In case you didn't know, I'm a teacher. That means I am on holiday for two weeks at Christmas time. Today, I'm going to list (and explain, where necessary) thirteen things I love to do in my spare (!) time.
1. Play with my son - oh, come on! You knew this would be number one. When I'm working, I only get to spend a couple of hours with him each day, so vacation time is perfect for doing all the stuff we wish we had time to do, but don't.
2. Listen to music - when I'm at home, the stereo plays non-stop. It isn't just an accompaniment for the things we're doing, either. Sometimes, we do housework or cook to it, but sometimes we sing or dance with it, too. And sometimes, Brennan and I just sit and listen to the music. It's part of what makes our home beautiful ...
3. Make my own music - Well, I am a musician, and nothing soothes, and energizes, me more than to spend a few quality hours with a musical instrument. Whether I'm playing the piano, or the sax, or my beautiful djembe, or singing, there's something so soul-perfecting about it. It's also something I can share with my son and my friends, and that's very important to me.
4. Play games - Nothing says home to me better than a group of people sitting around the kitchen table playing Scrabble or Risk or just about any other game. It's fun, it's communal and I'm afraid it's becoming a lost art for the next generation. It just seems like there's too much to do these days ...
5. Watch movies - I'll admit it. I have a real soft spot for old movies. Come to think of it, I have a huge weakness for new movies, too. And foreign films ... sigh. I just love movies in general. I prefer the theatre experience, but curling up under a soft blanket on the couch with Brennan and a bowl of popcorn ... that's pretty close to my definition of heaven.
6. Outdoor activities - whether it's sports or yardwork, it's something that often gets put on the back burner when I'm working. And guess what? It's stuff that I can do with my son!
7. Make lists - ok, I'm solidly a type B personality, but when it comes to my lists, I'm positively anal. Lists of things I need to do, of things I want to do, shopping lists, wish lists, you name it, I have a list for it. It's contagious, too because, even though Brennan can't write yet, he has already started making lists ...
8. Reading - I am a voracious reader. Books from all eras, in both English and French, line the walls of almost every room in our house. I often have more than one on the go at a time, and I'm rarely without a book at hand. Brennan has started picking up on this, too, and I'm glad, because so many kids these days don't know the joys of reading.
9. Entertain - this was a great love of mine that forcibly took a hiatus during the time I was married. Now that I've been cured of that particular ailment, I'm gradually rediscovering the joys of having friends around the house.
10. Photography - not just the point-and-click kind of photos. I have an idiot proof camera for quick and fun candids, but my real love is the artsy stuff. I have a sweet manual Minolta that has, shamefully, been collecting dust since Brennan came into my life, and a gorgeous Canon with manual override, as well as a full complement of lenses and filters. Our school has a darkroom, and that's where the real magic grabs me ...
11. Cooking/Baking - it's not something I'm great at, but there's something creative about it that appeals to me. Brennan loves to help me in the kitchen, too. And, of course, the end result is usually so satisfying. Unless I burn it ...
12. Sewing - my grandmother taught me how to sew and quilt, and I feel her close to me when I'm sitting at my machine, or handworking a piece. I made most of my own clothes while I was in university, and the year I was off with Brennan, I sewed most of his outfits, too. It's something I do for myself, by myself in the evening, and I find it soothes me and relaxes me before bedtime.
13. Blogging/Computer communicating - this is a recent discovery for me, but it satisfies a need in me that I didn't even realize was there. Not only that, it's been a way for me to stay in touch with some of the people who are important in my life. You know who you are. Hugs to you all.
9 comments:
hmmmm....we are alike!
Actually most of the Soul Patrol is alike. How strange is that?
Oh yeah!!! Scrabble! I love it!
Wonderful post as always, Coco.
Hugs to you!
Cool list Coco.. so glad your vacation has been full of smiles and that YOU are smiling again on a daily basis..makes my heart smile
Wonderful list Coco. Enjoy the rest of vacation....:D
Glad to see happiness in your words honey.
Oh yeah... while I was off, the "Family" spent alot of time playing games. It's something we don't get to do very often, but really fun.
Great list!
Ohhh Soul Patrol Scrabble, how fun would that be!
I like it when you feel happy and get to do the things you enjoy with that sweet little boy of yours.
And if you can avoid it at all, don't even thing about the first day back until you absolutely must.
We also play the board games but I'm picky - not keen on the quizzes (with the exception of Trivial Pursuits which is tolerable) but I love the risk/monopoly/scrabbles. Whole family like it actually.
Lots on your list that I also enjoy. No kids though... I'm actually worried that the cat's death is going to make me broody (fill the void?). I'll fight it.
Are you not back yet after the hols? Schools here are back either today or Monday. Do you have much prep during hols to do?
As to my work..... *pulls faces and makes parping noise*.
Just signed up to do supply teaching for the next 6 weeks Mon/Tues which will make it a 7 day working week again for a while. Thinking of the money!!!
Very nice list Coco and I have to echo Busy on how we are all so very much alike.
Good to see you smiling to start the year.
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