What do you do to pass the time?

[widower2]

Not looking for ideas, just curious. Some of us still work and likely visit (or have visits from) family and friends but besides that...TV/movies?  Hobbies? Volunteer work? Travel? Home improvement stuff? Gardening? It's important to try and stay busy IMO. 

[KayC]

My hobby was stamping/die cutting, making cards, did that for 35 years, but I've lost interest in recent years.  Just don't feel the impetus any more, sort of like mild depression.

I canceled t.v. when George died to cut expenses, but a few years later signed up again.  Don't turn on the t.v. until an hour or so before bedtime.  I walk my puppy a couple of times a day, every day.  I used to read before getting him but he doesn't leave me alone to and after he goes to bed, I'm falling asleep.  I do volunteer work, am Church Treasurer, on the Praise Team (lead morning worship in song), come here and another grief group and moderate a diabetic group, that takes about five hours/day.  I belong to some ladies groups but haven't been able to attend this month due to my hand surgery, medical appts.  And I work around my place, picking up branches daily.  Daily chores, cooking, cleaning, etc.  Time goes...

[Perro J]

Video gaming. I bought the new Flight Simulator software from Microsoft and flew through Patagonia and the Andes in Argentina in a Super Cub.

Major scales, all twelve keys and all positions on the guitar neck. Dabbling with a keyboard.

Halfway through The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky.

Small Fix-it jobs around the house.

[SSC]

I still work but am in quarantine right now.  A co worker tested positive so I won’t return til November 30.  I like to garden but now that the weather has turned I find myself in front of the tv or my iPad too much.  I used to read all the time but now I only read at night before bed.  I can’t seem to find passion in much of anything anymore.  
 

dreading the holidays...

[jmmosley53]

I don't do much.  I walk my dog and fix something to eat daily.  I spend a little time online.  I look at TV some and color.  I can't seem to get motivated to do anything.  I used to do crafts all the time.  Nothing holds my interest for long.  

[DMB]

Sometimes I count the hours of silence.  I don't think I've ever gone this long in life without speaking out loud!

Grateful I've been working at the office and I hope it stays that way.  Cleaning a lot takes up time.  Netflix can be addictive when you find something that sucks you in on the 1st episode.  I just did Season 4 of the The Crown in one sitting.

[Stellasmom]

I think I have developed the unhealthy habit of shopping.  I find myself on the computer a lot just to pass the time.  Then before I know it, I have bought something.  

 

[Mulelady]

I'm at 1-1/2 years....feels like 50....my primary daily " activity ".....what/where am I going to eat. Of course the holiday season is often a challenge....but add Covid to it.  This Friday is likely my last " big " birthday ( round # ) .....and most don't know, are no longer card senders ....and mostly ....can't get together with someone like years before.  Like all of you....I've endured the most painful loss in my life. I too have lost my motivation, enthusiasm and purpose in life.  Some how I have kept my house fairly tidy....tackled a few clutter closets and kept my weight/health from ballooning by Fasting and Keto goals. Sometimes I don't know why I bother.  The one thing I've enjoyed this year....is being generous with waiters .....they don't deserve the serious loss in income ( no one does ) .  

[KayC]

3 hours ago, Mulelady said:

kept my weight/health from ballooning by Fasting and Keto goals

I'm on Keto for life, lost 72 lbs and finally got my diabetes under control, am off the medications, blood tests all normal now.  You ask why you bother, in my family we live into our 90s so for me I want quality of life being as it's apparent I won't die young.  I couldn't imagine doing 40 years w/o my husband here but II try to stay in today and not think about the whole "rest of my life" looming before me, it's too much to contemplate.  So back to today.  II get through today, it's how I've done the last 15 1/2 years since I lost him.

[Mulelady]

19 hours ago, KayC said:

I'm on Keto for life, lost 72 lbs and finally got my diabetes under control, am off the medications, blood tests all normal now.  You ask why you bother, in my family we live into our 90s so for me I want quality of life being as it's apparent I won't die young.  I couldn't imagine doing 40 years w/o my husband here but II try to stay in today and not think about the whole "rest of my life" looming before me, it's too much to contemplate.  So back to today.  II get through today, it's how I've done the last 15 1/2 years since I lost him.

Kay ...that is wonderful ...that you improved your health and lost 72 lbs....amazing success !  I've been off line quite awhile...but think I noticed you recently had some surgery ?  Going Keto will also improve your healing progress from that and other life challenges.  Did you mention there is now limited pain med availability ?? That would be a disaster if my Nick were still alive.....pain meds were essential for him for years ( surgeries and life challenges ).  Maybe one little thing I'm grateful he doesn't have to manage these Covid days.  On health...I was transformed 14 years ago when I read " Wheat Belly " by Dr. Davis ....basically saying todays grains are not your grandmothers grains .  One thing led to the next ...I discovered podcasts....Paleo...Keto...NSNG w/ Vinnie Tortorich and now Fasting .  I feel and appreciate the benefits....but as some would admit after losing our loves....I'm still struggling to see the point in lengthening my life.  

[KayC]

The surgery was my right hand, I still have pain/numbness in it, likely arthritis I can't fix.  Need my left hand done too but will wait until winter is past.

I, too, do Intermittent Fasting, 18/6 to 16/8 and it helps some.  No wheat/gluten!

Yeah, here doctors do not prescribe pain pill, you only get OTC, they're all afraid we'll become addicts.  So even if you have surgery or break a bone, they want you to tough it out like it's nothing.  I've lived with pain for 8 1/2 months now, constant day/night.  They ask if it wakes me, no I'm on sleeping pills but that gives me four hours tops, then I have to try and get back to sleep.  
I'm a moderator on a diabetic group, adm. on another.  Same group that I've learned so much from, Lord knows I didn't get it from doctors who are taught wrong.  AMA, ADA both teach wrong as do the diebetic classes I've gone to.  "Moderation" doesn't work!  WHAT we eat truly DOES matter!  What we put into our bodies is what we get back from them.

1 hour ago, Mulelady said:

I'm still struggling to see the point in lengthening my life.

I'm not sure I'm extending my life but definitely changing the quality, I want to remain independent.  It's hard alone.  But I'm giving it my best shot.

[Mulelady]

1 hour ago, KayC said:

I, too, do Intermittent Fasting, 18/6 to 16/8 and it helps some.  No wheat/gluten!
I'm a moderator on a diabetic group, adm. on another.  Same group that I've learned so much from, Lord knows I didn't get it from doctors who are taught wrong.  AMA, ADA both teach wrong as do the diebetic classes I've gone to.  "Moderation" doesn't work!  WHAT we eat truly DOES matter!  What we put into our bodies is what we get back from them.

Kay....Some Fasting is good for all people....it's just so foreign . I typically followed 18/6....but a couple weeks ago I downloaded a few apps to try...and it has pushed me beyond....and averaging 19-23 hours .  Not necessary...just for now .  In reference to Diabetes....have you ever followed or read from Dr. Jason Fung " The Diabetes Code " ?  He runs a successful clinic, think in Canada , with amazing success using his attention to Fasting. He is highly respected ....some Doctors beginning to listen.

 On your hand....my story is old and easily not related to yours....but what started me on the value of some vitamins .  Maybe 30 years ago I discovered I had Carpal Tunnel in both wrists....given braces to support them till I could have surgery...which I really couldn't afford at the time.  A new friend said...why don't you take B-Complex Vit and C  I think. I did....and after some trial and error....discovered the B6 was responsible for calming my nerves and I've yet to have or need surgery !!  Who knows....that may change some day....but working for now.  Thank you for the adorable Turkey !!!

[KayC]

I've had carpal tunnel since I was young and now severe arthritis thrown onto the mix.  I'm on 15 supplements, so yes, I know about them and also Dr. Fung.  Most doctors are not correctly educated in diet, if they understood nutrition and the body as a whole they would not be prescribing the things they are, they would try a whole different tack!  Good for you in what you're following...I notice it always gets quiet when we talk about this stuff, haha!  Oh well...

[Gail 8588]

I have just been diagnosed with diabetes (A1C 7.2). 

I guess I will be figuring out what you two have been learning. 

Gail 

[Mulelady]

Gail....absolutely check out some videos or podcasts w/ Dr. Jason Fung.....he has CURED thousands of people with Diabetes 2 .  I read his "Obesity Code"....but he also has " The Diabetes Code ".  He wisely addresses the diet and Fasting .  For those not ready for his level but wish to improve health ( not necessarily over weight ) take a peek at Gin Stevens .....retired teacher w/ doctorate who spent 30 years solving her health ....and produced recently her second updated book " Fast Feast Repeat " . She has 3 podcasts ...."Intermittent Fasting Stories" is a motivating way to start.

If nothing else.....attention to this subject will likely help you avoid problems surrounding Covid.

[KayC]

Sent you a message.  Dr. Fung is good!

Dr. Jason Fung: To Lose Weight, You MUST control Insulin - YouTube

Hyperinsulinemia and Insulin Resistance: Scope of the Problem | Fung | Journal of Insulin Resistance

[SharedLife]

On 11/20/2020 at 10:06 PM, widower2 said:

It's important to try and stay busy IMO.

I agree.  I keep a notebook and pen nearby and make a list of "things to do".  I've convinced myself that I must complete that list -- even if it's only one thing per day. I try to take the dog for a walk every day. I spend a lot of time on the computer (keeps my mind occupied), mostly reading news. I've got several favorite sites for news: Memeorandum.com, MSN news, google news. I also watch a lot of stuff on Netflix.  I publish a couple of websites and updating them kills some time. Housecleaning consumes a little bit of time. Summertime lawn mowing & sidewalk edging; winter: running the snow blower. I don't go grocery shopping (coronavirus) but I order online and drive to the store to pick up the order. I try to visit my wife's grave site every week or so, stopping at a florist's shop on the way to buy a rose.

[widower2]

Good deal, sounds like you're doing pretty good at this. I probably spend way too much time on the computer, esp in winter. I'm hoping to start up a home studio "some day" and researching the equipment, recording techniques etc has taken up lots of time. There's so much to it!  To be honest not sure what if much of anything will come of it but it's a fun idea. Really until my loss I hadn't even considered it, it was just a fantasy...but with computers and other equipment (microphones etc) getting so inexpensive and even the low-end stuff being of good quality, and a ton of good software that's also inexpensive (even free) it is now feasible.

 

 

[SharedLife]

30 minutes ago, widower2 said:

I probably spend way too much time on the computer, esp in winter.

It sounds as though you're keeping yourself occupied with something that interests you. Starting a home studio sounds like an excellent idea...maybe something you can work on a little bit at a time.  And I imagine there are deals to be found online for used equipment.

[KayC]

Widower, sounds like a good idea and it keeps you interested in something and occupied!  Win/win!

[widower2]

On 12/10/2020 at 12:21 AM, SharedLife said:

It sounds as though you're keeping yourself occupied with something that interests you. Starting a home studio sounds like an excellent idea...maybe something you can work on a little bit at a time.  And I imagine there are deals to be found online for used equipment.

Thanks but I only buy new.  And again it's all pie in the sky right now anyway; I hope to move next year (I've said that 3 years running) so first things first. I'll see if I have any money left over-! If I can be moved by next Thanksgiving, usually there are some good Black Friday deals so we'll see.

Thanks Kay; I'm not sure how I latched on to the idea, just something to pass the time.