Fighting Off Boredom

**daughter of pearl** · 05-21-2010, 11:37 AM

I have hit a bit of a plateau with my new financial outlook. I am still on track sonwballing, building bef, etc. but it has been a few months now, and I am kinda bored.

I need to find a way to switch things up so that I don't feel deprived, or like my life is really monotone. I'm stuck for something to lok forward to (not that I don't REALLY look forward to telling the CC companies where to go once they are all paid off!)...I mean something a little more immediate!

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Couple things I am doing is looking at switching up my menu planning, taking on a new sewing project to keep busy and creative.

**Greebo** · 05-21-2010, 11:39 AM

Adjust your budget to allow yourself a little more latitude. Not a lot - just a little.

And fix that BEF before you do anymore snowballing!

**Russ** · 05-21-2010, 11:51 AM

under your avatar...

Location: I live in an eastern suburb of Toronto in Canada, near Lake Ontario and lots of park land.

Use the Park land! Go hiking! Biking, bird watching. I like the "get busy" attitude!

**krbshappy71** · 05-21-2010, 11:56 AM

Boredom and restlessness are hurtles for me as well. Do you have pets? I make myself spend extra time with my pets.

Is your house already clean? Closets too? I think I suggested this to someone else so at the risk of sounding repetitive: I like to take a notebook around my house, starting at front or back door, and jot down every single thing that annoys me about it.

example: my front closet door has a hole in it. Its been there forever, I almost don't see it anymore, but if I'm going to sell my house it really needs fixed. So its on the list. Little things too, like those marks on the wall on the way down the stairs...you get the idea.

Then when bored, if you want a big project you can tackle a big item, if you just want a little something to do before your favorite tv show comes on pick something simple like, "change basement light bulb".

Hope this helps!

**Greebo** · 05-21-2010, 11:58 AM

I remember what my mom used to tell me when I said I was bored.

"You can wash my car if you need something to do."

Everyone in this thread is welcome to come wash my car.

**Rhayne** · 05-21-2010, 12:08 PM

My grandfather always used to say "Only boring people get bored". But I think he just got annoyed at me in the summer when i whined about being bored.

I'll wash your car, Greebo..... If you pay me.

**Greebo** · 05-21-2010, 12:15 PM

Originally Posted by Rhayne

My grandfather always used to say "Only boring people get bored". But I think he just got annoyed at me in the summer when i whined about being bored.

I'll wash your car, Greebo..... If you pay me.

Soon as I get some of that "spiritual currency" that mek was talking about, I'll pay you with it.

**Rhayne** · 05-21-2010, 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by Greebo

Soon as I get some of that "spiritual currency" that mek was talking about, I'll pay you with it.

Maybe i'll just go wash my own car for free. lol

**frugalwarrior2** · 05-21-2010, 12:53 PM

I let the rain wash my car. You never said you were bored around my house or my parent FOUND you something to do. One day when I was trimming around our 15 backyard trees w/ dull shears, I realized NOT to say i was bored.
I suggest making a list of "someday" chores and looking at them when you need something to do. Do a few then treat yourself to something small and fun.

**mombottoo** · 05-21-2010, 12:59 PM

You could read a new book, go for a walk, if you want to change up your menu you could surf the recipe sites available on the net or start volunteering somewhere an hour or two a week.

When I'm looking for something to do other than clean, I read, do crossword puzzles, play farmville on facebook, weed my flowers (weather permitting), go to the flea market or farmer's market (weather permitting), go through the family picture albums (always brings a smile to my face) or call someone I haven't talked to in a while.

**mek42** · 05-21-2010, 01:05 PM

I'm budgeting for tool purchases to celebrate each time we get a card paid off. Going to be a couple weeks longer now for the next one, since I'm replenishing EF due to the old sewer drain clog.

**mateosbaby** · 05-21-2010, 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by krbshappy71

Boredom and restlessness are hurtles for me as well. Do you have pets? I make myself spend extra time with my pets.

Is your house already clean? Closets too? I think I suggested this to someone else so at the risk of sounding repetitive: I like to take a notebook around my house, starting at front or back door, and jot down every single thing that annoys me about it.

example: my front closet door has a hole in it. Its been there forever, I almost don't see it anymore, but if I'm going to sell my house it really needs fixed. So its on the list. Little things too, like those marks on the wall on the way down the stairs...you get the idea.

Then when bored, if you want a big project you can tackle a big item, if you just want a little something to do before your favorite tv show comes on pick something simple like, "change basement light bulb".

Hope this helps!

Oh, I like that idea! I will have to keep that in mind! Thanks!

**Grainlady** · 05-22-2010, 11:31 AM

A trip to the library and a pile of books that will give you new focus and insite on being frugal. Lots of HOW-TO books/DVDs available at the library.

-Learn a new skill (how to make bread).
-Get energy "smart" - The Home Energy Diet by Scheckel and other energy-saving books.
-Cookbooks... CHEAP. FAST. GOOD. by Beverly Mills & Alicia Ross

Do you have "walking-around" (spending/allowance) money in your budget? Even a $5 (plus tax) excursion to the Dollar Tree or Dollar Store once a month might be all the "cure" you need.

**daughter of pearl** · 05-22-2010, 07:37 PM

Okay, so my immeidate plan for the boredoms is to do some "on the cheap" decorating of my place...I have a few things lying around that could be repurposed into a new look for my house, so that will give me something to focus on.

Once, that's done, I'll be on my way to Baltimore with a bucket and a sponge!

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions!

And yes, Greebo, the BEF needs some work...I plan to put another $350 into it this month.

**frugal is fun** · 06-03-2010, 03:39 PM

Originally Posted by krbshappy71

Boredom and restlessness are hurtles for me as well. Do you have pets? I make myself spend extra time with my pets.

Is your house already clean? Closets too? I think I suggested this to someone else so at the risk of sounding repetitive: I like to take a notebook around my house, starting at front or back door, and jot down every single thing that annoys me about it.

example: my front closet door has a hole in it. Its been there forever, I almost don't see it anymore, but if I'm going to sell my house it really needs fixed. So its on the list. Little things too, like those marks on the wall on the way down the stairs...you get the idea.

Then when bored, if you want a big project you can tackle a big item, if you just want a little something to do before your favorite tv show comes on pick something simple like, "change basement light bulb".

Hope this helps!

I LOVE this idea! There are a ton of things around my house that I can't stand or just want to straighten up but of course never think of when I'm bored. Thanks!