Lemons, anyone?

[Shelli]

:unlemon:

When life gives you lemons, what's your usual way of coping with it? Personally, I'm not a big fan of lemonade. Sorry, :lemon:s.

I've had plants for a while, but for the last few month, to help myself cope with crappy crap :shakepoo: I've slowly, but steadily upped my plant collection at work and at home to over 50 plants, about 40 of which are in my zoo/jungle of a home. I like taking care of them and never cease to be delighted with them. They're calming to me and a hobby I can call my own. A collection consisting of cacti and other succulents, tropical plants, ferns, ivies, flowering plants, big plants, small plants, and there's still a boatload of plants I'd love to have, inside and out. :gardening:


So, how 'bout you all? Any hobbies/interests that calm your mind and take you out of the fray of life, if even for a short while? :racetime:

[Ymir's blood]

I listen to sad music and fantasize about sad things. Sometimes, driving around helps but only on empty roads. Other times, I've busied myself with tasks that require concentration but not much thought, in order to provide a cooling off time - or heating up if the problem is that I've gotten too cold.

[Anastasia Beaverhausen]

Music and binging on my favorite TV shows.

[wildernesse]

Although my life right now is not very stressful, that hasn't always been the case these past few years. It was really helpful for me to think about day-to-day luxuries and events that increase my quality of life remarkably without much effort and that I could do on my own. Good going on figuring out that plants are good for you, and I hope that you can find a few others to help you out while you have to deal with the parts of life that aren't any fun.

Here are a few things off of my list--it's a lot, because I needed LOTS of them!

When I had a yard, yard work was great. It's just not the same for me with plants in a container, but big beds that need to be weeded or dead-headed, picking up pine cones in order for the grass to be mowed, picking beans in a long row, etc. is excellent mind-calming stress relief for me.

Walking in the woods is another one. It doesn't have to be anywhere in particular, but just walking on dirt through trees is very nice. In Raleigh, there was a park near us that had a handful of simple, unchallenging trails and I loved walking there at all times of the year. Just a mile long loop of dirt through some woods is great. Riding my bike somewhere would also do, but I usually can't find a nice 5-10 mile stretch of trail where I can turn my mind off somewhat.

Petting my "therapy cat" is pretty nice. The baby in my avatar is the neediest, most affectionate cat in the universe, so she is always up for cuddles.

Another thing that makes my mind say "aaahhh" is making a new recipe that involves a lot of chopping or has several distinct parts to it. Especially if I get to listen to a radio program that I like while I am doing it.

Reading very simple mysteries and stories is also a big help for me. The Ladies No. 1 Detective Agency series is a prime example of this genre for me.

Doing crossword puzzles/sudoku at a cafe with a drink and pastry.

Buying a "picnic" at the deli for me to eat in the car. Or buying deli treats to make special lunches during the week.

[Anastasia Beaverhausen]

Almost forgot, my newest addiction:

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/222877_1751317980482_1164860473_31557386_1233438_n.jpg

[vremya]

I like to knit and do crossword puzzles Movies help too. And, oddly enough, cleaning. I hate cleaning) When I feel like things are getting away from me, I start cleaning the house.

[mulebear]

Cook
Eat
Read
Putz on the internet
Watch a movie
Torment the cat
Do vile things to Sonoma Bear

Not necessarily in that order.

[Demicon]

A hot bubble bath with bath salts and aroma therapy sets me right. I will slip into the tub with a glass of wine, a good book, and just relax in warm tranquility. I call them my goddess baths.

I also love giving myself a manicure. I have to at least once a week. The nail file and buffer takes out some catharsis. Then a beautiful coat of polish. I figure the one thing you always can see are your hands. Pretty hands make me feel beautiful.

Taking yourself to a movie is great too. My taste in films is way different from my friends' and usually I end up waiting for video for my films and going to theirs. A solo trip is like a declaration of self, saying that you embrace your loves and that they are worth it. Bonus is not having to share your popcorn and milk duds. You can do the same at home for cheaper which is what I have been doing lately. Still has the same cinema therapy.

But the simplest thing is probably puppy therapy. Having a fierce play session with them followed by a cuddle can improve the worst of days.

Recently my girl has introduced me to the wonder and glory that are professional pedicures. I always had salon aversion and still won't go for a manicure. But thirty minutes in a massage chair with a foot and calf rub, (Especially this place I found that does hot desert stone massage) will turn me to mush. Also, like the pretty hands, pretty feet just make you feel good.

If I have an angry day I hit the pool at my gym. Nothing is more peaceful for me than spending an hour doing laps. Clears my head right up. Yoga class always feels like a chore going in, but once there is a great challenge and is so satisfying by the end. You feel like a million bucks.

Stopping at a park to fly a kite is a happy thing too. There is just something magical about having a line connected to this bright and beautiful thing soaring up in the sky, tugging at your hand wanting to go higher and higher up to the heavens. Just try and feel bad flying a kite. Try to frown or sneer or cuss. It is not possible!

I am sorry you are having a lemon fest Shells, but it sounds like you have the right attitude. :hug:

ETA: LOL totally forgot I was logged in as my sock. Obviously, this is Contra.

[JoeP]

None that really work ...

But sometimes: Reading. Webcomics.

For real distraction: Install a new operating system. Learn a new programming language.

Walking would be the best thing (as wildy mentioned), but it's not easy in this neighbourhood.

[specious_reasons]

OK, we've been playing a lot of Portal 2 n this house...

YouTube - Portal 2 - Cave Johnson "Lemons"

[Shelli]

Walking would be the best thing (as wildy mentioned), but it's not easy in this neighbourhood.I plan on taking that back up once my knee is up to it. :walk:

[wildernesse]

Movies! Yes, that is a big one for me, too. Going to a matinee at a theater I really like is a big treat.

Also, watching a fluff movie at home while I crochet gets the job done, too.

Writing a newsy email or letter or postcard to a friend and using pretty stamps is fun for me, too.

[curses]

Reading. Drawing or photoshopping. Video games where many things need to be killed. That's actually my favorite. It's so easy for me to get sucked into all kinds of video games, but the ones that I shoot stuff helps alleviate any anger.

[vremya]

Video games where many things need to be killed. That's actually my favorite. It's so easy for me to get sucked into all kinds of video games, but the ones that I shoot stuff helps alleviate any anger.

Oh yeah - I used to play Doom all the time when I was in the job from hell. Shooting stuff with a pump action shotgun was the best!

[Pinecone]

puzzles - specifically paint-by-number, jigsaws, and anacrostics

[Qingdai]

Drinking, heavy drinking. Then brewing and drinking some more. Home canning (while drunk). Yep, I'm traditional that way.

[Shelli]

:giggle:

[wei yau]

:unlemon:

When life gives you lemons, what's your usual way of coping with it? Personally, I'm not a big fan of lemonade. Sorry, :lemon:s.

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

[Vivisectus]

Gardening - there is nothing like sorting out the weeding, watering, fertilizing and pruning that needs doing to clear the mind. Also, you get a pretty garden in return.

Long walks out in the hills of Wicklow with my mastiff Molly. I used to take Daisy too but she is old and lazy now. Nothing like walking into low-lying layers of cloud to get the cobwebs out of your head. It is also good for the ole waistline as the walks are pretty steep.

Archery works too - it requires concentration and does not leave room in the brain for anything but you and the target, and the rush of the string and the thwock of the arrow hitting the butt is very satisfying.

Horseriding - I only just started this, but I really love it so far.

[Demimonde]

Oooo! Speaking of target practice. Gun range is a great way to let loose. :cowboy2:

[Vivisectus]

I bet it is Demi! I have only shot once or twice while visiting the US, but it was quite enjoyable.

[Demimonde]

I thought they had gun clubs in the UK? Or are they not really that common?

I have a great range that offers annual memberships with your NRA card*. It allows you to rent for a serious discount their guns for practice. So you can go up to the case and pick out something nice to use on the range. Of course you can bring your guns too, but I like playing with the ones I can't afford to buy. Plus no hassle of having to haul your weapon around. Not that it is hard in TX, I just worry about my car being broken into. Much easier to just drop by and try a nice loaner.

*No I don't contribute to them. I was gifted with a Lifetime membership by my grandfather who was a Charter Founder. Technically, I am a Charter Founder of the Woman's On Target program. Which is kinda cool, especially as I don't fund them.

[Corona688]

Home canning (while drunk).

http://www.freethought-forum.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=7596&stc=1&d=1304621894

[Qingdai]

:laugh:
That's why I use the clear jars, plus my handwriting would assure no one, not even I, that there was corn in that can!

[Vivisectus]

I thought they had gun clubs in the UK? Or are they not really that common?

I have a great range that offers annual memberships with your NRA card*. It allows you to rent for a serious discount their guns for practice. So you can go up to the case and pick out something nice to use on the range. Of course you can bring your guns too, but I like playing with the ones I can't afford to buy. Plus no hassle of having to haul your weapon around. Not that it is hard in TX, I just worry about my car being broken into. Much easier to just drop by and try a nice loaner.

*No I don't contribute to them. I was gifted with a Lifetime membership by my grandfather who was a Charter Founder. Technically, I am a Charter Founder of the Woman's On Target program. Which is kinda cool, especially as I don't fund them.

I live in Ireland. We do have gunclubs here, but they are very posh affairs and there are not many of them - more oriented to marksmen as opposed to casual shooters, and it seems to be very much a sport for the money'd classes if you know what I mean. I do go clay-pigeon shooting every now and again, which is good fun. I wish we had facilities here like you have over there - I love having a go at targets with some of the outlandish weaponry they offer at ranges in the USA.

Weyhey! A card-carrying founder member of the NRA - you look down on Charlton Heston as something of a newbie, no doubt :) That is funny!

[mulebear]

Cook
Eat
Read
Putz on the internet
Watch a movie
Torment the cat
Do vile things to Sonoma Bear

Not necessarily in that order.

Today, I did not read. :whistles:

[Shelli]

:giggle:

[thedoc]

Sorry I can't think of anything, I've been taking care of my grandchildren and after that I'm just too tired to be upset about anything. Get some very young kids to take care of and, believe me, nothing else will seem so important to be worried about.

[Shelli]

Get some very young kids to take care of and, believe me, nothing else will seem so important to be worried about.Sure it will, then I'll have to figure out how to cover up their disappearances. :girlthink: