Hobbies!
A friends and family post on the life and times of yours-truly.
My life’s pendulum has finally swung too far in the direction of work. Determined to put things in balance, I have lately been rediscovering old passions and lining up some hobbies to occupy non-work time. (So work and mindless web-browsing doesn’t!)
Art — Just got my hands on and am about to start working through a book of drawing exercises. This’ll be one of my main hobbies this month: learning to look at the world more closely, and reproduce its lines, spaces, relationships, shadows, and gestalt.
Music — My rudimentary grasp on musical theory, and novice to amateur-level technique on a handful of instruments, I hope to one day stoke into full-fledged composition. For now it’s getting my hands on an audio interface, graduating from Garage Band to Logic, deciding on a decent USB keyboard, and putting some more time into the piano.
Reading — Okay, you got me, I’m not rediscovering this one, per se. But increased busyness often by necessity means better habits and increased productivity. Thus I have found myself into a few interesting books lately. Simultaneously. Focus, Nick.
Writing — This blog and the other. Random, and deeper, theological musings. Some web stuff. Still trying to decide who my audience is, besides my own brain, but I know communication is important, and writing profoundly so. Besides, it’s actually kinda fun so I might as well just dive in. Expository speaking (on video!) may come next once I “find my voice.”
Running around — Getting some new shoes this weekend and back in the habit. It’s about time to train for a 5k (then a 10k, then a half-marathon, then a marathon). Throw some weight training in there (there’s a lot one can do without a gym membership) and my lifestyle starts to look healthy.
What are some others? I don’t know. Cooking? I saw cooking lessons at Whole Foods which I’d imagine to be quite amusing. Meals are always a great excuse to invite some friends over and talk about life. Dancing lessons? The thought has occurred to me. Maybe when I’ve got someone to dance with. Martial arts? Well, I like the idea of being fit and coordinated and able to defend the defenseless, but I’m still slightly working through that issue of faith and non-violence, not to mention averse to spending money on lessons. Sports? Never was very competitive, but I do enjoy the occasional game of pick-up volleyball or soccer. Computer games? Yeah I am into those enough as it is. Two nights a week playing some MMO with my brother could be appropriate and entertaining.