Repetitious Behavior
This could be oh, me, or it could be a stand in with my hat on...
I may, or may not have escaped for the Mountains this last weekend. I might have had a fantastic time and I could have flung a fly line here and there. I possibly felt the dance of a fish or two and I potentially kissed the air of altitudes at 9500 feet.
Those hypothetical possibilities can be left to the imagination because my continued confessions of frequent escapes is getting a bit repetitious and I am feeling reluctant to write about said moments.
So instead I will write that I am a loyal creature of habit. I find a few things I enjoy immensely and typically go at them with tenacity and focus—until I burn out or find a new shiny distraction to zero in on. In some circles my habits could mirror the description of lets say, compulsive obsessive behavior.
This sort of focus applies to the majority of things in my life. For example, I don’t just read a book, I must devour it. I have to be careful when I start a book because I must devote the entire day to it. Reading a book over the course of two, three, four days is unheard of. My mind would revolt at such a concept. Once I start, it’s a first page to last page race of consumption. Moderation doesn’t come into play, therefore I usually only allow myself the glorious feast of one book per week.
My zero in behavior applies to food as well. Once I find something I actually crave, that’s usually my diet for a week, or two, all the way up to a month or so. Thankfully I’m past my Lucky Charms fascination and currently have moved onto apples. I do have to watch my food focus sometimes. It’s a sad day for my ass when I zoom in on say, raspberry turnovers and eat them merrily until my ass expands by the quantity I’ve chowed down. (This happened once so I switched to yogurt and reversed the expansion)
Sadly, some obsessions turn into all out addictions and for many (many) years, Diet Coke is my beverage of choice. Daily. Bi-Daily. Hourly consumption……lets put it this way, I’ve got enough formaldehyde in my system I’m practically a walking corpse. I’ve taken comfort in the fact that should I ever perish on the side of a mountain, it will take weeks for my body to decompose versus the regular rate of deterioration. By the time some random hunter found my body he would still be able to make out my smile and he will have to pry that last can of Diet Coke out of my cold, well preserved hand.
Some weeks I’m a manic writer, some weeks I’m a fanatical painter. Summers inspire the (dedicated) outdoors lady in me and Winter provokes the (stubborn) hermit in me. No matter what, I’m usually focused in on one thing and that one thing gets 100% of my attention. Repeat 30 times.
I’d like to think the good news, or the positive side to my compulsive attention is the fact I can change on the flip on of a coin and I’m off and running in a new direction, compulsively, but new. Unpredictable behavior is just as delicious to my ever wandering activities as repetitious behavior. Finding the line between obligations and responsibility is the trick and as far as I’m concerned, that is always up for interpretation.
Good grief, I really AM your male alter ego. Why do something a bit when you can do it ALL THE TIME? I burn enthusiastically, I burn brilliantly, but ultimately I don’t burn as long. Obsessive? Hell yes. *Goes for a high five* Gimme some up top!
IndigoWrath´s last blog ..A Sliced Pink Motif
Thankfully, my dark chocolate obsession seems to be passing without any ill effects. Whew.
spamwarrior´s last blog ..How to be Happy: Oprah Style
I must devour books as well. I will start a book and not leave it until it is finished. Which means that I will drive people around me crazy because I will do nothing until I am finished with a book..
Tawnya´s last blog ..The Best News Yet
I am so A.D.D., but I love routines. So a little of the same thing everyday. I blog, watch my soaps, call my Mom, watch Keith Olbermann, take my shower, eat with David etc. almost every day the same. And I read for 10 minutes before bed.
Speaking of bed, does this obsessiveness expand to horizontal pursuits? Like….sledding?
Mark O´s last blog ..What’s right with this picture?
Nothing wrong with escpaing to have fun. If you can do it, DO IT. I know all my friends make fun of me when I take a break during the day and go to the beach or someplace nice.
Mike´s last blog ..Public Service Announcement
I’m a little more of a daily routine kind of person, but I also have my obsessions. You’ve figured out the Route 66 one already…there’s my fascination with Googie signs…the history of Vegas or New Orleans…architecture…it’s fun to be so consumed by a topic that you devour everything you can find about it. I say to go with what moves you! As long as you’re passionate about life and about the joys you find in it, you’re in good shape.
Beth´s last blog ..C’mon and break it on down
Repetitious behavior is for losers…
Chris´s last blog ..Cades Cove
Repetitious behavior is for losers
Chris´s last blog ..Cades Cove
Repetitious behavior is for losers….
Chris´s last blog ..Cades Cove
How can Mountain OCD be wrong? I’d discuss it if I were doing it. I love structure and accountability in my days because it gets everything done, but I don’t go for routine.
If I were not immersed and actually(gasp) enjoying the insanity at the moment. I would beg to be kidnapped. Pickles is however miserable in any sunny climate thanks to her black fur. Me? (crosses eyes and strums lips) the usual insane or not so usual…I’m not doing very well with writing comments lately. Let’s hope the other pursuits are better worded shall we (winks).
As for being OCD about the things you are. I don’t think it’s extreme, more like passionate. People forget what it’s like to be passionate about something in their lives. To me it’s the very thing that keeps us young. Now the soda thing…I used to be huge on Coke. These days I’m all water or tea and can’t stomache much with caffeine or sugar. If things keep going the way they are, I might find an addiction to Red Bull (yes, I do realize that’s the far extreme to not liking caffeine) I need a substitute energy source. (Hugs)Indigo
Indigo´s last blog ..Unfamiliar Places
I almost forgot I’m here now —> http://shatteredprose.blogspot.com/
Just in case you get the urge to take off again before you see the link on the old blog. (Hugs) Indy
Indigo´s last blog ..Unfamiliar Places
And all of these reasons are why I truly enjoy you, and am blessed to have you in my life.
Heather´s last blog ..Most Days..
That was one awesome post my wife,
and i love how you write.
Robert Nelson
Robert Nelson