Good morning, good afternoon, good evening!! Thank you for stopping by for May’s edition of Where Bloggers Live. This month finds us discussing ways to battle boredom. But, me thinks, in order to do that, one would have to first be bored. And I can honestly say LIFE keeps boredom at bay around here.
You remember these gals, right?
Bettye at Fashion Schlub
Daenel at Living Outside the Stacks
Em at Dust and Doghair
Iris at Iris’ Original Ramblings
Jodie at Jodie’s Touch of Style
Sally at Within a World of My Own
Leslie at Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After
Hope you will join me stopping by to read how they battle boredom, too.
Where Bloggers Live
The ideas for this colorful series originated with our adventurous leader, Bettye, at Fashion Schlub. She describes this series as being kind of like HGTV’s “Celebrities at Home,” but…with bloggers! Every month, Bettye provides the six WBL bloggers with a prompt that invites us to share our work and living spaces, homes, hometowns, thoughts, and memories. Our industrious Bettye has put together the list of prompts for WBL that would see us through 2025!! I had stepped away from this series and all blogging for the first quarter of the year but for now, I am back. You can find last month’s Where Bloggers Live post, here. Hoping LIFE will allow me to join up again more regularly.
This series, and group of great gals, are one of the reasons I keep hanging on with blogging. Where Bloggers Live posts really are enjoyable for me to contemplate and write.
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Please find the places and posts where I link-up on this page.
Where Bloggers Live 05.2024
Bettye challenged us to write about battling boredom this month. But the challenge for me was trying to remember back to a time when I was bored and then how I battled it. I can honestly say I haven’t whined that I was “bored” since seventh grade!! And then the quick fix was to read a book, slap on my roller skates or grab my bike and head down to the park. Those would all be grand options if I were ever to be bored now that I am 66-years-old. Well, maybe not the roller skates, haven’t skated in more than 10 years. And my bike has a perpetual flat…all over El Paso we have these stickers called ‘goats’ heads’ that can puncture a tire flatter than flat, in 2 seconds flat. We fix my bike and it is flat again with the next bike ride. But books…books are always a great option any time.
What’s Boredom?
As much as I long for a routine, to have 2 days in a week, heck in a month, that look basically the same, in retirement that goal has eluded me. With a to-do list that looks as intimidating as mine, no wonder I don’t have time to be bored.
Granted, most of these to-dos are simple and self-inflicted. I write down just about everything on my weekly to-do list except breathe and go to the bathroom. There’s a place where I indicate what time I plan to ‘stop working’ as this is really a daily planner and not weekly, as I use it. But even the time I plan to stop working varies. Although, we are both usually in bed by 9:45 pm and asleep shortly after 10:00 pm.
To-dos
Otherwise I write just about everything else on there. Some of my to-dos for this week:
- Weekly chores: laundry, fold and put away, change sheets, iron; empty dishwasher, clean stove, vacuum, mop, dust, water plants
- Kitties: feed, water, clean litter box
- Meals: pork chops last night; Subway sammies tonight; WW chicken and dumplings tomorrow
- Big goals (spring cleaning, seasonal decorating): clean upstairs guest bedroom – blinds, windows, ceiling fan, baseboards, carpet, linens, dust and vacuum, purge; put away Easter/spring decorations and get out summer.
- Exercise: Supernatural 4x a week; abs and arms 3x; weights 3x; 1-1-1-row (a mile each on treadmill, bike, elliptical, and row for ten minutes); walk in nature 2x (hike, walk to do a kitty drop-in visit); use my neck rest
- Errands: haircut (although Brennyn told me not to get one); eyebrows threaded; home mani/pedi; library; baby bathtub to Goodwill; return phone case to Amazon through Whole Foods; pick out clothes for Poshmark; pick up Walmart order
- Attend funeral with PC
So, there’s always all of that or some version similar to do daily, weekly. Most of it self-inflicted as there’s no master standing over me with a whip to be sure I get it all done. I do covet the checkmark I put beside each completed task. Makes me feel accomplished and useful. Like I am earning my keep as my mother would say. But when I’ve earned that coveted checkmark on all of those kinds of things, or when I am just sick of all work and no play making Leslie a dull girl, I switch modes from to-do to to-play.
To-Plays
My t0-play list is about as long as my to-do list every week. Some weeks I get to play more than others but I am trying hard to make Wednesdays an all-day play day. Although, I am writing some of this on a Wednesday and still have laundry to fold and put away that should have happened on Monday. And ironing to do that should have happened yesterday but I was chasing after 5th graders for a sub job. And the garage door is broken again – LIFE. Which means I am coordinating everything today around the repairman’s visit.
If I were ever to be bored for a second or two, these are all the things I LOVE to do, love to-play at, that would relieve my boredom immediately.
- Scrapbooking – my sister and I try to Facetime and scrapbook at least once a week. I always have some kind of on-going project laid out on my craft table in the loft. Right now I am scrapping pictures of a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico PC and I took with Lauren and fam in 12.2022.
- Crafting – in the last few years, probably beginning during the pandemic, Valerie and I began participating in some online crafting challenges or workshops. We have done painting projects with Tracy at Tracy Weinzapfel Studios and Christie at The Social Easel. And collage projects – my faves – with Jennifer at The Maker Beehive. Really wanting to make these adorable collage beach houses with Jennifer (and my sister) this summer for my beachy guest room. Then there’s that cross-stitch elephant I have been working on for several years…very, very slowly. Oh, and photography. I very much enjoy taking pictures of our beautiful world and my beautiful grandbabies.
And…
- Reading – I do most of my reading in bed at night, but now and then I allow myself to curl up with my book during the day. Almost always have an Audible book I am listening to and enjoy those while I multitask at something else. Listen to them in the car, on walks, while working out, sometimes while scrapbooking or crafting. And I always have at least 2 books going at one time any more. One on my Kindle (bedtime reading) and one Audible. Right now it is The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan (Kindle) and my book club’s May title, Funny Story by Emily Henry (Audible). I love hosting my online book club which keeps me busy posing questions, sharing quotes for our monthly reads. And selecting books and conducting voting for the group’s consideration each month. If you would like to join our no pressure club, please let me know. It’s Come Read with Me on Facebook. Recently, I have begun reading bedtime stories to my grandbabies on my YouTube channel. I have gotten a bit rusty at reading aloud but like doing it and hope to brush up on my skills.
- Journaling – Journaling? Did someone say journaling?? I have journaled most of my life in some form or fashion. In this season, I am doing less journaling but more writing in the form of scribbling down individual memories for my daughters. This is my current journal, but I last wrote in it on 04.08.2024. I also use the prayer journal for quiet time and the gratitude journal before I go nightie-nights.
- Writing – This year, I implemented Writing Wednesdays and labeled each hUmP dAy as such in my calendar for the entire year. I haven’t written every Wednesday but I have made a real effort to write every week. And in April, I participated in Camp NaNoWriMo, a 30 day writing challenge which I successfully completed!! Started and finished writing a memory about our move from Panama to El Paso, Texas in 1988. Maybe someday I will share it here.
Then there’s…
- Bible journaling – Wish I did this more consistently but there aren’t always enough hours in the day. Most recently, I tried using a napkin to illustrate a Bible page but with less than stellar results. Found this YouTube video on Bible journaling for beginners. I think I will try again using some of these techniques. But you know who else Bible journals with delightful results? Amy at Amy’s Creative Pursuits, just check out this lovely work.
- Blogging – Yes, even blogging is one of my playing activities. But it is a lot of work and very time-consuming, too. Which might explain why I tend to bow out of blogging when LIFE gets too crazy. Through blogging, I have made a number of very sweet virtual friends. The blogging community into which I have been fortunate to ‘land’ is supportive and kind. Blogging, learning HTML, the ins and outs of WordPress, widgets, and plug-ins has been good for my brain.
- Hiking – PC and I used to be quite the hikers. Our hikes were never extravagant adventures that required fully equipped backpacks with all the things. But we made our own walking sticks, and for PC’s birthday this year, I purchased some real walking sticks from Academy that we took for their maiden trek last weekend. It was glorious. Hope to get back into more regular hiking again this year.
- Brain food – Everyday I try to feed my noggin with puzzles or games like Wordle and Connections and the Mini all available through the NY Times online. Usually over coffee and breakfast. But on days when I work, I might not get to them until lunch or dinner. We have started working jigsaw puzzles, too. Having one out on the table provides a great activity to do when I don’t have anything else going on (not sure when that would be!!).
Family
We are a very close family. I think if you and I have been pals for any length of time, you have probably picked up on that. Already this morning I have Facetimed with Brennyn and Lauren, talked to Paul’s mom and gotten her Walmart grocery order on the way, texted with my BFF Sharon, confirmed plans on FB Messenger to scrapbook with my sister Valerie later and it is only 8:30 am. The girls, their families and PC and I are planning a beach trip to South Padre in July and are making all the plans. We had a trip together in January to Santa Fe, New Mexico. I volunteer at the book fair at Lucia’s school, or to help out on Wellness Wednesday and chaperone field trips for both girls. We went to Cami’s gymnastics performance last Sunday. I text with Cady on the daily. Play with Declan on Facetime. Then PC and I have date nights, writing group, church, ball games together. Every single day there is a connection with family.
And if all else fails…
If I have done all of the above and am somehow still twiddling my thumbs, with time on my hands, I…
EAT!
When all else fails, I eat…I am an emotional eater so if I am nervous or anxious or stressed, I grab a spoon of peanut butter (chunky, please), a handful of nuts, a Hershey’s kiss.
WOTY
You might remember my word of the year (WOTY) for 2024 is lighten. When I selected that word I was hoping to purge some things in our home, which I have not really done yet. Purge some clothes to lighten up my closet, which I have done twice. Lighten up as in my weight, not focusing strictly on losing a number of pounds but getting in better shape. And just have a generally ‘lighter’ outlook on life. I am not always successful at being more carefree but allowing time to do the things I love most every week has helped me to feel lighter and less stressed. And has prohibited any chance of
BOREDOM.
Your Turn
So, tell me true, are YOU ever bored? If so, how do you alleviate boredom? If not, how do you keep from being bored? Do we have any play activities in common? Would love to know.
My sweet friends, thank you for spending a few minutes of your day here with me. Hope you will visit the blogs of my Where Bloggers Live buddies. I will be catching up with them this weekend. And speaking of weekend, make it a fun one!! TGIF. We are baseballing and hopefully, swimming, going to church and probably the outlet mall. How ’bout you?
Hugs and kisses,
I love to see your crafty habits!!
Your lists are quite extensive and amazing. But I totally understand about the check mark!
We do connections every morning and the last couple have been harder than usual for us. In fact we failed today!!
And I’m still having issues with the wordle!
Xoxo
Jodie
I have so many of the same boredom busters as you do and yet I rarely have any time to be bored either. In fact I think I might like to be bored just to have some downtime once in a great while.
I KNOW you have a dozen irons in the fire every day with your children at home. Appreciate all that you do for them and with them, and then in your precious free moments, too. You are my reading muse!! Wish I could read more. And love your cards. So creative.
You are indeed a busy woman, Leslie. I can relate to the to-do list that includes almost everything. I do the same thing. I love the satisfaction of the check mark indicating an item has been completed. As far as what I do to relieve boredom, I love reading and working on jigsaw puzzles. Those are my go-to boredom busters. I also eat when I’m bored or when I am avoiding doing something else, so I have to be ever mindful of that.
I am always in the cabinet fishing out a handful of cashews and peanuts between projects. Glad I am not the only gal who eats when she is bored. We have begun doing jigsaw puzzles but I have put them away for summer. Looking forward to enjoying those again when the weather chills.
Wow Leslie – you certainly know how to do things well! I’m also someone who never gets bored. My life is probably quite low key compared to others who are working or super busy. I love quiet days that flow from one thing to the next, and I’m surprised that I’ve never found the days long or lacked for something to fill my time with. Retirement has proven to be an absolute joy and the days fill themselves with what I want to do – rather than fitting that in around a job. This is such a lovely time of life isn’t it? And who has time to be bored???
I am finally finding retirement a joy, too. While I still sub and do kitty drop-in visits for extra money, I adore being home (always have) and like you said, just flowing from one thing to the next. Yesterday, I soooo enjoyed listening to an audible book while plucking magnolia leaves from my garden. I am typing as fast as I can on 2 blog posts that need to be published today so I can get back out there today.
Absolutely, who has time to be bored. You are an inspiration.
Boredom? Not usually. Need to disconnect sometimes. Yes. I am on the local school board which takes time, mental energy and balancing those relationships which can be a lot. Just this week after 2 full dedicated days to board buisness, I had a do nothing free day except a long lunch and good conversation with two of my daughters. Long ago we called those mental health days. In full retirement, I find I still need those.
High five on the need to disconnect. My phone blew into the pool – crazy winds in El Paso – and I was out of commission for about 4 days. I grumbled about it but it was actually quite refreshing.
Have always wondered about running for our school board. Maybe I will follow your good lead and do that!! Aren’t those do nothing days delicious? I used to allow my daughters and even myself an occasional ‘skip’ day when they were in high school and I was still working. We all need to play and rest now and then.
Thank you for commenting. Off to visit your blog.
I have always admired people who journal. I have tried, I really have, but I just don’t feel like I have anything to say. Maybe, that’s why I’m so wordy on my blog! I love that your entire family vacations together. That would be a dream come true for me.
You know, I used to think I made long lists, but you, my love, have beat me! Lists are made to be checked off, right? There really is something so satisfying about checking off or drawing through something on a list. Do you suppose it’s the educator in us?
Have a wonderful Mother’s Day, my friend!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Hey doll!! So concerned for you and Nigel. Please keep us posted on his health issues. You are precious.
Oh, how I love to check something off my list. Blogging takes so much time that it cuts into getting other things done
but I am glad to be back.
I love your blog posts. Always learn something. Always interesting. They are your form of journaling. Keep up the good work.
Leslie, a long time ago someone wise told me that ‘only boring people get bored.’ You, dear lady, are not boring. And, you certainly have your priorities in order. Blessings.
What a precious message!! Thank you so much for this kind comment. I am certainly never bored. Tired and sleepy, but not bored!!
I’m not quite as organized as you are with your activities and I sure don’t have the energy these days that you do – but I like all your ideas.
Iris
Thank you, dear one. I think you are probably as organized or more so. We are kind of peas in a pod.
Amazing list of activities you do and enjoy! I admire your energy.
Thank you, sweet friend. Not enough hours in the day!!
Sometimes I wish I were bored! Not enough hours in the day for that.
I forgot about those stickers! We would go through so many basketballs because of them. I don’t miss that at all!
I love the idea of bible journaling! Thanks for sharing!
Thank YOU for reading. Guess who made sourdough bread, girl?? Oh, yeah!! ME ME ME!! It was delish. Now to try your lemon/blueberry recipe.
I bought my sister a journaling Bible and much prefer the one I gave her to my own. Some of the pictures in mine are not particularly pretty. Boo. But I am hoping to branch out and doodle my own images.
Hi, Leslie! I’m the same as you…NO TIME to be bored! I share in common with you so many of the activities you listed: Chores, regular exercise, running errands, reading, blogging. I have NOT been journaling, but I really feel like I SHOULD be doing that! Both my husband and I play the two online games you mentioned (Wordle and Connections), as well as Worldle, Globle, Nerdle, Birdle, Blossom, Quordle, Octordle, and Strands! I cherish family time, too, but I don’t connect every day. I admire that about you, and I should use it as an inspiration for myself! Gardening and canning also keeps me busy for a good chunk of the year. And when we can fit it in, we love to go kayaking and bicycling. Today we adopted a rescue dog, so now I also will be busy with her: training, walking, and playing! I think the day needs more hours in it in order to do all the things I want to do! Great post!
Loved hearing from you. I think we would be best buds if we just lived in the same part of Texas. We do have much in common. I am reading Believing God on your suggestion. Thank you. And I am attempting to grow herbs in some small raised beds, thanks to your influence and Big Eagle’s when you shared your first gardening attempts on your blog. We have not tried kayaking but hope to float down the river in New Braunfels later this summer. Heaven!!
Whoa! Your list is quite extensive. I like how you have everything broken down by day. Even with my digital planner, I’m not that organized.
I love that you have such a varied range of activities you like to do – it means there is always something to keep boredom away! Your to-do list making leaves me in awe. I am a bit of a list person but not a LIST PERSON, if you know what I mean 🙂
I do know what you mean about being a list/not list person. Just wait til you are 66 years old and more forgetful. Your list making may become more developed and important!! Thank you for the kind words!!
There you are! I always pop in too early and forget you’re in a different time zone than me (not to mention that it doesn’t matter what time zone I’m in, because I rarely finish my posts on time anyway.
BUT YOU!!! This is, to me, the right way to do things. Priorities, responsibility, accountability! My to-play and to-do too often gets juxtaposed by my lack of personal responsibility/accountablity…(mixed with a little selfishness, tbh). Mr has given up being outwardly frustrated by my bad habits… But you cover it all, and then some, in a very honorable and enviable manner.
I have actually been writing down a lot of my to-dos as well as the to-plays lately. I know myself well enough to know I’ll never cover the amount of ground you do…or be the homemaker you are…but I am VERY inspired by your post today and am hoping it will encourage me to up my game in a better way,
Hope you know that the people in your world are very blessed to have you!
You are so precious. The gals in this group are all so precious. I am glad you are writing things down these days. I cannot remember my own name much less when PC is having his colonoscopy and it doesn’t help that the doctor keeps changing the date. Someone put a dental appointment in my calendar for tomorrow so I called the dentist to confirm the time and I am not scheduled to go til July and PC after that!! Who in the world??? And an event was on my calendar yesterday for a mammogram and bone density test that I did not have an appointment for. Oy vey!! I don’t need a phantom calendar keeper messes up my works.
You are so dear. Thank you for the kind words. I think of all you do – so much – for your family and around your beautiful home and I am just blown away. No wonder you are beginning to write things down. You have so much on your plate!!
Looks like plenty to keep you entertained.
I do!! Need to pop in to visit you. Just not enough hours in my days.
Leslie, you are one amazing lady! You LITERALLY have it *all* going on!!! I don’t know how you do it, and all with such a positive outlook.
I’m back on all the NYT word games, too, as well as Words with Friends. I first got addicted during covid “work from home,” but when life returned to normal(ish), they got dropped…but now I do them all again every day. My favorite is Spelling Bee, but I also do the mini crossword (I do the real one on Mondays, but they get progressively harder as the week goes on and it’s too much for me), and Wordle.
You’ve been more in touch with members of your family today that I’ve been in about the past 5 years!!!
Yeah, my wish for you is that you HAVE a little boredom sometime, as a respite from all that you do!
xoxo Bettye
I love you. So glad to be back with the group. You always warm my heart and make me smile.
Try Connections on NYTimes. They really make me think. And even then I am not always successful.
Thank you for the kind words and for saying YES when I asked to join this group so many moons ago. XO
I had to chuckle over this one, because I have not known boredom since I started working at 15!! Ha, ha! And even tho I have 2 teens, they still keep me very busy! I love hiking and wish I could do more of that. Blogging does take so much darn time!!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com