I Need a Hobby!

I have the same problem and have recently joined a garden club. It is funny because I don't know a thing about gardening, but my husband and child can't go with me. It is something that I can do all by myself. And hopefully I will have a flower garden this year that my husband and daughter can help with. Hope that you find something fun.

When my daughter was that age, I started a babysitting co-op with a couple of my girlfriends. Then I started playing raquetball. My advice would be to join a fitness class of some kind-a lot of them provide childcare. You can meet other women and get some health benefits and activity at the same time.

I wonder if getting out and active might help! Yoga or gym might be a good option. I know that yoga helps me a LOT being a SAHM. I've also started using the Cool Runnings: Couch to 5K podcasts to help me run. 5K is only 3 miles, but the music is really good and he gives you cues to start and stop running/walking. :-)

I found that I didn't so much need something to do as a time in which I had nothing I had to do. I started just one night a week for at least an hour I left the house alone. I saw a movie with or without someone else, looked in a store I wouldn't dare take the kids into for fear of breaking or destroying the place or just go to my friends house and chat. We eventually found fun craft nights all over the place at different churches and a Keno group. Have fun looking.

Hello S.,

A great place to start would be to volunteer- anywhere! You will feel great helping others and form some wonderful friendships as well. Pick something you like- an animal shelter, library, nursing home, Girl Scouts, Little League, volunteer fire departments (you don't have to fight fires!). All of these are organizations that need more folks to share there time and talent!

Good Luck!

G.

Hi S.,

Good for you for KNOWING you need to take care of yourself and find something that is just yours! I am a yoga instructor (Due Feb 8th with a little boy) and I feel like without yoga, I would go crazy! :) Not really, but it is amazing--and the community of moms is great too.
I don't do pre or post natal--I teach hatha (all levels). The best place to go would be a studio--not a gym. But if that is your only option, just make sure your instructor is well certified.
The studio environment is much more therapeutic and relaxing. Please remember that each class and each instructor will vary GREATLY. If you take a class and hate it, you might love the very next one you take with someone else. There are hundreds of styles of yoga--so shop around and find what suits you. It's generally one of those things that you start for a specific reason and then you get SO much more out of it. And please know that people from all backgrounds, ages, levels, religions, etc. take yoga. It is for everyone. Oh--and you can take whatever level you need--from relaxing to feeling like you just ran a marathon. Ask the people in charge about the styles they offer.
Best of luck!

Lizzie Brooks

My favorite hobbie is knitting. Most everything I make is for me. Occassionally, I get in the mood to make something for someone else, but most of the time it is something I do for me. I can do it while I watch tv in the evening or waiting for my children during one of their activities. There are several yarn shops in town that teach classes. Hope it helps!

The other mamas here have given you some great advice! There are tons of opportunities for hobbies, depending on what you like and what kind of time commitment you want to make.

For me, I've loved crafts my whole life and come from a family of sewers. Five years ago, my mom took me to a quilt store in Carrollton, and I fell in love with a quilt pattern and fabric. It's an advance quilt, but they had a beginners machine piecing class starting the next week. I paid for my mom and I to do it together, since we both had talked about trying to quilt, and didn't realize it could be done by machine instead of hand. After the class, I took a few other beginners classes, and we both joined a block of the month club at the store. This way, it only took a little bit of time each month, and we were learning new skills each month. And now we are hooked!

I've since made over 20 quilts! Some are simple and some are more difficult, and now I'm making my own quilt patterns. And then a friend showed me a very easy baby girl dress pattern that could be made in one night, and I started making a ton of those! And now I've been making Baby Legs, which are like leg warmers that go from baby's ankle to thigh, which have been perfect since my daughter is now 2 and potty training!

Other hobbies of mine are working in my flower garden, reading, doing a family blog and putting photos up for family to see, and being involved with my local Early Childhood PTA.

So think of something that you've always wanted to try, and look for a class and try it and see if you like it! If not, then move onto something else! And soon you'll find the thing that you will look forward to doing just for you!

If it is not part of your routine. How about exercise? Running or walking or going to the gym. It is just for you and it also makes you feel better.

You might want to consider genealogy. It would be something particular to you and your family, while getting you out of the house a bit and meeting some new people, too. You can also do some of the research from home through correspondence and computer work. It's something that will last your lifetime and is a hobby that nevers ends - someone always begat someone else and then there are always new lines coming into the family through marriage. It keeps your mind active and is a hobby that you will be able to do well into your "golden" years...

S., you may get a lot of suggestions but I feel the only way you can find a hobby is to seek it within YOURSELF. I understand you have a baby, but one day when baby is sleeping and/or you have some "ME TIME", find a quiet place, make a list of all the things YOU like to do that DON'T revolve around anyone BUT YOU. Don't choose anything pertaining to your business. If you enjoy any type of physical activities (walking, aerobics, golf, tennis, etc.) you can connect with others who enjoy the same thing and gain some social connections at the same time. I enjoy cooking, sewing, writing and I also get satisfaction of helping others. I have combined all these things by cooking for people who may not be able to do it themselves, don't know how to cook or are homeless. I teach others how to cook right in their own homes. I alter and sew clothing for profit but I also do it for people who may not be able to afford to get clothing altered or buy something "made especially" for them. I write self-help booklets for profit but I also donate copies to those I feel may benefit from the information. The point is...it's all about YOU!!! It's not selfish, it's going to make you a happier person if you are doing something you enjoy and that is meaningful. So even if you choose something like gardening, joining a drama club, etc...do it because it's what YOU enjoy...Good luck and happy hobby hunting!!!

With your interest in rubber stamping, you should look into letterboxing. Go to www.atlasquest.com for info about it, or just google "letterboxing". It's a lot of fun and a fantastic way to get out and about.

I started quilting - taught myself how to use a sewing machine and all that. It's something that I do just for me - no one else. Right now I'm making a crazy quilt out of my daughter's old clothes - cute, and I work on it about an hour every night when my daughter is asleep.

I would suggest really looking into stuff that you enjoy. I started quilting because I could never find bedding that I liked that was a reasonable price. Try going to a library one day and just looking at a few craft books. I have a friend who took a course at Hobby Lobby about making stained glass art - and now so just loves it! Mountain View offers courses on photography and floral design....

Hope that helps!

I have lots of hobbies, some of which are sewing, quilting, cake decorating (They have Wilton Cake decorating classes at the local Michaels, or you can self teach)... I recently started taking a Karate class. It's a great way to get in some exercise, learn to defend yourself (but it will take months at least to get you to a point where you could consider defending yourself - more likely years) and one of my personal favorites is reading. I have one book a month that I try to read (sometimes more, but not usually) and I'll take a bubble bath a couple times a week after the kids go to bed and that is when I read my for fun books. And it's a nice way to get myself ready for bed.

join a gym with a day care, buy rollerblades and a racing stroller, faux paint your house after taking a small course on how to do it. write a childrens book.

I agree with Gina G, volunteering is great. Something you can do with your daughter and have a hobby for both of you. Is your daughter in 4-H? If she is not you can help volunteer for 4-H if you do not have 4-H in your area you can start one up yourself, don't get scared, your area 4-H leader will help every step of the way. If you have any questions just e-mail me and I will get you all the info. I will be starting a 4-H after school program for the kids in our area, who are under financed in the area.

I just started writing a blog. It's a great way to vent or keep track of crazy things that happen in my life.

I also have a monthly girls night with my friends!

have fun

File and paint your nails once a week, it makes you feel good and look good. Read a book for enjoyment, not for parenting. Go for a walk alone, watch people animals or birds. Write a letter, it is so nice to receive a letter ... its much more personal than an email. Take an art class or just try drawing, sculpting, or photography on your own. Or my favorite, sit down and prop your feet up for 15-20 minutes, don't answer the phone, the door, or the baby/hubby cries... just relax!

Bunco is great! We play monthly and I love it!

I also have always enjoyed wine and recently I have started getting really into it, learning quite a lot about it and having a lot of fun doing it. I do in-home wine tastings and they are so much fun. We taste 3 whites and 3 reds and pair them with chocolates and cheeses while learning more about wine and getting food pairing ideas.

Its a fun girl's night out or even a fun evening for couples.

You can learn more about it on my website at www.FineWinesAtHome.com or email me directly at ____@____.com

Looking forward to hearing from you!
Cheers!
S.

I started writing a blog in October and find it to be a good creative outlet kind of like scrapbooking, but much faster. I am able to sit down for just a few minutes a day and write what is on my mind or post some random pictures I just took. The added benefit is the community that is out there and the "friends" you can meet. If you are interested, check out my blog at www.junecleavernirvana.blogspot.com and feel free to contact me if you want more information. It is really easy to get started (I am have a very limited computer knowledge base).

How about Rec'N' Rollerderby, a supercool bunch of women (lots of mommies)that need to get their ya-yas out. Just a desire to skate and have fun, Not the professional league thang but all in fun check out the my space or TXRG web site

after our youngest was born i took jewrey making classes. the local community center here offers all kinds of cool classes!

Are you looking for something physical or a form of exercise? It sounds like maybe your turned your hobby (scrapbooking) into a business?

C.

Funny you ask! I was feeling the same way! But with everything else that I do I didn't really know what I had time for. One day I was at Barnes&Nobles and I found a Sudoku "white belt" book for beginners. I am hooked, any time I have 20 minutes alone I pick up my book and do a puzzle, I found that it helps relax me and gets my mind off of "Mommy" stuff. So if you like puzzles you might try it, I was worried there'd be no way I could figure it out, but turns out that it isn't too hard and it really makes you think!

I built a dollhouse - ofcourse you would need to keep the small pieces away from the baby.

Have you ever considered belly dancing??

I started making small fleece blankets for hospitals. They are fun and easy and if you have to put it down for a while you won't lose your place.

How about trying jewelry making? I thought that it sounded intimidating, but took a class the other night. It was loads of fun and a whole lot easier than I thought it would be. It's also fun to be able to say "I made that" when someone compliments it! You could take a class at a local hobby shop to get the general idea. Once you get into it, you could buy unique beads online. Check out websites like etsy.com, fusionbeads.com, or even ebay for beads and supplies. You might even find a video class online at youtube.

Question for you, do you enjoy exercise? I ask because my daughter just turned 21 months old and I seemed to have turned working out into my hobby, and it's great for me! Not only have I lost a couple of sizes I wasn't even trying for, it's a great way to get out any aggravations and because I have my own elliptical it costs me no money to boot!

I know it's not for everyone, but it is working very well for me and gives me at least an hour a day to MYSELF, which is needed!!

Hey S.!

I enjoy making jewelry. It's very easy and it's only for me! It's very addicting. You can make a necklace and earrings to match any outfit! It's also something you can do at home while your little one naps or is asleep at night. It is very therapeutic for me! You should try it.

J. A

How about your local community college? Usually they have community courses where you can learn a new language, a musical instrument, wine tasting and pairing, crafts such as stained glass, maybe even quilting or a martial art! Good luck.

S.

Check out www.letterboxing.org or www.atlasquest.com. This is my new hobby and I'm having a blast.

Hi S.,

I have one more idea for you. Have you always wanted to learn to play the piano? I'm a piano teacher and for me my practice time is therapy. Even if my family is around (I have 3 kids and a wonderful hubby), they know not to interrupt mommy when she's playing piano. So I have 30 minutes a day when I'm off-limits. And if you're taking lessons, thats another time slot when you're out on your own alone. Its fun. I hope you'll consider it.

If you live in the North Fort Worth area, I'd love to teach you. You can email me at ____@____.com

Blessings to you,
A.

Let's see...
coffee and reading at Starbucks, walking, working out at Curves, go to a Bible study, a 'myspace' account, plan a 'girls night out' on Fridays...
Hope there is at least 1 new idea in there for you.
~K.

What about Volunteering somewhere.
I know you want to do something for you, but it could be terribly fulfilling.
OR join a women's Bible Study. There are so many good ones in our area.
NRH Church of Christ has Daniel starting tonight. It's a Beth Moore study.
My Church, St. Paul's Lutheran has a Wednesday morning one called Vertically Inclined, Mary Kassian.
Most offer child care.
GOOD LUCK!

S.,

I don't know where you live but with some neighboors here in Frisco, we started a Book Club with this exact same purpose- to talk with moms about something else than kids. We meet every other Thursday at 7:00pm for 1hour and a half and we read books that can help us grow spiritually and emotionally. So far, we have read "Taking Care of the Me in Mommy", "It is not about me", "Calm my anxious Heart" and now for our next session we decided to read the book of "John" from the Bible. We would love to have you join us
V.
____@____.com

How about finding a dance class geared for adults?

Yoga is a great way to give yourself "me" time. You can practice at home with a video or at a gym or studio. I started when my second baby was 9 months and it changed my life!

I have to always have something in my hand so I have taken up small projects that I can carry around. I have a Nintendo DS that I enjoy playing. I've also taken up knitting. I love Sudoku. Once a month, I play bunco with neighborhood ladies.

I agree with the other posts that mention community college. Or even see if there are FunEd courses around!

Since you like to read, you might think about joining a book club. We started one from mamasource moms last year and meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month in Plano. Just reply if you would like me to send the evite. Good luck!

OK, so I was in the same boat! I joined the Junior League of Plano. It is a volunteer organization and I have met a bunch of great women! I really enjoy it and it is not that much time. I get my girl time!

I know what you mean about a hobby. I go out to movies, etc. but my husband hunts, fishes, golfs, etc. so he has TONS of hobbies! I have none!

Junior League is just what I needed. It is an opportunity to get out and learn things, meet other women in your same situation, and volunteer for some great causes.

Hope this helps!
C.

Take up Flying :)
It is easy and fun if you are at the point where you can get out of the house some.
To find several great instructors in your area you can contact The Ninety-Nines, Inc, International Organization of Women Pilots
http://www.ninety-nines.org/

or Women in Aviation, International
http://www.wai.org/

My mom, sister and myself all fly and you can too!

Well S. I am right there in the boat with you. My son was born just ten days before your daughter and I find myself bound up in what he does along with what the rest of my family does. I am a mom of six and thought that Hey one more wont make much of a difference. I believe what I forgot was that while all of my other children are in school he is HOME. He is at a stage where naps are a dream in my mind alone. He wants to stay up late with mom and dad and refuses to sleep until we do. I feel like I cant take a bath alone or anything else. The one saving grace I have is that every Monday I volunteer pretty much my whole day. I spend all morning and afternoon at a Pregnancy Resource Center for a church. In the evening I am a girl scout leader. You are probably sitting there thinking I am nuts right about now but on Monday mornings it is very slow there and my husband keeps our son with him until after lunch. This is the one break I get a week...and that is the only break I get. Sure every now and then I get the great luxury of going to the store without anyone but not to often. It may seem crazy now but you have to prioritize the free time you do get. I would love to have a hobby but it is illogical right now so I bask in what free time I get. Enjoy it and quit worrying about it. You will have plenty of times for hobbies when your little one is older..trust me..it will be Mommy can you help me with this and can we do this together.

I don't know what your interests are like, but many fiber arts groups (knitting, spinning, crochet, quilting, needle felting, bobbin lace, the list is surprisingly extensive!) meet on a regular basis and provide a really nice, open community! For us, our knitting/spinning group is practically indispensible. The ages range from 20s (me) to as retired as you want to get, but knitting groups are not the tame, judgmental, gossip fests that I think a lot of people fear. I've made some really interesting and stimulating friends, and let me tell you it's saved my sanity living in a new place alone. I would definitely recommend looking into it--find a group that seems welcoming, and if you don't know how, they'll teach you!
Good luck; I hope you find something that fits you to a T. :.)

I started Mary Kay when my son was born. I knew I'd go crazy without something for ME. $100 started my own business and I figured if it didn't work out, I had a lot of great product for myself at a great cost. It's been 7 years and it has given me just the amount of independence I wanted. You can go nuts for directorship and free cars and jewels, or you can simply sell to your family and friends and have some fun playing with cosmetics. The sky is the limit!

Does your neighborhood have a bunco group? If not, maybe you could start one.

We have 16 of us that get together monthly to play bunco, socialize and enjoy some time away from home.
Susan

I'm all about the yoga! I too am a yoga instructor. Yoga can do so much for you! It is calming, relives stress, it's great exercise, gives you strength and flexibility, reduces high blood pressure. The list goes on and on! I do have to disagree with liz b. On "one" thing, you "can" find really good qualified instructors in gyms! I have never worked in a studio, always in a gym and my faithful people think i am highly qualified. I really care about each person who comes into my class, i give attention to each, correct postures and give lots of instruction for each posture. I will agree that the atmosphere in a studio is much more condusive to yoga! And that all instructors are different! What i would not suggest is that if you have never had any yoga instruction at all , please don't just go out and buy a video! You won't do it for long and you can injure yourself! That video can't tell you when your doing something wrong or at risk for injury! You need a caring well trained ,and certified instructor. Good luck, do give it a try! Most gyms will give you a 1-7 day pass to their facility if you tell them you are thinking of joining but want to try it out first! Try different instructors and don't settle till you find the right one! She will have passion for yoga and will care about you as an individual! Good luck!