a l w a y s • g r o w i n g

this section is all about the different hobbies and interests that allow me to be most myself during my 5-9 after my 9-5.

a couple of years ago, i experienced an intense season of burnout. at the time, i thought it was because i was overwhelmed. looking back, it was actually because i felt very alone. the sense of isolation had more to do with feeling burned out than the actual workload. i realize this now because since then, my workload has increased but the only times i feel overwhelmed or "singed" as opposed to burned out have been times when i have felt alone and unsupported.

i acknowledge that, just because of the way life sometimes is, i won't always have the level of support that i want or need to function at the capacity that i like to. in those seasons, it's even more important for me to focus on the activities that help me be myself and keep me from getting lost in the feeling of being alone.

c l i q u e s

mbti \\ enfp

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b u t t o n

b o d y

these activities all challenge, strengthen, and support my body.

p a d d l e b o a r d i n g

stand up paddleboarding (sup) is one of my favorite activities when the weather (and water) is warm. it's an excellent core and back workout. some of my essentials include:
  • cooler for snacks
  • dry bag for phone, extra sunscreen, and spf lip balm
  • a pfd that i can strap at my waist (with a zipper pocket for mini lip balm and sunscreen)
  • astral loyak water shoes
  • a longsleeve rashguard
  • swim shorts with pockets
  • a mushroom anchor for when i just want to float

m a r t i a l • a r t s

i practiced itf tae kwon do as an adolescent/teenager but haven't been able to find an itf school locally as an adult, so i'm currently practicing wt tae kwon do. i love the discipline and sense of accomplishment that comes with learning poomsae.

i've also dabbled in bjj, but prefer striking to grappling. grappling is a sensory nightmare for me.

i n l i n e • s k a t i n g

even though i inline/quad-skated a lot as an adolescent/teenager, i only recently put on inline skates again recently. in less than a month, i've increased my mileage to ~10 miles per week. i'm also noticing a shift in my glute muscles. strapping on skates and listening to frutiger aero-themed music for 20-30 minutes has been an absolutely fantastic stress reliever and helpful way to transition from work to home at the end of the day.

s t r e n g t h • t r a i n i n g

i've done strength training for years and worked with a personal trainer for about a year. i enjoyed the process of learning about my body's capabilities, macros, and how exercises affect muscle groups. i have a home gym with a squat rack, incline treadmill, tonal gym, rower, and free weights. i prefer full body days so i don't feel "off" if i miss a day or have to cut a workout short.

m i n d

these activities all challenge, strengthen, and support my mental and emotional health.

w a t e r c o l o r

i have no formal art training, but i have enjoyed dabbling in watercolor and calligraphy (both traditional and handlettered styles) for years. my favorite thing about watercolor is that it is so forgiving and imperfect, which makes it helpful for slowing down and being present.

v i d e o • a n d • m o b i l e • g a m e s

when the weather is nice, i don't play video or mobile games very frequently, but elder scrolls online has had my heart for several years. decorating my houses and listening to the music in the background is one of my favorite pastimes. neopets is another game that i've rediscovered over the past few years and check in on from time to time. honestly, if i remembered my login info for gaia online, i'd probably be playing that, too (or at least i would if zOMG! were still a thing). other games that i occasionally dabble in include:
  • clash royale (ios)
  • genshin impact (ios)
  • runescape (ios)
  • longleaf valley (ios)
  • my time in portia (switch lite)
  • neopets: faerie fragments (ios)
  • virtual cottage 2 (steam/mac)

r e a d i n g

i've always been a consistently voracious reader, although the intensity ebbs and flows with the seasons. i downloaded libby on my ipad and also purchased a page turner and gooseneck stand that allow me to read while walking on my walking pad. the page turns with a click of a bluetooth ring, which means i can focus on not falling off of my walking pad. i dislike reading anything too stressful or dark. my favorite tropes and genres include:
  • historical romance
  • enemies to lovers
  • romantasy
  • beauty and the beast elements
  • arranged/forced marriage or marriage of convenience
  • competent heroine
  • slow burn
as of 08 july, i have read 18 books in 2026.

c s c s

this is also linked to my physical personal development, but studying for the cscs exam has been the perfect way to discipline myself to continue learning without committing to another degree.

p e r f u m e s

collecting perfumes, bookmarking ones to try, and choosing fragrances for different moods and environments has become part of the rhythm of my day. it is a small luxury to be able to smell good and, similar to choosing my outfit or makeup, wearing perfume boosts my confidence. my favorite notes include:
  • solar
  • white floral - ylang ylang, jasmine, frangipani
  • aquatic
  • fruity - pear, raspberry, coconut
  • green
  • gourmand - tea, rice, mochi
for reviews of fragrances i own, check out my perfume shrine.

n e o c i t i e s

and of course, neocities! learning new code and seeing it live on my website gives me such a sense of fulfillment.

s p i r i t

these activities all challenge, strengthen, and support my spiritual health and sense of community/belonging to something beyond myself.

g i r l s' • n i g h t s • o u t

i love trying new restaurants, so inviting friends to go out is a way to both try new things together and get my friends out of the house! i'm also planning a day at the lake with paddleboarding, watercolor, and lunch at a campsite.

B i b l e • s t u d y

there is always something new for me to learn from faith communities, and i lead two weekly Bible studies. i enjoy teaching and positing perspectives that encourage us to engage the texts from different angles.

right now, i also really enjoy listening to the bema podcast and am using it as the foundation for one of my weekly studies.

l y c h e e