Boredom

Is boredom an emotion?

One of my professors called it that today and it just doesn't seem quite right. I mean, in a cognitive definition, I guess it could be but I don't think that I consider it an emotion.

But what do I consider it?

Maybe a state of being? Unconscious, conscious and occupied/interested, or conscious but bored? That doesn't seem to be it either.

State of mind? That's pretty close to an emotion. Although "New York" isn't an emotion and we're told that that can be a state of mind.

I think that state of mind might be the closest. And it may vary from person to person. I have friends who get bored if they're stuck waiting at the doctor's office for ten minutes. I also have friends who could stay in that same office for hours without feeling bored. I'm not sure if it's the way people are raised or just their brain's MO, but there's a definite difference.

So that's what I'll be pondering this week.

What do you think? Is boredom an emotion? If not, what is it? Why do some people experience it more acutely than others? Can you change it?

12.12.12?

I feel like I should say something about this.

It's kind of cool, woohoo, but it's also based on an arbitrary date system, so a wee bit less so. But that's okay. Still the last time it will happen for a while!

Here are some pictures of 12 week old animals, because I really have no other ideas:

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And a twelve year old penguin, Pugwash!

(I couldn't find any good pictures of twelve week old penguins!)

 

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Thankful Tuesdays

I am thankful that I'm done with three of my classes. Three to go.

Thankful Tuesdays!

Here it goes again!

November 21st: I am thankful for people who go above and beyond to make people's days a little better. Little things can make such a difference
November 22nd: I am thankful for food in abundance.

Butter tarts. Yummy!

November 23rd: I am thankful for old friends and new friends and old friends that are new again.
November 24th: I am thankful for modern medical care and for laughter.
November 25th: I am thankful for modern transportation. It's pretty amazing when you think back to horse and wagon days!
November 26th: I am thankful for public libraries. Holy cow, they do a lot!
November 27th: I am thankful for computers, especially word processing, and that I have one at my disposal and that I know how to use for (at least to the extent that I need to do so). And also for snow. Because that happened.

Thankful Tuesdays!

I am still feeling grateful! Here we go!
(I am sorry that there aren't pictures. Blogger keeps telling me NO!)

14th November: I am thankful for an unexpected free evening and time with my sister.
15th November: I am thankful for walks with with friends, even at unlikely times.
16th November: I am thankful for fireworks and cupcakes!
17th November: I am thankful for perspective and advice that I gain from those around me.
18th November: I am thankful for holiday spirit and cheer (and decorations)!
19th November: I am thankful for the many forms that music takes in my life.
20th November: I am thankful that I am able to make a difference in the lives of others.

Happy Thanksgiving to all those who celebrate it, and have a beautiful week to everyone!

Thankful Tuesdays!

Here we go again!

7th November: I am thankful that people didn't seem to get too nasty over the election results (here, at least) and that some even maintained a sense of humour.
8th November: I am thankful for the colours of sunshine, blue skies, and autumn leaves (what few remain, at least).
9th November: I am thankful for all of the cultural opportunities available to me.

The NY Metro Pipe Band!

10th November: I am thankful for bagpipes! In general, I am thankful that many traditions are being revived and revitalised so they can continue to survive.
11th November: I am thankful for those who have served their country to protect those whom and that which they love.

Even the crocuses like this weather!

12th November: I am thankful for beautiful weather and lovely places to walk.
13th November: I am thankful for dogs. They love unconditionally and can brighten your day so quickly.

Thankful Tuesdays

It's November, the month of Thanksgiving! Because of this, and because I think that everyone needs to count their blessings, I am instituting Thankful Tuesdays.

(Okay, Thankful Thursdays would sound better but I actually have time on Tuesdays.)

So, today's the 6th, so here's a thing for each day so far this month; they're related to my activities of that day.

(I watched bad movies a few days this month already and couldn't decide where to put it. Since there are WAY more than enough things for other days, I'll just say it: I am thankful for hilariously awful movies! This is from Shark Attack 3: Megalodon)

1st November: I am thankful for the opportunity to get an incredible education, even if it feels miserable and stressful sometimes.
2nd November: I am thankful for tea. During Sandy's reign of damp and cold, I was averaging 1.75 pots of tea a day.
3rd November: I am thankful for a wonderful family. We enjoy being around each other, we do things for each other, and everyone's loving and supportive. I'm so grateful for that.
4th November: I am thankful for living in a city with opportunities to experience other cultures.
5th November: I am thankful for chocolate. When it has been a stock example of "one of those days," chocolate's a great help.
6th November: I am thankful for the ability to express my political opinion without fear of retribution. I voted, did you?

(Picture from here)

What has made you feel thankful today?