Just linger in the shadows,
a ghost hidden away.
I’m the one you superpose,
And now feeling a sense of dismay.
You see the smiles I imprint on you,
and wonder how I’m doing so well,
when you thought I’d subdue.
It’s everything you dwell.
Now you live with my memory,
in the loudness of your quiet night.
Watching me like the best documentary,
Looking at it in hindsight.
You take what little’s left of me
in glances I didn’t give freely.
Waiting for me to make my plea,
while I show myself steely.
Does it drive you crazy?
Is this not what you expected?
Looking back, is it hazy?
Are you feeling rejected?
Uncategorized
Chalk Lessons
I once drew hearts in sidewalk chalk,
believing it symbolized lasting love.
Each crush gone as fast as it came.
Each scar a self-inflicted game,
till rain washed away the chalk.
You were my admiration,
a storybook I tried to publish.
But limerence taught me true beauty.
Love’s not lost, but instead a plea,
even when I crave fixation.
Now stronger, I walk tall.
The swings still hum, the laughs go on.
I hold the chalk with balanced hands.
And build my dreams on truer commands,
lessons that I shall forever recall.
10/27/2015
Even When I Knew
I knew it wouldn’t last.
You were lightning:
bright, wild, gone before I could catch.
And still, I stood in the storm
pretending it was enough.
I saw the ending like a shadow
waiting just behind your smile.
But, it still hurts.
Knowing
doesn’t make the loss any easier
it just makes me feel gullible
for hoping it’d be real,
for believing love could rewrite the laws of gravity and find me.
Now I’m left with ghosts of what would never be,
playing memories like they’re proof
that something real once tried to exist.
And I keep asking myself
why I miss a dagger
that was always meant to kill me.
10/26/2025
Confined Heart
Love once blossomed in my chest,
soft as morning light on grass.
Now it feels deeply oppressed
Withering away in the hourglass.
The air hums with what we were,
a tune that turns my stomach and makes me ache
Wishing I could turn you into a blur,
hoping each day I never wake.
My body reacts to the pain,
cutting deep into the abyss.
It was I that you slain,
yet, still, I will never remiss.
Permanent mark in my mind,
wishing I could expunge.
Daily fighting of feeling confined,
into the darkness I plunge.
10/26/2025
Abandoned House
A house that once hummed with life
Windows that shone with happiness and sunlight in every room
Now, all it contains is the afterlife
The house, which is now entombed
A porch swing swaying in lonely guise
Floorboards groan, and echoes of steps and laughter
Paint peeling like forgotten promises
of a life that was ever-after
Memories flooding like hostages
Screaming to escape the haunting cries
Even in decay, the house won’t let go
Spirits roam through the memories
Wishing they could all forego
All the promises from the centuries
That now just agonize
Abandoned and left behind to wither away
Forgotten like a letter in the bottom drawer
Broken, shattered, and fallen, windows dismay
Its purpose forgotten forevermore
A hallway dark, where light denies
People walk by and wait for the demolition
For the abandoned house, vacant and forgotten
A stairway collapsed in sad submission
Fireplace cold, embers rotten
A rusty keyhole that no one pries
10/20/2025
Concrete Wings
There was light that was revoked
Shattered are all my dreams
Now I sit in silence with the noises in my head
Fighting the demons eating me inside out
Sense tells me to thrust ahead
But the self hate thrashes about
Wings flapping, trying to break free
Cemented onto the ground crying out pleas
Nipping at the fruit of the poisonous tree
The whip of the wind feeling absentee
I spread my wings to take flight
Only to fall and fail
Everything in me feels like darkest night
I can never prevail
So here I stand-helpless and broke
Stuck with concrete wings
10/20/2025
Balancing Work and Life: Strategies for Achieving a Healthy Work-Life Balance
In today’s fast-paced world, achieving a healthy work-life balance has become increasingly challenging. With the rise of remote work and the blurred lines between personal and professional life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the demands of both. However, maintaining balance is essential for physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This blog explores key strategies to help manage the competing priorities of work and life while maintaining health and happiness.
1. Set Clear Boundaries
One of the most critical steps in achieving work-life balance is establishing clear boundaries between work and personal time. Without boundaries, work can easily spill over into personal life, leading to burnout. According to a study by the American Psychological Association (APA), individuals who set firm boundaries between work and home life report lower stress levels and greater job satisfaction (APA, 2020).
Communicate your work hours to colleagues and supervisors, and resist the urge to check emails or respond to work messages after hours. Setting boundaries ensures you have time for rest, hobbies, and family, which is essential for long-term well-being.
2. Prioritize Time Management
Effective time management is another crucial aspect of balancing work and life. Prioritizing tasks based on importance and urgency allows you to focus on what matters most without feeling overwhelmed. The Eisenhower Matrix is a popular time management tool that categorizes tasks into four quadrants: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not necessary, and neither urgent nor essential (Covey, 1989).
Such strategies allow you to allocate time efficiently and avoid unnecessary stress. Additionally, scheduling regular breaks throughout the workday can help maintain focus and prevent burnout. Research suggests short breaks improve productivity and mental clarity (Fritz et al., 2011).
3. Embrace Flexibility
Flexibility is critical to achieving work-life balance, especially in today’s dynamic work environment. With the rise of remote work and flexible hours, many employees have more control over their schedules. This flexibility allows you to better balance personal commitments, such as family time or self-care, without sacrificing professional responsibilities.
However, flexibility also requires discipline. Establishing a daily routine that includes dedicated time for work, personal activities, and relaxation ensures that both areas of life receive attention. A study published in Harvard Business Review found that individuals who cultivated structured flexibility reported higher levels of job satisfaction and work-life balance (Kossek & Lautsch, 2018).
4. Learn to Say No
Overcommitting is a common pitfall that can hinder work-life balance. Whether taking on extra projects at work or agreeing to social events, constantly saying “yes” can leave you feeling stretched too thin. Learning to say “no” when necessary is vital for protecting your time and energy.
Saying no doesn’t mean neglecting responsibilities; it’s preserving your well-being. Assertive communication helps you manage your workload more effectively and maintain balance. A study in The Journal of Social Psychology found that individuals who practice assertiveness experience lower levels of stress and burnout (Smith et al., 2017).
5. Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care is often the first thing to be sacrificed when juggling work and personal life, but it is one of the most essential elements of a balanced life. Regular physical activity, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep are key to maintaining energy levels and mental clarity (Mayo Clinic, 2018).
Additionally, engaging in enjoyable activities—reading, spending time outdoors, or practicing mindfulness—helps reduce stress and recharge your mind. Prioritizing self-care makes it easier to approach both work and life with a positive attitude and greater resilience.
Conclusion
Achieving a healthy work-life balance is an ongoing process that requires intentional effort. You can create a more harmonious and fulfilling life by setting boundaries, managing time effectively, embracing flexibility, learning to say no, and prioritizing self-care. Balancing work and personal life enhances productivity and improves overall well-being and happiness.
References
- American Psychological Association. (2020). Work-Life Balance Stress in America Survey.
- Covey, S. (1989). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Free Press.
- Fritz, C., et al. (2011). Take a break: The benefits of pauses and breaks in work performance. Journal of Applied Psychology.
- Kossek, E. E., & Lautsch, B. A. (2018). The dynamic relationship between work-life balance and job satisfaction. Harvard Business Review.
- Mayo Clinic. (2018). Work-life balance: Tips to reclaim control.
- Smith, R. E., et al. (2017). Assertiveness, stress, and psychological well-being in the workplace. The Journal of Social Psychology.
Hysterectomy: Day 4 – Week 1 Post-Op
I made it one week! 5 more weeks to go, unless I’m cleared sooner! Time is flying, but also moving astonishingly slow!
Day By Day Breakdown
Day 4 was exceptional! If I didn’t know better, I would’ve thought I was normal! I did some small things around the house and took a modest walk to help with the movement of the leftover gas inside. I could still feel it around my chest and rib cage. Other than that, day 4 was amazing! It was the first hopeful day I had!
Day 5 was arduous. I had such incredible pain and muscle spasms. I couldn’t tell what was normal, what was hurting, where it hurt, etc. It just hurt all over. However, my brother did come by to help with laundry, dishes, taking the trash out, etc. While he was here, I got to play with my niece. She’s almost 7 months old, and seeing her giggle made me smile. I needed it! I did end up emailing the doctor today to check if some things were normal. Apparently, they are. I cried several times today. I didn’t want to move at all. My body felt like a million knives were being stabbed into any given area at any given time. I ended up calling the doctor today because of how bad things were. I also ran out of pain medicine today, which didn’t help!
Day 6 was better. It was like a marriage of days 4 and 5. I was able to do a little bit around the house (dishes, pick up trash around the house, bring things to the outdoor trash can, etc.). I was proud to have only taken two lesser pain pills during the day – my doctor prescribed me a different kind. I’m trying not to take them for several reasons; however, if I need them, I will. I have no addiction in my background, but I don’t want to risk it. I know I also need to build up my pain tolerance, rebuild my muscles, and do more (not too much) without the medicine. I need some normality back in my life. Later in the day, my mom brought me out to dinner tonight. She drove, as I’m not cleared yet and don’t want to risk it. We had a good laugh at dinner that hurt my surgery site, but it was worth it!
Day 7, one week post-op, was a slightly smaller version of day 5. I slept an absurd amount. I kept having spasms, and everything just felt heavy. I tried to do some things around the house, but everything was so exhausting. I received a call that my new meds were ready, so I had my brother drive me to get them. I forgot my seat belt protector and the seat belt felt awful on my site. The spasms radiated through my back and legs. I would stop breathing at times to catch myself from cussing. As it lightened up, I would try to do focused breathing techniques. This was also the first day I didn’t have a single bowel movement. I hope tomorrow there is one, as I don’t want anything damaged from the swelling due to the lack of one. I hate talking about things that should be so private, but it’s a reality of the surgery.
Overall Assessment
Well, part of me was expecting a much harder recovery. I envisioned being in bed, crying nonstop, beginning for it to go away. Although I’ve had a few rough days, it’s gone fairly well. I find myself, at moments, being incredibly proud of my body. I’m impressed that I can go through such trauma and be doing as much as I am.
On the other hand, I’m incredibly frustrated. Doing this alone isn’t easy, especially mentally. When you’ve lived so long being independent, you feel hopeless when you can’t even do the dishes. Little tasks take so much effort and energy that you begin to fall into a dark spot mentally.
I’ve cried more in the last week than I did in the last year combined. On day 5, I cried five times within two hours. My emotions are all over the place. Very rarely have my tears been from pain. Most of my tears have been from the frustration of not being able to do things or see people. I hardly saw the outside in the seven days. It’s very isolating! I had a million people check on me, which made me feel good, but it wasn’t the same as seeing people, being able to walk to get your mail, handling laundry, etc. It’s sad when you get “proud” because you could stand the entire shower and not use a shower stool.
One thing for sure is this is a very humbling experience. It let me know how much I’ve taken for granted. It also lets me know I don’t give myself enough credit for what I do every day. I should be extremely grateful to be able to do some of my daily tasks. There are people in this world that can NEVER take the trash out, can NEVER do laundry, etc. It may not be fun to do, but I’m glad I can do it.
I’ll probably post weekly updates until I’m cleared, then go every few months. I’ve heard others have post-op concerns up to a year later.
The good feeling I have, though, is that not a single person I’ve talked to has regretted this decision, especially those with endometriosis and adenomyosis. As of now, I’m not regretting it. I’m looking forward to a life that I can live and function with minimal problems.
Journey to Boston: Day 4 – Plymouth, MA
My last pit stop on my historical tour was Plymouth, MA. I knew the original features of history were gone, but their ability to recreate it were astonishing!
I started off at the Plimouth Plantation. It included old Native American ways of living. It featured their living spaces, how they kept warm, their canoes (though called something else then), and more. It was amazing to see how someone would survive in the brutal winters of Boston then. It was only 36 degrees, but the breeze made it feel like 28. I could feel the coldness all over my body. It made me think about all those poor lives lost to the extreme cold.
After visiting the Native American portion of the exhibit, I was able to see a 1700’s colony. Walking into these homes, it put into perspective the average life span of the time. There were holes and gaps in the walls (although I’m sure much bigger due to deterioration over time). Almost all the homes had ground as flooring. Everything was made out of wood. Whether it was from then or rebuilt, they definitely caught the vibe of what old settlers went through. Even with mini fires going in each little house, it was incredibly cold. The only thought I could imagine was the thought of people freezing to death in their homes, hunting for food in the ice cold temperatures, and the like. Although completely fascinating, I felt a sense of sadness thinking of the lives of those who had to endure such a factor.
After the village, I decided to take a trip to the gift shop. Again, they had several items, including an old grinding tool made out of wood and a wood bowl. I bought a couple things (Christmas is coming) and went on my way to the next stop: The Mayflower II.
On the way to the Mayflower, you pass Plymouth Rock. Although no true history behind the rock itself, it was amazing to see how this was the landing spot for America. It made sense, but it also was very surreal to see. Looking out to see the ocean, Cape Cod, and the endless history behind it was moving in an unexplainable way. I was very grateful for that moment. Despite my feelings about modern America (or even Puritanical America), I felt the pride of the settlers. I know the intentions were good, despite some choppy times and beliefs.
The recreation of the Mayflower was stunning! I boarded the ship, which was all of three levels. I never knew a fireplace was built in the middle of the ship, but I guess it makes sense with the cold travel. I wondered how they were able to supply enough wood and food for 200+ men and woman. Again, I can’t imagine living during those times. Inside the Mayflower II were old tools they used, the general layout of the true Mayflower, and . It was fascinating to see how we were so ahead of times then. It doesn’t feel like we made too many improvements, though we have, in the last 300 years.
I ended my trip there. Although there were a million other places to visit and things to do, I decided I just needed to soak in what I had just experienced over the last few days. I felt something different than I have with other trips. I felt some connection to all things around me. It was moving in a way that cannot be described. Not in a way that brings tears to your eyes, or makes you feel a certain way, but in a sense of I felt something change with the connection I felt to the area. It was very surreal. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to visit. I know many who dream of going, but never do. I had to share.
Journey to Boston: Day 3 – Boston, MA
Where else do you go to find out about our original history of the country other than…Boston! I think very few places (such as Philadelphia) are as great to learn about American history as Boston! It’s a very fortunate experience.
I woke up early to make sure I wouldn’t be late for my Freedom Trail walk through the city. I was looking forward to seeing some of the most famous sites of American history. I wanted to beat the Masshole drivers as well. I was lucky, arrived early, and found parking easily. I walked to the Boston Common and just fell in love immediately. So many trails, hills, colors of trees, active people walking and running, and more. It looked like it was right out of a movie!
As I sat and waited for the tour to begin, I called my mom to let her know things were okay. In the midst of the phone call, the squirrels were coming closer. They had no fear of human people. At one point, a squirrel started up my leg, but took off. I started giggling. In Central Texas, the squirrels are terrified of people!
I started making noises to call the squirrels over and snapping my fingers. Twice! Twice a squirrel jumped in my lap. It was such an amazing experience. I’ve never seen one so close before in my life. As cheesy as it sounds, it literally made my entire morning. I didn’t care if everything went wrong past that point. I was cheesing like a kid on Halloween that just lucked out discovering the house that serves full pieces of candy!
The tour guide called us over to start. We walked around and listened to the tour guide spew historical facts about each location and the general history of Boston. I never realized how much I listened to my history teachers until he was talking, and I could basically recite word-for-word his tour. It was odd, but also funny!
We toured John Hancock’s grave, Paul Revere’s grave, Samuel Adam’s grave, other graves you couldn’t see the names on it due to the oldness of it, and the Boston Massacre victims grave. We were able to visit the school and church Benjamin Franklin went to when he was a younger child. We saw where the Declaration of Independence was first read off, the Boston Massacre site, and some other lesser known sites. I didn’t get to every historical site, but I am extremely grateful for what I did see. The cobblestone alleyways and brick pavements made me feel like I was back in the 1700s. With a few dirt roads still, I could imagine horses and carriages throughout the roads.
I didn’t spend too much time in Boston, only because I was tired. I’ve walked more in the last 2.5 days than I have in the last month combined. My legs were sore, my upper body was sore, and I was just tired. I did find Boston easy to navigate though.
I stopped by Chicken & Rice Guys for dinner. It was amazing! Similar to a gyro without the wrap, it was seasoned chicken thigh, seasoned rice, lettuce, two pita slices, and creamy garlic sauce. The seasoning of the food was, as Bostonians would say, wicked good and so fulfilling. It was so much food, I was unable to eat it all. I was thoroughly impressed! I did notice there were a ton of pizza places, delis, and seafood spots in both Boston and Salem. It makes sense, but I wanted something different.
Journey to Boston: Day 2 – Salem, MA
Today was the day I discovered the term “Massholes.” I’ve heard it through peers, but I always thought they were overexaggerating. They definitely were not.
I’ve never heard so many horns in my life, nor seen as many law breaking citizens driving. I was absolutely stunned. I was used to the “weird” roads of roundabouts, sharp turns, etc. That never stunned me, having lived in upstate New York. The amount of people who cut off others, showed respect with their middle fingers, ran red lights, and more was mind blowing.
It was fine though. I just had to get back into the habit of driving in a busy northeast city. I mean….I drove in NYC once before in my life…I figured this was a piece of cake. I will say driving in Austin is not the same as driving in Boston. After a few near death experiences (okay that may be an exaggeration), I was able to figure our driving again in the city and quickly adjusted to become my own version of a Masshole – or Texasshole. Either one is properly fitting for the drive.
I made to Salem, once again. This time, I was going on my History and Haunting’s tour with the Witch City Walking Tours company (the company that rescheduled me due to the late delayed flight). I was in the same location of the night before, which worked out great!
We met at Old Town Hall for the walking tour. Seeing it in the daytime had a different vibe. This tour was even better! We saw the Witch House, Ropes Mansion (Hocus Pocus), Hamilton Hall, Bewitched Statue, Salem Witch Memorial (in daylight), Old Burying Point/Charter Street Cemetery, and a few lesser known places.
I decided to take the rest of the day to explore some of the other places on my own, such as Salem Witch Museum. I wasn’t impressed with the Salem Witch Museum presentation, but the gift shop was amazing! The presentation provided by the SWM was insanely boring and bland. It was like listening to an old history teacher in a lecture style class. Luckily, the gift shop saved it. It’s about the only thing that was good about it.
I also ended up visiting Proctor’s Ledge, where most of the “witch” hangings actually occurred. It was a beautiful memorial to those who lost their life innocently over hysteria. Little did I know, it was in someone’s back yard. I want to approach their door and ask if any hauntings occur, but that would be invasive and rude.
I saw the House of Seven Gables which, as an English teacher, was amazing. I fell in love with the beauty of it, especially the courtyard. The ironic thing is: I’ve never read Nathaniel Hawthorne’s book. I just heard about it!
I was hoping to see Pioneer Village, but they closed on the exact day I went to go see them. Fortunately, I was able to take some photos from the outer view of it. Maybe on my next visit, it’ll be open. I’m sure it’s moving as well. Along with that came an amazing view of the waterfront next to Pioneer Village.
Today was a moment for me. Despite the crazy world we live in, I discovered that not everyone is bad. I met some amazing people who had open conversations about their journeys to Salem. I had several experiences that I could only dream of or imagine. It all finally came true. I learned of burning churches, the power of money (much like today), and how an insane belief in religion likely killed several.
I was sad knowing it was my last day in Salem, but I also knew I’d likely come back to explore more. On my travels, I learned much of the history happened outside of actual Salem, MA. It gives me another reason to visit and see the stunning views.
Going Back to Our Roots – Polar Vortex Edition
The United States was recently hit by an Arctic Polar Vortex. Although this isn’t uncommon for northern states, for southern states it came as a shock. Places like Texas hit temperatures, snowfall, and ice records that haven’t been seen in decades or even centuries.
During this historic event, Texas had to conduct rolling blackouts in order to preserve electricity. Some homes went over 12 hours without power. Others lost power for 40 minutes, but then it would turn back on for 15-20 minutes. This left many people with no warmth or ability to cook.
The temperatures were steady between 6° and 20°. Wind chills fell between -17° and 0°. This was the second time in less than a month that Texas received record breaking temperatures and snow. Going outside to build a snowman is fun, but maybe only for a few minutes before hypothermia becomes a concern.
Internet service providers were offline. Cell phone towers were overloaded, so data slowed down (or cut in-and-out). The roads had anywhere between 3 inches and over a foot of snow on the ground, with ice underneath. Stores closed down or closed early. Food chains shut down for the safety of its employees. County offices shut down for the week. Schools delayed learning face-to-face and virtual (due to power outages). All of this led to families or individuals being stuck inside with nothing to do.
Unable to go outside for long periods of time, unable to drive anywhere due to road conditions, unable to use power, unable to use the Internet, and having barely any data, when we live in such a technology drive world, what can be done to prevent yourself from going stir crazy?
Emergency Kits
Hopefully, living in a place like Texas, notorious for severe weather, you’ve stocked up on a variety of candles or emergency lights. Texans are known to prepare for weather events from hurricanes to tornadoes. Using these emergency kits are beneficial in times when there is no power. But how can they be used?
Reading
By setting up a candle, or emergency light, you can read either a new book or a favorite book. Even as a family, you could return to elementary and secondary school and take turns reading. This can create a bonding moment between members, increase comprehension, and can be fun for an individual or a family.
There are so many genres to read from. We all have our favorites, but maybe this outage provides an opportunity for you to explore new genres. As someone who didn’t enjoy any science fiction related books, including dystopian, I always looked the other way when I was suggested any science fiction or dystopian books. Harry Potter and Hunger Games never interested me (I know, I know…I’m sorry). It wasn’t until a co-worker introduced me to a dystopian science fiction book, Red Queen, that I was able to truly explore the genre. I enjoyed the book so much that I continued the series. It was a rare moment that I truly enjoyed a genre that I always found unappealing.
I suggest the Genre 10 challenge. In Genre 10, you choose 10 genres of reading that you normally wouldn’t read and give them a shot. Some households already have all the genres in their house, but usually dedicated to specific people. What genres can be suggested?
- Young Adult
- General Fiction
- Realistic Fiction
- Historical Fiction
- Poetry
- Romance
- Dystopian
- Science Fiction
- Biography
- Autobiography
- Memoir
- Self-Help
- Business
- Finances
- Psychology
With so many options, even reading one new genre would be worth a try during a national Arctic Polar Vortex.
New Hobbies/Interests
Learning new hobbies or interests is something we don’t often think about, because we live in a country of go, go, go! We don’t give ourselves enough time to explore new tasks anymore. Using your emergency kit, you are able to spend some time learning something new.
Hair, Beauty, and Fashion
You can use this time and resources (candles) to explore new styles. Using candlelight, explore options in makeup, hair, or even fashion.
With a candle lit in the bathroom, you can sit in front of the mirror and begin creating new looks for yourself. By using simple techniques and products (gel, hairspray, mouse, etc.), you can explore new hairstyles. We get so used to seeing ourselves look one way, and we become comfortable with not changing. Why not use the day(s) to explore a new look that has been considered for some time? Maybe instead of slicking the hair back, explore slicking it forward, to the left, to the right, parted down the middle, etc. Work with updos (man bun exploration). Try a half up-half down look. It may be worth a shot to even bring the mullet back (Miley Cyrus is trying to bring her dad’s signature look back in style).
Makeup is another area to be explored. I’m a pretty simple person when it comes to makeup: mascara and occasionally eye liner. If you’re like me, or even do slightly more, maybe this is the time to explore full on facial looks like that of famous makeup artists or influencers (James Charles, Jeffree Star, Jaclyn Hill, Anastasia, Bobbi Brown, Pat McGrath, etc.). Have you always wanted to learn a cut crease or contouring? Try it now! What do you have to lose? You’re in your house with nothing better to do than explore! Want to practice gradient eyeshadows or a smokey eye? Go for it! There could be no better moment than now to explore such interests. Proud of your look? Take some headshots of the new look using your phone or a battery camera (yes, they still exist).
We all have closets with at least one piece of clothing we’ve hung on to, but never worn. Whether the clothing be too big, too small, not in season, or we just haven’t gotten around to it, it’s time to put it to use.
We become comfortable wearing the same outfits and rotating them and the color schemes (nothing like maroon and mustard yellow, purple and yellow, pink and green). Why not branch out on a day when everything seems helpless and create some new looks? Take the time to play with color schemes you normally wouldn’t consider. Mix and match outfits that have different looks to them (grungy with preppy, business with casual, modern with vintage). Not an accessories person? Or have so many shoes you’re not sure how to incorporate into your fashion? Try them all! There is no better than to experiment. You’re sure to find something that stands out and makes you excited about wearing it when the weather gets better! As a bonus, you could provide a fashion show for neighbors, friends, or family!
Workout
Bodyweight exercises can be done anywhere! Every year, as a new year’s resolution, so many Americans state they will “eat better and lose weight.” While experiencing no power, why not challenge yourself to starting this new habit. It doesn’t hurt that it keeps you warm in the process. Not sure where to start? We all need a starting point.
Burpees are great for a full body workout. It can be modified for the advanced or beginner workout. In a beginner range, you may just reach up, bend down to touch the ground, put one foot back at a time, and reverse to come up. As an advanced workout guru, you could squat down, jump up to reach the sky with those buff arms, jump down and kick out at the same time, do a pushup, jump back, and repeat. Any modification in between those two is also great.
Walking, running, side steps, or jumping jacks in place is always a simple option. This will let your heart start pumping and burning calories while there is nothing else to do. You could do it for hours or in intervals. Maybe walking for 20 minutes, rest for 10, and walk another 20 minutes. Again, this can be modified in any way, but it’s a way to stay busy.
Don’t have weights? Use items around the house. Milk or water jugs are great replacements for dumbbells. Laundry detergents, bleach bottles, and fabric softener bottles also work great. Need something small and light? Use water or soda bottles to lift repeatedly. Do you have a case of water or drinks you can use to lift? Do you have cat litter you can carry? What about a toddler to carry around the house? It’s not so much about the weight as it is about working the muscle. Use a wall for wall pushups or wall sits. Use a chair for dips or stability for leg workouts. Use the resources within the house to build those muscles and get the blood flowing.
Other General Hobbies
Do you love to write? Draw? Sing? Paint? Dance? Use this time to create beautiful masterpieces. You can keep them private, show them off, or send them out when the weather clears and/or internet is back on. Make a song, even if it’s just the lyrics. Create a musical chord on your guitar or piano. Create a routine to a song you love. Doodle away or draw a 3D piece. Even without a canvas or paint, we can take makeup, food color, food, or drinks to paint on paper, cardboard, etc. Learn how to hand sew items or crochet in the dark. I have yarn and a crochet needle that have been sitting in my spare room that I’ve neglected. Now is the time to dig it out and try it! Start a book (non-fiction or fiction). Do you have stage fright and need the opportunity to practice? Go to a neighbor, sing in front of family, record yourself to post later. Are you a builder? Do you want to practice building with a variety of media (cardboard, paper, bottles, cards, etc.)? Try it! Practice your poker technique or chess technique for your next big match. Practice gravitational pulls of spinning a basketball on your finger or balancing something on your head while walking. Sports coach for a local community or want to start getting involved in the community? Use this time to jot down plays, come up with government bill ideas, municipal involvement/changes, volunteer opportunities, financial investments, etc.
Redecorate, Organize, or Clean
Even by candlelight, we can use this time to redecorate. Want to try a new look for your living room? Do it now while you have the time to do it. You don’t like how the bathroom counter looks? Move stuff around, organize into boxes below the sink, or find new ways to not overcrowd the vanity. Want to rearrange the bedroom to be more effective in movement? Try it now, even by candlelight. If you don’t like it, you can always move it back. Do you not like the dining table near the wall? Try to move it to the center of the kitchen and see if it flows better. If it doesn’t, move it back. Wipe the counters down, dust what you can see, wipe the doors down. You may not be able to vacuum or mop, but this is an opportunity to do what you can. Now is the perfect time to try these new ideas. Pinterest is overloaded with ideas for people to try!
Try It Now
Being creative seems to be a lost art, especially as we get older. We spend so much time focused on our work and surviving that we lose site of our passions and creativity. There has never been a better time than sitting in idleness that we can spark our creativity again and learn something amazing about ourselves. Prevent yourself from getting stir crazy and try something new while you can. There are so many options available to us that we often forget about because the world we live in is now at our fingertips. Maybe going back to our roots isn’t such a bad idea. Don’t miss the opportunity to try these and look back years down the road and say, “I wish I would have…”
Admiring Austin Part 1
Austin, Texas is a place known for their interesting appeal. From the hippie vibe to the new Silicone Valley feel, Austin, Texas provides a variety of activities for everyone of all ages! Austin is, no doubt, one of the best places to visit in Texas to receive Southern Hospitality!
Due to COVID, some locations may be temporarily closed or limited. Please check on their site prior to attempting to go to their spot.
Wonderspaces
Wonderspaces is a beautiful, interesting, and interactive location for those who are into modern art. With only four locations in the United States, it’s a place one would be lucky to see!
Due to COVID, we were unable to interact with some features. One display was being worked on and not open to the public. However, despite the setbacks, there were several other displays open! They were kind enough to let us know they would be offering tickets via email once they open back up 100% so we could fully experience the displays.
They had several stunning exhibits that were peaking my interest. The only thing I wish they added to each exhibit was a description for each piece. The Illegal Art exhibit was stunning, but I wanted to know more about it. You can find more information online, but it would have been handy to have this in person as well. It very well may be that they normally do have these in person, but, due to coronavirus, they chose to make it digital.
Exhibits
Squidsoup is one of the creators of the Submergence exhibit in Austin, TX. This feature allows guests to observe a beautiful light show that moves with the music to form a variety of shows.
Reed van Brunschot created the large Thank You Bags exhibit. The focus of this piece is the American belief in capitalism and harmful effects of these plastic waste bags on the environment.
Vier Nev created the A Mind Sang. This visual display has a seamless movement through the video. It shares some images of what appears to be optical illusions.
Yasuhiro Chida’s exhibit initially appeared to be dancing fireflies within the display. As we came closer, we thought it appeared to be spiderwebs. After further looking, we realized it was fishing line. The ability to take fishing line and create such a masterful piece is amazing!
Everyware created the Levitate piece. Unfortunately, we were unable to interact with this one due to coronavirus. However, I am hoping soon we will be able to experience it to it’s full potential!
Memo Akten was the creator of Body Paint. This exhibit is interactive with human movements. The use of shadow and body create beautiful art pieces. This is especially ideal for those who grew up in dance, gymnastics, or even generalized sports.
NONOTAK Studio displayed one of the most intriguing exhibits, Hoshi, with their use of mirrors, sound, and lights. At times, the image of you walking may confuse you with the flashes and the multi-way mirrors. My only suggestion on this one is to not bring those who have epileptic episodes watch this!
John Edmark created Blooms. This one was particularly interesting. At times, it would appear as if the sculpture moved and other times it didn’t. The use of strobe lights allows the guest to spend additional time at this exhibit to examine if their eyes are betraying them!
Sweepers Clock was created by Maarten Baas. In this exhibit, they use trash to create time changes within a clock. It truly shows that beautiful art can be made from literal trash.
On a Human Scale was on exhibit that was inaccessible. I could tell this exhibit would be a beautiful creation from Matthew Matthew. I cannot wait to see this exhibit back open. I know it will be utterly astounding when the time comes to see this exhibit to its fullest extent.
Illegal Art had The Last Word. The concept behind this exhibit is absolutely beautiful: unspoken words to form a beautiful display. I am curious if the creators ever plan to reveal what messages are tied within those pieces of paper.
Charlotte Stoudt, Laura Wexler, Angel Soto, Skybound, Ryot & Telexist’s exhibit of Dinner Party threw me for a loop, initially. When I walked into this exhibit, I felt like I was intruding on a dinner part (it definitely fits the name). I remember telling the person I was with, “I’m not sure if we should be in here.” After realizing it was one of the art pieces, I started to look deeper into the meaning behind it. Unfortunately, this is also a piece that we were able to experience 100%, due to COVID.
Michael Murphy’s exhibit of The Immigrant was unfortunately having maintenance completed. Due to this, we were unable to see this in it’s beauty.
Taquero Mucho (Pink Tacos of Austin)
If you love the idea of Tiffany Blue, you’ll love Taquero Mucho! Everything in this location is pink: from the outside decorations to the interior design, and even the plates, glasses, and check payment holder. This place bleeds pink!
The first thing I noticed, aside from the insane amount of pink throughout the building, I noticed the incredibly small menu. Usually menus that are small tend to have delicious food, because they focus so much on flavor! I can attest that this theory is true! Their the carnitas were amazing! The flavors were bursting with each and every bite. I’m not a bean fan, but their beans had an amazing flavor to them as well! Of course all food and drinks were in the color pink as well!
They have a few outdoor delights to enjoy as well, including an old telephone booth, outdoor seating, and an outdoor shop. I was so enthralled by the pink overload I had to purchase a t-shirt in support of this amazing company started by such an amazing person!
Top Golf Austin
As someone who had never golfed before, coming here seemed a bit intimidating at first. I was worried professional golfers would appear and put me to shame. It’s not like mini golf, which you have built in supports (short distances, smaller clubs, etc.).
Luckily, that wasn’t my experience at all! Top Golf Austin had a good mix of professional and beginner golfers. There were families, couples, groups of friends, and more. With COVID restrictions, they limit how many people may be in a bay. They do their best to spread out customers as well to ensure safety! The staff is extremely friendly to include walking new timers through the process (such as myself).
There are several options of playing (from Beginner to Advanced, games to tournaments). I found the technology to be intriguing, which led to a discussion with the employees about the tracking of the ball, video source, etc. I was expecting to leave more broke, but surprisingly it was affordable. As a newcomer, I will definitely making another pit stop at this location to work on my golf game!
Angel Boucher 