Quarantine Hobbies

Once we all realized that the quarantine was going to be longer (way longer) than 2 weeks, the internet was on fire with suggestions on how to occupy our time and minds. 

Here are some of ours:

• Calligraphy
• Baking
• Purging & Organizing
• Self Care
• Golf
• Exploring Outdooors
• Gardening

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Ok, so how did each of these go?!

• Calligraphy – I wanted so badly to love this. I bought the book and specific pens on amazon, with grand visions of addressing my holiday cards this December in style. But truth be told, this sh*t is HARD. I gave up after a couple hours total in practicing.
• Baking – My 5 year old loves a good baking project, however my waist does not. So this was really fun but short lived thank GOD
• Purging & Organizing – a silver lining of being home for 5 months, has made us look at our house & mess FOR 5 MONTHS!!! We have gone through all the closets, girls clothes, garage & storage and it feels amazing! I even organized tupperware one day during naptime…. not sure if that is good or just plain old pathetic.
• Self Care – whether this was a few quiet mins to myself or pajamas & wine promptly at 5pm, self care during quarantine was more important than ever. I was pretty depressed after I lost my job, so when Universities were offering free courses, I gave it some serious consideration. I took “The Science of Well Being” offered by Yale University by Dr Laura Santos. It had a 4.9 out of 5 rating!! The course describe itself as “engage in a series of challenges designed to increase your own happiness and build more productive habits” and it did not disappoint. Check it out!
• Golf – It is happening! My husband has golfed most of his life, and I enjoyed spectating. I took a lesson and joined our club’s ladies league in June. The women are all ages – they are fun, kind & VERY patient with me every Tuesday night. It is incredibly difficult & very frustrating but I love it. I hope this COVID hobby is one that sticks.
• Enjoying The Outdoors – ok, a little embarrassed to admit this but there is nature reservation less than one mile from our house. Prior to COVID we had only been there 2 times in 5 years. Well, let’s just say we made up for lost time – we hiked, swam and explored multiple times a week. Then when weather allowed, we ventured to local beaches & pool.
• Gardening – I had the best of intentions regarding this one but did not have the follow through to tend & keep them safe from animals. Next year – watch out bunnies and deer, it is on. I have Nonna dreams of growing my own tomatoes and jarring homemade sauce. I did, however, have luck with planting 2 new garden beds & an indoor hydrow garden. Basil all year round = VICTORY!

Honestly, I wish I had even more creative items on the list but parenting, job searching, cooking & keeping the house somewhat clean really tapped me out.

And to the people sewing masks, whether for personal use or donating them to front line workers – I am in awe of you!