8 Comments

1. 

   Robyn Smith on January 16, 2021 at 12:24 pm

   No matter how high-tech we get, the simple things are often the best solution.
   Thanks for sharing!

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     Kathie York on January 16, 2021 at 12:34 pm

     Yes, Robyn … and this little tool fits in a desk drawer. You don’t even have to hear the beep @ full voice :-).

     This was a good lesson in seeking input from people outside our areas of expertise.

     The non-tech came up with the solution.

     Thanks for spending part of your Saturday with me, K.

     Reply
2. 

   Norman Phelps on January 17, 2021 at 11:23 am

   My wife has probably four timers around the house that she uses all the time from watering the plants to waiting for the clothes to dry. I use one for timing my naps so I don’t sleep too long (retirement’s a drag 🙃). Thanks again for all you do, Kathie.

   Reply
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     Kathie York on January 18, 2021 at 5:27 pm

     Norman,

     You’re welcome, and I’m glad you appreciate the posts.
     I love this part of my job.

     I’m in the same timer mode, now. They’re all over the place, and the one for the laundry room is nicer than those on the appliances. :->

     The naps ‘thing’ cracked me up. They are my one escape (less expensive than wine), but sometimes I … ahem … overdo on the nap part.

     Thanks for stopping by. Always good to see you in the Comments inbox, K.

     Reply
3. 

   Irene Boyer on February 8, 2021 at 2:55 pm

   Hi, Kathie.

   I have another take on kitchen timers (mine’s an orange egg shape) and the working life. They are very handy for working in timed blocks if that’s your thing. I like working in blocks of about 20-30 minutes. Helps my productivity and minimizes boredom when that’s an issue. Whole articles are written about the topic, and there’s an app for that (Pomodoro). I prefer the low-tech timer for writing/editing work since I prefer hard copy. And, yes, I keep the noisy bugger in a drawer for volume control.

   Reply
   • 

     Kathie York on February 8, 2021 at 3:11 pm

     Irene,

     Yayyyyy, Pomodoros!

     I’ve never been quite that disciplined, but I need to start doing this.
     Once I get working I forget to take breaks, and that isn’t a good thing brain- or body-wise.

     [ Readers: Pomodoro = a method of setting a particular amount of time – usually 15-30 minutes – to work with no distractions. You then take a five-minute break and start your next work spurt. You notice Irene has a specific amount of time indicated. This means she can set up her day as so many pomodoros. X project might take 4 pomodoros, etc. I’ve heard the word comes from the shape of the first kitchen timers: tomato-shaped (my Gramma had one of those). Not sure if timers originated in Italy, but ‘pomodoro’ is Italian for ‘tomato.’ Ahhhh, I am just FULL of fascinating tidbits of information 🙂 ]

     And, oh yeah, Irene, on the noise control. It can be startling when a timer gets to zero! Tucking that little helper in a drawer is a good idea.

     Thanks for stopping by and for the info. I really *do* need to start the pomodoro ‘thing’ and I’m glad you brought it to mind.

     I appreciate your time,

     Kathie

     Reply
4. 

   Shawn Huddy on May 3, 2021 at 9:41 am

   THIS is a great idea. Even though I wear hearing aids – I could hear the ding of a kitchen timer!! Thanks for sharing, Kathie!!

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     Kathie York on May 3, 2021 at 11:26 am

     Shawn,

     Thanks, Shawn … and I know, right?!?

     I’m tickled so many people here like this idea.

     It was a ‘light bulb’ moment of non-tech in my high-tech world.

     Thanks for stopping by and sharing, K.

     Reply