For our EDCI 336 course, we are expected to do a free inquiry project into something that interests us. I am currently considering two options. My first idea is to do hiking – explore new hikes, relax in nature, maintain my personal fitness, etc. My second is to start a paint by numbers in order to be creative, relaxed and unplugged while painting.

Here are a few pros and cons for each:

PROS CONS
Hiking:

  • Social activity: I can ask my dad, my partner, my friends, my mom or my grandfather to come hiking with me.
  • Physical activity, encouragement to move my body, get some exercise into my week.
  • I love hiking, I already have ideas of hikes I would like to do with this inquiry project.

 

 Hiking:

  • Potential for bad weather (ie. rain). This could negatively affect my ability/personal drive to go for a hike.
  • More of a time investment than painting possibly, when considering the time it takes to drive to the hike.
  • I encountered a black bear this summer while hiking alone. Since then, I am a bit anxious that I will come face to face with a bear again.
Paint by numbers:

  • I enjoy painting. It is an enjoyable activity.
  • Social activity: My mom likes to paint as well, I could potentially spend some quality time with her while painting.
  • Potential for relaxation during a busy semester. I find painting very relaxing, a good way to destress.
 Paint by numbers:

  • I would have to go out and buy a new paint by numbers kit (ie. put down some $$$).
  • I am very picky with choosing a potential paint by numbers picture (I don’t want to paint cats or dogs, for example, not my thing).

During my time in quarantine, I completed this paint by numbers from Michaels:

At this moment in time, I do think I’m leaning more towards choosing hiking for my free inquiry project though. I just feel like it gets me more excited than paint by numbers. If you have an opinion on this though, feel free to let me know in the comments!

Photo by Holly Mandarich from Unsplash.