I think I’ve decided on the three hobbies I would like to pursue to better myself. I know a little about a lot but I’d really like to get to where I know a lot about a little and then expand from there. Plus, I don’t think I push myself hard enough…I am entirely too content to sit here and do the same things over and over. So, with that said, the three things are:

1) Photography – I would love to get better at taking pictures for myself. I’d also like to get better at editing them. I’m one of those people who think that how you take the picture is how it should be printed/shared, or at least I used to be, but now I’m starting to see the benefit of highlighting shadows and changing saturation. Regardless, I’d like to understand all of the nifty features in my editing programs and be able to really make my pictures “pop”.

2) Cooking – I enjoy cooking. I truly, truly, enjoy learning different flavors and I’ve really gotten into trying new dishes (the healthier, the better). I’m living by the motto of “try anything once” because I just never know what I might like. I have a lot of mental roadblocks to get through because I spent so many years eating just the same things that I look at something new and think, “what if I hate it?” Well, what if I love it? So, cooking is another one I’d like to learn from the ground up.

3) Knitting – I used to knit. I had tons of fun doing so and I think I even made a blanket for my dolls once. However, as time passed, I forgot what I knew. I’d like to learn to knit so I can make longies (warm pants/diaper cover) for my son for next winter, blankets, hats, etc. Just something for me to do to relax and make something tangible. I think that it’s something I can easily pick up over the course of a year and I plan on asking my grandmother to teach me the basics while I’m in Houston. She’s the best knitter I know.

These last two aren’t really hobbies but they are ways I would like to better myself:

4) Spanish – my Spanish is atrocious. I really want to become fluent in Spanish the way I was as a child. I am very proud of being Peruvian and it saddens me when strangers start talking to me in Spanish and I have to stumble along. I did get complimented yesterday by a very nice man but it’s a natural language for me…I should be able to speak it without hesitation. So that is my goal.

5) Exercise – I am extremely out of shape. I thought about trying c25k but I am not even able to walk very far. My pregnancy with Noah really took a toll on my body…I couldn’t walk, couldn’t stand, couldn’t breathe without issues. The last year has been easier than the year I was pregnant but I still find myself winded a lot easier than I should be. This is the prime of my life! I don’t want to hit 25 and be falling apart. I think this is one Joshua would hop on board with, too, and it’s always easier doing things with him at my side. Someone actually told us about a local gym that would cost $100 for both of us for a year…when we’re in a better place financially, I think we’ll look into it. Originally I just wanted an exercise bike but I don’t think that it’s versatile enough. I could benefit from a treadmill and elliptical, as well as getting out. In the meantime, however, I’d like to take advantage of the good weather and start walking. When I played volleyball, my legs were (soft) steel. When I danced, I was flexible and strong. I’d like to get back to that place.

I am not very good with new year’s resolutions so I didn’t make any, except to better myself as a whole. These, however, aren’t resolutions…just desires. If I find myself falling out of love with one of the first three, I won’t weep. I will just move on and find something else. Being a mother takes up all of my time and all of my brain power…and while I love that, while I love being a mom, I need to find an identity that is entirely my own, too. I don’t want Noah to be 18 and moving out and I’m stuck at home wondering what to do with myself.

Long story short – I want to find passion in something again. I need passion in my life or else, what is life for?

I’m even linking to this in my sidebar. If you’d like to help me, ask me how I’m doing with this occasionally. Encourage me. I promise I’ll always appreciate it.