Maclin Horton and I seem to share the same dilemma — we can’t finish a book. I have the best of intentions — I have a stack of things that I’ve started but yet to finish (I find a way to justify this, however. I remember a professor I had who would typically read ten or so books at a time) — but few actually get finished. Like Horton, I typically spend my reading time reading journalism and blogs. I squeeze that time in the early morning, before the family awakes, and during lunch at work (where I’m probably seen as anti-social). Some nights I try to read a bit before I go to sleep, but, after the bike commute, chasing the boy around the backyard for a few hours, and, sometimes, climbing, this is nothing more than a noble intention as I quickly drift off to sleep.

I also found that Horton and I share similiar work experiences:

I?ve always had trouble concentrating, and almost every aspect of my life seems to encourage that fault. My job involves technically demanding tasks which demand extended concentration and yet requires that I be available for interruption at any moment. Comparing notes on this with a co-worker, I found that we had each arrived at a similar state: that even when there is no interruption or distraction present, the constant expectation of it makes concentration extremely difficult.

Posted on 17 June 2005