<p>I’ll be hanging out in my friend’s garage playing with art supplies.</p>
<p>Since I am a SAHM I have been enjoying going out to lunch and happy hours with my teacher friends who are now at home! Have also been reading like crazy!</p>
<p>lilmom, you should definitely check out a Zumba class! It is designed to be for all ages, shapes, and skill levels. That can be your “what I have done for myself” item!</p>
<p>My guilty pleasure…sitting out on the deck on the comfy chaise lounge reading a book. Taking 10 minutes when I come home from work to change into comfy clothes and read the “morning” paper - during the school year, I’m usually rushing into preparing food/taking to practices/attending games. Evening walks on the local golf club course.</p>
<p>I’m off work, son’s doing research on-campus at the local U, and the rest of the family’s out of town, so I’ve been doing unusually many things for myself:</p>
<ul>
<li> Posting like a fiend on CC.</li>
<li> Reading The Year of Living Biblically.</li>
<li> Playing adventure games on the computer.</li>
<li> Feeding the dog things my wife doesn’t let him have, like beef fat.</li>
<li> Listening to a lot of Pink Floyd and Rush.</li>
<li> Experimenting with different foods!</li>
</ul>
<p>This last one is fun. I read recently that Saddam Hussein’s favorite meal, which he requested and was granted before his execution, was boiled chicken and rice. I read that and thought (a la Homer Simpson), “Mmmmm…boiled chicken and rice.” So that’s what I’m cooking right now. Not very interesting, I suppose, if you don’t consider the reason I’m cooking it.</p>
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<p>I’ll always remember hearing about one of the few women who have been executed in the US in recent times having as her last meal an RC Cola and a bag of Fritos. As pathetic as boiled chicken.</p>
<p>Well, I’ve had two pedicures but those were both another friend’s idea. I would probably not pick that as something to do for myself because it makes me nervous. They’re doing all this weird stuff to my feet with these sharp instruments–and like Elaine in Seinfeld–I’m sure they’re talking about me and not in a flattering way–probably about my big, scary, man-feet. And no, I am not a man.</p>
<p>Also, I like taking my dog and my only early riser out for breakfast al fresco. It’s very novel for us to eat outdoors since there are so many months when it’s not an option.</p>
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<p>Perhaps imminent death gives one a whole new perspective on what constitutes good food, as it would on many things.</p>
<p>earlier in the summer, started a workout routine (circuit training) at the gym (joined a workout group). also added back in this week bike riding on a wonderful outdoor trail. i have even really indulged and taken naps on some afternoons. this never happens during the school year.</p>
<p>condor30, I, too, have to admit that I took a nap yesterday!</p>
<p>we’ll call it our power nap ;)</p>
<p>guess i figure i need it after the day’s workout and the bike ride …lol</p>
<p>A couple of years ago, I had a health issue which turned out fine, but, after many years of focussing on my 5 Ds, I came to the realization that I deserved some focus, too. 
I vowed to do something nice/fun/good for myself every day, and, although I may have missed a few since then, I really have been very good at doing it! It’s often something small, like taking a half hour when I should be doing something constructive and instead, just sitting and reading my current book. I do, however, regularly schedule things like getting my hair cut, pedicures, and the occasional massage (mostly for an old injury, but still enjoyable). If I see a review of a book that sounds interesting, I add it to my list, and order a few from Amazon each month. I almost always have a vase of fresh flowers in my kitchen, even if it’s just a $5.00 bunch from the grocery store. I make the effort to keep in touch with friends who I may not see very often and we get together every few months for a cup of coffee to catch up on each others’ lives. I try to never miss the weekly get together of a really close circle of friends I’ve had since my eldest was in nursery school. For the past year, as my parents have gotten older, I’ve made an extra effort to spend as much time as possible with them, even though they do not live close by. I have found that all of these things serve to nurture me and make me a better wife, mom, daughter, friend, and person. Oh, and there’s nothing like a late afternoon nap. :)</p>
<p>I have a trainer, work out 4 times a week at 7 am, play racketball twice a week, cook and eat vegan, have a weekly massage. Wife has similar things. While all this is easier with an empty nest, we started this years ago. Good for the soul, good for the marriage and good habits for the kid to see.</p>
<p>justamom, I did it! I tried a zumba class this morning. It was a lot of fun, I’m going again on Mon. Boy, am I feeling it in my legs and back…</p>
<p>I’m learning to ride a horse. I took lessons when I was 10. I remember it being easy - but now it seems so hard. When I was a kid, I never learned to saddle & bridle the horse. This time I get to do everything from grooming to saddling. Taking up riding again is the best thing I’ve done for myself in years.</p>
<p>Where could one find a zumba class? I saw zumba online and it looks so fun!</p>
<p>
Good for you! I’ve been doing the same and am down 25 lbs. in the past 12 weeks. Hold your applause. I also got a cute new haircut with bangs, and I’ve had lots of compliments on it.</p>
<p>A couple of weeks ago I flew out to California to see my youngest S, who stayed out there for an internship for the summer. Had a blast!</p>
<p>07DAD, I’m curious: With all your exercise and vegan-eating, what’s your height and weight?</p>
<p>– I bought myself a Blackberry and am slowing becoming addicted to it!</p>
<p>– Lost 55 pounds over the last year!</p>
<p>^^^ Congratulations! That’s hard work.</p>