WWYD? "Me Time" in the New Year
GrayGhost13
member
One of my goals for the new year is to get in a little more "me time." I adore spending time with my family, but I realized that the only place I go without DH and DS is work and the only people I ever socialize with are my family. I'd like to maintain a little more of a life of my own this year, and DH (who has a hobby he does a couple times a month) is on board with that.
So I'm trying to decide what I should do to get out there more. Some options I've considered:
Dog Training Class: A dog training club in the area has once-a-week class that is an introduction to competitive obedience training. We've taken several different classes with Dixie in the past, which she's loved, but this would be the first activity where we might have an opportunity to compete if she gets good at it. Pros: This one would be great for Dixie, and I enjoy training her. Cons: I'd need to keep up with practicing during the week. Also, this club tends to be a bit of an older crowd and mostly childfree by choice or empty nesters, so it may not have as much potential to meet new friends who have a similar lifestyle.
Dancing or Cardio Class: There's a new belly dancing studio in my neighborhood that sounds fun. Or there's also a Zumba studio next to my office, and I'm sure there's some other classes around here too. Pros: Sounds like fun. Cons: Not really any practical purpose to going other than to have fun. Not sure if it's something I'd continue with long-term.
Running Club: I already run several times a week, but I could potentially join a club for a group run once or twice a week. Pros: Probably would be a good way to socialize, and I'd be working on something I already want to do. Also, the cheapest option. Cons: Wouldn't be anything "new" and since DH is trying to get back into running may end up being a "family" activity more than "me" time.
What say you, ladies? Which would be the best thing to sign up for in January?
Re: WWYD? "Me Time" in the New Year
My 2nd vote would be a running club since you already enjoy that and it's also a good place to meet new friends.
That's awesome that you want to put yourself out there. I'm pretty shy and have always had the same friends. I would be way to shy and awkward to go try something new.
I used to do a belly dancing class and it was really fun. I say you should do belly dance and zumba because dancing only one day a week is just not enough
How did you find out about the dog training club? Now you've sparked my interest!
I vote dog training. I really wanted to do agility training with ours back before we had kids. I also think dogs and kids are great ice breakers, it's so easy to talk to other people in those situations.
Once you feel more comfortable and you get a good routine going with the training maybe you can switch out one day for the running club instead (I know at least one around here only meets 1 day per week). Do them each every other week.
I would love a night off but bedtime with 2 is hard still and often takes both of us, once it gets easier I am going to suggest we each get an activity night though.
Good resolution!
Thanks for the input, everyone!
@Cheekers - Would going to Zumba once a week be worth it or will I be lost all the time? I feel like I've heard somewhere that it's harder if you don't know the choreography for the class?
@dee - I can't remember how I initially found this club. It was either google or I think I may have found them through AKC's website. When we first adopted Dixie, we took a beginner's obedience class, then a Canine Good Citizen class. We took a break when we had DS, then we went to a different school and took a trick training class and a treiball workshop, which were both fun. And we've tried dock diving a few times. I guess I just need to pick something and actually stick with it. You can definitely do obedience or other dog sports with a toy-sized dog. Actually, you see a lot of little dogs competing in obedience and rally, and I've even seen a yorkie do dock diving, which was the funniest thing ever!
@chickaboo - Pottery sounds fun and relaxing! That's a great idea.
I like Emo's vote for both and switch them off. I agree that dogs and kids can be great ice-breakers - I think i'd find it easier to strike up a conversation with at the dog class than I would to just start talking to someone at an exercise class.
BFP #2 5/27/12. EDD 2/1/13. m/c and D&C 6/21/12.
I think you would be fine as long as you take the same class every week. I go 5 times a week but 4 different instructors. For example, I have Candice only once a week every Wednesday. But, since I see her at the same time very week, she tends to repeat choreography from the last week. It works out!
I LOVE Zumba! I took it until I tore all the ligaments in my knee (not during Zumba, getting out of my car!) and got a BFP in the same week. My doctor forbid me to go back until after baby and only if my knee is healed by then (it seems to be.) I would go for the Zumba. It's sooo much fun and generally the classes are packed, so a great chance at new friends. Plus you can participate at your level and it's great exercise.
Running Club hands down, and not because I'm biased.
You can take the dog on shorter runs so she gets exercise too, and you're more likely to meet people your own age with your interests. I've been going to exercise classes for 10 years and never made conversation with anyone other than the instructor. Not that I went there to talk, but running is so much more social IMO.
It w was probably more due to her knee injury. I did zumba until I was about 25 weeks, then had to stop because I kept feeling like I was going to pee my pants.
Zumba gets my vote of your choices, but you could also look into a class in photography, art, cooking, etc. if you have a local community college near you.
Ah, yes, if you are talking about me, it's because I torn all the ligaments in my knee. I was in a brace for about six months and have recently not needed it. I hope it stays well healed so I can go back after baby is born!!