the A B C's of Me

1. My mind is constantly turning!!! I very rarely ever truly relax. I just can’t turn off my brain.

2.I’m a visual person.

a) I journal and write endless lists! There’s just something so gratifying about the process of documenting my thoughts on paper – always in pen. I love watching the ink glide onto paper! And seeing my to-do lists get crossed off and turn into a mess of scribbled ink is also fantastic! (Same goes for blogging!)

b) I have three collage boards (two magnetic and one cork) in my room. I post favorite pictures, sayings, and things that trigger favorite memories or goals. When I need to reset my perspective on life, I clean off my collage boards and start from scratch. Works every time!

3. My bedtime routine is insane (because of #1). It includes, but is not limited to, shutting off all electronics and light sources, drinking hot tea, and making my bed. I try to make my bed in the morning, but if not I always make my bed before going to bed. I am honestly convinced that I sleep better!

4. I hate technology! I would prefer the simple life sans internet and all that comes along with it, yet I work with social media so I have to keep up on things for my job. I have six email accounts, two facebook accounts, two myspace accounts, a google+ account, a tumblr account, and a linkedin account. (Plus a woobox account and two PDS accounts for work.) This makes me feel productive at work, but hopelessly over-stimulated the rest of the time. I have no doubt that this is the main contributor to #1.

5. Because of this, one of my favorite pastimes is hiding, ignoring and/or misplacing my cell phone. Come home, leave cell phone somewhere unattended and unplug from the world.

6. I am the most habitual person I know. I could literally eat the same things every single day (and usually do) and not get bored. A “day off” from devotions or working out is never just one day off. The only exception thus far has been runs, which I meticulously schedule according to my work week. Otherwise, I absolutely thrive on consistency.

7. I drink hot tea first thing every morning. And many, many more times throughout my day.

8. I like to brush my teeth in the shower.

9. I run mostly because I am stubborn and have this insane hope that one day I will be able to consider myself a true runner. Until then, I set very small goals and grit my teeth through it. I love the release of energy, the endorphins after the fact, the pain and mostly knowing that, if nothing else, I had the motivation to get myself out there.

10. I love ice baths MUCH more than spot ice treatments. It helps to have a system. I let the tub fill up as much as possible. While I’m waiting I light a candle, get a cup of hot tea, and my Sudoku calendar – so I have something to do with myself while I wait for minor hypothermia to set in. And I love putting on comfy sweat pants afterwards – and drinking more tea – as my body temperature slowly returns to normal.

11. When I need a good laugh(and I mean a good, full body shaking laugh), I put aspercreme(which I keep on hand because of running) on a towel and wait for my cats to find it. It’s better than catnip!!! It’s hilarious and never gets old!

12. The French horn is still my best form of stress relief. The sound soothes my soul.

13. I don’t really like shopping. I can go shopping all day with girlfriends, but if it is up to me, I’m in and out ASAP. I know my size in every store I shop in so I never have to try things on!

14. I hate air conditioning. Fresh air is the way to go!

15. I love orchids, but have yet to successfully re-bloom one.

16. I go to Church every Sunday. I wish I could play every Sunday, because I don’t like singing. The past few years there has been an increase in the number of hymns we sing during worship. I know going to Church isn’t about me, but I still wish there was less emphasis on singing.

17. I’m generally not bothered by viewings or funerals. Maybe it’s because my parents have always been open and upfront about death. After what some of my relatives have gone through, death seems a lot better than being stuck in a hospital full of tubes being kept alive. I consider myself to be a passionate person. I’d like to think this is a reflection of my awareness that this world is temporal, but I worry that other people interpret it has hard-heartedness.

18. I wish I read more. I used to read books all the time in high school, and then college happened. I’m hoping to get back into the habit.

19. Reality television shows are my dirty pleasure. Laguna Beach, the Hills, and the Bachelorette are my favorites. I know they are a distraction and a waste time, but if I’m having a rough patch they can do wonders. Like soul food in the form of television!

20. I love love but I’ve become disenchanted with romantic relationships. For the moment, I’ll stick to my cats.