crankyoldman | Cold days

I've been evaluating.

Partly due to it fastly approaching winter, a season I loathe for a number of reasons. I won't go all Scrooge on everyone, but suffice it to say, I do not contain much holiday spirit. Thanksgiving to Christmas has always been a bit on the problematic, if not dramatic, and sometimes tragic (enough ic?) side. I wish it weren't, but shit happens.

But I try to find ways to keep it from getting me down. Contrary-ism seems to help, and the constant influx of people going through changing processes right now and the like has made me evaluate what I have, and what I do that I like. Maybe it's because I've been reading a lot ofgaladarling, who is someone that really seems to get a kick out of everything (yes, maybe it's the apparent disposable income she has, but you know there are ways to enjoy life on a budget. and it's so nice to see something so consistently positive).

Maybe it's a prelude to Thanksgiving, which has gotten to be better in recent years with my family (having mom no longer cook and going somewhere that is not home for it has improved all our moods muchly). Maybe it's because today was so cold and crappy and it's good to think positive.

Hell, I'd even love to hear other people's lists. But it's basically things I'm glad I have or am doing:

- I am glad I no longer wear makeup every day.

This may sound like a weird thing. But like many girls that aren't classically or modernly pretty (not fishing for a compliment, so just take this at face value), I grew up rather disliking my appearance. The day I started wearing makeup everyday was when I was about thirteen. Now I haven't worn makeup regularly for... a couple years now? I forget how long. And I love it. It's made me take actual hygiene into account (and not just focus on the "problem areas" and "flaws") and made my mornings easier. Unlike clothes and hats, which I adore because they add to me, I've always felt like makeup covered me up and turned me into something else. Which is why I only wear it for odd occasions and of course, costuming. I think it was the biggest step to being able to look in the mirror and smile. Maybe for some people it's the opposite, but for me, it's liberating.

- I'm glad I didn't take the easy way out.

I can't even count the number of times I've wanted to just drop everything I'm doing and join the circus. But I haven't. And things are working out, because I'm working for them. That's really all there is to it.

- I'm glad I'm getting older.

Really, I just adore the idea that I'm nearing a quarter-century old (well, in a year and a half or so)! I'd trade youth for experience any day.

- I love tea.

I do. So many flavors and it sure beats the heck out of pop most of the time (though I like that too, sometimes).

- I love not being ashamed of style.

In fact, I'm glad for it. Sure, I still look dorky to people sometimes, but looking like a dork has really helped me out. It got me my first real job (truefact! I was remembered in the intership meeting because I wore a dapper hat!). But really, being unashamed has helped me out. So what if I feel like wearing a skirt one day. So what if I dye my hair purple. So what if my winter gear is somewhat Commie (hey they know how to keep WARM). It doesn't make me dumb or shallow. It's just part of the adventure of living. XD

- I love writing and I'm thankful I kept it a hobby

In any form--even just random LJ entries!--and at any time. It's the most consistent form of expression (aside from hats) that I have, and I'm glad that no matter how hectic it gets, I set aside some time to do some, even if it's just to say, "today is ass". I'm glad I kept it away from ambitions, because I don't need the stress. XD

- I love having friends who read

Especially if they share! I like opinions, even when I disagree and hell, sometimes flip out over. But opinions are opinions and I like hearing them. I like swapping books and I like giving them. It's like getting an English degree sometimes, but more freeform.

- I love science and engineering

It's beautiful. It really is. My sidekick thinks so too.

- I like that I can admit when I can't handle something.

This Wednesday was the first time I ever missed and exam and took a makeup one. Usually if I'm sick I just soldier through it. But that's crazy. I'm not a robot. I've still got a ways to go here, but damns if I haven't come a long way in the pride department.

- I love religion and spirituality and all that comes with it

It's a beautiful thing. But like science, it can be misused. I'm not saying my religion, or even your religion. But the idea that humanity is conscious enough to handle the concepts therein gives me fuzzies.

- I positively adore not having a car

Some days I think not, but you know, I like having to plan out shopping trips and the like. I like not always rushing everywhere, or if I do it's on foot. I like how being car-less shapes my lifestyle. I really like not having to have car payments. XD I only hope I can keep it up. It may come to pass, but yeah. Loving it for now.

- I love renting

At this point in time, a house or something like it would be too much hassle anyway. I still have my own space, that's all that matters.

- I love my family

This is a given.

- And I'm glad that tomorrow the sun will rise, and it'll all keep going. Unless it really is the end of the world. XD

~Cendri