Admit it. We all procrastinate. But I’m not here to tell you how to avoid it, I’m here to give you some great procrastination tools. Now, granted, I have some go to procrastination tools: house cleaning, desk organizing, cooking, errand-running.
But today, I am providing some of my favorite online tools other than email, which goes without saying.
Bao Bao – National Zoo
Today we have a plethora of panda cams available to us. My current favorite is The National Zoo Panda Cam. Bao Bao was born on August 23 of last year and just keeps getting to be more fun to watch. I was similarly obsessed with her older brother, Tai Shan. Also fun, although the cameras are not as good, are the twins at Zoo Atlanta. No new cubs at The San Diego Zoo, but an excellent Panda Cam. If you’re not into pandas (although frankly I can’t understand that), they also have Tiger, Koala, Polar Bear, Ape, Elephant and Condor cams.
A less time-consuming and more domestic animal-centric page is Cute Overload. Always good for quick animal fix. I don’t get the lizards and bugs on this page, but I guess cuteness is in the eye of the beholder.
If your online procrastination tends toward the interactive, there’s always Facebook (I know I don’t need to link to this) and Twitter (nor this). If you like your interaction more focused, I refer you to my own pemberley.com where you can discuss Jane Austen ad nauseum (really!) or A Forum of Ice and Fire for you Game of Thrones fans. (Caveat: I’ve never participated in this, so I cannot say how friendly it is).
Looking for something where you don’t have to interact with other people? How about Mahjong Solitaire. I sometimes click to this when I’m on hold. Jigsaw puzzles? I like The Jig Zone where you can choose the number of pieces for each puzzle.
I also spend quite a lot of time looking at recipes. The Food Network is always good for this, as is My Recipes.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with research-related procrastination but I think I’ll save that for my next blog.
What’s your favorite procrastination tool or site?
Excellent ideas for procrastination! Personally, I love looking at blogs with cake recipes or with handmade softies. The Panda Cam and the Condor Cam of the San Diego Zoo are not only excellent for procrastinating, but also for sketching exercises!! 🙂
2013 panda: https://www.flickr.com/photos/scribblingsandy/8507987430/
2012 condor chick: https://www.flickr.com/photos/scribblingsandy/7431762124/
Ooh! Thanks for sharing the sketches, Sandra. I wish my procrastination actually produced something creative. And welcome to Risky Regencies.
Ok so we know we share most procrastination methods but I’d like to add the following time wasters to the list:
~ tomandlorenzo.com, Even if fashion isn’t your thing, their snarky commentary makes me hoot at least once a day.
~ theoatmeal.com, I don’t know who this guy is but I think I love him. Yeah, he’s clever and funny, but also surprising. Just try to read the entry about his house burning down without getting teary.
~ bigfishgames.com, I know you don’t get it but killing zombies and waiting tables really is the most theraputic of procrastination techniques 😉
Hi Nan. I do love Tom & Lorenzo, but I seem to have less interest because I recognize only about 1/3 of the celebs they’re snarking about. (Yeah. I’m old). And I love theoatmeal.com, too. I guess I need to be more comprehensive in recommending procrastination sites. And you’re right. I don’t get Plants vs. Zombies and its ilk. Ah well, more plants for you.
Here are my two faves:
http://thecourtjeweller.blogspot.com/
http://orderofsplendor.blogspot.com/
These are fun, Carol. Thanks for sharing them. I’ll be adding them to my procrastination bookmarks.
I haven’t dared to read this in detail because the last thing I need are even more ideas for procrastinating! Even now I’m supposed to be writing something, and you are my procrastination of choice…
I’m with, HJ! Visiting the Riskies and all of the sites they recommend is one of my favorite procrastination tools!
Another method of procrastination is shopping any of a dozen shoe sites. Even if I don’t buy a thing I do love to look.
I also spend a great deal of time meandering around the National Trust site visiting the stately homes. If I can’t go in person I can take virtual tours and drool over the photographs.