Obsessions

I tend to approach everything in my life with short-lived obsessive tendencies.

Take the chickens, for example. I read everything I could - books, websites, blogs - about raising chickens. I analyzed coops, breeds and run designs. I learned about their health, their habits and their predators. Then I got my chickens. I cared for them lovingly, grew my chicks to adulthood, and sent them out into their "big girl" coop. Now, months later, my obsession has died. I feed and water them regularly, and clean their coop when it needs it. They get treats and time to roam the neighboring farm, because I want them to be health and happy, but I no longer obsess. Now, they're just animals/pets in my backyard.

Or consider my home security. A short while I ago I had a brief obsession about it, which lead to extensive research about exterior door locks and unbreakable window film. Since we have a limited budget, I went with a couple of locks and a wireless driveway alert chime. Now that everything is in place, I've stopped reading about home security (for now).

I did the same thing when looking for the "perfect" homemade bread recipe. I read recipe after recipe, analyzing the ingredients and the process involved. I tried numerous recipes, experimented with white flour/whole wheat flour ratios, and baked, baked, baked. Now that I found the recipe that works for me, I have absolutely no interest in bread recipes.

I've had other short-lived obsessions, too: studying to be a holistic health practitioner, decorating my home, knitting, soap making, exercising, veganism, couponing... the list goes on and on.

Maybe it's part of my personality to have these intense interests that fade over time. Or maybe I just haven't yet found that one hobby or project that will become a lifetime obsession.