Cube dweller in a red dress
Posted on November 10, 2008 - Filed Under Freedom, Miscellaneous, My plan
It is official: I am simply not an office person. Up through today, I have felt like a caged animal in every office I’ve ever worked in. I think I could possibly enjoy the Google offices, but since that is not likely to happen any time soon or ever, I’ve decided I must work in an environment I enjoy. I’m looking around at my cube/office mates today and wonder how they sit at their computers like drones day in and and day out. I’m simply going crazy. I even told my boss this. Not that I’m going crazy but that I hate sitting for long periods of time… he just laughed and changed the subject. I will find a way to make a living freelance, out of an office. I WILL.
In other news, I Just went and saw my proofs from my professional photography session. That’s right… I’m 32 and single and had pictures of myself taken. It was fun! It’s mainly for my new website/blog which will be up and running in a few weeks but also just for the hell of it. The experience of looking at the proofs was pretty humbling, however. It’s official: I am not terribly photogenic. Out of the 30 or so shots, I managed to find 2 that I didn’t completely abhor and will be using one of those on my new site and the other on this one.
Mom is coming to visit this weekend and then I’m off to TN and Bama for the holidays and my brother’s engagement party. We are going to look for a dress for the party this weekend. I want it to be Red and Short. Nothing is better than a short, red dress… hmm, should have worn one for my professional pics, perhaps I would have liked them better.
The Paradox of Choice
Posted on November 3, 2008 - Filed Under Freedom, Miscellaneous, My plan, Simplicity, Travel
I’m reading this really interesting book, The Paradox of Choice, by Barry Schwartz. I’m not quite finished yet but so far it confirms some gut feelings I’ve been having lately about the overwhelming choices a lot of us have and how that truly affects us both positively and negatively. I would highly recommend it.
It looks at many issues but mainly focuses on how having too many choices can limit rather than enhance our freedoms. For example, when we go to the grocery store and have 35 different shampoos to choose from, a woman can easily get overwhelmed wondering which would be the best for her hair type. Should she choose A or B or C… and if she chooses one over the other, is she passing up the one that would work the best for her hair? 10 minutes later, she walks out with Pantene. That’s 10 minutes out of her day that she could have spent connecting with her best friend or family member over the phone or a cup of coffee.
On a larger scale, where and how one lives, works, plays, vacations, chooses insurance, cars, clothes, etc. is all a series of choices with virtually limitless information one could research in order ot make the ‘best’ choice. Choosing can eat up our days before we know it. ‘Good enough’ no longer is acceptable when one could have the ‘best’.
It really got me thinking about how I tend to constantly look for ways to make my life better (it’s already pretty great). Due partly to the Internet and so much information at my fingertips, I see all the amazing and beautiful ways one can live one’s life and get paralyzed by choice. But by being paralyzed, and keeping options open, I limit the joy I could experience by diving into a choice and living it up within that decision.
While I think it’s healthy and normal to be striving and looking for the best options for our lives, I think we have to simplify, and pick things we want to focus on and not spend our time wondering ‘what if’. The grass is always greener, right? When you make a choice you make a commitment and other things no longer become available. This is downright scary, definitely to me as well as others. I’m pretty good at not wasting too much time on picking out the basics… clothes, insurance, what to do, eat…etc. It’s the bigger things that tend to paralyze me a bit. How to live my life, what hobbies to pursue, what kind of partner would be best suited for me, where to live, (in an exotic location or closer to family?), have children or not, work for myself or someone else?
Perhaps I’ll start smaller. Where do I want to travel beginning in May? This changes for me on a weekly basis. Obviously, I can read all the magazines, web sites, books on travel and be constantly changing my mind on what’s the best place for me to go. However, I’m just going to choose, and go with that choice full steam ahead without thinking, well, what if I had gone to Spain instead? Would that have been more fun?
Anyone else have thoughts on this? I’d love to hear them.
Productivity made simple
Posted on October 10, 2008 - Filed Under Miscellaneous, My plan, Simplicity, Travel
There seems to be a recent proliferation of blogs, books, etc. on productivity. Most of these have fun, useful tips. I’ve jumped on Lifehacker and Dumblittleman before and after a few visits, I quickly realized that most of the info they relay is just plain common sense. However, it seems we are so busy these days that we forget how to simplify and use our common sense. The only one I read with any regularity is Zen Habits. This, too, is mainly common sense but it’s presented in such a simple, calming manner it’s enjoyable to read.
Today’s article is great. It gives the only 2 secrets you need to get motivated to do an activity: Make it enjoyable, and positive public pressure. I’ve never been very good at self discipline and this article totally gets me off the hook! ;) Check it out.
I can really relate to the positive public pressure point. I’m keeping this blog partly so I can’t back out of my travel plans (as I occasionally consider doing in moments of panic). Especially in these economic times. My blog and encouragement from people who read it really help me when I’m tempted to stay ensconced in my cozy apartment in my cozy life here in Raleigh.
And, my one year anniversary of this blog is coming up soon. I can’t believe I’ve stuck with it so long…a record for me in any department. It’s mainly because of point number two from the Zen Habits article: make it enjoyable. I enjoy keeping this blog up. It’s been fun for me and helps me to be more open as I tend to be pretty private.
As they say in social marketing: “Make it fun, easy and popular and people will do it.”
I agree wholeheartedly.
Apples, spice and all things nice
Posted on October 8, 2008 - Filed Under Miscellaneous, My plan, Simplicity, Travel
Oh, how I love fall… it is physically hurting me to be inside today. The air is cool and crisp and I’m wearing my new brown boots and favorite scarf. Apples abound at the Farmers market and soon I’ll be cooking pumpkin anything and brewing apple cider. Yay!!
Lately I’ve been thinking about where I’ll be in 8 months and I’m getting excited! I haven’t made detailed plans yet but I have a general idea of what I’m going to do. I’m keeping an open mind up until that time and see where I am then. I have been proactive in trying to meet as many people as I can both in person and over the internet so I can have ‘friends’ to meet up with during my travels.
Two weeks ago I was in Park City, Utah for a work conference. (Where above photo was taken) We stayed at a really cool ski resort at the base of the mountain. The air was dry and crisp and the scenery there was amazing! There wasn’t snow yet, in fact, the ski slopes were green with trees except for the ski runs. It looked like someone took a razor blade and shaved down the mountain. Being in such a beautiful location made me realize how much I miss being near nature on a daily basis… and it also made me realize how loud the traffic noise is outside my apartment. I was considering subletting my place out for the duration of my travels but I think I’m just going to pack up and move out. It’s a great place for an amazing price in downtown Raleigh. However, I think I want a place that’s quiet, and that has a washer dryer and dishwasher, and has some green. I couldn’t even put a pot of basil out this year without it getting stolen!
While in Utah, I met up with a really nice couchsurfer who is really into travel too. He showed me around the town a bit and gave me some great travel book recommendations. Gotta love couchsurfing.
Have been shopping again for fall clothes. Must stop NOW. I need to curb this big time if I really want to save the amount I’m aiming for. I am reading a lot, working out and spending time out with friends while the weather is nice. I’m taking pleasure in the simple things and trying not to over think things too much.
Life is good.
Leigh
Restless musings…
Posted on September 15, 2008 - Filed Under Miscellaneous, My plan, Travel
I admit, it took me a while to get used to the idea of Facebook. I was a reluctant convert…totally clueless as to how to send a message much less use one of those application thingy’s. I’m somewhat adept now…although I still don’t know how to ‘throw something’ at someone or what ’superpoke’ means and to be honest I’d rather call my friend than throw Obama at him. However, it has been really cool reconnecting with old friends (hello first grade crush!) What is also really cool about Facebook is the sheer number of people that have a page, including those that you admire. That happened yesterday when I discovered that the author of one of my favorite books in the world (Tales of a Female Nomad) has a newly minted Facebook page. I commented on her wall how much I enjoyed the book and she wrote back! Here’s what she wrote:
‘Thanks Leigh. Hope you have some wonderful adventures. Don’t forget: smile a lot, talk to strangers, accept all invitations, and eat everything you’re offered. And make as few plans as possible. Just flow with the day. Best… Rita’
What great advice.
Especially since I’ve been feeling the traveling itch again lately… even more so than usual. I’m heading to Park City, Utah next week so I’m excited about that…even though it’s for work. (I always manage to work in ‘exploring’ time) and then possibly to Seattle in Oct. I found an amazingly cheap ticket and am dying to go. Must check to make sure the weather will be o.k though.
Still working with my career coach. She’s fabulous. A great encourager and I love bouncing ideas around with her. We are so similar in many respects. I have purchased my new site and am working on design and content as I write this. Keep you posted!
My picture of the Chinese garden in Frankfurt got published in Schmap! It’s an online map guide used on iphones. Pretty cool!
Fall is coming…. I can’t wait. It’s my very favorite season. Crisp air breathes new life into my body and mind. I’m savoring the last of the watermelon and peaches and am gearing up for apples, cider, sweaters, scarves, soup, long books and fireplaces.
O.k., must go take some aspirin as my yoga soreness is settling in.
Happy travels…
‘I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine. ’
~Caskie Stinnett
Hurricanes: The storm, the drink and the team
Posted on September 5, 2008 - Filed Under My plan
This week I’ve been in Gulf Shores with my family. It’s been really fun and a relaxing week. We almost didn’t come due to Hurricane Gustav but took a chance anyway. The first couple of days were crazy with hurricane force winds, high surf (almost to our condo!) and rain. We stayed in and watched movies, read, ate, etc. It was really nice. The past three days have been beautiful and sunny and I have the tan to prove it. So it’s been nice hanging out with Mom and Dad for more than a weekend but I’m pretty ready to head back to Raleigh where the only Hurricanes are the ones with hockey sticks in their hands. We are meeting my brother and his fiance for a wedding here on Saturday and I’m heading back on Sunday.
Right next door to our condo is a national landmark, the Flora-Bama beach club. Half in Florida and half in Alabama separated by the state line. It’s a legend. The poor place took quite a beating in Hurricane Ivan but it’s up and thriving again! I’ve been twice since we’ve been here. They have great live music and all kinds flock to this joint from millionaires to your local Alabama rednecks. Dad loves it there because it’s a dive bar on the beach with great music. He’s in heaven. That’s all he really needs in life! I hear they make fabulous Hurricane drinks too but I did not partake as I had a bad experience with one of those in Cancun and have not been able to look at one square in the face since.
I’ve been thinking this week about how my travel plans are just 8 months away. It will fly by and I”m starting to feel a little panic/fear at the thought of quitting my job. That’s to be expected I’m sure but it’s there nonetheless. This summer has flown by and this is the first week that I’ve really had to sit and think. Of course, I’m not really thinking in any sort of productive way like I planned to. Oh well… fall is here and I’m super busy up until November. I’ll be able to get more done in the winter.
Hmm…what else is going on… I had a fabulous couchsurfer from the Bay area last week. Very cool person and it reinforced my belief in couchsurfing in general. In two weeks I’m heading to Park City, Utah. Woo hoo! It’s for a work conference but I’m going to try to do as little of that as possible and as much exploring time as I can. It’s supposed to be beautiful, I can’t wait. If anyone’s been and has any tips on where to go, please share!
That’s all for now. Happy travels!
”A journey is best measured in friends, not miles.” ~Tim Cahill
I really love this one. It’s so true isn’t it? p.s. Here are some pics from the trip.
The Key to Success: Focus
Posted on August 18, 2008 - Filed Under My plan
I’m finally realizing through observation in others and through my own experiences, that you only need one ingredient for success: Focus.
The Secret talks about the law of attraction and how what you focus on and put your energy towards is what expands. I believe this to be true. Determination, passion, dedication, persistence… it all comes down to focus.
Watching the Olympics has been so much fun this past week or so and it’s been especially inspiring to watch Michael Phelps. He has incredible focus and that’s contributed to his success greatly. He doesn’t do much more than eat, swim, and sleep. And while he may be giving up hanging out at the mall with friends on weekends, look at all he’s accomplished by focusing his talents. And how incredibly rewarding and exciting that must feel.
It makes me think about my own life and how it’s easy for me to get scattered and attempt several things at once halfway rather than do one thing really well. I think this is fine sometimes, but more often than not, I’ve found more satisfaction in choosing a couple of things to focus on and do them well. Other, smaller things may fall by the wayside temporarily, but I can always pick them back up easily.
My focus areas for Aug. and Sept. are launching my new blog/business, working out regularly and eating well, and enjoying outdoor, summer activities.
(Fun can be a focus.. :))
Happy travels!
~Often he who does too much does too little. ~
Italian proverb
Hot August Nights
Posted on August 8, 2008 - Filed Under Miscellaneous, My plan
The evenings in Raleigh lately have been gorgeous and breezy. You can barely tell it’s August although I’m sure it will heat up at some point in the coming days. But for now, it’s heaven. I don’t want to be shut up in my apartment, I want to be out of doors. In the grass, on a beach, at a cafe. My windows are old and are really hard to open. Since I’m determined to have them open anyway, I injure myself every time I attempt to get them to budge. I currently have a cut on my finger, 2 bruises on my legs, and a scraped elbow. All for some fresh air..
My eyelids have been twitching lately. I hear it’s from stress but I’m not stressed. I also hear it’s from looking at a computer screen too much and fluorescent lighting… bingo. So, I’ve turned off as many lights at work as I can yet still, 2 hours into the morning my eyes are twitching and tired from looking at the computer screen. Ack, what to do?
Currently, I’ve been on a major health kick. I’m up at 6 every morning exercising at the Y (due to the heat) and eating mostly fruits and vegetables up until dinner time. This gives me more energy and productivity during the day AND I’m losing a little weight, hurray!
I really like my apartment. When I leave to travel, I don’t want to have to pack up and sell everything. I’m going to try and rent it out furnished. It’s a sweet deal for downtown, only $500 a month for a great space.
I’m working on my travel website in my free time when my eyes aren’t twitching from computer glare. It’s coming along. I’m constantly having ideas for other sites too but I’m trying not to get distracted.
My vision board is still naked. Poor little board. It’s up on the wall all ready to go. I’m still sifting through magazines, reading articles on how to create a vision board, and procrastinating. Sigh, perhaps this weekend.
Oh, my Fresh Tracks application was rejected. But only because they are not taking them anymore as they are now a strictly Canadian travel company targeting Baby Boomers. Oh well! They said they’d be happy to see stories and pictures from my travels in Canada and may even pay me for them so that’s pretty cool. Also, a picture from my flickr account of the Chinese Garden in Frankfurt made it to the final cut for a website/photo/travel site called Schmap. So I may be published soon!
I’m totally excited I’ll be going to 2 summer concerts tonight and Sunday. I simply love live music outdoors. Sunday night is Journey, Heart and Cheap Trick, (woo hoo! I just dated myself) and tonight I’ve been talked into going to Wilco. I don’t know that I even know what kind of music they play but someone has an extra ticket and of course, anythings outdoors with live music on a hot august night works for me! Although, I’ll be missing the opening ceremonies of the Olympics which I always love to watch. Oh well.
Happy travels!
“All the pathos and irony of leaving one’s youth behind is thus implicit in every joyous moment of travel: one knows that the first joy can never be recovered, and the wise traveler learns not to repeat successes but tries new places all the time.” - Paul Fussell
Cruisin’
Posted on July 30, 2008 - Filed Under Miscellaneous, My plan
Hello! Isn’t this a cool pic? One of the items on my travel ‘To do’ list (which is way more fun than any other sort of ‘to do’ list) includes renting a red convertible and drive up the California coast on Highway 1.
So things are going well and I’m still on track with my travel plans for next year. Let’s see…what have I been up to? Well, my cable has been unplugged for the past 2 months and after a couple weeks of withdrawal, I’m getting used to it. In fact, I really don’t know how I ever found the time to watch TV! Once I unplugged it, I found other activities to replace that time and I still don’t have enough hours in the day to do everything I’d like to do. I will have to ‘plug in’ for the Olympics though. Must watch gymnastics and swimming.
I just finished an amazing book for traveler wanna be’s: Tales of a Female Nomad by Rita Golden Gelman. This woman is amazing. She divorced at age 48 and promptly decided she was not going to live down the street from her kids in an apartment and get a real job. So, she sold everything and went traveling around the world. What I love about this book is that she writes it in such a simple manner yet conveys the story deeply. She doesn’t overwrite which seems to be the case with a lot of travel writing. It truly inspired me and made me see even more what it really takes to be happy. Doing what you love and connecting with people. She also has a blog which she most recently updated from the Fly and Tackle shop down the street from her current nomad location. Hilarious.
I’ve been doing some goal setting and creating vision boards. For those that aren’t familiar, a vision board is an actual board you can create and put pictures, words, drawings, etc. up to visualize what you would like in your life. At first I scoffed at this seemingly hokey idea and then I tried putting up a couple of quotes here and there and just having them up and visible really made me think about them more which will hopefully bring more of those things into my life. Simple enough concept, right?
I found this really cool web-site that plans adventure trips called Fresh Tracks. I applied to become an Adventure Ambassador with them. This essentially means you pick an adventure and they will help pay for it as long as you share your story with their readers via writing and pictures. As soon as I saw the application I thought, ‘that’s me!’ I can do that! I’ll let you know how it goes.
I also found another really inspiring blog by a female traveler in her 30’s who quit her corporate job in NYC and traveled around the world for a year and a half. I’m still in the process of reading. I go there when I need a break from work and daydream for a while. Fab girl.
That’s it for now. I’m heading to the beach for a little sun and surf this weekend.
Happy travels!
To get away from one’s working environment is, in a sense, to get away from one’s self; and this is often the chief advantage of travel and change.
~Charles Horton Cooley
Top 5 Reasons Why Traveling Solo Rocks
Posted on July 24, 2008 - Filed Under Nomadism, Travel
I’ve taken solo trips several times now and I can safely say they are not nearly as scary as they first seemed. When I first began traveling solo, I started out slowly. A night here, 2 nights there, and then an entire weekend in the NC mountains in October when the fall leaves were at their peak. That weekend, I couchsurfed with a really cool couple and had an amazing time. I was able to walk alone to walk in the woods peacefully and admire the beautiful changes leaves during the day and then hang out with my hosts and their super nice friends in the evening. That trip sealed the deal for me. Solo travel rocks!
Since then, I’ve taken several solo weekend trips as well as longer adventures to Germany and San Diego. My upcoming travels in the spring will also be solo for the most part, but I’m planning to meet lots of cool people on the way.
Of course, I also love traveling with friends, family or a significant other. There are definite benefits and it’s nice to have someone to share experiences. But sometimes, schedules don’t match up, one doesn’t have a significant other at that time, etc. Does that damper my restless spirit? Nope! I fly solo and enjoy all the perks that entails. Here are my Top 5:
1) You can do whatever you want to do, whenever you feel like doing it.
This is huge. You can eat, sleep, tour, hike, dance, shop, linger whenever you want without having to consider others schedules. If you’re feeling the need for company, you can always find some. If you need some alone time, it’s easy to break away from the gang and do your own thing.
2) It forces you to meet new people.
When you’re by yourself, it’s much easier to chat up a stranger and vice versa. Who would you be more willing to initiate a conversation with? A couple eating their croissants and engrossed in conversation or the gentleman lounging back with his coffee and a smile on his face? Also, you’re likely to need help finding places and doing things while traveling solo and the kindness of strangers usually leads to interesting conversation and possibly a new friend.
3) You’re always in for a surprise.
When planning a trip, I always leave plenty of ‘free time’. This always leads to fun, new experiences. You never know where the day will take you if you stay open. Once I chatted up a guy on the beach. That led to dinner with an amazing view, an evening tour of his cities’ hidden haunts (which I returned to later in the trip) and the best chocolate cake I’ve ever had. I rarely fully schedule my days as I like to have time for ’surprises’.
4) You can become a whole new person.
One of the coolest things about traveling by yourself is that you can become whoever you want to be. Nobody knows you, your habits, your personality yet, and no one is traveling with you to hold you accountable for anything. Don’t dance? Go to a club and bust a move. Normally too shy to talk to a stranger? No worries, you can try being a totally outgoing person for that moment.
Being in a new place with new people definitely makes me braver and brings out aspects of myself that normally lie dormant in Raleigh. No one knows me or is judging me and even if they are, I will probably never see them again! It’s incredibly freeing.
5). The opposite sex.
Nothing like touring a new city with the locals… as in hot men. Nuff said. 
