Self-ish

Sometimes I only get the chance to blog once a week. And since I can't always get up the motivation to think of a topic, it's nice to have other friends to blog with so we can take turns. I enjoy being challenged to write about stuff that might not normally come to mind and also reading everyone else's thoughts on the same topic. Blog Project 3.0 has been going on for over a year, even though one of the group members changed after a few months. I love blogging with this group and I hope we can continue to inspire each other.

This week, Darwin Shrugged chose the topic: Write about a guilty pleasure and why you enjoy it so.

First, read what everyone else had to share on this topic. I will be only posting links to posts on this same topic from my group. So check back if you were hoping to read their blogs and don't see a link yet.

Darwin Shrugged
Froggie
Moma Rock

I recently saw a post from Humans of New York (on Facebook) where a mother of three kids talks about how she takes a little time for herself each day, even if it's just flipping through a fashion magazine in a café. Her post definitely resounded with me because I find my "me time" to be a guilty pleasure in itself. It's really more than that...I thrive on spending time by myself. I could be shopping, watching a girly movie or TV show, reading, taking a bath, etc. Even before I met my husband, there were times I would just shut off my phone and lights and have a movie marathon.

I think the reason I like watching movies and TV shows that are mostly geared toward women is because it gives me some time by myself. There are some shows I know my husband won't watch and I call them guilty pleasures, even though the act of watching them is more of the guilty pleasure in the long run. My husband tries to pull a guilt trip on me by saying he'd watch a chick flick with me even though I won't watch an action or sci-fi flick with him. I try to just focus on things we like to watch together. Orphan Black has the perfect blend for both of us to enjoy. We also like watching comedies and some psychological thrillers or Oscar nominees. There are way too many movies out there and if he waits for me to watch most of those with him, he'll be waiting a loooooong time.

Another reason I like to watch movies by myself sometimes is that I only have my own opinion to go with when they're done. I saw a movie with my mom and sister recently and afterward, my mom was complaining about some parts of it. While I enjoyed the movie, the stuff she pointed out took away from that enjoyment. However, I still had the gorgeous actor from one of my favorite shows to keep the good memories of the movie going in my mind.

There are times when all I want to do is read. Especially on Shabbat, when I don't have to worry about checking e-mail or taking phone calls. I'm thankful that my kids like to play together on their own, which affords me some reading time. My husband isn't as much of a reader, but sometimes he'll delve into a Jewish book. Most of the time, he wants to talk. I love talking and joking around with him, but I also want some time to read too. Then I feel guilty for wanting to read, especially when my book is really good and hard to put down. A friend of mine suggested a different type of book club where we wouldn't discuss books, but instead lay around on comfortable chairs and couches and just read whatever we feel like without worrying about anyone else needing anything. I keep telling her that we should actually do this! As much as I love to read, with everything that goes on during the week, sometimes I just have to carve out the time or it never gets done. When I'm at work, I usually read on my lunch break. The break room is nice for sitting in and reading, but I also like going outside in nice weather, as long as it's not too windy. I sometimes feel guilty about wanting to read when other people are in the break room and want to talk. I try to make polite conversation, but then I'm relieved when someone else comes in to take over so I can get back to my book. I do have social lunches sometimes, so I'm not a complete hermit!

A while back, I challenged my blog project group to write about their ideal "me day." I had way too much fun imagining what mine would be like. And it's not just because I have kids around me all the time at home. I just think it's nice to treat myself to something special that only I would enjoy. I even referenced an article about things that are more fun when done alone.

While I love my husband, children, family, friends, etc., I still feel it is so important to have my alone time, even if it's just when I'm exercising in the morning. I definitely think it allows me to retain my individuality while still giving parts of myself to everyone else in my life.