Keeping An Open Mind

It's very easy for me to get in a rut. I don't really look at this as a bad thing because I'm the kind of person who thrives with a set schedule. That doesn't mean I don't know how to relax. I have no problem wasting an afternoon or evening reading or watching TV but I prefer to do those things after I've done other necessary tasks. It's also easy for me, and anyone really, to get set in their ways. It's a good thing that I have a group of family and friends with many varied interests who take the time to introduce (or aggressively persuade) me to experience new things. It also helps if I can at least keep an open mind, if not fully embrace the ideas of others. Let's start with books. I've mentioned before that reading has not always been one of my most favored pastimes but it has been for the past 20 years. I did only read a select type of book (romance, historical romance, and young adult literature) and always, always fiction. I'm proud to say that I have expanded my horizons in the past five years to include non-fiction and biographies/memoirs. I love, love, love all of Leslie Carroll's historical non-fiction and all of Celia Rivenbark's humorous non-fiction. I've read at least 3 biographies about Queen Victoria (and other biographies as well but 3 about one person is impressive, don't you think?) and I really enjoyed Tina Fey's Bossypants.

This book cover alone makes me giggle. I've also branched out a little in my fiction and finished a couple science-fiction novels. I know calling The Host science-fiction probably makes serious science-fiction readers balk but that's what it is. And I really enjoyed it. Way more than the Twilight series.

I would not have read the The Host at all if it weren't for Whitney (and seeing the movie first; I know, bad librarian) because I really don't care for the writing in the Twilight series. On to TV shows. I am a Big Bang Theory fanatic and a year ago I would have snorted in derision if you suggested I watch it. Barbara was persistent however and let me borrow her copies of seasons 1-4. And then I had to buy my own copies getting season 5 as part of the deal!

The birthday fairy also got me the 6th season for the big 33. Love that show like crazy. Seriously. And this pillow will be mine, oh yes, it will be mine. Another show that I regarded as ridiculousness that I now love and look forward to each week is Duck Dynasty. This one is because of Whitney. It is so funny. Jase and Phil are my favorite.

Jeff doesn't really care for it but I don't like ANY of his shows so that doesn't matter. I think it takes at least 2 episodes to get acclimated with the Duck Dynasty clan. Now, let's discuss social networking. I have a Facebook account but I rarely make comments or post anything and I just uploaded a new profile picture--my first in over 2 years. I do enjoy Instagram though. A lot. I was uninterested at first but Whitney helped me see the fun of uploading pictures and brief messages instantly to a select few.

I now follow over 30 people/groups--two of which are a Big Bang Theory fan club and the official Duck Dynasty Instagram. I know 30 is not a large number but considering how much I loathe social networking that's a big step for me. Something else I needed a little persuasion in experiencing was shopping at Ikea. I had no interest in going there when I lived 30 minutes away but Barbara convinced me to go so I could see what it was all about. I assumed they only sold furniture that looked like it belonged on The Jetsons. Soooo not the case.

Ikea is awesome. Many of you know all the wonderful things I have purchased there over the past several years. They have so many beautiful, affordable things and I have to be careful when I visit. It's easy to blow hundreds of dollars in no time in that grown-up playground. It's great when I watch design shows and they go to Ikea showrooms and I can recognize the signage or even a piece already in a newly designed room. Another thing that I enjoy now is attending bodypump gym classes. Whitney talked me into attending almost 2 years ago. I didn't attend again until this past Christmas and I now go regularly.

I love the class, I love the music, I love how I feel afterwards and I am NOT the kind of person who enjoys exercising with others. I'd have to say my two biggest influence-rs have been Whitney and Barbara. I'm glad I have a chance to enjoy all of these things and that I finally allowed my friends to beat me into submission.