My 2 Cents: A 60 Day Blogging Journey (18/60): Hobbies

       I will admit, I am an introvert and always will be: My 2 favorite hobbies writing and cooking can be done with pajamas on! There are certain hobbies that make everyone happy. Hobbies can make a bad day better. So I'm gonna share mine! The idea for this specific post is when someone here in Orlando said some something along the lines of "I've been thinking, what you do for fun?!" I felt odd saying "I like to stay in my pajamas and write and cook"; but, it's true. I like people on my own terms; but, when I want to be a hermit and rid myself of human contact to write, nothing makes me happier. 

 

Writing: 

“You can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page." -Jodi Picoult 

I assume it's obvious. So I won't spend much time here. (You are reading my blog after all.) It allows me to express myself and risk little, most of the time. It also helps me free some thoughts. Lots of things I write I never publish; however, if you follow this blog, there are many things you do read. Writing can be very therapeutic! I suggest trying it sometime! I wish I could song-write. I've tried many times and have always failed.  

Photography: 

"Taking an image, freezing a moment, reveals how rich reality truly is.” 

— Anonymous 

I enjoy taking pictures; mostly of landscapes. (Particularly sunset, sunrises.) it's something I can do without my effort or thought. It's easy to snap and go. Sometimes I put a bit more effort into it and sometimes I just snap. It's an easy way to focus on something and take your mind off of things. I do not like to photograph people. Landscape or tourist spots are more fun for me. I also really love to travel. I've gotten some cool shots in places such as: New York City and Nashville. 

Cooking: 

"You know the thing about good food? It brings folks together from all walks of life. It warms them right up and it puts little smiles on their faces." ~Disney's The Princess & The Frog 

If you know me, you know that I like to cook and cook for others. It's the way I show love! It's something that I enjoy to do for my friends! Everyone tells me I'm a pretty good cook. I think I'm just mediocre; however, I don't care. I have learned a lot over the years of trial and error. I am still learning. I am definitely not where I'd like to be and don't consider myself a chef; however, I am improving! 

I really enjoy getting a group of friends together and having everyone bring their favorite dishes over. In 2017, I made my first Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners! And I did pretty well with both of them! I impressed myself. I invited people over from work (and other friends) and we just had the nicest time! I continue occasionally to invite others over because I just love to share with others. 

Humans don't just survive; they discover; they create. ... I mean, just look at what they do with food!" – Remy from Ratatouille 

History (especially political): 

"Those who do not learn their history are doomed to repeat it!" 

Not going to go much into detail here. I just consider one of my hobbies is learning about past so we can better understand the present and future. I also think voting trends are an interesting thing. I am constantly reading articles from this site I like www.realclearpolitics.com it shows both sides well. I rarely watch the news because I do believe a lot of it is skewed to fit the narrative.

Talents of others: 

"The most noble art is that of making others happy!" - PT Barnum 

I like enjoying others talents as well. I would consider this another hobby of mine. Speaking of enjoying the talent(s) of others. I do enjoy watching movies, reading books/ articles, listening to music, watching cooking or singing shows (such as American Idol) , and watching live performances. These are hobbies I enjoy but they are not necessarily talents I possess. Here in Orlando, I have met and became acquaintances/friends with many, many talented performers and I always enjoy seeing them do new, fun exciting things. I just enjoy watching others thrive, it often moves me to tears. For example, "The Voices of Liberty" is an acapella singing group in EPCOT and their 4th of July echo sets are incredible and it moves me to tears. I also just love music in general. My friend Bethany and I have also been going to see many local productions of plays because we know preformers in the show in many theater companies here in the Orlando area. 

Occasional hobbies: 

For about six months or so I loved scrapbooking and then kind of lost interest and haven't done it much since. I also like attending baseball games; but, I would never say "Hey let's go to a baseball game!" But if someone says "Hey Nicholas let's go to a baseball game." I'm probably gonna say okay! There are many things that I enjoy doing but it's never going to be my idea. I also like to go walk around antique stores from time to time. There are many things I enjoy but if I did them often I would get tired of quickly. Another thing I like to do is karaoke. My go to song is Garth Brooks' "Friends in Low Places." 

Final thoughts: 

Some of my favorite movies are those where the main character is a writer, musician or chef. Maybe this says something about me?! Now I'm wondering if your favorite movie matches your hobby. Let me know!