You are looking at Bossy’s stack of unread New Yorker magazines which reside in her torture chamber. Bossy is frustrated because no matter the camera angle, she couldn’t quite capture their distinct look of overwhelming.
Don’t get Bossy wrong, she loves The New Yorker, which she has been reading since she was a teenager, week upon week upon sister mercy it’s another week again.
In fact, Bossy has been known to announce to the room at large her intense desire to climb into bed with a bunch of New Yorkers.
But several months and precisely twenty-four issues ago, Bossy decided reading The New Yorker in bed was interrupting her sleep, where interrupting her sleep equals who can read when one is so busy tossing and turning in sleepless fits?
And when Bossy isn’t reading in bed, she isn’t reading — due to a little thing she likes to call awake life and its interminable demands. Pity.
The medical-marijuana industry, Mumbai slums, and Lily Allen are just three of the hundreds of topics Bossy is no longer smart about since abandoning her New Yorkers. Bossy can summarize her reading predicament this way:
Which is what today’s Ten-Word Challenge is all about. In exactly ten words, can you share with Bossy something you really love to do but had to abandon when life got in the way?
And be sure to check back later today for the best orphaned habits on the web.
MariaV says
May 12, 2009 at 8:46 amI’ve read one book this year, there are 3,000+ waiting
bossy's friend martha says
May 12, 2009 at 8:48 amchewing my food, savoring moments, breathing deep, bubble baths, dancing.
dgm says
May 12, 2009 at 8:49 amYou know, Bossy, if you love something, set it free . . .
hulagirlatheart says
May 12, 2009 at 8:50 amPretending to be Katherine Hepburn in community theatah, dahling.
BOSSY says
May 12, 2009 at 8:50 amReading cookbooks, planning gardens, obsessing over paint colors, generally Caring.
Domesic Goddess (in training) says
May 12, 2009 at 8:51 amHad kids. Now miss baths, books, most of all….QUIET.
BOSSY says
May 12, 2009 at 8:52 amReading thick novels that stopped Bossy’s heart. History, not mystery.
TanyaK says
May 12, 2009 at 8:53 amKnitting. Now it’s hockey practice, soccer practice, too many kids!
BOSSY says
May 12, 2009 at 8:53 amBossy can’t blame her kids for things not done. HERSELF.
BOSSY says
May 12, 2009 at 8:54 amTransferring Bossy’s blog archives. Man, she loved that. Um, NOT.
Michele P says
May 12, 2009 at 8:56 amExercise I still do, but abandoned important hubby-me privacy.
Lizzy says
May 12, 2009 at 9:05 amGlad internet isn’t scratch and sniff. Bathing regularly? Buh bye.
Alias Mother says
May 12, 2009 at 9:10 amLong walks without a specific destination or workout in mind.
Patricia says
May 12, 2009 at 9:18 amSquash, the game, not the food, and being in shape…
chocolatechic says
May 12, 2009 at 9:20 amDusting, moping, cleaning the toilets, quilting, knitting, and cross stitching.
Lauren says
May 12, 2009 at 9:20 amWorld of Warcraft, Fallout 3, Team Fortress 2, Mirror’s Edge.
BOSSY says
May 12, 2009 at 9:23 amLong fabulous dinners with clinking glasses in restaurants. Poverty related.
Audubon Ron says
May 12, 2009 at 9:31 amI miss hours of playing classical guitar. My wife doesn’t.
kidsmom says
May 12, 2009 at 9:35 amLoves her kids, misses her creativity, music, projects and potential.
alwyn says
May 12, 2009 at 9:50 amAll the things Bossy said plus going to afternoon movies.
aj says
May 12, 2009 at 9:50 amreal reading, reading more, alone time, reading late, buying stuff.
Chesapeake Bay Woman says
May 12, 2009 at 9:53 amMy ability to relax disappeared entirely after becoming sole breadwinner.
julie says
May 12, 2009 at 9:53 amquilting and otherwise creating things, exercise and being in shape.
alwyn says
May 12, 2009 at 9:53 amPlanning and hosting dinner parties for people who love food.
lesliereid says
May 12, 2009 at 9:54 amMovie theater every Saturday afternoon by myself with no distractions.
Chesapeake Bay Woman says
May 12, 2009 at 9:54 amHence my desire for husband Kevin Bacon to move in.
Chesapeake Bay Woman says
May 12, 2009 at 9:55 amOnce upon a time, everything was enjoyable. Not it’s work.
Chesapeake Bay Woman says
May 12, 2009 at 9:56 amThat would be “now” it’s work. Where’s my Kevin Bacon?
bdaiss says
May 12, 2009 at 9:59 am#1) My numerous quilting projects. Building a house takes priority. Unfortunately.
#2) Time for me. Hubby plus toddler plus bun in oven.
(Note: plan to rectify #2 soon as garden season starts.)
Meredith says
May 12, 2009 at 9:59 amTwo kids-miss dinners out where nuggets, fries not served.
(Among many other things. Sigh.)
corrie says
May 12, 2009 at 10:01 amNo more spontaneous couple-time, too busy!
Imanitsud says
May 12, 2009 at 10:03 amMovies, ice cream with popcorn dinners, travel most of all.
Manic Mommy says
May 12, 2009 at 10:08 amDesperately miss Sunday morning puttering; plants, nails, Sunday paper, mmmm.
Jamie says
May 12, 2009 at 10:14 amThese hands haven’t seen a manicure since 2004. Oh well.
Dharmamama says
May 12, 2009 at 10:16 amPlanning and cooking anything more complicated than pasta with sauce.
Meg at the Members Lounge says
May 12, 2009 at 10:17 amTaking time to stay fit – what’s a core muscle again?
Amelia says
May 12, 2009 at 10:17 amI’m simple: I would like to sleep. Through the night.
p/f says
May 12, 2009 at 10:20 amTaking long solo drives while singing loudly to the stereo.
Kelly says
May 12, 2009 at 10:30 am(Non-work) leaving the house; have become happy hermit, Tivo FTW.
Jill says
May 12, 2009 at 10:30 amNo more scrapbooking, just huge stacks of disorganized pictures. Sad.
lauren says
May 12, 2009 at 10:32 amPro Sports.
Sports radio, SportsCenter, Sports Illustrated…
For my family.
(and no one sympathizes ’cause after all, i’m a mother).
Jenn @ Juggling Life says
May 12, 2009 at 10:40 amCooking dinner has fallen by the wayside–will resurrect soon.
Well Read Hostess says
May 12, 2009 at 10:42 amsubstance abuse
self abuse
carnival barking
slutty shoes
international intrigue
K says
May 12, 2009 at 10:43 amHave three boys, I miss peaceful activities of all sorts.
Almudena says
May 12, 2009 at 10:44 amten words! i need at least ninety-two for this one.
Jeni says
May 12, 2009 at 10:46 amThe metabolism of my youth. Calories? Fat? What are those?
caleal says
May 12, 2009 at 10:47 amPleasure reading can’t be when school makes all reading pain.
Maureen in IL says
May 12, 2009 at 10:58 amthen – running training 5-K half marathon now – not, just fat
Kait says
May 12, 2009 at 11:00 amTraveling for the sake of traveling – stupid mortgage and bills!
heartworks says
May 12, 2009 at 11:01 amSaturday morning lying in bed reading indefinitely now baby calls.
amanda says
May 12, 2009 at 11:02 amI forget when it went from “and” to “can’t today”
Liz in Virginia says
May 12, 2009 at 11:04 amSpending time to wrap a pretty gift — with bows, even!
Jenni D says
May 12, 2009 at 11:25 amSame as Bossy– wasn’t reading “New Yorker.” Let subscription lapse. :o(
jp says
May 12, 2009 at 11:25 amTime,is new luxury I now have plenty of. HURRAY!
Renee in Seattle says
May 12, 2009 at 11:27 amSex, bathing, dinners out, grown up conversation, Damn kids!
janny226 says
May 12, 2009 at 11:55 amThe Atlantic Monthly, conditioning my hair, exercise, daydreaming, career, sex.
Dharmamama says
May 12, 2009 at 12:04 pmArt? I’ve heard of it; haven’t created any in months.
karen l says
May 12, 2009 at 12:04 pmcrafting, sewing, painting, reading, sitting for HOURS laughing with friends!
karen l says
May 12, 2009 at 12:06 pmweekly mani/pedi, professional color, transferring music to ipod, listening to same!
Reeb says
May 12, 2009 at 12:07 pmCreating whimsical stuff. ‘Twasn’t life in way; more general malaise.
Reeb says
May 12, 2009 at 12:07 pmAlthough just last night finished a fun mosaic tabletop. Yea!
Amy says
May 12, 2009 at 12:16 pmLove and really miss: reading. Don’t really miss: spotless household.
Alissa says
May 12, 2009 at 12:44 pmBallroom dancing the night away with my favorite gay guys.
Regina says
May 12, 2009 at 12:51 pmEating food, not prepackaged, not bright orange– food without kids.
ScottsdaleGirl says
May 12, 2009 at 12:52 pmSummers spent all day in the pool.
Liz says
May 12, 2009 at 12:53 pmTime, Vogue, music, scrapbooks, writing, WRITING, manicures, shopping, fashion.
Liz says
May 12, 2009 at 12:54 pmThis may be the most depressing post ever written!
Liz says
May 12, 2009 at 12:55 pmWould just like to add, I ALWAYS find Bossy interesting!
Lisa says
May 12, 2009 at 1:02 pmI miss having the time to just do absolutely nothing…….
kay says
May 12, 2009 at 1:25 pmLife didn’t get in the way; my large ass did.
Amanda says
May 12, 2009 at 1:29 pmResearching family history gets kicked to the curb every time.
Kirsten says
May 12, 2009 at 1:30 pmSleeping late and writing things other than notes to teacher.
reen says
May 12, 2009 at 1:47 pmMotorcycle riding, sleeping, dating, dancing, the beach, traveling, reading…SIGH.
Dr. Liz says
May 12, 2009 at 2:02 pmSick husband = no massages, cooking every night, needlepoint every day
sugarpie says
May 12, 2009 at 2:02 pmnaps reading reading reading reading reading reading reading reading naps
bobbins says
May 12, 2009 at 2:05 pmBedslobbing Sundaymorning partnerentwining stretchyyawning yourturntoing teaandtoasting paperreading glassofwining fancyaquickieing blimeyitsmidnighting.
Ok I cheated, you got me bang to rights, guvnor.
Lisa says
May 12, 2009 at 2:13 pmPainting my nails,moisturizing legs,reading,cleaning PROPERLY,thinking, dreaming………………..
Caroline says
May 12, 2009 at 2:28 pmDad’s aging FAST. No more big Mainland trips for me.
Shawn/Lifeatbuttercupfarm says
May 12, 2009 at 2:40 pmPuttering about the house with no agenda but to putter.
kd says
May 12, 2009 at 2:42 pmAlas, daily aerobics classes. Hence the larger thighs. And derriere.
chrissy says
May 12, 2009 at 2:48 pmSleeping in, walking out the door untethered, coming home whenever.
Lisa says
May 12, 2009 at 2:55 pmI really could have been in the circus, freak show dept.
Amelia says
May 12, 2009 at 3:32 pmShaved legs, waxed eyebrows, manicured nails, Sunday afternoon movies alone.
Shayera says
May 12, 2009 at 3:52 pmVanity Fair. Years and years piled up, glaring at me.
Lex says
May 12, 2009 at 3:57 pmRollerblading from one bar to the next, without a helmet.
foolery says
May 12, 2009 at 3:58 pmFinishing ANYTHING. Reading. Socializing in person. I miss enjoying noise.
kel says
May 12, 2009 at 4:31 pmADD usually gets in the way of me finishing anyth–.
Shari says
May 12, 2009 at 4:45 pmMovie jumping every weekend (which is paying for one, then sneaking into 2 or 3 more) Have kids now… must not teach them to be theves… it sucks.
dobes says
May 12, 2009 at 5:08 pmTaking weekly classical guitar lessons from sexy Brazilian teacher. Sweet!
catnip says
May 12, 2009 at 5:09 pmmaking wheel thrown pottery and selling it in cool stores
Shelly says
May 12, 2009 at 5:11 pmMassage, pedicure, manicure, highlights, brows, sip fancy cucumber water, repeat.
Joie says
May 12, 2009 at 5:38 pmTore across the Virginia countryside on horseback. Had a baby.
suzi says
May 12, 2009 at 5:43 pmTen months of O magazine waiting for me to read.
p.s.-Too many people in that picture and why are they in the street with the traffic? Get on the sidewalk, people.
angel says
May 12, 2009 at 5:44 pmGone = restaurants, haircuts, movies…time alone. Sick dog worth it.
suzi says
May 12, 2009 at 5:47 pmAnd does anyone really care about Miss CA keeping crown?
Not on topic. Just wondering…
Stacey Ball says
May 12, 2009 at 5:50 pmPedicures, one ugly ingrown toenail mishap and it’s all downhill.
BubbieEllie says
May 12, 2009 at 6:25 pmChoose 1.5 daily: Eating (healthy). Family. Art. Clean house. X-exercise.
Vanessa says
May 12, 2009 at 6:50 pmDental work means no traveling this year. Passport is SAD.
Heide says
May 12, 2009 at 6:55 pmPlaying the piano, reading detective novels, backpacking, competing in triathlons.
cait says
May 12, 2009 at 7:07 pmfacebook to read, naps to gym, latte to save = emancipation.
Emily says
May 12, 2009 at 7:22 pmParenting = no crafts, long naps, just a little reading now.
sevedra says
May 12, 2009 at 7:24 pmgave up my WHOLE life to go back to college.
Reeb says
May 12, 2009 at 7:58 pmNever have time to drink gin from cat bowl anymore.
Catherine McP says
May 12, 2009 at 8:28 pmBarack, Alice Cooper@ ASU graduation, streets blocked, no gym tomorrow
Ok I cheated again with the @…I always somehow cheat on these with something or another.
unruly helpmeet says
May 12, 2009 at 8:39 pmme, me, me, me, me, me, then i had kids.
martha says
May 12, 2009 at 10:03 pmNo more crossstitch or crocheting but lots of mommy blogging.
LisaJane says
May 12, 2009 at 10:05 pmSinging on Broadway oh wait I never did that Damn
renee says
May 12, 2009 at 10:35 pmReading, I have a newborn and a two year old.
Beth says
May 12, 2009 at 10:53 pmYoga, “hanging out,” sex, sleeping in, long walks, affairs, baths.
CupcakeMurphy says
May 12, 2009 at 10:58 pmSo far behind on Oprahs, just read review of Capote.
Sissy says
May 12, 2009 at 11:22 pmTennis, I would be Maria except I started at 40.
sugarpie says
May 12, 2009 at 11:35 pmConversations till all hours, uninterupted movies, good grooming, college friends.
Ive got to second someone’s opinion above-this really is a melancholy post.
So cancel the New Yorker already! I’ve cancelled the New York Review of Books, more for economic reasons than a time crunch, but still…
David says
May 12, 2009 at 11:38 pmGave up watching TV. Rest of life is too important.
Lori says
May 12, 2009 at 11:43 pmSinging and dancing and staying up late drinking salty margaritas.
Lori says
May 12, 2009 at 11:44 pmPS – I agree, cancel the subscription. How much pressure can one woman take!
p.j. says
May 13, 2009 at 10:06 amCancel subscriptions. Borrow back copies, singly, from library! Liberation theory.
Heather says
May 13, 2009 at 1:10 pmHave baby, keep job, stop voice and piano lessons.
pam says
May 13, 2009 at 1:32 pmSpontaneous travel!!
Know it All says
May 13, 2009 at 2:39 pmthe shore on weekends…drinking, dancing & eating big greasy breakfasts!
Donna says
May 13, 2009 at 5:14 pmWanted a baby but hubby refused; divorced him too late.
Catriona says
May 13, 2009 at 5:24 pmHouse messy, garden weedy, books unread, lovely baby sleeping ahh 🙂
alanaransley says
May 13, 2009 at 7:15 pmScrapbooking, movies, cooking, baking, shopping-two kids, in nursing school
Happily Employed Susan says
May 14, 2009 at 8:19 pmStacks of unread New York Times Magazine sections, ultimately recycled.
Kerri Anne says
May 14, 2009 at 11:41 pmMy “to-read” list is two entire shelves long. Boo.
Emma says
May 18, 2009 at 7:16 pmPainting nails passed the time, homework got in the way.