Shopping as a Hobby

[ironmaiden]

I was at my sister's house. My kids were playing with their big cousin whose now home from college and auntie. My DD-3 literally pushed me out the door - she wants their attention and doesn't want to share them with me. So I left, figured I'd go wandering. Sad to say, I was thinking of going "shopping". I stopped to say high to my BIL and he without my saying anything suggested that I go to the beach (15 minutes from their house) - warm enough to walk around, not go in. I felt like an idiot that my first impulse was shopping. In the end, I spent the hour chatting with BIL outside. But it bummed me out that my idea of getting away from the kids for an hour was to go "browsing" in stores and I know I would have ended up with something bought. I need to go back to "thinking outside the box".

What are your thinking outside the box for something to do?

I should just leave some knitting in the car for whenever.

[MirandaK]

I try to keep a book in my car or purse all the time. That way if an unexpected wait come up I have something to do.

[Darlene]

I like to people or nature watch. Just sit and look at whats going on around me. I don't think your shopping idea was a bad one, you woulda been looking for a killer bargain... right?

[MOMMYDEAREST]

i always seem to find bargains...........so maybe your shopping trip wouldn't of been that bad...........huh? well at least you didn't spend any unnecesessary money $$$$$$$$$$$

[ewokgirl]

I'm one of those people who always has a book or the newspaper with her. If I didn't have that, then I'd probably find a bookstore to browse. But that's just me.

I used to love shopping, but that started to bore me a few years ago. I've gotten to where I just don't like to shop unless I'm looking for something specific. Well, except for antiques stores. I like to browse those places because I like to look at all the interesting stuff.

[Telephus44]

I hate to say it, but DH and I go to a mall to pass the evening a lot of times, too. We are usually pretty good about not buying things, but not always. We need alternative ideas, too!

[pkellyc]

I always have a book floating around. A walk on the beach sounds good to me. This time of year it would be great with a kite. But I am not much of a shopper. I agree with everyone else who say to go shopping for bargains if that's what you like to do. If you do read the library would be a good place to go. How about a dollar store, how much trouble could you get into there? A pencil and paper would be good to have around. Lists of all kinds to be had. I remember making out my entire Christmas list waiting for dd to get out of summer school one year. It was a long summer that year, sitting in a parking lot in 90 degree heat, every day, day after day. lol Sorry I couldn't help myself.

[Libby]

I dont think that 'thinking about going shopping' was necessarily a bad thought...afterall its something you've been telling yourself 'no'. Forbidden things come to mind first when there's free time to be spent. And if you do go, promise yourself to NOT buy anything no matter what....afterall you had made a promise with yourself that you could go to the mall to window shop ONLY if you bought nothing. Make it a little personal challenge/lesson.

Sometimes when its too hot out here I will walk the mall so it only costs me gas to and from the mall and a cup of coffee - none of the fancy stuff either but it gives you great ideas for gifts for upcoming events and holidays, home re-decorating/re-arranging ideas and its fun to people watch.

Always keep a pen/paper in your purse to jot down noteworthy things - who knew seeing a display of quilts could remind you to write a letter (or call) your grandmother or aunt? Or how this new book you see on the shelf is something that your best friend would like to read - makes you think of others and triggers you to communicate with them more.

Hmmmm....did that make sense? LOL Thats how I pass my hot days/nites here or whenever I need to destress from reality. Great way to pass time.