Confessions of an Introvert

Posted on November 18, 2012 by Natasha

You know…I think I have a different definition of introvert/extrovert than the dictionary.

Introvert: “: to turn inward or in upon itself: as

a : to concentrate or direct upon oneself

b : to produce psychological introversion in”

Extrovert: “: one whose personality is characterized by extroversion; broadly : a gregarious and unreserved person”

To me, simply put, an introvert “recharges,” or gets their energy, from time spent alone. In reflection perhaps. An extrovert recharges by spending time with people. Socializing.

I am an introvert, for sure. I love being around people, don’t get me wrong. But sometimes, I have to force it. Or I would spend my whole life sitting in the sun reading. And I don’t believe that anyone is 100% one or the other. Just because I am mostly introverted, does not mean that I don’t have times where I crave a social encounter. This happens often enough.

But, because I am mostly introverted, there are days where I absolutely, positively, need to have my alone time.

Today was one of those days.

I’m sure that my housemates think that I am a complete bore. I feel bad that sometimes I just do not want to hang out. Not because I don’t like them, I quite enjoy their company and am totally thankful to have it. But today I almost had a freak out. It was one of those days where I thought to myself, “you really should get out.” And, when I was invited out, I gladly took the invitation. And then quickly realized it was just one of those days.

So, tonight, instead of going to the Melbourne Music Week’s FEAST OF METAL, I am staying in. I will finally sit down to watch Hamish & Andy! And then I will finish my Bill Bryson book so that tomorrow I can go to the library and check out the book that I need to read for December’s Inner West Book Club meeting (are you snoring yet?) I will save the $25 that FEAST OF METAL would have cost me and put it towards some bills. Or Christmas presents. Or the unwavering hope that my favorite metal band, Lamb of God, will do an Australian tour while I am here. (They played in my home town tonight…jealous of everyone who went!)

So, I leave you to watch Hamish & Andy. And I leave you with one of my favorite Lamb of God songs.

Sell Out

Posted on November 14, 2012 by Natasha

I have a job offer…at a salon that is at least an hour’s commute from where I am living and that I can tell will be a stressful working environment. I feel like a lazy hippie, but I do not want to take this job. I came here to see if I could make it on my own…but make it on my own doing something different. Not doing the same thing I did back home. I am willing to do salon work until I take a few barista courses that will hopefully make me qualified to work in a cafe. But, otherwise, I don’t want to go back to the same old, same old. I even found another salon that is much closer to me and specializes in extensions and dreadlocks – and has an online store that stocks, among other things, STEAMPUNK GEAR. They can only offer me casual/part time work during the holidays and winter break but I HAVE TO WORK HERE. I would learn something new – I’ve always wanted to work with locks. And if they sell steam gear…we will definitely get along.

The other salon would definitely pay well and get me comfortably through my time in Melbourne. And, when I called the salon manager to respectfully decline the job, he basically said that he would give me whatever I wanted as far as pay and schedule was concerned. So, I told him that I would talk to this other salon, see what they would offer, and call him back in a few days. I feel like “I will give you anything you want” = fate testing me. Choose a new direction or go down the same old path? “Eat the apple.” Well…salon #1 is a beautiful salon. They can offer me good hours and pay. But they don’t work with locks or sell steampunk gear. So…I’m going with salon #awesome.

And! My goggles, hat and gloves should be in the mail soon. Now I just need to find a cheap used wedding or otherwise long white dress…some body paint…and I’m pretty much set for my living statue days!

Edit: dress found. Check out http://henriettamaizey.com to follow the life and times of Henrietta Maizey – my living statue character.

I’ve Made It!!!

Posted on November 12, 2012 by Natasha

Well…it’s been a while.

I spent three lovely days in Wellington, NZ and I promise you that I will be returning to that country. My plans are only becoming bigger and better. Crazier? Whatever you want to call it, but it will surely be interesting.

Wellington is an amazing city. Clean. So clean! Fresh air, in a city! And just…beautiful. It is quiet. Unless one finds the right streets and corners. (Cuba St. is where it’s AT!) Perfect for someone like me. I lean towards the introverted side – don’t get me wrong, I love being around people, but I recharge by having some alone time. So, a city that is not too crowded and has totally quiet areas, but still has spots where all of the people gather, is a place I could totally get used to.

However, I did not spend enough time there and I have waited too long to write this entry about it to say much more. Like I said – New Zealand, I promise that I will be back.

As for now, I am ending my second week in Australia. I did the right thing by choosing to live in a house with two other people, instead of on my own. My introverted self would not have much to say for these two weeks if I had not had house mates to get me out of…the house. Funny enough, the only Aussie living here is away for a few months and subletting her room to a Canadian dude. So, I am living with Steven, the Canadian and Suzy, a Chinese student here in Melbourne. Because of this, I have not yet picked up an Australian accent, but they have been two of the most wonderful house mates that I could have ever hoped for.

Seriously.

I had not even been here an hour and they were already telling me about the different banks and cell services on offer in Australia, and the pros and cons of each. They showed me around town and where to get groceries and other home supplies. It was amazing, I would have never had such a productive first day if it had not been for those two. And for that, I cannot thank them enough. We have also done a lot of site seeing together, it really has been wonderful! I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings for me.

And now for some photos: