Editor's note: This was originally sent out in the newsletter on 09/14/18

This week I just a few random thoughts to share, so let's get into it.

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I had fallen behind on my reading goal, when I actually sat down to look at it I realized I had to basically finish a book a week for the rest of the year to catch up. I don’t honestly think I am going to get there, but I am still going to try. Maybe I can surprise myself. Since that newsletter, I have finished two books. I am in a cycle of nights at work right now, and that always makes it easier to read so we will see what happens when I go back to days, but I am going to try.

In trying this, I am, as always, trying to reduce my web and social media use when it is just out of boredom. I moved the Kindle app to the dock on my phone to try and push myself into using that instead of Twitter or Instagram when I am in situations to just scroll. If it doesn’t work, it will at least add to my guilt by seeing it there. Apple is releasing iOS 12 next week which will include more screen time tracking and will show you more info on how you use your phone. I have used an app to track this in the past, but I have been on the iOS 12 beta for a couple months, and there is a lot more data from the version that is built into the operating system. I think it will be interesting to see how others react to their usage time, but I think most of them will probably ignore looking at it all together. You do have the option to set yourself limits by app or by category though so it may be useful for some people in that regard.

I do also think its funny that as I tell you I need to use my phone less, I am also planning on buying a new phone this week. Apple held its annual iPhone event earlier this week, and I am due for a new one. Well, due is a word that sort of implies I am owed it, but that's just the consumerism talking I suppose. I will now be two generations behind. Maybe that is a topic for another day though.

Recommendations

If you haven't yet watched The Good Place, you should. The first two seasons are on Netflix and the third season starts soon on NBC. This show is great. Try not to find anything else out about it before you watch it; it is best to go in fresh. I rewatched the first two seasons over the last two weeks (I know you are probably thinking - but Mike, you just told us you need to read more, and here you are rewatching two whole seasons of this TV show you have already seen. I know that ok, you don't need to yell about it.) and I thought it was even better the second time. I am pumped for it to come back.
One of the books I finished last week was Nick Offerman's Paddle Your Own Canoe; it was excellent. You can hear his voice come through when you are reading it, and for me, I just love his point of view on things. Do a good job and be a good person, seems like a great message.

I didn't have any links to share this week, maybe because I was reading more, maybe because I spent too much time reading about football (I mean how many takes can you read about the Packers come back), maybe there just wasn't anything great on the web, maybe there was, and I just forgot to make a note of it, and I need to send this out. You just never know.

Thanks for reading,
Mike

P.S. Well at least we are back to a Friday release, only six days since the last one...