Navigation

Friday Flotsam

By on August 1, 2025 in Friday Flotsam

Frrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr-I can see us lost in the memory, August slipped away ….!

The other day I was texting with a friend about weekend plans, and she said to me, “We have company coming over on Saturday night.” and I was immediately 12 years old listening to my parents talk about “company visiting.” Company! The word tickles me to no end and more people need to use it. (Obviously I told her so.)

Because like, when we’re hanging with friends, or having friends over, I say that. We’re having some friends over. Or – friends are coming over. Not, we have company coming over. And now I’m obsessed with it. Because in my head, my friend’s “company” SURELY was distant cousins coming in from Montana, right?That’s really the only time the word company is used. For a group of travelers, right? A family in from somewhere far, far away. Right?

You add the word “visit” to the situation and it’s pure gold. We’re going to visit with some company on Saturday night.

Amazing.

My friend Michelle and I used to say the word “visit” when we were younger (like back in the early 2000s) and we would giggle to no end. “Let’s just sit here and visit” – we’d say. Hahaha!

Tell me if you use the word company. PLEASE SAY you use the word company.

Can someone please explain this weighted vest phenomenon?

I . . . do not get it. I see women EVAR-EE-WHERE wearing weight vests lately while walking and immediately I think they’re training for some police academy. (and having an affair with the chief but I listen to too many betrayal podcasts.)

But like, what do they do exactly? Besides add an annoying amount of weight to your blissful walk. Posture? Status? To look cool for Instagram? What is it? I do not understand.

Yes I could ask google but you’re cuter.

HOT TAKE: audiobooks don’t count. My husband thinks they do (he’s wrong), but we need to settle this.

Do audiobooks count? FOR A READING GOAL?

(they do not.)

I suppose they DO count. Do they?

(Only in podcast form.)

No, you’re right! They do. That’s assy of me to say. Some only have time for audiobooks. I get it.

(. . . but they don’t count.)

Sorry!!! They do. They do.

(. . . but no.)

No! Bev, stop it. Listening to a book is completely fine. For some. It’s fine. It’s great even.

(. . .but they don’t actually count.)

Make your case why audiobooks count (they don’t) and send me your favorite audiobook so I can send it to Aaron and you all can “read” a book together. Cheaters.

Keeding, keeding!

(but no.)

This is how I can tell I’m approaching 50. (not this year, bite your tongue!) There’s a distinct and embarrassing thrill when the $5 local hardware store birthday coupon arrives in the mail.

Five bucks! Sa-weet! And not only that, but like, on the flip side it’s 10% off for this, or 20% off for that. Goldmine, baby. And you know, some hardware stores carry Mrs. Meyer’s tomato vine hand soap and that is what I live for in August.

Also #needslife

Weekend plans? The weather is STELLAR in Kansas City. Mid 60s right now. Don’t get jealous. We don’t have much which is equally stellar. The pool. A lot of reading (an actual book), bagel making (trying again!), a few little projects that I’ll show soon, and that’s about IT. Magic, I tell you. One week of summer left. Could not be more excited.

From this week, I posted an illegally simple Potsticker Bowl and so many of you are making it! It’s fantastic. And the how-to video for it. I also posted a Savory S’mores situation that will have you falling apart at how delicious it is. Get in that, too!

(You know I love all of you audiobook people! I’m just yankin’ chains. <not really though>)

, , ,

35 Responses to Friday Flotsam

  1. Lesley Farr August 1, 2025 at 10:29 am #
    While I despise anything that is not actually the written word on paper, (retired teacher/librarian) I do see value in the audio book. It’s great for travel and busy parents. I’d rather a person listen to an actual book than spend that time on mindless scrolling. I’m guilty of both btw! Tom Hanks reading his own books is golden!
    Reply
    • Bev Weidner August 1, 2025 at 11:12 am #
      I think if he were narrating a PODCAST then yes, perfection. But anything fiction (in my world) is read only. (This was all just a fun topic to see how passionate people are about it. Clearly it's a thing!)
      Reply
  2. Alicia August 1, 2025 at 10:31 am #
    They DO COUNT!! I always have at least one paper book and one audiobook in my rotation ! I love to have a book going as I do stuff, because you’re still lost in the story and trying to see the details in your head! And some books I know I wouldn’t have enjoyed reading but the characters came to life by the narrator. “Tom Lake” by Ann Patchett…narrated by Meryl Streep ?!? Come on! It’s magical
    Reply
    • Bev Weidner August 1, 2025 at 11:11 am #
      Everyone raved about Meryl, yes! SHE is magical. But the book was listened to. Not read. :) (no right or wrong answers here. I'm honestly just teasing around to get people fired up. ha!)
      Reply
  3. Rosemarie August 1, 2025 at 11:03 am #
    While I personally don’t love an audio book because I can’t follow along well I read somewhere that thinking they don’t “count” is ableist. If someone is dyslexic or has adhd or just doesn’t read well audio books are such a blessing. So yes, they 💯 count even if none of those apply and you just prefer to listen to a book. I mean who are we to say what counts for another person, right?
    Reply
    • Bev Weidner August 1, 2025 at 11:10 am #
      Okay I'm really just joking, ya know! I love to see the fire that people have with this subject! (obviously I thought of all that but still wanted to bring it up as a topic.)
      Reply
  4. Dayna August 1, 2025 at 11:26 am #
    Good morning. and a lovely KC morning to you. Loving this respite from the heat.....on this topic of audio books, I have a friend who is always listening to an audio book while she drives around KC>. It kind of bothers me because if you are really invested in the story. HOW CAN YOU PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR DRIVING!!! JK but not really.
    Reply
  5. Sharon August 1, 2025 at 11:35 am #
    I sew a lot so audio books are are a great option while I am working. Hearing accents etc. it's almost like listening to a play. I do audio, kindle and books. What is the difference between listening to a podcast or listening to an audio book? Growing up we always used the words company and visits. Sometimes guests too!
    Reply
    • Bev Weidner August 1, 2025 at 12:20 pm #
      Ahhh yes! I love GUESTS. I need to say that more, too. :) So for me, anything non-fiction (like podcasts) are completely digestible in audio form. But fiction? I need to hold, look at it, touch, smell it. I tried a audiobook (fiction) long ago and it was so painful, the sound of it all. I did listen to The Anxious Generation and that was doable since it's just information. That's the big difference! I'm mainly poking fun at people who say they "read" 75 books last year when 67 were audio. Ha! Not the same thing.
      Reply
  6. Anonymous August 1, 2025 at 12:43 pm #
    They definitely do not count toward any specific reading goal number, that’s for sure. If you’re not counting, then sure. :)
    Reply
    • Bev Weidner August 1, 2025 at 1:00 pm #
      EXAAAAACTLY! This is what I mean. If you have a reading goal for the year, listening doesn't count. Yes!
      Reply
  7. danielle August 1, 2025 at 1:09 pm #
    Definitely count. Being read to is foundational in learning and growth. This type of learning and consumption actually feels like one of the ways a person can continually parent themselves (self care!). The research shows that there’s not much difference in how much a person retains as a result of reading via eyes vs audio. It’s a pretty ableist take to label it as “not counting.” I generally love all of what you share and this take had me cringing. Lastly ya gotta ask Count for what??? We’re all out here trying to live our best lives.
    Reply
    • Bev Weidner August 1, 2025 at 1:17 pm #
      Oh I'm not arguing those points at all! (actually not arguing period.) I'm making a light hearted joke about people who say they read 75 books when most were audio. It's not the same thing. Especially if it's being counted as a reading goal. See what I mean? This is all for fun, Danielle! But I like the fire it brings out. :)
      Reply
  8. Angie August 1, 2025 at 1:41 pm #
    The weighted vest is the influence of Dr. Mary Claire Haver, the new "it" expert on perimenopause. She wears one around all of the time for muscle building and long-term bone health. Gotta say it does make you stronger and stand up straighter.
    Reply
  9. Jenn P August 1, 2025 at 1:44 pm #
    I know you’re just trying to get people worked up for a fun Friday comments section, but I don’t know, it feels forced and mean. I feel the same as the above commenter that spoke about ADHD and dyslexia, also busy parents who are just trying to get some reading in, or stay awake during a 3am feeding, people with long commutes that want to pass the time, older people who can no longer see the words on the page but love stories. There’s so many reasons people choose audio, and they shouldn’t be made to feel like it doesn’t count, even if it’s just for fun. Reading is reading no matter how you do it. I tend towards nonfiction audiobooks, but I have listened to a handful of INCREDIBLE fiction audiobooks - Diane Setterfield’s The Thirteenth Tale, The Dutch House, Harry Potter (I know she’s horrible, but if you get the books from the library she doesn’t get any $$ and Jim Dale is a treasure). Anyway. Reading is reading, whether you use your eyeballs or your ears holes.
    Reply
    • Bev Weidner August 1, 2025 at 1:53 pm #
      The last thing I'm trying to be is forced and mean. My apologies. This was all just for fun.
      Reply
  10. Courtney August 1, 2025 at 2:27 pm #
    Doesn’t count as reading. Counts for taking in the information. I wouldn’t watch the movie and say I read the book. But I do know the storyline. People who say they don’t have time for reading, but it means they are multitasking when listening and that just is a different experience. Also whenever I try to listen the narrator has such a big impact on the story for me. At book club it always seems the people that listen vs read have different perspectives.
    Reply
  11. Nicole August 1, 2025 at 2:28 pm #
    Audiobooks are the only way I can get through cleaning toilets, folding laundry, or loading the dishwasher. I also spend a lot of time driving for work and shuttling two teens around, and audiobooks are the perfect way to beat the boredom. Honestly, any book with an accent—especially a southern one—is instantly better. Demon Copperhead was a great listen, as was All the Colors of the Dark. That said, I always have a physical book I’m reading too. So yes, audiobooks absolutely count!
    Reply
  12. Tish August 1, 2025 at 2:38 pm #
    Someone already addressed the reason why it does count… maybe if people say they consume a book it’ll make folks who are attached to the literal “reading” part ease up. There’s no wrong way to consume a book. 🥰 your boo wins this round!
    Reply
  13. Laura Lee August 1, 2025 at 6:26 pm #
    I have always said "we have company coming over", except for recently because nobody ever comes to see us anymore!🤣 It's what my mother said whilst I was growing up so... I've never listened to an audio book but it doesn't seem like it would be the same as reading. It's more being told a story, both great but not the same. No?
    Reply
  14. Lisa August 1, 2025 at 7:03 pm #
    Audio books are perfect for the visually impaired. Those folks still like a good story even if they can't see.
    Reply
    • Bev Weidner August 1, 2025 at 7:05 pm #
      Of course! That's not my point at all. :)
      Reply
  15. Jen August 1, 2025 at 7:42 pm #
    Ahhhhhh they count because I know a VORACIOUS lifelong printed book reader losing their vision so they’ve moved to audiobooks! And for some, reading is super difficult because of aging eyes, dyslexia, etc. Also some readers do it while sewing or drawing or other tasks where your mind is free to listen! They count!!
    Reply
    • Bev Weidner August 1, 2025 at 9:00 pm #
      Totally get that! I'm just poking fun at the FLEX when people claim they read all these books when they really listened at 2.75 speed. Hahahah!
      Reply
  16. Kristin August 1, 2025 at 8:00 pm #
    I've already sent you a DM with my thoughts re. reading, well, my librarian daughter's thoughts, and I think she's right, so I'll just say that, heck, yes I use company! in fact we have company right now, if you can call my cousin's kids company! Yeah, weighted vests to help with bone density. But KC is too freaking hot to be wearing a weighted vest IMHO, so I don't do it.
    Reply
  17. Sharon August 1, 2025 at 8:19 pm #
    Lol! You really poked the bear this time.
    Reply
  18. Erin August 1, 2025 at 9:29 pm #
    I know you were just going for good-natured ribbing, but in my mind, audiobooks do unequivocally count! I’m an author and long, long time follower but I have to admit this hurt my heart a little bit. I have so many readers who can only access my books via audio. And my narrators worked their butts off to bring these stories to life! Everyone is always entitled to their own opinions, of course. But it’s a very valid way to take in books. I always say the most important thing about a book is that it’s shared…not how it’s shared 💗
    Reply
    • Bev Weidner August 2, 2025 at 6:45 am #
      Yes, Erin. Completely! I'm only making fun of the FLEX when people say they've "read" one billion books in a month when they really listened at 2.75 speed. That's what I'm saying doesn't count. It feels like cheating. ha! But correct, consumed literature is what's most important. I hope this lessened the hurt because I'm honestly just playing around and seeing what people thought about the subject. And BOY do they have opinions!
      Reply
  19. Brandy August 2, 2025 at 12:52 am #
    Company! So nostalgic :) And I always have one audible going and one paper and heck sometimes another on the Kindle! Anyway I can get reading in counts for me! And this topic is fun but the hubs won this one 🤣
    Reply
  20. Carla August 2, 2025 at 10:02 pm #
    Dang. The comments on this are quite entertaining. I have never listened to a book because I strongly believe the point of reading is to sit down, get comfy, relax and be in it ya know? Does anyone ever just sit and listen? Most probably don’t. It’s noise in the background, even if you think you’re listening. This is also why I don’t listen to podcasts. And just a side note my sister does listen to books and that’s just what she says “I LISTENED to (insert book here)”. 100% correct on that.
    Reply
  21. Today's Soundmap Artist Guesser August 3, 2025 at 7:30 am #
    Finally figured out today’s mystery artist—thanks to this! Today's Soundmap Artist Guesser
    Reply
  22. Charlotte August 24, 2025 at 6:43 pm #
    Love the nostalgia of “company” and “visit”—those words really do bring back memories and such a cozy vibe. And yes, the weighted vest trend baffles me too—what’s the deal?! Thanks for the fun read!
    Reply
  23. Megra August 26, 2025 at 11:18 am #
    Audiobooks count as reading in the same way making frozen peanut butter counts as a hack
    Reply

Leave a Reply