Tuesday, April 28, 2009

What do you do for fun?

I can't remember what I used to do for fun when I was single.  I'm sure there was something.  I guess I liked reading, listening to music, shopping, playing my guitar, hanging out (is it just "hanging" now?) with friends.  

After I married my Mister, and even more so when J was born, I couldn't answer if someone asked me what I did for fun.  

Last week, someone asked me that, and I surprised myself with how many things I thought of.  I think maybe it just took me awhile (nearly 10 years?) to figure out how to be a wife and a mother and still be me, and have things that I do for myself, for fun.  

Running the 1/2 marathon was really good for me in that way- It forced me to put myself ahead of other things.  I had to run, or I wouldn't be able to make it through the race, so instead of running if I had time, I made time, I let go of some other things in my life and made running a priority.  Sometimes it messed up dinner times or nap times, but we all survived, and I'm happier because of it.  

I'm cutting back running to three times a week now that the race is over, but I plan on keeping my running time a priority.  It makes me feel good, gives me more energy, and it gives me time to think about whatever I want to think about.  Same with gardening.  I love getting my hands dirty, and watching things I plant grow.  Right now the raspberry canes I planted awhile back are starting to sprout tiny leaves and it makes me happy to know that I did that (and especially happy about the berries, I can't wait!).

So when someone asks you what you do for fun, what do you say?  (I'm embarrassed that it took me so long to realize I have a better answer than "I know I used to have things I liked to do, but I can't remember what they were".)

7 comments:

Lacey said...

I wish I could say I do anything for fun these days. I admire how you have so many talents/ hobbies that you love. Maybe one day I will be in your spot. I feel like I'm scrambling to keep up with the day-to-day stuff.

limes said...

What a great post!

Charlotte said...

It is funny how we change over the years. I can totally remember hanging out with you in our apartment & you having lots of hobbies! (Remember the hula hoop??) I'm glad you've found that Alice again because I love her!!

Alice said...

Lacey- I don't have two little ones plus a job. You'll get back to where you can do stuff for yourself eventually.

Limes- Thanks!

Charlotte- the YW had an activity recently that involved hula hoops- I'm still the hula hooping queen! (I need to get one, the wii hula hoop is fun, but not the same.)

Sarah said...

Ooohh! I hadn't thought about this at all. I love to play with my animals; I love to make bread; I love to read books; I love writing on my blog. I don't really love to exercise, but I LOVE the way I feel when my body is strong and I can see my muscles. I love finding cool clothes at DI (LOVE that place). I love talking to friends-- but not really on the phone. And I love mailing cards. Which reminds me that I need to mail some out today.

Love reading your blog too! ;o)

Stevens Family said...

You do have so many talents and hobbies. I'm so jealous of you doing all of that running. Last year at this time I was getting ready for my 5k's. I wish I was there this year - I will be next year for sure. Great post.

M.A said...

Allie, you oughta consider the Moab Half Martathon in October. I think I'll be going!