WFMW: Learning Something New

This year I decided that, since the kids are in school all day and I can only eat so many bon-bons, I would sign up for a few classes and learn something new. I can't tell you how much I have loved this.

As moms we sometimes give up part of ourselves as we focus on our children. Instead of Steinbeck we're reading dePaola and Seuss. Instead of writing that book we always wanted to write, we're writing notes to teachers. We don't begrudge our families any of these things and we do them willingly. For me, though, I sometimes had my eye on the day both children would be in school and I could start to find myself again. I never really left, but there were parts that were put on hold. These days I have a little more time to pursue some new interests and I'm taking advantage of that time.

In January I signed up for knitting classes. I have taken six weeks of knitting so far and I am completely hooked (no pun intended). In fact, I did not have anything to knit this weekend and I almost thought I'd go a little nutty. Learning a new hobby, leaving the house with purpose to meet with other women, and enjoying a little time for me is doing wonders for my outlook.

Here are the few projects I've completed: a scarf and a hat. I've also knitted a purse, but I'm in the process of lining it; I'll show you when I'm done.

 

Learning something new and taking time for myself. That's what's working for me this week. Don't forget to head over to Shannon's and see what's working for everyone else.

Comments

[Babystepper]

This has been something I said I would do from the moment my son was born. (Not knit, learn something new; although knitting would be fun.) After college it seems like everything comes to a screaming halt in the brain department if you're a SAHM.

[green3]

Ummm....yeah. If I didn't have this software gig hogging up all my time, I'd totally be doing that.

[momrn2]

WOW! Good for you! I'm hoping for some of that kind of time... soon!

I'm so happy you have this time!

[Jill]

I have often thought about taking up knitting, but I am the queen of starting a craft and never finishing it, so I'm afraid I'd just end up with a big bag of yarn laying around collecting dust.

As follow up to my comment from yesterday, my grocery store was those Mini Squares Bagelbread on sale 2 for $5... offer still stands if you want me to send you some (they also have plain and everything, in addition to the whole wheat). And, I'd be curious what you think about the FDA guidelines for young kids I blogged about today: http://coocooblog.blogspot.com/2007/02/would-you-trust-government-to-tell-you.html

[Kelly]

Taking classes next year when the kids hit all day school seems like a much better idea than going back to work next year like my husband suggested. Yeah, much better!

[Shalee]

Oh goody! Another reason to come to visit you. Now you can teach me sewing AND knitting!

And what a great way to spend your time. We should never stop learning...

[Sonia]

I learned to knit last January, as with all the time I spend in my car running my 4 kids to lessons and whatnot, I wanted a hobby I could take anywhere. I'm now on the verge of needing a 12-step program for knitters.
All the females on my Christmas list got felted bags this year and my kids teachers got scarves in our school colors.
It is such a fun and relaxing hobby, even my kids think it's cool, especially when I make something for them! Congrats on your new addiction!

[Terra]

Wow. Good for you. I actually am still struggling with this. How do we do for ourself when the kids are in school all day, after all we did was for them? LOL.
Again, good for you. I do knit, but I live in Texas. What's there to knit for in Texas? LOL.

[Katrina]

Great post, Chili. I'm knee-deep in diapers and formula these days, but I agree whole-heartedly that regularly taking the time to learn something new, to improve ourselves is a fantastic idea.

[Christine]

Hmmm, when I can zip up my boots again I will need to borrow these for my outfit.

[Marcia]

THis is so true. As women, we do need to keep a part of ourselves alive, and learning.

Well done - and I can't wait to see that bag.

[Rocks in my Dryer]

I am impressed beyond words. Those are gorgeous. I want to see them in person--bring them to lunch tomorrow, if you think of it!

Now, hurry up and become an knitting expert so you can teach me without my having to pay for lessons! ;)

[dcrmom]

Now wait just a cotton-picking minute. (Is that even PC to say that these days!?) But a girl can NEVER eat too many bon-bons. Love the scarf by the way.

Oh, and can I come to lunch tomorrow? Sounds like fun!

[Kilikina]

I wish I could do that now, a new hobby. I don't have a hobby. Bloging, doing things online,emailing, reading and being with baby. That's it

[Mommy, the Human Napkin]

Okay, that scarf looks beautiful! I want one! How much? LOL

[Yvonne]

Have you visited the Lion Brand web site? They have wonderful FREE patterns!