Interests versus Hobbies

Originally posted on April 18, 2014

Here’s a list of activities that I have dabbled in over the past few months:

       1.       Painting
       2.       Interior design
       3.       Sewing
       4.       Photography
       5.       Writing
       6.       Hair styling
       7.       Jogging
       8.       Pilates
       9.       Making jewelry
      10.      Cooking/baking
      11.     Going to the movies
      12.     Shopping

It's Okay to Not Share

Today I came across a video that had been shared on Facebook by one of my cousins. It was not the first time I had viewed this video, but I watched it again as if it was my first time. The video was a spoken word poem titled "Look Up". You may have seen it before. In a nutshell, it suggests that we spend less time consumed with technology, specifically mobile devices, video, games, and the internet/social media. The poet stressed that by allowing these forms of technology to consume so much of our time we are missing the special moments in life and eliminating others from our lives, ultimately isolating ourselves by becoming engrossed in a virtual reality. It also stated that too often we seek validation through social media or we allow it to make us unsatisfied with our own lives because others edit their lives to share only the best parts.

Happiness in the Simple Things

 Today I went out briefly to run errands with My Guy. My mission was to purchase a brighter shower curtain so that my bathroom isn’t too dark, get a shower curtain liner, pick up a storage box for photos, and have lunch at Panera Bread. After all was done and we were driving home, My Guy observed someone walking on the sidewalk and commented, “He is so happy just walking and eating his donut.” Unfortunately I missed the man because I was driving. He continued to say, “It’s amazing how something so simple and small can make someone so happy,” which led to a discussion of happiness.

Confessions: Guilty Pleasure

I love watching reality shows! I’ll even watch re-runs of the same show over and over again just to re-analyze anything that I may have missed. It is somewhat of a guilty pleasure. I pride myself as a woman who carries herself well, is well-spoken, who enjoys attending cultural events and exploring the outdoors. I admit that I do cringe when I witness “rachet” unbecoming behavior amongst my “peers” in my daily life, and I secretly look around hoping to not be judged according to my “peers’” behavior. They do not represent me. However, I quite enjoy watching the same craziness on television and am not offended. I go as far as to talk back to the screen when someone does something outrageous.

The No Cable Experience (Experiment)

Day 1 – May 9, 2014

So … I returned my cable boxes today.

I have been considering doing this since last summer and today I finally pulled the plug (literally). Why? After thinking about it extensively, I’d reached the point of sheer annoyance and cheapness at the thought of paying $100 each month to watch 10 channels. Yes, there are more available, but I never watch them. Ergo, I was wasting money.

Independence is One of the Keys to Happiness

I am now pushing my mid-30s and I have just discovered that in order for me to be happy I need to become more independent. Now in many aspects of my life I am extremely independent. I have a job that provides an income that allows me to support myself; I pay my own rent; I recently paid off my car loan; I can make all of the purchases that I want without having to consult anyone;  I make my own decisions without having to answer or ask permission of anyone. I am the Miss Independent that Neyo spoke of in his song.

But …