<목욜정모> Jan. 07th, 2009 Thursday Meeting's Topic

[Serena]

<Do you prefer living solo??>

7 Things I Love About Being Single

This morning, I woke up sprawled on top of my computer, which was snuggled next to me in bed. This isn't unusual—while I try to get my writing done at my desk, I sometimes do my best writing lying down (I'm sure a psychoanalyst would have a field day with that one!)—and late into the night.

I know, falling asleep cuddled next to a computer sounds sort of depressing, but quite honestly, at this point in my life, while I'd rather wake up to a man I love than the comp, I'm okay with it. Here are the seven reasons why I'm loving living solo:

1. Creativity at mealtime—I'm trying a new thing where I only eat food that's at home (as opposed to takeout) and since I skipped the grocery store last week, pickings are slim in my apartment. Which is why the other night, I had a PB&J&honey&banana slices & granola on top for dinner—so gross but so good!

2. No volume control—No, not that way! I mean, I can have late night phone conversations or watch TV until whenever, if I want. When I lived with roommates and was dating a guy, I used to have to lock myself in the bathroom and sit in the tub if we were having a late night phone convo because our apartment had paper thin walls.

3. Plenty of dance party marathon opportunities—I was listening to Pandora.com and a song (I won't tell you which one, you'll make fun of me, but FINE, it was Summer of '69!) came on the radio and I could totally rock out to it.

4. Space to practice awkward yoga poses—right now, it's my mini-goal to do a decent crow position in yoga, so whenever I'm bored in my apartment, I'll bust out that pose. I don't know if I would do that if I was living with someone.

5. An always available party pad—I don't have to ask anyone if I want to invite people over!

6. Ability to throw my clothes wherever I want. Unless people are coming over, there's always a trail of sweaters and shoes from the front door to my bedroom, and I'm fine with that.

7. The opportunity to let my creative imagination run wild—I had a blast decorating this apartment, from buying cute furniture I like to hanging framed Audrey Hepburn posters on one wall and weird modern art on the other. I love that my apartment has a girlish, bohemian, romantic vibe and totally feels like mine—and for now, I'm loving that.

What about you? If you're single, are there things you love about living solo?

l        sprawl : (큰 대자로) 몸을 쭉 펴고 눕다 (앉다)

l        snuggle : 달라붙다, 끌어안다

l        psychoanalyst : 정신 분석 학자

l        late[far] into the night : 밤늦도록

l        PB & J : peanut butter and jelly sandwich의 축약어

l        granola : 그라놀라 《납작 귀리(rolled oat)에 건포도나 황설탕을 섞은 아침 식사용 건강 식품》

l        gross : (음식 등이) 거친, 조잡한

l        rock out : 마음껏 즐기다

l        bust out : 갑자기 ~하다

l        pad : 《속어》 (자기가 살고 있는) 방, 하숙, 아파트, 집;(자기의) 침대

l        have a blast : 즐거운 시간을 보내다

. . . And 7 Things I Really Hate About the Single Life

The other day, I wrote a post about the 7 things I love about being single. And they're all true. But in the spirit of fairness—and so you all don't think I'm this Pollyanna type person who loves going home and rocking out in my empty apartment, here are the things that really, seriously annoy me:

1. Waking up on top of my computer, mid-YouTube search for old SNL clips starring Tina Fey. Self-explanatory. When you live by yourself, you can sometimes get seriously—SERIOUSLY—distracted.

2. Having to deal with apartment issues on my own. This includes the mouse I think is living in my closet. I heard scratching the other night, and since it was 3am and I was exhausted and I watched way too many movies with talking animals as a child, I actually found myself talking to the closet door, trying to reason with it. Please, please please go away, and I'll pretend you were never here. Please? I feel like living with someone would probably inspire me to action.

3. Going solo to family gatherings. I like my family, but when I visit my parents and sleep in the bed I've had since I was a kid, I feel (and act) like a 13-year-old. When I have someone come with me, I'm reminded that I'm an adult—and I actually enjoy being surrounded by memories of my childhood more.

4. Not having someone during the day. I have some great friends who I connect with during the work day, but I don't want to involve them in the mundane dramas and problems that make up any 9 to 5 life. I love how in a relationship your partner can really become your champion, knowing the lay of the office almost as well as you do, and not caring if you complain about the same thing all the time.

5. Sex. Or lack thereof. This is one that's really hard. Obviously, there are things I can do to be proactive about that—and I do!—but the magic wand (which I don't have) or the rabbit (which I do) is no substitute for caring sex from a guy who you love.

6. Solitude. Sometimes it's a good thing, especially when I'm working, but sometimes—especially when I'm working—I realize I haven't talked to anyone in a 24-hour period. Not being in a relationship forces you to be a little bit more proactive when it comes to socializing, and when I'm working, calling or texting friends can be the first thing that falls by the wayside.

7. Freaking myself out. The other night, I got a text about midnight from one of my friends: Did you hear about the guy who was killed in his apartment down the block from you? Oh my goodness. I did a quick Google search on the story (which was actually a sad isolated incident involving a spurned lover, I live in a really safe neighborhood!), but that still didn't stop me from turning on all the lights and even looking under the kitchen sink cabinets, in case any intruders were hiding there. I texted this to my friend. Her response? An intruder wouldn't hide under your cabinet, he'd hide under your bed. Not helping.

So, the bottom line is, being single has its ups and downs. Would I like to be in a loving, committed relationship? Of course. But right now, I'm not, so instead of settling—or even actively looking—I'm just dealing with the place I'm in right now. And overall, it's all right!

What about you? The worst thing about being single? I'd love to commiserate!

l        Pollyanna : 극단적인 낙천주의자

l        Self-explanatory : 말이 필요 없는

l        mundane : 평범한, 흔히 있는, 실제의

l        thereof : <문어> 바로 그것의

l        fall by the wayside : 중도 포기하다

l        spurn : 퇴짜 놓다, 쫓아내다

l        commiserate : 불쌍히 여기다, 동정하다

QUESTIONS

1.       Do you live alone or live with any others like your parents or roommate? If you live alone please tell us the story of your life you’re having these days. If not, please tell us the story of your life you’re having with your roommate or family members.

2.       What do you think the good points if you live alone? If you don’t live alone, please tell us the good points in your guess.

3.       What do you think the bad points if you live alone? If you don’t live alone, please tell us the bad points in your guess.

4.       Have you ever had a party in your house with your friends? If yes, please share your story with your table members.

5.       What’s your tip for shaking off the terrible feeling when you feel alone?

6.       In conclusion, which one do you prefer? Living alone as a single or living with someone?

<9 ways to get happy in the next 30 minutes>

In the next half hour, tackle as many of the following suggestions as possible. Not only will these tasks themselves increase your happiness, but the mere fact that you've achieved some concrete goals will boost your mood.

1. Raise your activity level to pump up your energy. If you're on the phone, stand up and pace. Walk to a coworker's office instead of sending an e-mail. Put more energy into your voice. Take a brisk 10-minute walk. Even better...

2. Take a walk outside. Research suggests that light stimulates brain chemicals that improve mood. For an extra boost, get your sunlight first thing in the morning. Find the best walking workout for your exercise style.

3. Reach out. Send an e-mail to a friend you haven't seen in a while, or reach out to someone new. Having close bonds with other people is one of the most important keys to happiness. When you act in a friendly way, not only will others feel more friendly toward you, but you'll also strengthen your feelings of friendliness for other people.

4. Rid yourself of a nagging task. Deal with that insurance problem, purchase something you need, or make that long-postponed appointment with the dentist. Crossing an irksome chore off your to-do list will give you a rush of elation.

5. Create a more serene environment. Outer order contributes to inner peace, so spend some time organizing bills and tackling the piles in the kitchen. A large stack of little tasks can feel overwhelming, but often just a few minutes of work can make a sizable dent. Set the timer for 10 minutes and see what you can do. In that time, take a quick look around the house and see how to get organized using everyday items.

6. Do a good deed. Introduce two people by e-mail, take a minute to pass along useful information, or deliver some gratifying praise. In fact, you can also...

7. Save someone's life. Sign up to be an organ donor, and remember to tell your family about your decision. Do good, feel good―it really works!

8. Act happy. Fake it 'til you feel it. Research shows that even an artificially induced smile boosts your mood. And if you're smiling, other people will perceive you as being friendlier and more approachable. There's no need to walk around in a constant state of worry. After all, what's the worst that can happen if you bounce a check or leave wet clothes in the dryer?

9. Learn something new. Think of a subject that you wish you knew more about and spend 15 minutes on the Internet reading about it, or go to a bookstore and buy a book about it. But be honest! Pick a topic that really interests you, not something you think you "should" or "need to" learn about.

QUESTIONS

1.       Do you think you usually get a lot of stress? If yes, what do you think the source of your stress?

2.       Tell us your own tips for relieving yourself from stress.

3.       In terms of relieving yourself from stress, which way does work well to you? Serene and peaceful way or active and aggressive way?

4.       Many people like to listen music when they want to get fresh. What kind of music do you listen usually when you want to get refresh?

5.       Do you know anyone who has so called ‘happy virus’? If yes, please tell us about her/him.

[별사탕 Agnes]

해석 제대로 할 정도면 토익 700점 이상은 나오거든요. 혼자 공부하심이 어떨지.... ^^

[Lego토니]

갑자기 이 글을 읽고 생각나는 한마디'부러우면 지는 거다~!!!'ㅋ 여기 한표요~!

[뺑끼(운영자)]

솔로만세!!!!!!!

[Gerard]

나도 요기서 놀아볼까여~?

[MIchelle]

쏠로만세!! 동참ㅋ

[Scarlet]

솔로들 다들 힘 요즘은 솔로가 대세

[Jadie]

오늘 가볼까나..

[하이웨이스타]

오늘 2010년인데..^^ (글 제목이...)