What’s something you like to do the old-fashioned way?
I love to read all types of publications: books, magazines, newspapers, etc. My Kindle goes with me on trips and I appreciate the advantages of storing a bunch of reading materials in one small device The ability to read at night with the lights off is another bonus if you’re trying not to disturb a companion.
However, words on a screen are different from words on paper. There’s something wonderful about the feel and smell of pages, whether they’re fresh off the press or slightly musty from age. It fills me with nostalgia from early childhood when I first visited the library.
Reading is something I prefer to do the old-fashioned way when “convenience” isn’t an issue.
What’s your favorite genre of book or movie?
While I enjoy most of the categories, with the exception of science fiction/fantasy, my favorite is drama. In my opinion, this is the closest to real life and the one that’s most relatable.
I’ve always been a fan of thrillers and crime, both fiction and non-fiction. I love being kept on the “edge of my seat” and being amazed by an O. Henry-style ending! The criminal mind fascinates me and I enjoy the investigative techniques, as well as the legal process of trying a suspect.
As I’ve grown older my horizons broadened. I now appreciate history, biographical, and classical literature. My most recent books read are Animal Farm and The Handmaid’s Tale. I’m currently rereading Fahrenheit 451. All timely choices in my view considering the present political climate.
How often do you people watch?
Not nearly enough! Obviously, the only time I can do this is when I’m out in public. I’m usually with someone else or focused on a specific task like shopping.
Once in a while, I’ll be alone in a restaurant or on the beach and these are the times when I people watch. My mom was a hairdresser, so she likes checking out hairstyles, colors, and cuts. I’m interested in communication and how people interact, so behavior is what I focus on. One thing I’ve noticed is that many people don’t people watching anymore. If they’re not engaged in conversation with a companion, they’re often “screen watching.”
What have you only recently formed an opinion about?
I knew from experience and college coursework that people tend to believe the version of events that best fits their own individual narrative. As humans, we’re all guilty of “filtering” the facts in a way that benefits us. However, recent events, both nationally and personally, have convinced me that this occurs far more often and to a much greater degree than I originally believed.
Without reflecting on our own selves it’s easy to go through life in denial; we see the surface without looking deeper. Recognizing and acknowledging our own failures and struggles enables us to be more empathetic with those of others.
I’m amazed at the people in denial who refuse to consider another point of view. They only see and believe whatever their version of “right” is. At most, it’s dishonesty and at least it’s ignorance.
Both are things we should strive to avoid and overcome.
Optional Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?
Last week: I’m grateful for an opportunity to work remotely that presented itself. This is something I’ve been hoping for. My first job began at 16 and my father was my first boss. He instilled a solid work ethic in me, for which I’m grateful.
It has served me well. Throughout my employment, I received incentive raises and promotions. My ability to work as a team player is well-known among fellow employees. I’ve also never been terminated from any job.
However, working for someone else and without a degree, meant low wages, no benefits, and according to their schedule.
Now, I want the flexibility to make my own schedule and work from any location. The goal is to split up my time between PA and FL so I can enjoy family in both locations.
The upcoming week: I’m looking forward to spending time with my mom over Easter weekend. She lives with my brother and his wife and I haven’t seen them since I returned from Florida. I was gone for five months, so I’m anxious to see everyone!
Absence really does make the heart grow fonder. Distance gives us time and space to reflect on what truly matters in life. We gain clarity to recognize that our loved ones enrich our lives in ways that we often don’t realize. While we tend to focus on the little annoyances we forget the value they hold in our lives.
This is the greatest lesson I’ve learned over the last two years. My appreciation for those nearest to me has grown and I’m closer to them now than ever before.
And that’s something to be grateful for!
Following Seas 
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