I’m the kind of person who likes every part of their day scheduled out. Otherwise, I have no idea what I am supposed to do and I just stare off into space (albeit I also enjoy doing that sometimes). So, with all of the free time I have doing all of those other things, I like to fill up my personal hours with even more stuff!
I also like to think that everything I do brings me back to my job – somehow. Sports? Working with a great team. Travel? Being inspired. Books? Learning new things. Cooking? Understanding how kitchens are used. See what I mean?
Sports, sports, and more sports
My dad was a softball and wrestling coach growing up, so we were always at games or tournaments when I was little. He was also a (quiet) Washington fan and always finds time to sit in the recliner and watch a football game. My mother grew up a Boston/New England everything fan (her father was from the greater Boston area) and her entire side of the family are as well. Now, when it comes to professional sports, that’s the way I lean. So yes, I am a fan of America’s real team: the Patriots. The Bruins and Celtics are close behind. And if I am forced to watch baseball (not my favorite sport), I will cheer on the Red Sox. Last but not least is the Revolution – yes that’s an MLS team and yes they count, I just don’t follow the MLS. The German national team however…
But let me set you straight – soccer (aka fútbol) is the ABSOLUTE BEST sport around. Why? It just is! And it may have helped that I have been playing since I was about 5 years old. No, I am not great but I still love to play (which is why watching it is so hard) and since moving to Texas I have been playing 2-3 times a week with recreational indoor and outdoor leagues. This is how I use up a lot of my free time: playing soccer, and then usually grabbing a drink or two with some teammates afterwards. Best nights of the week. And on nights when I’m not actively playing but still feel motivated to workout I also enjoy a good spin class or weightlifting session… or both.
Let’s Start a Book Club
I’ll be honest and apologize to all of my middle school and high school English teachers really fast. I did not read a single book in it’s entirety throughout my time in school *facepalm* and SparkNotes was my best friend. Seriously. One time for a group project I even thought of the brilliant idea to watch the movie instead so that we (as a group) could do an entire comparison on the book vs movie adaptation and note how that changes ones perspective on the story line. Brilliant. However, once I graduated college (I did read a few books then, thanks Philosophy) there was some extra time to kill and I needed to really escape reality. Books were it, and now I absolutely LOVE to read again.
Yes – I was a Harry Potter nerd growing up. I even remember my mother reading me the first book at bedtime because it was just a little bit above my expected reading level. I also think she wanted to read it too. Now, I still love a good fantasy story, with dystopian and suspense being other favorites. Not a huge fan of non-fiction, but I’m trying. If you love to read, I highly recommend creating a Goodreads account (and following me!) to track and review what you and your friends are reading.
Travel, Consume, Binge, Newt
The other four things that take up a majority of my time (and love). If I had all the money in the world I am like most of you – I would want to pick up and just go see the world. As I type this I have only been out of the country a handful of times, but at least try to travel domestically to one new place a year, minimum. Not only is it fun, it’s inspiring. I’m also probably one of the only people you will travel with that will squat on the floor of a random roadside bathroom to get the most insta-worthy pic of a really cool vanity. Don’t @ me. And of course, going along with that, I love to eat and drink and try new places. This doesn’t mean new food necessarily (I’m very picky) but, I could be persuaded to try something off your plate. I’m working on cooking – and love to do it – I just prefer more of the trial and error style as opposed to following a tight recipe.
To balance out my love of getting out and being active, I also absolutely LOVE to curl up and sit for hours on end in front of any screen and binge a favorite show or have a movie marathon. Going to the movies? Best of both worlds! A mini-travel and food experience wrapped up with screen time. Perfection! Going to the movies alone is just as rewarding and introspective as reading, in my opinion. Again, don’t tell my old English teachers (shh!) Also, a little more work related, I love discussing how well the kitchens and/or bathrooms look in any movie or TV show. Some of them – yikes – need help. And then finally, there is Newt. He is our precious black cat born April 30, 2019 and adopted from Operation Finally Home on October 13, 2019. He’s the best. The end.
The title song is “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
Find all of my blog title songs on my Spotify playlist
R Helene Design 
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