It's Tough to be a Fan Today

'SUP, NERDS?!

Because I'm obsessed...
Capt. Hook will be the star
of today's blog.

Lately things have been a bit slow in the blog-o-sphere because I confirmed my days off to attend ACen!!! Woohoo!! This means I switch my gears to "COSPLAY MODE" and I'm spending most of my free time measuring, cutting, sewing and crafting.

It dawned upon me during a coveted "night off" of making cosplay that I didn't know what I wanted to do. I haven't been consistently playing video games or regularly consuming any other media aside from podcasts (which I primarily use to pass the time while working or driving). Stumped after feeling bored playing a game, I figured it would be best to get a good night's rest and ended up working on some blogs instead.

So what's the point of having a night off? How do I manage my time to enjoy my hobbies and see my friends?

Working 9-to-5 PLUS

Right now I work a lot... it's your standard 9-to-5 but there is a lot of expected overtime. I'm getting paid well more than I ever imagined immediately after college graduation. It's a wonderful job, but I'm finding myself not having much of a life outside of work, affecting my social life and hobbies.

He sometimes waits for me at the sewing table when I get
home from work...

You might say, "Well, this is part of becoming an adult!" If being an adult means being devoid of life outside of work, I don't want any part of it. There are many responsibilities everyone needs to adapt to as they age, but there has to be a way to do it with spirit.

Time Management

I'm fully aware that I can accomplish more with good time management. I don't think I have poor time management because I am working on dozens of projects and actually completing them. But I'm frustrated because I have little time to be a fan of things I love.

My hobbies are creative and constructive. By participating in these hobbies, I find it hard to sit down and consume the media in which inspires me to create my own pieces. As you're all aware, I make cosplay based off of things I love... but I'm having such a hard time keeping up with sequel games or new episodes of the shows I watch. I think the work I make is legitimized by consuming the media and being a fan. I'm honestly worried about losing my credibility by not being able to keep up with the latest anime trends, hottest video game or sweet new comic.

Angrily tug-boating after a
long night's work at the machine.

Creating Solutions

Rather than being frustrated and socially unfulfilled, I've devised a few plans to keep myself both happy and productive. Recently I invested in a bad-ass pair of Bose earbuds originally intended for use during my fitness routine so I can catch up on TV and movies. I didn't realize my earbuds had a microphone until I received a call with them synced to my phone.

Homesickness finally caught up to me after moving out of state last summer. My life is now revolutionized because I'm able to remain hands-free and call all of my friends from home whom I dearly miss.  These little headphones are doing me lots of good.

Avoiding the Grind

I'm glad to have found one solution to life's many problems. How have you handled this sort of busyness? Do you have a hierarchy of people you see or the media you consume when you're actually doing stuff?

I'll be back in April with a few new entries-- no worries! March is slow because again... I needed to get some costumes done! :>

LATER, DWEEBS!

Loverly Liz