Podcsts! If you’ve never heard of podcasts you’re really missing
out in life. Podcasts are pre-recorded radio shows that download to
your phone or iPod every day. There are some amazing and fantastic
podcasts out there. Some of my favorites are This American Life,
BBC World News, 60 Minutes (audio), Marketplace, The Moth, Prime
Minister’s Questions, and Vox Tablet. With podcasts no chore is too
long or too demanding. I listen to podcasts while cooking,
cleaning, doing laundry, and even while working out.
Sneakers. Once upon a time I used to live a sedentary existence,
but in the time since I’ve come to enjoy and love an active
lifestyle. Working out every day is a huge priority for me. In
addition to working out at the gym, I try to find opportunities for
exercise in everyday life. I steadfastly avoid elevators at the
office and courthouse whenever possible, and always opt for the
steps over the escalator in the subway.
Books. I’ve always been an avid reader and look to books to enrich
and educate myself about the world, and to learn from the lives of
others. I have an aversion to fiction so I tend to stick to
narrative non-fiction and (auto)biographies. I particularly love
“armchair travel,” where engaging travelogues take you on virtual
trips abroad while you sit comfortably (and cheaply) in your
armchair at home. Although I had been resisting the switch for a
very long time, I recently received a Kindle as a gift and I think
it might very well be the best invention since sliced bread.
Friends. I’m a people person and love sharing experiences with
others. Living life is so much more enriching when you have an
opportunity to share it with a wide circle of friends. Friends are
like family; they’re there for you when you need them and you are
there for them when they need you. I love having a diverse array of
friends from all walks of life and social circles.
Healthy Snacks. I’ve learned the hard way that the key to living a
healthy lifestyle is to not only eat healthy meals but to also
ensure that the snacks between meals are healthy too. I’m a
snacker, I love munching on things. I have discovered some of the
world’s juiciest and sweetest dates (California Medjool) and
tastiest figs (Orchard Choice Golden). I also eat a lot of fresh
fruits and vegetables (strawberries and blueberries are in season
now). Guilt-free snacks are yum!
Travel. My friends say I am who I am in part because of the places
I’ve been to. I love immersing myself in a foreign culture to
practice a different way of life and (hopefully) speak a different
language. I’m lucky to have a friend who enjoys similar interests
and we’ve been to quite a few places together. We tend to travel
off the beaten path, mostly in the developing world, and prefer
proactive trips over passive museum-gazing.
