquiring of books.  I don’t even need to permanently own them; checking them out from the library is enough to give me that high.

I have a book problem.

Thankfully it’s summer, which means reading by the pool.

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Stop procrastinating.  Go make your backups.  Don’t have regrets.

Seriously.  Stop what you’re doing for a moment.  It will take you fifteen minutes, tops.  But you will have peace of mind for days and days.  It’s the gift to yourself that keeps on giving.

As always, add any new thoughts to the Friday Backup post and peruse new comments in order to find out about methods, plug-ins, and devices that help you quickly back up your data and accounts.

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And now the blogs…

But first, second helpings of the posts that appeared in the open comment thread last week.  In order to read the description before clicking over, please return to the open thread:

• “Playing the Hitler Card” (NewStatesman) — nonIF but really interesting read about empathy so it relates

Okay, now my choices this week.

Still Waters has a post comparing her haircut experience to the changes you make because you think you should make them. (The example relates to blogging.)  It’s something I often ask myself: am I doing something because I think it’s something I should do or something I want to do?  Am I doing it because every magazine cover or advice column is telling me that if I don’t do X that it will be the reason I fail fail fail at life?  It’s a really good reminder to follow your own heart.

Constant in the Darkness has a post about how she feels she needs to remain tense in order to believe that they will one day be able to adopt again.  That having confidence will jinx the process.  In the end, she also recognizes the importance in letting go, in trusting that what will happen will happen and remaining anxious about it will not change the outcome.  Again, a good reminder.

Lastly, The Polka-Dot Umbrella has a post about trying to plan for a future when you’re infertile.  Her cousin questions the choices she is making in regards to her career, and she points out that those choices are the only place where she has control of the situation.  It’s a post about not putting your life on hold while you build your family.

The roundup to the Roundup: I have a book problem.  Your weekly backup nudge.  And lots of great posts to read.  So what did you find this week?  Please use a permalink to the blog post (written between June 5th and June 12th) and not the blog’s main url. Not understanding why I’m asking you what you found this week?  Read the original open thread post here.