Proud Parents
If you’re like our family in Hudson, Wisconsin, you have had much more time at home over the last year. We have tried to be creative in filling our time, so that we don’t simply binge-watch Netflix. I didn’t realize how much I missed watching my kids at sports, going out and teaching in-person essential oil classes until we watched our son, Danny and the Rhinestone Raiders perform this week. Rhinestone Raiders is an adaptive cheer squad comprised of special students and volunteers. They practice a dance routine together and typically perform at a few high school sporting events. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, they were only able to perform for parents this year. It was an amazing performance, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching them and interacting with the other parents! I am craving connection!!
Hobbies During Quarantine
Puzzling
While I pray we get back to a more normal socialization soon, we have discovered some new hobbies that we really are enjoying. One is puzzling. I have never really been one to enjoy puzzles; however, after completing a few I find them relaxing and challenging at the same time. My husband and I have completed 4 or 5 1000 piece puzzles, and I think this is a hobby we will keep. The puzzle we are currently working on is quite challenging!
Summer Angel Painting
Art has never been a strength or even an interest of mine, but I decided it would be good for me to try it. I ordered a “paint at home” kit from a local artist in Hudson. She offers 3 designs per month. You pick up a kit from her porch that includes a canvas with your picture traced, paints, brushes and then you get a You Tube Video via email that you watch while you paint. I like this because I can pause it, or rewatch any portions that seemed confusing. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised at how mine turned out. I painted a “Summer Angel”, and plan to order another kit this month. My husband thought it looked fun while I was painting, and wants to join me on the next one.
I played the flute in high school, and have always wanted to learn another instrument. I tried guitar a couple of years ago, and it just wasn’t a good fit. We purchased an inexpensive keyboard, and I have been teaching myself how to play from some beginner books. It’s fun to challenge myself, and I find I enjoy it (when I find the time to sit down and play). My favorite is the beginner Christmas Carols, and I hope to have a few in my repertoire by Christmas 2021.
At-home Boot Camp
In March of 2020, we found ourselves watching a lot of t.v., eating way too much, and drinking too much alcohol. We decided that needed to stop, and started planning out healthy meals. The hobbies at night were also helpful in this department. I REALLY missed my workouts at the YMCA. I made up some bootcamp games at home, and Danny and I started doing them 4–5 mornings/week. Candyland, Chutes & Ladders and the Matching Game were a few of our favorites. I still miss the socialization at the Y, but at least it got us moving again. Once the weather improved, we also started daily walks. Getting out of the house everyday was good for our mental health!
Essential Oils For This Uncertain Time
Essential oils have also been a huge help during this stressful time. The uncertainty, and the at-home learning with a special needs child have been taxing, to say the least. A few of my favorites have been Adaptiv Calming Blend (helps to calm feelings of stress), Forgive Renewing Blend (helps to eliminate negative thoughts), and Motivate Encouraging Blend (helps motivate me to get things done).
If you have any hobbies or suggestions for keeping busy and calm during this uncertain time, I would love it if you share them in the comments. Praying for a healthy, and more normal 2021 for us all!