Tuesday, November 18, 2003
Dear funtimestwo,
How do I enjoy my slacker funtimes time off when I dont know when/if the money is going to start rolling back in?
Sincerely,
Still in Pajamas at 12:57
Dear PJs
I know just what you mean - I too had a major relocation and endured the uncertain first months - nearly paralysed and certainly not enjoying myself - terrified to spend any money-waiting around the house (pre cell phones for the masses) for that one important phone call. I too greeted my rmlp at the door in pjs much too late in the day...Had I the chance to relive all that glorious free time here's a sampling of what I'd do (some productive, some goofy):
-Make really creative "couture" clothing items out of old tee shirts that I can't bring myself to throw away and/or hand alter/customize clothes that I like a lot but don't wear all the time - I'm not much of a seamstress but hand stiching just makes you feel so productive
-Make cool pillow covers out of clothes that you messed up trying to "customize" them
-Have a conversation with my cat using "cat speak" - which consists of staring until the other looks away or blinks - if the other blinks - imitate the blink back at them and see how long that goes on for...
-Find the nearby holistic/alternative/eastern hotspots nearest me and talk to the proprietors about whats a highly trained accupunturist and herbals teacher to do for fun - read all the bulletin boards (at the health food store too) to find out about any lectures, seminars or healthcare organizations that would be cool for networking - oh wait this is in the wrong list...
-plan a meal using just the stuff you've already got in the kitchen - make it gourmet-make something for the week that you can change up without too much trouble
-figure out how to make the best orange cake in the world - from scratch (or biscuits from scratch)
-Turn on your favorite album and dance around like a crazy person til you accidentally dance by a reflective surface and crack yourself up
-DO NOT TURN ON THE TV - it is the soul sucking self haterd maker - see if you can make it until prme time without it
-Try to set a timer on your computer cruising too - it can sap your strength and steal your day
-Make a list of things you wish you knew more about - general things- then go to the library fun and nostalgic ...get out all the big gigantic picture books on Chicago architecture, arts n crafts etc and see how much you've already seen since you've been there (that might only appeal to me)
-Check out movies that you've always meant to see from the library
-Chcek out the free tourist activities - like walking tours (sometines the AIA hosts really cool ones) and take advantage
-Go to all the free introductory classes in your area - tai chi, african dance, karate, etc.
-Find a cool coffee shop, diner or the like and become a coffee regular - a cheap way to leave the house, get your day stared and maybe find out more about your neighborhood
-Be sure and bring a copy of the free weekly paper (like the village voice) on the day it comes out and find at least one cool thing to do in the coming week
-Listen to the radio all day and try and win free tickets to stuff
-Take all the free IQ and aptitude tests offered at your local dianetics center- ick
-Volunteer for something that is related to your area of expertise or for a political campaign
Does it help to remember you can generally either have time or money but rarely both? This is your chance to have precious time - money will certainly come later.
Now go out there and make us working stiffs jealous!
How do I enjoy my slacker funtimes time off when I dont know when/if the money is going to start rolling back in?
Sincerely,
Still in Pajamas at 12:57
Dear PJs
I know just what you mean - I too had a major relocation and endured the uncertain first months - nearly paralysed and certainly not enjoying myself - terrified to spend any money-waiting around the house (pre cell phones for the masses) for that one important phone call. I too greeted my rmlp at the door in pjs much too late in the day...Had I the chance to relive all that glorious free time here's a sampling of what I'd do (some productive, some goofy):
-Make really creative "couture" clothing items out of old tee shirts that I can't bring myself to throw away and/or hand alter/customize clothes that I like a lot but don't wear all the time - I'm not much of a seamstress but hand stiching just makes you feel so productive
-Make cool pillow covers out of clothes that you messed up trying to "customize" them
-Have a conversation with my cat using "cat speak" - which consists of staring until the other looks away or blinks - if the other blinks - imitate the blink back at them and see how long that goes on for...
-Find the nearby holistic/alternative/eastern hotspots nearest me and talk to the proprietors about whats a highly trained accupunturist and herbals teacher to do for fun - read all the bulletin boards (at the health food store too) to find out about any lectures, seminars or healthcare organizations that would be cool for networking - oh wait this is in the wrong list...
-plan a meal using just the stuff you've already got in the kitchen - make it gourmet-make something for the week that you can change up without too much trouble
-figure out how to make the best orange cake in the world - from scratch (or biscuits from scratch)
-Turn on your favorite album and dance around like a crazy person til you accidentally dance by a reflective surface and crack yourself up
-DO NOT TURN ON THE TV - it is the soul sucking self haterd maker - see if you can make it until prme time without it
-Try to set a timer on your computer cruising too - it can sap your strength and steal your day
-Make a list of things you wish you knew more about - general things- then go to the library fun and nostalgic ...get out all the big gigantic picture books on Chicago architecture, arts n crafts etc and see how much you've already seen since you've been there (that might only appeal to me)
-Check out movies that you've always meant to see from the library
-Chcek out the free tourist activities - like walking tours (sometines the AIA hosts really cool ones) and take advantage
-Go to all the free introductory classes in your area - tai chi, african dance, karate, etc.
-Find a cool coffee shop, diner or the like and become a coffee regular - a cheap way to leave the house, get your day stared and maybe find out more about your neighborhood
-Be sure and bring a copy of the free weekly paper (like the village voice) on the day it comes out and find at least one cool thing to do in the coming week
-Listen to the radio all day and try and win free tickets to stuff
-Take all the free IQ and aptitude tests offered at your local dianetics center- ick
-Volunteer for something that is related to your area of expertise or for a political campaign
Does it help to remember you can generally either have time or money but rarely both? This is your chance to have precious time - money will certainly come later.
Now go out there and make us working stiffs jealous!
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