February 3, 2009

I've been trying to intensify my gym time, and have been going 5 times a week instead of 3, plus I'm shaking up my cardio a little. You know how your body will get used to the same old routine after a while, and it stops being as effective? So, lately I've been hopping on the bike 5 times a week for half an hour each session before I run off to the treadmill, and I discovered that's the perfect time to work on my stack of unread magazines. That 30 minutes ends up being a good barometer to determine which magazines are worthwhile and which are a waste of money. If I can breeze through an issue and leave it in the gym, completely done with it after half an hour, then it's not a keeper.

Sorry, Domino Magazine, you've failed my gym test. I can flip through you in only a matter of minutes, just like an issue of People. I adore your cute little sticky tags, but I never find anything to mark any more! I used to love you, but I guess I've moved away from your demographic. I didn't find one article or photo layout of note in the last issue, and didn't see one decorating idea I would ever implement. So, I'm sorry, Domino, I have to end it with you. But it's not you; it's me.

Bon Appetit, I'm breaking up with you too. We've been together for a couple of decades now, but you've been letting me down for months and I'm not putting up with it any more. You used to be so interesting and fun, and now I just can't relate to you at all. What happened to you?

More Magazine, you're making the cut. You last for a couple of gym sessions, and I'm pretty much reading you cover to cover. I can relate to your articles, and I appreciate the positive tone of your issues. I'll renew you when you come calling next year.

Food Network Magazine, you're on probation. Your initial issue was strong, but your performance in the second issue was a bit weaker and a tad boring. I'm a demanding reader, so you've got the rest of this subscription to entertain me and please me. Can you make the grade, or will I have to kick you to the curb with Domino and Bon Appetit?

To the Curb! Flickr photo by JP Shooter.

Martha Stewart Living, I'm back! I cheated on you with Real Simple for a few years, thinking you were too high-maintenance. But Real Simple lost my interest eventually, shallow fickle reader that I am.  I've been having a little newsstand fling with you, and I think I'm ready to make a subscription commitment to you again. While others last only half an hour, you keep me reading for at least a couple of hours, and I usually tear out some of your pages for later reference. I'm back, have you missed me?

LilSis, have you done any magazine weeding lately?  I'm feeling ruthless and demanding more from my subscriptions…how about you?

~BigSis