Activities and Hobbies - Suggestions?

Good morning, everyone!

Figured I'd start a nice little happy thread about people and what they like to do, or stuff they wish they were doing.

My other half has been working like crazy for the past little while. Normally he does shift work. 2 weeks of 10hr nights, and 1 week of 10hr days. Well, I'm a little bit frustrated with the other Foreman. He keeps asking my other half to trade him his night shifts for my boyfriend's day shifts. It's really irking me, but that's beside the point. Long story short, my other half is always wanting to help out the company and has been working nights now for almost 2 months straight, and now he just agreed to do another 1 month of solid nights. I understand why he does it. He makes almost $4 more an hour when he's on night shifts. And he gets the overtime priority for taking on the shifts, so sometimes he'll do 4-5 hours of overtime in a single night. I get it, and I'm so very proud of him for climbing the corporate ladder and making himself established in the company. It's what he's always wanted.

But, that leaves me by myself more often than not nowadays. Last week he worked 6 days, 12 hour shifts. The one day he had off, obviously he slept for most of it. Which is good for him, so I don't mind.

I've reached that point, however, where I'm trying to find things to keep me busy during these busy times when he's gone and I only see him as I'm leaving for work, and he's coming home to go to bed. It's getting rough, I won't lie. But I'm happy to support him.

I have some hobbies, but I'm struggling with getting back into them. So I'm trying to find some new things that I might be able to add to my routine. Most nights after work I have 3-4 hours by myself, so I definitely have flexibility of my schedule.

What is it you guys do to keep yourselves busy, moving and mentally occupied? I do find myself getting a bit lonely lately, so I want to focus on something positive, rather than stay at home missing him. I've thought about a part-time job, but his rare days off are random and I wouldn't be able to schedule around them.

I read, but I can only do that for so many hours in a week before I need a change.

I've thought about persuing photography a little bit more, but not sure where to start with that.

A dance class, maybe? But I'm 25, and I have no idea what kind of classes would be good for someone my age.

What is it you guys do to keep things fresh and interesting? What kind of hobbies or interests can you suggest for me to look into? I'm always up for trying something new. Heck, I even thought about rock climbing classes! Haha. So I really am up for any suggestions.

I totally feel your pain! My boyfriend works all kind of weird hours and shifts at his job and I rarely see him for very long due to his need for sleep. Aside from my obvious hobby of keeping my snakes I read, crochet, and I am starting to think about jogging also. I could really use some work on my weight so I am trying to focus on that while my boyfriend is busy working. I take my dog for walks a lot and that really helps also.

All of your ideas sound really good so far.

I love taking pictures of my reptiles, though I do most of my picture taking outside, so it depends on the weather. I also bike, do yoga a few times a week, and knit/crochet.

I really like crafting and making things. I love cheap and easy DIY projects.

And of course.. there are the reptiles. haha!

I've rock climbed a bit in my past, but not recently. It is something I would love to get into more but there aren't many gyms close by where I am. And it can be a little expensive. But it is super fun! If you've never done it before I recommend taking a class or two.

My hobbies are my snakes and being on here (bp.net). I know I'm lame. I used to,love dancing and modeling, but since I got sick i havent been able to be very active and my weight has increased. It makes me miserable.

Sent from my LS670 using Tapatalk 2

I play guitar and ride motorcycles in my free time.
I can't imagine not doing either of them at this point in my life.
Both are a money suck, though. Good thing I just got my first BP...like this isn't going to turn into another one! :rolleyes:

I do P90X. It's not as bad as they make it look on TV, and you don't have to do ALL the exercises to start seeing results within a couple of weeks. I also run quite a bit. I'm training for a 5k (3.1miles) zombie run in October.

Also like to ice-skate. Play way too many video-games for someone my age (27). I play the drums a little bit as well (half-way working on an album.... might be done next year.... God, I hope).

You could organize a yard-sale with some of your old stuff, make some extra money. *Shrug.*

Take over the world?

Drink organic green tea while contemplating the meaning of life while listening to the soothing voice of Jim Morrison while slowly drifting in and out of conciouness and reality... :gj:

I like any idea that promotes learning :gj:. I'm actually going to go back to school for several classes (hopefully) because I have a bit of free time. In the meantime, I play guitar, videogames, and I'll handwrite. My penmanship is pretty disgraceful.. I'll write breeding plans by hand.. I write out wishlists and future plans... I calculate and sort my bills to help manage my money. I try really hard not to make mistake when hand writing to practice taking my time and making it look legible :oops::P...

Taking pictures of the snakes is normally fun, as long as they're cooperative and NOT in shed.. :D

You need to see a therapist different personality disorder is
serious

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by stickyalvinroll

You need to see a therapist different personality disorder is
serious

---

Pardon? I'm confused by your response :weirdface

- - - Updated - - -

Thanks for the responses, guys! I've made a bit of a list and I'm doing some more research to figure out which would really suit me. Unfortunately, guitar is just tricky for me, and I'm a bit late in the game for it. I'm more of a singer myself. Hm. Looked at the crochetting bit. That might be something I can learn.

P90X has been something I've thought about doing. I do cross training with my trainer on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and I admit I want to bump up my skill level. Doing that at home would definitely help. Noted!

Taking over the world? I think I'm too laid back to take control of everything. But I like how you're thinking big!

The yard sale isn't a bad idea either. I just recently started sorting out my storage room. Maybe not enough for a yard sale, but definitely enough to toss some stuff up on Craigslist or Kijiji.

Pulled out a bunch of my art supplies to do some en plein air painting. Even got all pumped last night to go to our local museum! But, they changed their hours. So now I can't visit except on weekends. Boo! That was a good idea! I was totally excited to do some public painting again. People always come over and ask about it, which is delightful.

I play with kites. Big kites and a cart thing. kitebuggy sometimes parakart if you have the space a big field or beach. It can be many things at once relaxing and almost zen like to a serious rush into terror depending on what you choose to do. It is very technical sport a good workout and easily solo. I love it. Sadly I am the other side of your issue I work 10-16 hours a day so I have little time for anything. :(


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I started running about 3 years ago and I love it! The beauty is you can do it as much or as little as you want, by yourself or with other people, to celebrate a great day or to blow off steam after a terrible one, and for very little money (a good pair of shoes is the minimum you need).

Check in your area for local running stores or running clubs. Road Runners Club of America is a good place to start:
http://www.rrca.org/find-a-running-club/

And if you're saying, "I couldn't run half a block if there was a bus bearing down on me," just google "couch to 5K" and you'll get a gazillion beginning runner training programs.

I've done 7 or 8 half marathons and am training for my first full marathon this December.

Yes, I'm trying to recruit you, I admit it.
:D

I'm a big fan of art. I haven't painted in probably well over 3 years now (canvasses are getting expensive :rolleyes:) but I find painting to be really relaxing, and time flies when you have this idea in your head and you just slap it onto the canvas. I also own a really really big telescope, which I also don't get to use enough sadly...but I am part of an amateur astronomy group locally that I attend the meetings/gazings with. It's amazing the things you can see, and it's like looking back into the past. The Andromeda Galaxy, which is the closest galaxy to ours, is 2,538,000 light years away. That means, when I look into my telescope and see that, I'm looking at it as it was 2,538,000 years ago. It's fascinating to me! But then again I am a huge dweeb I guess.

I also enjoy video games. Modern Warfare 3 being my favorite these days, but they are definitely good for passing time even if it isn't really productive. Physical activity is always a good thing to get into! I run a lot, it's great for clearing my head. You just start out slow and work your way up.

Just a few suggestions, good luck! :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fidget

And if you're saying, "I couldn't run half a block if there was a bus bearing down on me," just google "couch to 5K" and you'll get a gazillion beginning runner training programs.

---

^ that's me! I suck at running :(

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kaorte

^ that's me! I suck at running :(

---

Everyone does at first! But it's true, eventually it either grabs you or it doesn't.

I also really like to take naps.
:)

i say play sports or run as suggested. I was in a situation where i live in an area where i didnt know many people except those i work with and between signing up for, training, and running a few of those adventure races (tough mudder type ones) and joining a indoor flag football league i have filled in my spare time pretty well. good way to spend time and even get to know a few new people.

I also go fishing and like to tinker with random things. cars electronics etc. and I grow hot peppers.

Volunteer somewhere? You'd be amazed at some of the connections and opportunities that can come your way doing that. Bowling is fun if you're competitive and join a league or even just go with a friend or two. I do woodworking in my "spare" time. I hear ya' on the hours; I work 12 hour nights and my wife works 12 hour days...we see each other for more than a five minute stretch about once a week, so I make her things, lol! I'm working on a solid black walnut side table (Shaker-influenced design) and some other projects, time allowing to surprise her with. Fitness is always a good thing and keeps your mind occupied as well as being physically active. I'm trying to learn guitar but with my hours, it's not going too well find a teacher and the instruction DVD's might end up as drink coasters before it's all said and done, lol! Good luck and hang in there...oh and if you do elect to take over the world, could we talk about Miracle Whip?! That stuff is pure evil and I'd be forever grateful if you'd ban it, provided you are successful taking over and all. :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by youbeyouibei

Volunteer somewhere? You'd be amazed at some of the connections and opportunities that can come your way doing that. Bowling is fun if you're competitive and join a league or even just go with a friend or two. I do woodworking in my "spare" time. I hear ya' on the hours; I work 12 hour nights and my wife works 12 hour days...we see each other for more than a five minute stretch about once a week, so I make her things, lol! I'm working on a solid black walnut side table (Shaker-influenced design) and some other projects, time allowing to surprise her with. Fitness is always a good thing and keeps your mind occupied as well as being physically active. I'm trying to learn guitar but with my hours, it's not going too well find a teacher and the instruction DVD's might end up as drink coasters before it's all said and done, lol! Good luck and hang in there...oh and if you do elect to take over the world, could we talk about Miracle Whip?! That stuff is pure evil and I'd be forever grateful if you'd ban it, provided you are successful taking over and all. :D

---

Miracle whip is delicious and every jar is full of a good time. Your argument is invalid.

How about baking and cake/cookie decorating? I've been doing it for about 2 years now, and it's a blast! There are recipes/projects for every skill level, it's hands-on and creative, plus your boyfriend and his coworkers will love you for sending them treats :)

I have way too many hobbies (skydiving, paragliding, climbing, making chainmaille jewelery, and lately, tons of freediving, to name a few). I love climbing, and would do that more if I didn't live in FL:(. Same thing with paragliding...

My suggestion would be to pic something outside of your comfort zone. You know, something you wouldn't necessarily think you'd be good at. My SO and I have been freediving (breathhold diving) and freedive spearfishing a lot this year. I started because he was really in to it and needed a dive partner, though I had my reservations. Starting out I couldn't even hold my breath for a minute in a static (not swimming) breath hold. And, I had a horrible time learning to equalize my ears while I was holding my breath, so I couldn't even make it to 10' deep. So I really thought there was very little hope for me. Now (about a year since I started) I have a two minute static breathhold, over a minute swimming, and can dive to about 40'. My personal philosophy is that everyone should do something way out of their comfort zone at least once a year (how I got so many hobbies, lol). It's good for your brain.

- - - Updated - - -

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kitedemon

I play with kites. Big kites and a cart thing. kitebuggy sometimes parakart if you have the space a big field or beach. It can be many things at once relaxing and almost zen like to a serious rush into terror depending on what you choose to do. It is very technical sport a good workout and easily solo. I love it. Sadly I am the other side of your issue I work 10-16 hours a day so I have little time for anything. :(


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

---

I really want to try this...just putting it off because I have too much gear and too many hobbies as it is. Last thing I need is to buy more stuff...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by youbeyouibei

Volunteer somewhere? You'd be amazed at some of the connections and opportunities that can come your way doing that. Bowling is fun if you're competitive and join a league or even just go with a friend or two. I do woodworking in my "spare" time. I hear ya' on the hours; I work 12 hour nights and my wife works 12 hour days...we see each other for more than a five minute stretch about once a week, so I make her things, lol! I'm working on a solid black walnut side table (Shaker-influenced design) and some other projects, time allowing to surprise her with. Fitness is always a good thing and keeps your mind occupied as well as being physically active. I'm trying to learn guitar but with my hours, it's not going too well find a teacher and the instruction DVD's might end up as drink coasters before it's all said and done, lol! Good luck and hang in there...oh and if you do elect to take over the world, could we talk about Miracle Whip?! That stuff is pure evil and I'd be forever grateful if you'd ban it, provided you are successful taking over and all. :D

---

I was just about to suggest volunteering. I love to, purely for selfish reasons. I love the feeling that I get when I've helped someone else. There's nothing else like it for me..

Check out your local chapter of United Way, they usually are a good place to start to look for volunteer opportunities.

Ditto on the Miracle Whip, by the way. And while you're at it, let's add cilantro to the list of vile things.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

But I love cilantro!

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Haha. Guess one of my hobbies will be taking down lists of everything to abolish when I find myself in a position of sheer and utter power! Miracle Whip, sorry, but that's staying. But, we can change the labels so it doesn't offend you when you walk into stores. We'll put it on the bottom shelf, so that you're not subjected to it's temptation. As for cilantro... Yep, that we can do. And while we're at it, we'll make it illegal for people to sneak mushrooms into recipes. Because, really, I hate the texture and it ruins my moments of enjoyment with it's squishy invasion of my tastebuds.

Volunteer. I love volunteering. Actually, I am organizing a volunteer reptile educational display this Saturday with the local reptile club. Hands-on education for families, kids and anyone brave enough to come up and say Hi. So that's quite fun and I'm really getting into it! I agree. I love public speaking, so volunteer work and meeting new people is just awesome. Nothing is more satisfying than helping someone understand something they normally judge. I use my hermit crabs to break the ice usually, because they aren't 'scalie' like my snake. So people are genuinely curious about them. Then it's easier to get them asking questions, and eventaully asking questions about snakes. It's great!

I did pick up some of my art the other night while I was sick and did a watercolor painting. Gosh I forgot how much I really love creating art!

And tonight, we're going to go do some archery :banana: So excited. I ruined my shoulder in my youth and it's slowly been getting better. Strength training lately has really taken it to a much better level. I used to do Recurve, so tonight, I'm going to be learning Compound. I used to do competitive female archery with recurve, so I've missed it. My injury actually happened while I was warming up for the Winter Games :-( Never got set foot in the competition. Very sad.

Thanks for the awesome suggestions, guys! I wrote out a list from all your suggestions and have been playing around with a few things for sure. It's keeping me nice and busy. My boyfriend and I also had a great conversation about me missing him a lot lately with his hours, and he spoke to his boss to see if he can't get an extra day or two off that overlaps with mine. They said absolutely. So I might get to see him one or two days more every 2-3 week cycle. Yay! So excited.

Lots of good things going on :gj: