Psych Thoughts

 I recently started taking walks (at least once a day, very typically in the morning). 

On these walks I would typically stick to music. However: Spotify recently suggested a podcast for me (thanks, gurl!) and it is centered around psychology. Now. I need to get this clear: I understand that a podcast does not replace professional services / proper research / actual diagnoses. I also know that this kind of podcast may not be for the red-car-seer and/or hypochondriac. I am neither. I am merely a curious mind with ears and an app and time on my hands. I see this passive kind of ...research? Introduction? ...a kind of mind-provoker, but not much more. It is similar to how I feel when I have conversations about psyche. It's fun, it's thought-provoking and I find it interesting. In fact it is one of my favorite things to talk about. And I do not have people down here that I wish to speak to (as of yet) in such a way, other than my boyfriend. And he works. So. This podcast was filling a need/want. 

While I was listening today, I had some ponderings (FINALLY): 

Is one (a professional) able to draw parallels between a disorder and a ...syndrome, let's say? For example: one of the details of Imposter Syndrome is procrastinating. Should a link (or an allowance) be made between this and the procrastination one experiences when one is ADHD? And what about the main component: the feeling of not being good enough? Is there to be a parallel drawn between this and the paranoia of schizophrenia? What I guess I mean is: how does one know which facet of which syndrome / disorder one has? Obviously it's best left up to the professionals, but when it comes to subtleties: how does one (regular/common) individual know where the issue lies/if it is an issue/whether they are endangering anyone/themselves? If you have one, do you not have the other? If I see patterns, do I blame that on my OCD, or hallucinations? (Poor example, but you get it ...hopefully.)

More stupid thought blogs sure to come (this is called: "Just Thinking".)

Blather / OMG, How've you BEEN??

Sound the alarm; I have taken to the keys!

Feels so good to be back. I could have done this earlier (God knows I wasn't busy working on my novel...), but there was that week when we were in Maine, that week after where it was the week after and then some other weeks where blahblahblah, excuses. *In best Eddie Izzard:* So! What's going on, eh?

At this point, the weather has essentially mimicked every damn season Earth (and probably other planets) have to offer. Such is life in the Northeast states! And it's all fine becauuusse... It's APRIL, BAYBEE. Late April, to be a little more specific. And as such: It is Taurus Season. A.K.A.: another silly excuse to be in a good mood. (This is what Astrology should be used for: finding patterns, having fun and making excuses to be happy.) The decent - if not confusing - weather and the amount of time I've spent down here has made me infinitely more comfortable with scouring the internet for fun little events in the neighborhood. This has pushed me to try new things: J was nice enough to accompany me to a local live music scene the other night. Both bands were great and I got to experience a night I had no idea I even needed. I also absolutely loved the venue. 

As soon as you walk in: it's dark, moody lighting... but not in a dangerous way (amiright, ladies???). To your left you have the bar, fitted proper with popular brands and a very cool tender. To your right you see tacky, faux-regal furniture with patterned wood and red cushions. You walk a little further, realize that - yes, it is your favorite White Stripes song playing over the speakers. Because tonight is a Rock night. And (as much as I worship them) White Stripes is a generic Rock band, sure to please the masses. You walk a little further and see very clearly that the entire level you have been placing your steady steps on is actually raised and below it, in front of your very eyes (and a few little tables with stools) is a dance floor. And beyond that: a stage! You get your drinks and you get your seats and as soon as the band enters the stage and counts their first song, you feel it. The bass. The bombastic, rhythmic vibration from your wild (or not so wild) youth. You are not reliving your glory days, it is so much better than that. You are remembering the familiar rush of being so physically close to the music. You are wondering why it took you so long to return. And to appreciate it in a new, possibly elevated, way. 

So anyway, that was one night. 

I also have museum exhibits ahead of me, as well as some new breweries to check out (suggested by a man that interviewed me down here. He quoted Futurama. I'm pretty sure I can trust him). Also: Food Trucks!! And normally I would count myself very dismissive of such festivities, but this is Vegan-Town, baybee. They're bound to at least have a vegan option amongst the crowd. 

And, let's just be honest here: as soon as the weather picks up anything is a super fun / enjoyable experience / way to spend your afternoon. Even just walking outside in it!

I have been going for a walk about every day just to have an excuse to get out in it. I used to live in a place with a porch. All I did when it was nice out was just sit out there and listen to music. Maybe have a coffee / seltzer / adult beverage and smoke. Now I do not have a porch, so I must be clever and make excuses to be outside. Just wanna pop out? Have a smoke. Wanna enjoy it for a little longer? Go for a walk. Need a reason to go for a walk? Get a coffee. 

Other than that (what even was that?) I've been up to the same nonsense I am always up to. I am cooking, eating, drinking, sleeping, reading, writing, talking, joking, laughing, learning, singing, driving, adventuring. Less yoga, but still doin' it every once in a while. Going out to eat here is still a trip. 

I can't wait for my birthday dinner. 

Also: I miss my mother and will certainly plan a visit as soon as I get a job squared away down here.