How to pass the time???

OK, today has been a long day with nothing to do. How do I pass the time so that it goes faster and next week gets here soon... I have my bag completely packed. I have cleaned the house and even painted. I have more painting to do, but it puts a big strain on my knees (had ACL repair on both), so I don't want to paint more this weekend. I have done my shopping for things that I need. and I have even finished sewing the Christmas gifts that I had planned to sew. I keep checking the boards wanting to see others posting so I have something to post back to... uuuggghhh..... I am so board, plus I can't eat and real food, only my specified liquids.... Anyway, I have no plans or things to keep me busy this weekend... WHAT DO I DO????? I am board with my POGO games too. I am getting restless. I took a nap today, that helped, but I can only sleep so much... LOL... PLEASE HELP ME PASS THE TIME!!!! I thought it would fly and it does when I am busy, but for 3 days I have nothing to do.. HELP!!!! Shawn M.

Shawn are you able to walk much? This would so help you to get your body strong for post op recovery. Where are you in s.e. michigan? You could walk with us sunday if you want, or even meet with us after we walk and sit down and talk. I know you have a lot of things going on in your mind, and maybe getting together with a few of us would help to ease the fears. I'd love to meet ya. Hugs Linda

I am pretty far from you.... I actually got together last Friday with the Chelsea group and got a lot off my mind and questions answered. The only problem I have with walking on the weekend is my kids will want to go with me, and with my knees, I can't keep up with them... LOL.... I have a gem membership but it does not start until 3 weeks post-op... grrrrrrrr.... Now I wish I would have started it sooner, it would have given me something to do.... even if it was just swimming... ::::sigh:::: OH well, thanks for the tips.... Shawn M.

Hey Shawn, This weekend I have: homework, housecleaning, catch-up work for my office job, my second cleaning job, grocery shopping, a church puppet performance, and just the usual craziness with my boys. Want to take over some of it for me? Just kidding....I can imagine how restless you feel. You should take some "before" pictures of yourself and keep them so you can do a comparison. Also, maybe write in a journal so you can compare how you feel now to how you feel a few months after surgery. And of course, there is always walking.....that will take up some time. Maybe go to the library and check out some low cal cookbooks so when you are ready to eat regular food you'll know what kinds of things you might want. Good Luck...I hope the time flies this weekend. Brenda

Great ideas brenda.... except... already doing/done. I have actaully bought 3 cookbooks, 2 of which are actaully weighloss surgery cookbooks. Been doing the journal thing and I have done pictures.... Want help on your end???? LOL.... Most people think that with six kids I am always busy, but I am not... they are pretty good kids and do many things on their own... Hubby should be home soon, maybe we can rent some movies this weekend... That's a thought... Shawn M.

OK, you have 6 kids, are all packed, have your house cleaned (and painted)....if you have this much energy now, you're going to be like the Energizer Bunny after surgery!

I hate to laugh, but you sound like ME waitiing for my abdominoplasty!!!!!!!!!!! Ok, I'm not laughing but I DO understand. As YOUR angel, it is my responsibility though not necessary to provide you with a list of things to do to keep you busy and how you can occupy your time. So take heed and write this down and just do IT!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!! 1. STOP LOOKING AT THE TIME. SERIOUSLY. this makes time move slower. 2. HAND WRITE LETTERS TO LOVED ONES, FRIENDS AND FAMILY. NOTHING satisfies the receiver like a HAND written letter. Send several!!! 3. Make a craft. Find something you've always wanted to do. Decoupage. Or perhaps get out some paper, watercolors and doodle. Then, when you've finished a couple little paintings, matt and frame them AND THEN YOU HAVE HOME MADE CHRISTMAS GIFTS THAT YOUR FRIENDS WILL TRULY LOVE!!!!!!!!! 4. CRAYONS AND A COLORING BOOK!!!!!!!!!! HEY, IT WORKED FOR ME!! 5. REORGANIZE YOUR SHOES. AND CLEAN EACH ONE, BY HAND. 6. SIT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LIVING ROOM FLOOR. PUT ON YOUR FAVORITE CD AND LISTEN TO IT FROM BEGINNING TO END. AND, SINGING IS REQUIRED!!! 7. GO TO A CLOTHING STORE AND BROWSE FOR OUTFITS THAT YOU CAN'T WAIT TO FIT IN TO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 8. MAKE SOMETHING FOR YOUR FAMILY. I MEAN MAKE SOMETHING. FOR EACH PERSON IN YOUR FAMILY, MAKE THEM A NECKLACE USING BEADS AND THEIR NAME. CHOOSE A DAY OF THE WEEK, AND EACH FAMILY MEMBER HAS TO WEAR IT TO THE DINNER TABLE OR THEY DO THE DISHES THAT WEEK!!! 9. KEEP YOUR MIND BUSY. IT'S HARD. BUT, IT PASSES THE TIME. SO, START A JOURNAL ON YOUR PROFILE ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH or............. OPEN UP A WORD DOCUMENT AND WRITE A STORY ABOUT WHERE YOU WERE 10 YEARS AGO, HOW YOU GOT TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW AND WHAT YOUR PLANS ARE FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS. YOU'D BE AMAZED AT HOW FUN AND TIME CONSUMING THAT CAN BE!!!!!!!! AND LAST: CALL PEOPLE. CALL SOMEONE EVERY DAY. AT LEAST 1 PERSON. AND TALK FOR AT LEAST 15 MINUTES. ABOUT TOPICS THAT YOU HAVE NOT TALKED ABOUT IN AT LEAST 1 MONTH. COMMIT TO KEEPING YOUR MIND BUSY AND THE TIME WILL FLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY. GOOD LUCK MY HON, AND DO THIS! Stacey

WOW!!!!! Thank you so much Stacey.... I have done some of this, but some others sound good. I have also decided to organize my cd's and dvd's and make labels for those that need them. I like your idea about working on crafts... I will have to have my hubby go to our storage unit and pull my craft stuff out again... he is gonna hate me... LOL.... I need stuff to do though.... Thanks again so much.... you put alot of time into that list and I promise I will do as much of it as I can..... You are the best Angel ever.... I am so glad to have you... ((((((((( Stacey )))))))))) Shawn M.

Geez, Stacey, you could have just sent her over here to dust and vacuum and hem my drapes.... If you have holiday gifts, shop now, even without buying. You won't feel like braving the crowds later, and you'll know what to order.. Treat yourself to a movie or two, not DVDs, but going to the theater. Sort your closet from biggest to smallest Bras, too. But do most of your stuff out and about, you won't feel like that for awhile after surgery. Best wishes to you, we'll be polishing a spot on the loser's bench for you.

I did the clothes thing a few weeks ago and most of my Christmas gifts are handmade and already done... I have to come up with some more I guess. LOL.... I usually don't brave the crowds around christmas... I do most my shopping online, when I don't have it done ahead of time..... A movie sounds good.... Maybe Monday night hubby and I can go out.... Thanks so much! I appreciate the ideas. Shawn M.