December 11 – 11 Things What are 11 things your life doesn’t need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life?
1. Stuff - I need to stop buying so much stuff, and invest in experiences instead
2. So much alone time - I need to become a bit more social, 2010 was kind of a Cave year for me, and 2011 needs to get me out and about
3. So much sugar - I inherited a big ole sweet tooth from my papa. Although I never plan on dieting again, I do need to use a little more common sense with my sweets, and make them an indulgence rather than a habit.
4. Distractions - Although I definitely plan on having lots of fun next year, I need to be a little more focused on my growing list of goals. Maybe a little less tv, or internet time would do a lot of good.
5. Clutter - I need to find a way to de-clutter my space. I am sure there is some stuff I can part with, but organization will be key. I also need to find a solution to all my artworks and art supplies.
6. Angst - I need to let go of some of my angst towards the world. This will probably involve taking the news and political news a little less personally.
7. Road Rage - Maybe Buddha can help me with this. I need to remember that all those "idiots" I share the road with are actually human beings with souls and lives and families. Of course, if someone does something really stupid ...
8. Cynicism - My cynical nature needs to be downplayed a little this year. I am sure I will still remain a cynic of sorts, but I need to make sure it doesn't keep me from healthy habits and relationships.
9. My Current State of Fitness - I am not wanting to become one of those "fitness" people, but I certainly want to become fitter and more healthy. Regular gym visits should make this possible.
10. Past Hurts - I want 2011 to be the year I finally forgive those things in my life that keep bothering me. This mainly regards certain aspects of my faith. I need to learn to let it go.
11. Boredom - I want to be filled with wonder at what the universe brings my way in 2011. I want to have a sense of childlike wonder at the world around me. I want to learn and grow and have so much fun it makes my stomach hurt.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Day 10
December 10 – Wisdom Wisdom. What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out?
I think the wisest thing I did this year was learn to stop hating my body. Instead, I began appreciating what it could do, what it allowed me to feel and accomplish. I started dressing the way I wanted to, not the way society dictated my body type should dress like. I stopped complaining about it, and I am still working on not commenting on anyone else's body. This decision has payed off a million ways. I am more confident, I feel that I choose more nutritious foods, and I am not as quick to turn down an opportunity for fear of what others might think of my body. It is still a work in progress, but learning to love my body was the wisest thing I did in 2010.
I think the wisest thing I did this year was learn to stop hating my body. Instead, I began appreciating what it could do, what it allowed me to feel and accomplish. I started dressing the way I wanted to, not the way society dictated my body type should dress like. I stopped complaining about it, and I am still working on not commenting on anyone else's body. This decision has payed off a million ways. I am more confident, I feel that I choose more nutritious foods, and I am not as quick to turn down an opportunity for fear of what others might think of my body. It is still a work in progress, but learning to love my body was the wisest thing I did in 2010.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Self-Care
Last week, I lost my grandfather to cancer. This was obviously a sad and traumatic experience, which just happened to coincide with the final exam crunch at school. All of this, along with the holiday rush, has left little raw and frazzled. Today, I thought I would share some of the ways I have learned to best cope during times like these. Hopefully, none of you have recently lost or are losing a loved one, but we all feel stress and moodiness from time to time, and if we don't take care of ourselves, we can get into some bad habits and cycles. Hopefully, some of these ideas will seem familiar, or easily adapted to your own busy routines.
- For me, one of the most vital things is to find some alone time. Family and friends are a huge built in support system, but if I don't find some time to get alone in my room for some peace and quiet, I can start snapping at loved ones. Most of us have routines that require us to be around people for a large part of the day, and it can be a real breath of fresh air to be surrounded by nothing but your own breathing and the familiarity of your own space.
- Reading is probably the most important thing I do when I am stressed or grieving. I am a big fiction reader, and there is nothing like becoming immersed in someone else's story right before I tuck in for some sleep. It will get my mind off of my own troubles long enough to actually fall asleep. It is also a great way to spend any free time you might have. TV and movies work for some people, but nothing absorbs my interest as much as a great novel.
- A good bath or shower can change your whole day. Even if all you have time for is your regularly scheduled morning shower, you can make it a little bit therapeutic. Scents like lavender, chamomile and honey are really great for relaxing, and mint and citrus can help you get pumped up for a challenging day. Of course, these are just suggestions. There might be a nostalgic scent that you can turn to for comfort. One of the best things I do when I am stressed is to give myself a scalp massage with a little bit of rosemary oil. I feel tension in my head, neck and shoulders, so this is a great, free way to wash some stress right down the drain.
- Music is the best way to change your mood quickly and easily. Most of us have a portable way to play our whole music library. If you know you are in a transitional or challenging period, keep your iPod charged! Whether it is a hilarious podcast to keep me smiling, or calm tunes to allow me to rest or meditate, my iPod is one of my greatest tools for dealing with modern life. Here is a playlist of the songs I have been listening to on repeat over the last week. Some are poignant, some are corny, some are mellow, but they all serve a mood changing purpose.
- For me, one of the most vital things is to find some alone time. Family and friends are a huge built in support system, but if I don't find some time to get alone in my room for some peace and quiet, I can start snapping at loved ones. Most of us have routines that require us to be around people for a large part of the day, and it can be a real breath of fresh air to be surrounded by nothing but your own breathing and the familiarity of your own space.
- Reading is probably the most important thing I do when I am stressed or grieving. I am a big fiction reader, and there is nothing like becoming immersed in someone else's story right before I tuck in for some sleep. It will get my mind off of my own troubles long enough to actually fall asleep. It is also a great way to spend any free time you might have. TV and movies work for some people, but nothing absorbs my interest as much as a great novel.
- A good bath or shower can change your whole day. Even if all you have time for is your regularly scheduled morning shower, you can make it a little bit therapeutic. Scents like lavender, chamomile and honey are really great for relaxing, and mint and citrus can help you get pumped up for a challenging day. Of course, these are just suggestions. There might be a nostalgic scent that you can turn to for comfort. One of the best things I do when I am stressed is to give myself a scalp massage with a little bit of rosemary oil. I feel tension in my head, neck and shoulders, so this is a great, free way to wash some stress right down the drain.
- Music is the best way to change your mood quickly and easily. Most of us have a portable way to play our whole music library. If you know you are in a transitional or challenging period, keep your iPod charged! Whether it is a hilarious podcast to keep me smiling, or calm tunes to allow me to rest or meditate, my iPod is one of my greatest tools for dealing with modern life. Here is a playlist of the songs I have been listening to on repeat over the last week. Some are poignant, some are corny, some are mellow, but they all serve a mood changing purpose.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
day 9
December 9 – Party Prompt: Party. What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans.
New Years at Carrie's - Lot's of fun, good times with good people. Music was mainly of the bad 80's rock variety. Lots of vodka for me. Nothing super crazy, just a good time had by all, and an awesome way to greet the new year.
Lakehouse - Fun, a little rowdy. Jello shots and beer and hummus. (kind of a weird combo) Good music (for the most part) My sister and Belle and Carla and other fun people that I met for the first time.
Of Montreal Concert - Such a fun time. Not really a party, but it sure felt like one. I would say that it was as close to a spiritual experience as I have ever come while dancing in a crowded venue, sweating like crazy.
Campbells show at Amos' South End - Another concert, but lots of great people and some 80's night shenanigans followed. It was the beginning of fall, even if it didn't feel like it.
New Years at Carrie's - Lot's of fun, good times with good people. Music was mainly of the bad 80's rock variety. Lots of vodka for me. Nothing super crazy, just a good time had by all, and an awesome way to greet the new year.
Lakehouse - Fun, a little rowdy. Jello shots and beer and hummus. (kind of a weird combo) Good music (for the most part) My sister and Belle and Carla and other fun people that I met for the first time.
Of Montreal Concert - Such a fun time. Not really a party, but it sure felt like one. I would say that it was as close to a spiritual experience as I have ever come while dancing in a crowded venue, sweating like crazy.
Campbells show at Amos' South End - Another concert, but lots of great people and some 80's night shenanigans followed. It was the beginning of fall, even if it didn't feel like it.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
day 8
December 8 – Beautifully Different. Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful.
The most different thing about me are probably the things I geek out about. As a pre-teen, I was pretty sure that other, more fantastical worlds existed. (I think, if anything, I am more sure of that now) I love historial documentaries about the middle ages and the supernatural. I like music that is never played on the radio. I love makeup but hate romantic comedies. I am genuinely passionate about knowledge and learning everything I can, as fast as I can. I love facts and little known stories. My random bits of knowledge, and obvious joy in sharing them, is generally something people notice and appreciate about me. I am very pale, and never tan. I used to hate this, but now I am rather proud of it. The act of showing my chubby, lilly white legs in skirts and shorts every spring is an act of revolution and rebellion. It makes me smile, just thinking about it.
The most different thing about me are probably the things I geek out about. As a pre-teen, I was pretty sure that other, more fantastical worlds existed. (I think, if anything, I am more sure of that now) I love historial documentaries about the middle ages and the supernatural. I like music that is never played on the radio. I love makeup but hate romantic comedies. I am genuinely passionate about knowledge and learning everything I can, as fast as I can. I love facts and little known stories. My random bits of knowledge, and obvious joy in sharing them, is generally something people notice and appreciate about me. I am very pale, and never tan. I used to hate this, but now I am rather proud of it. The act of showing my chubby, lilly white legs in skirts and shorts every spring is an act of revolution and rebellion. It makes me smile, just thinking about it.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Reverb 10
I am sure by now everyone has heard of Reverb 10. Since quite a lot has happened in my life over the last few weeks, I thought that this project was timely and beneficial. So, here I am, starting the prompts just a little late.
Community has actually been something I have felt a profound need for in 2010. For whatever reason, I have not made many connections. There have been some good times with friends, but many of these friends do not live near me. My community has refocused on family this year, and while I am so happy to have them, I am looking to create and foster other relationships in 2011. I feel like my new blog is one exciting way that I am going to achieve this. I am also looking to join my schools chapter of AIGA, in order to meet and converse with other young people who are passionate about design. I also plan to do a better job of keeping in touch with old friends who do not live locally.
December 7 – Community
Prompt: Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011?
Community has actually been something I have felt a profound need for in 2010. For whatever reason, I have not made many connections. There have been some good times with friends, but many of these friends do not live near me. My community has refocused on family this year, and while I am so happy to have them, I am looking to create and foster other relationships in 2011. I feel like my new blog is one exciting way that I am going to achieve this. I am also looking to join my schools chapter of AIGA, in order to meet and converse with other young people who are passionate about design. I also plan to do a better job of keeping in touch with old friends who do not live locally.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
my top 5 apps
Today I thought I would share some of my favorite iPhone/iPod touch apps. I have had my iPod touch for about 3 months, and have spent quite a few hours looking for the best apps to meet my lifestyle needs. Apps can be pretty confusing. I think most people have a pretty good idea of what they want their device to do for them, but finding the best tools for those jobs takes a little research. Maybe this list will give you a heads up!
TeuxDeux - This app is the mobile version of the terrific TeuxDeux app I featured earlier. It is so easy to use, has a well designed interface for the smaller screen and I have never experienced an bugs or problems. It is very reasonably priced for everything it does.
Kindle app - this app allows you to download your kindle edition books to your iPod. It's free, and helps with your book selection opportunities. The iBooks store is still a little bare, so it is nice to have your pick of kindle books without having to buy a separate reader. If you are wondering, I have found it incredibly easy and enjoyable to read on the iPod's interface.
All-In-YOGA - this is the best health and fitness app that I have come across. It blends a clean, easy to use interface with soo much yoga goodness. It is a steal for all the routines and poses it features.
Moxie - I love word games, but I had a particularly hard time finding a really good, inexpensive and addictive word game app. I am not a Scrabble fan, but after a lot of looking I found Moxie. This game is unique, challenging and super fun. It is easy to get the hang of, but you can spend hours getting really good at it. Moxie is also an attractive game with a little bit of an old fashioned flare.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
really makes ya think...
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