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I’ve been thinking about rewards for my journey from Shetland Pony to Mustang Sally. Treating myself to things that would be counter productive to my progress are not permitted. As much as I would love to have a gorgeous dinner at Cheesecake Factory, I think items to keep my motivation would be more suitable. (more…)

Many of my friends have skills or talents they are gung ho or mastering. Whether its a martial art (several black belt holders in my social circle), a creative talent, or being totally craft-tastic (Knit-Wits, Holla!!), everyone has something they are bananas about. Despite my Virgo nature, I tend to dabble in a little bit of everything without truly mastering anything. It’s a bit frustrating really.

Does this make me a consummate niche seeker? Am I experimenting with my free-time? Could a need for variety be the driving force behind my commitment issues with hobbies and sports?

Sports: Unleashing the Inner Tomboy

When I was in high school, I lived and breathed volleyball for two years. I loved it, despite thebehind-the-scenes-team drama. I would have played through my senior year had I not injured myself at a cheerleading picnic (in a vain attempt to fit in). My coach never really forgave me for separating my ankle on a trampoline. I ended up quitting the team after my sophomore year because the pain and weakness of the ankle frustrated me more than losing nearly every single game. Part of me wonders if I should have gone to physical therapy once the cast came off. The doctor said it wasn’t necessary, and since he didn’t force the issue, I didn’t give it a second thought. However, even now I wear an ankle brace when I play sports because on cold & rainy days, I still get stiffness in the joint. I am thankful that it didn’t need to be surgically drained, but I wonder if I did enough for it to heal correctly.

For three years, I played tennis in Japan with my colleagues. Every Sunday night, we’d meet up for a couple of hours of smashing double fun. I loved it. I got to hang out with my friends and play a sport. It was the most  exercise I got on a regular basis since high school Gradually, I improved, though I remained one of the weaker membersof the team. Playing tennis with my friends became a routine, one I earnstly looked forward to. Now that I am back in Florida, I need to actively seek novice players looking for a partner or with space on their team. Being slightly overweight, limits my ability to play full sets without wanting to drop dead, so I need to find a healthy way to get in shape– and eventually be able to wear a tennis skirt with confidence.

Queen of the Kitchen! Maybe some day…

Upon returning home, I quickly became re-addicted to reality TV programs like Ace of Cakes and TOP CHEF: NY. Being an individual who severely lacks in the culinary department, I live vicariously through the  talented dynamos on these programs. After struggling with a single burner kitchenette for 5.5 years in Japan, I have lost what little command of cusine I previously had. Every now and then, I am attempting recipes my mom’s left for me in the house with very little success. I’ve contemplated culinary school, but my lack of style in the kitchen greatly stunts that endeavour.

However, I picked up a flyer from Joann Fabrics and Crafts last week during their open house. They have a series of cake decorating classes starting up in April & May. I am heavily considering the Wilton(c) Cake courses as something to help me gain a little confidence in the kitchen and keep me from becoming a total hermit.  If I can’t get a full-time job right away, perhaps I could at least work in a bakery to make some money. I love cake and want to make pretty ones!

Getting Literary, Baby!

I am attempting to climb back on the writing horse, especially with several failed attempts at NaNoWriMo and the impending doom that is Script Frenzy next month.  Last night, I was given my first writing timed challenge in years. After hashing out Noor Jawahir a bit last month, I came screeching to a halt. What I desperately need in regards to my writing is structure, a task master, and most importantly deadlines. The writing project on the table is Faviarti’s Tarot, one of my many incomplete NaNoWriMo stories. It’s a modern high fantasy that needs to be heavily planned out and researched, especially since there are references to majicks, tarot cards, and other magical things.

I have considered finding a writers’ group here or taking a course at the community college, but I often worry as most self-proclaimed writers have a tendency to be pretentious. After wasting years on GaiaOnline, I got burnt out on narcissistic prima donnas, drama llamas, and immature prats who consistently bitched and moaned about other people’s writing. There was little respect for creative identity, especially with the veil of anonymity. The destructive criticism dole out left and right proved to stifle my writing and stunted my confidence as a writer. Everyone had something to say, and without the pressure of face-to-face interaction, many harsh comments were made. I’m not saying that all writers on GO are horrible, bitter hermits out to exact revenge on others because they haev chips on their shoulders. It’s more of one or two rotten apples spoils the entire bushel. I made some great friends on GO, but for the most part the electronic interaction was merely that.

Real Life = Obstacle = Not an Excuse to too many people. It drove me away, and impacted my desire to write. I want to shake the dust off my writing and get back into it full swing.