Hobbies...looking for a new one. What are yours?

kloana

PinkLipgloss wrote: »

I'm studying Japanese (online for free) and am looking into doing an online (distance learning) childrens illustration course.

I am currently living in Japan so it is not a totally random hobby!

OP - perhaps study a language related to places you like to visit on holiday? There are LOTS of free online websites and resources.

Ah, will have a look. I speak (very) basic elements of a handful of languages, and could possibly look into the idea of taking one further.

onlyroz

Have you tried *properly* exploring the great outdoors? I.e. get yourself some proper walking boots and either head out on your own or join a walking club? Other not-too-strenuous outdoor activities include birdwatching, orienteering etc.

Welshwoofs

As I get older I acquire more hobbies I think. At the moment my outside work activities include being a registered hedgehog carer, tying knots (everything from door mats to lanyards, survival gear, self-defence, kids' bracelets etc), foraging and making home-made chutneys, pickles etc.

Next year I'm planning to take up archery and do a course to make my own longbow.

kloana

onlyroz wrote: »

Have you tried *properly* exploring the great outdoors?

Not really, I must confess. Shame, because I live in an area (north west England) where I could relatively easily access places of natural beauty. The idea of booting up and going for a hike has never really occurred to me, though there's no reason why I wouldn't enjoy it

PasturesNew

I've never had hobbies, as recognised by other people. Many hobbies involve buying stuff that's expensive, then having room to store it - and local access to being able to share/enjoy the hobby. e.g. I'm interested in taking up kayaking, but that's seasonal and I'll be needing to buy some clothes I don't currently own (not sure what, but a wetsuit would be a start).

I've got a bike and am a fairweather cyclist (VERY fairweather) - and am now in an area where I could go cycling, except it's winter/dark/cold

I started various forms of learning to make jewellery, then got stuck as it needed equipment/space/investment that I didn't have - but I will shortly be moving to a little place that will have enough space to pursue this at last.

I like food - and am interested in looking at photos of it - but as it's only ever "just me" and often with inadequate facilities, the actual bit where you make food hasn't ever happened. Not sure I'm really interested in cooking, or just looking at the pretty pictures of food.

My main "hobby" for the past 2 years has been: sitting on my 4rse, swanning around the Internet.

ognum

If you define hobby as an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main job then you certainly do already have hobbies if you read and have an interest in politics, there is nothing than says a hobby has to be all consuming.

Have you considered some for of volunteering, maybe joining an evening class to work on your artistic skills. I love to read, cook and garden, all of those could be called chores but to me they are hobbies. I also volunteer for a bereavement charity, no one could describe that as fun but it is of interest to me.

The world is in fact your oyster.

kloana

Welshwoofs wrote: »

As I get older I acquire more hobbies I think. At the moment my outside work activities include being a registered hedgehog carer, tying knots (everything from door mats to lanyards, survival gear, self-defence, kids' bracelets etc), foraging and making home-made chutneys, pickles etc.

Next year I'm planning to take up archery and do a course to make my own longbow.

Went to college with a chap who was seriously into knots. It being all he wanted to talk about, I used to try to avoid him. He was a serious bore back then, but looking back, I now envy him and his passion!

kloana

ognum wrote: »

If you define hobby as an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main job then you certainly do already have hobbies if you read and have an interest in politics, there is nothing than says a hobby has to be all consuming.

Very true. However, I think a lot of my 'hobby envy' stems from the fact that my partner has a very consuming hobby - that I'm not interested in - to which he devotes large amounts of his free time. As a result, he's often out doing his thing, while I twiddle my thumbs at home. Don't get me wrong, I like my space (love it!), but wish I had something for which I could match his enthusiasm. Something that's mine.

Have you considered some for of volunteering, maybe joining an evening class to work on your artistic skills. I love to read, cook and garden, all of those could be called chores but to me they are hobbies. I also volunteer for a bereavement charity, no one could describe that as fun but it is of interest to me.

A spot of light 'urban' gardening does appeal. Am moving into an old terraced house with a tiny flagged garden, but have already decided that I will look into what I can grow, prune, etc. in pots and trays.

kloana

PasturesNew wrote: »

I like food - and am interested in looking at photos of it - but as it's only ever "just me" and often with inadequate facilities, the actual bit where you make food hasn't ever happened. Not sure I'm really interested in cooking, or just looking at the pretty pictures of food.

Well, there's a barmy hobby! More power to you

torbrex

Have you ever thought about researching your family tree?

I 'lost' about 10 years of my life doing this, it can be as expensive or as cheap as you want it to be and it really is never-ending as for every answer that you get, there will be at least 2 more questions.