Jennifer in MI Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 I realized the other day that I really don't get out much. I leave my house only to drive the kids places, grocery shop and the occasional hair cut!! I have one volunteer group that I work with and we meet once every other month. I need something for ME!!! I don't really want another hobby (I have scrapbooking stuff, knitting stuff, and sewing stuff upstairs that already don't get used enough). I really don't want to do anything that costs a lot, but I'm willing to spend a bit if necessary. So, what do you DO??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8filltheheart Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 Go on frequent cheap dates with my dh. :) It is absolutely my favorite thing to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 Judo. And running. I also have scrapbooking & knitting supplies, but I just don't seem to manage my time well enough to do these things right now. If I cut out the time I spend here, I'd get some done, but....:p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MOCA Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 Since you aren't lacking on the hobby side, are you thinking more about what you can do for you in terms of getting out of the house? I like to meet a friend for coffee or to walk for exercise or to browse home decor stores to give me ideas of things I can create during hobby time...which I don't have more of simply because I get caught up with the computer, reading, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RenJac1501 Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 Crocheting, Painting and drawing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in MD Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 and other forms of exercise (jogging, lifting weights, ride bikes). I have only taken four classes and so far my friend and love it. It's a great stretching, low-impact exercise. My dh gets a kick out of it too!! We wear the coin belts over our yoga pants and sweatshirts and laugh and have fun. I like to tie in socializing with exercise. On Sundays, after church I have begun to run with two other moms. I feel refreshed as well as have had a chance to enjoy company of other women I enjoy. Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in MD Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 has been to set aside an hour a week to do small handcraft work while my children are taking piano lessons. Maybe you could have a knitting bag ready in the car for any down time you have while you are driving kids around. HTH, Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendi Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 I've learned a lot, expanded my range, and had a blast. I've been singing with this group since moving to AZ. Wendi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer in MI Posted February 21, 2008 Author Share Posted February 21, 2008 Go on frequent cheap dates with my dh. :) It is absolutely my favorite thing to do. Do you need a sitter? I think once my oldest is a bit older, we can start to do this. I'll file away this idea!! Judo. And running. I also have scrapbooking & knitting supplies, but I just don't seem to manage my time well enough to do these things right now. If I cut out the time I spend here, I'd get some done, but....:p Yea - I think I'll start running once the ice clears (and my ankle heals - grrrrrr). For now, I exercise inside while the baby naps. Glad I'm not alone on the hobby supplies!!!;) Since you aren't lacking on the hobby side, are you thinking more about what you can do for you in terms of getting out of the house? I like to meet a friend for coffee or to walk for exercise or to browse home decor stores to give me ideas of things I can create during hobby time...which I don't have more of simply because I get caught up with the computer, reading, etc. Yes, I'd really like to get out. I think it would help me be a bit refreshed and able to handle the noise and activity of four children!! Maybe it's as simple as picking up the phone and calling a friend for coffee. I'm not usually the initiator of these types of things!! Maybe it's time to step out of my comfort zone. Crocheting, Painting and drawing If only I had an artistic bone in my body!!! I can see how painting would be very relaxing! and other forms of exercise (jogging, lifting weights, ride bikes). I have only taken four classes and so far my friend and love it. It's a great stretching, low-impact exercise. My dh gets a kick out of it too!! We wear the coin belts over our yoga pants and sweatshirts and laugh and have fun. I like to tie in socializing with exercise. On Sundays, after church I have begun to run with two other moms. I feel refreshed as well as have had a chance to enjoy company of other women I enjoy. Amy We do have a gym very closeby. Dh thought I should join (not because he thinks I need to lose weight - but for the social aspect!). It's cheap. I just don't want it to become something that I feel like I HAVE to do just because I paid for it. KWIM? Thanks all! Keep the suggestions comin'!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orangeblossom Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 Me too....dates and gym nights with dh! I also go to two monthly Mom's Night Out's. One with a small group of friends and one is a bigger homeschool group. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady_Dulcinea Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 When I brought it up to DH he was surprisingly supportive of it. He even suggested a coffee shop, which I hadn't considered but is a perfect idea. I'm thinking 2 - 3 evenings a week. Of course I'll have see if anyone would hire for so little hours. I crochet too, but that isn't an out of the house thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alice Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 Walks early in the morning. Hot baths with a book. Take the time to paint my toenails. :) For the dates...a friend and I recently have done some babysitting swapping. She and her husband dropped off her kids and we babysat, then another time we dropped ours off at her house. You might know someone who would be interested in doing that...most Moms would love the idea of free babysitting. My kids loved it and were sad to leave when we came to pick them up. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom2legomaniacs Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 Get away with a friend occasionally to have a meal or go shopping. Crochet, knitting, reading. Send dh out with kids to visit grandparents for a night or 2 without me for a weekend alone. Buy new clothing on occasion -- stuff that I like and that makes me feel good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 * Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 Go on frequent cheap dates with my dh. :) It is absolutely my favorite thing to do. Yep, I'm with "momof7. I enjoy frequent dates with dh and other things we do together...... when we're alone..... if you know what I mean.;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tutor Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 Go for a walk or hang out online for a bit. Watch a movie. Read. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6packofun Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 whenever I can. :) Run. Watch movies that only I enjoy after everyone is in bed. Tune out the world with my iPod every now and then! Going out to dinner with a friend tomorrow night... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindyg Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 My horse. My horse. One who has a horse has no end of pleasant plans and musings. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valerie in Chicago Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 Ours has a phenomenal child care place that the kids LOVE. I go to the grown-up side and have two hours to myself. Most of the time, I work out and shower in peace. Sometimes, I take a steam, maybe use the hot tub, shampoo, etc etc. I've met several other moms at the gym, and the kids have made friends at the child care facility. The icing on the cake is that the kids can take little classes too -- tap, ballet, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura K (NC) Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 nt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imeverywoman Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 I also see a personal trainer who kicks my butt. His workouts are the only things in my life that are truly a challenge for me. It keeps my mind as well as my body fit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle T Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 This is my "me time" spot. I also read a lot, and do some needlepoint. I have around 50 rose bushes and a beautiful backyard, so I spend a lot of time gardening. Michelle T Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 My Craft is just for me. I incorporate a lot of meditation and divination which is deeply contemplative. It's the reason why I can write a six-word memoir that says: Baby Woman learned to love Herself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancypants Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 I blog, take pictures, baby steps in learning web design and try to get together with girlfriends once a week (maybe more like every other) for coffee. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momo4 Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 I would prefer time alone with hubby, but it usually is him who gives me my "me time". I like to bead, read, do a workout tape, walk, but what really makes me feel alive and happy is to have the house to myself, turn up the music and boogie!:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 As you know, I run ~ and hopefully you (Jennifer) can join that bandwagon soon. A handful of friends and meet once a month for book club. Now and then I get together with some of those same friends for lunch or dinner or whatever. I go to conferences & meetings related to sustainable business practices, organics, environmental ethics, etc. At this stage in life, I don't even want to get too invested in activities or commitments outside the home, though. I'd like to run for the Board of Directors for two particular organizations, but it would require too much of me right now. Seasons and so on.:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Virginia Dawn Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 I went through this recently and decided to go back to school part-time. I'm taking a class at night so my dh can stay home with the kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynn Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 I started taking college class. I run daily, go out Saturdays for a few hours and window shop, at the mall, I like browesing hobby lobby, Michaels, bookstores, antique shops, go to the craft show if it's in town, go to breakfast or lunch depending what time I leave the house, starbucks or Atlanta Bread company get may favorite coffee and read a book or right now study for my class. On Wednesdays when I have a few hours with no children I get my nails done, hair cut, brows waxed etc. or I rent a movie, get some sushi and relax. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remudamom Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 See my picture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeri Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 I was driving my kids to the children's program and watching and they were sort of lukewarm to it. I looked into adult classes, went and fell in love with this sport! Now I'm super-flexible, feeling really strong, have advanced a bunch of belt colors, have competed in a tournament, etc. I'm out of the house 2 nights a week and I LOVE IT! jeri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer in MI Posted February 21, 2008 Author Share Posted February 21, 2008 Send dh out with kids to visit grandparents for a night or 2 without me for a weekend alone.Buy new clothing on occasion -- stuff that I like and that makes me feel good. Oh I love this idea!! My dd isn't quite old enough to be with the grandparents alone, but I'm wondering if my mom and dad would take the boys for a few nights this summer!! I love buying new clothes too. It makes me feel so peppy when I'm wearing something new!! Yep, I'm with "momof7. I enjoy frequent dates with dh and other things we do together...... when we're alone..... if you know what I mean.;) ROFLOL!!!! Yea - we enjoy our alone time too - it just happens really late at night!! I go to the grown-up side and have two hours to myself. Most of the time, I work out and shower in peace. Sometimes, I take a steam, maybe use the hot tub, shampoo, etc etc. . Sounds like you belong to a really nice gym. We belong to a club like this (it has a gym as well as restaurants and a hotel and everything!). Problem is, it's 25 minutes away. Maybe it'd be worth it a couple times a week though! As you know, I run ~ and hopefully you (Jennifer) can join that bandwagon soon. A handful of friends and meet once a month for book club. Now and then I get together with some of those same friends for lunch or dinner or whatever. I go to conferences & meetings related to sustainable business practices, organics, environmental ethics, etc. At this stage in life, I don't even want to get too invested in activities or commitments outside the home, though. I'd like to run for the Board of Directors for two particular organizations, but it would require too much of me right now. Seasons and so on.:) You know, I'm really not wanting activities or commitments either. Those end up feeling like obligations rather than fun KWIM? yea - I'm looking forward to getting out and running (care to come and spread salt to melt the ice ahead of me?? LOL). Where do you find these conferences on organics and all? That sounds really interesting! I went through this recently and decided to go back to school part-time. I'm taking a class at night so my dh can stay home with the kids. I thought about this. But, for now I'm going to wait. I think it would end up feeling like an obligation that I would resent (especially if I had much homework!). But, I have thought about taking a class at the local law school. So, what class are you taking? Thanks all! You've given me a lot to think about! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 My life is totally out of balance right now. I am so overwhelmed at home (trying to catch up on stuff after 6 months of pretty debilitating illness). My dh is working the equivalent of 3 jobs so he's just as busy. Coming to the WTM boards and e-mailing a close personal friend is my most consistent thing I do for me. I am going to the do the "Moms night out" for WTMers here in WA next week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristyB in TN Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 I run and practice yoga. My yoga practice has suffered lately but I AM going to get started again. Today. I promise. Really. I like to try new classes at the gym just to have something new stirring all the time. It seems that trying new things is addictive, once you start you have to do it all the time. I am taking college classes online through a local university and it is wonderful. I find that the literature classes are my favorite "me" time. I eat dinner alone with my husband once every couple of weeks. I recommend time that you do just for you. It is good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 I realized the other day that I really don't get out much. I leave my house only to drive the kids places, grocery shop and the occasional hair cut!! I have one volunteer group that I work with and we meet once every other month. I need something for ME!!! I don't really want another hobby (I have scrapbooking stuff, knitting stuff, and sewing stuff upstairs that already don't get used enough). I really don't want to do anything that costs a lot, but I'm willing to spend a bit if necessary. So, what do you DO??? Do you get together with other scrapbookers or knitters? I have had various of scrapbooking groups and my sister has a knitting group. I've had scrapbooking groups where we meet at the local scrapbook/craft store and ones where everyone brought their kids over to my house and we scrapbooked. It's always more about the socializing than the craft at hand. For a while half the women who came over for scrapbook day didn't scrapbook at all, lol. In the town where we used to live I had the kids in PE at a local gym and I worked out with some of the other moms at that time (or sat and had coffee with them). I haven't really found my niche here yet so I'm not going out and doing anything on my own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich with Kids Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 I have a neck massager...uh hem...:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joanne Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 Play Texas Hold Em in a tournament a couple of times a week with my DH. Browse at used bookstores. Go get a cup of coffee and read books purchased from used bookstore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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