WW – bathtub reading

Wednesday, September 3, 2014 Permalink

People are often surprised to learn that I read IN the bath. Like it’s weird or something. 😉

Probably far weirder than my bathtub reading is the fact that I now find it hard to read anywhere else.

I’m kinda famous for my bathtub obsession, but – I can’t just loll in there doing nothing. At a minimum I need my phone or a magazine, but generally I require more substantial reading matter. And – just as my bathing ritual is dependent on having something to read, it’s become increasingly obvious I can’t read anywhere but in my bathtub.

I’m not sure what it is about being sprawled in the comforting warm water, but reading in the bath has been something I’ve done almost all of my adult life.

Back in a former life. And a former bathtub.

Back in a former life. And a former bathtub.

Even when I used to have huge work documents to read (mostly when I was with the Commonwealth Government) I’d take them home and read them in the bath. It was never unusual to find oddly crumpled pages in project design documents which *may* have endured a splash or two.

And in more recent years, at the end of each day – when I worked full time and now that I’m part-time or freelancing – I turn on the bath, grab my iPad* (or a book) and settle in for a while.

Last week

Last week

I realised only recently that my lengthy baths help pass the time of day I find most difficult. Twilight (ish).

I cook and eat pretty late. Sometimes I get home from work and spend an hour or so at my desk on my stuff before heading to the bath. I’m not sure what I’d do with that time if I didn’t read as I suspect that’s a time when couples sit and chat or parents bathe and feed their kids.

Nevertheless, it’s a time I look forward to each day. Possibly even my favourite 2hrs of the day!

If you’re a reader, where do you read? 

Wordless Wednesdaying with Trish from My Little Drummer Boys.

PS. When I started receiving books electronically for review purposes I bought an iPad. I also bought a LifeProof (waterproof) cover. For obvious reasons!

26 Comments
  • Have A Laugh On Me
    September 3, 2014

    So I LOVE to read in the bath, when I went away with hubby a month or so ago I finished one book – after 2 hours I was very wrinkled but VERY relaxed!

    • Debbish
      September 3, 2014

      Yes, there’s something very nurturing about it!

  • middleagedmama1
    September 3, 2014

    I love to read in the bath too though I don’t often do it!

    • Debbish
      September 3, 2014

      Ohhhh… you should definitely do it more!

  • Tamara
    September 3, 2014

    I need to follow your lead and take a bath with a book and a glass of something.

    • Debbish
      September 3, 2014

      Oh yes… I often drink low calorie / low alcohol champagne (AND soda water) given I’m in there for a couple of hours. (Pacing myself and all that!)

  • muminsearch
    September 3, 2014

    I used to read in the bath, now I don;t even remember the last time I had a bath!

    • Debbish
      September 3, 2014

      🙁

      I’ve always been a bath more than shower person – even if it’s a quick one. Sadly I’ve lived in a few places though when I didn’t have a bathtub!

  • Pinky Poinker
    September 3, 2014

    It’s actually quite cute when you think about it. Quirky… but cute:)

  • Trish MLDB
    September 3, 2014

    I was a bathtub reader too – still am though my ipad gets top spot now.

    • Debbish
      September 3, 2014

      I dropped my iPhone in the bath once so first thing I did was get a waterproof case when I got my iPad!

  • Stephanie
    September 3, 2014

    am not much of a reader other than textbooks these days, but never in a bathtub!

    • Debbish
      September 3, 2014

      I suspect you might need to highlight stuff etc – def hard to do in the bath!

  • Shelleyrae @ Book'd Out
    September 3, 2014

    I can read just about anywhere though most often I’m either leaning on the Kichen bench or curled up on the lounge. I don’t have baths, I like really hot water so prefer showers

    • Debbish
      September 3, 2014

      I’d like to relearn how to read sitting in a chair or even lying in bed. I’m sure it’s possible but means getting out of my comfort zone for a bit!

  • Annaleis from Teapots and Tractors
    September 3, 2014

    Generally I lay across my bed. I wish our bath was longer so I could read in it!

    • Debbish
      September 3, 2014

      Oh yes, tiny baths are a problem. I have a rectangular spa bath but if I was designing a bathroom from scratch I’d have a long wide high bath. No spa.

  • laura bridgman (@laurabridgman)
    September 4, 2014

    i absolutely love your reading set up, Deb! bubbles and bubbles sound like a dream.

    lately, it’s been so beautiful and sunny here (and i know that’s disappearing soon) that i’ve been reading in the grass in the park.

    • Debbish
      September 4, 2014

      Reading in the park sounds nice – particularly if it’s comfortable. I get a bit distracted if out and about (as I’ve tried to work outside or in cafes as well and struggled!).

      Deb

  • Char
    September 4, 2014

    It’s always bed for me.That’s the place that I’m least likely to be disturbed. And it doesn’t cool down if I’m reading for along time.

    • Debbish
      September 4, 2014

      Ah true, I’ve been known to top my water up if required! (Was a problem during the drought and water restrictions though!)

  • minsmash
    September 4, 2014

    I love to read in the bath too but haven’t done it in ages! I mostly read at night in bed before going to sleep or in summer on weekends by the pool. When I worked in the city I got lots of reading done on the daily commute to and from the city on the train. Since that doesn’t happen anymore, I don’t get anywhere near as much reading done anymore!

    • Debbish
      September 4, 2014

      I just played on my phone during the commute as I think I’d get travel sick if I tried to read. (Though I haven’t tried it in a while!)

  • Alicia - One Mother Hen
    September 4, 2014

    When I do read it’s usually tucked up on my lounge, or magazine reading is done at the kitchen table with a cuppa tea. I could do with a good soak in the bath with wine and a book lol.

    • Debbish
      September 4, 2014

      Ah yes… it’s rehabilitative powers are highly underrated!

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