Friday Five – Hobbies

Ok Moms and Dads, this one is for you. What are your 5 favorite things to do that aren’t homeschooling or parenting related?

We’re not only parents, but we are people too. We have our own interests, our own life experiences, and things that are important to us. Our hobbies and outside interests define who we are.

What 5 things do you enjoy doing for yourself?

My five:

1) Writing – Although I write about homeschooling often, I also write about other topics, such as spirituality, politics, games, and pretty much anything that comes to mind. In addition to my nonfiction, I write fiction. Short stories mostly. I have 2.5 novels sitting on my computer (which I did through NaNo), and I have a lot of story ideas. People interest me. Stories are basically about people and what they do.

2) That brings me to the second thing which is – Reading – I read nonfiction most of the time, but I also read fiction. I mostly enjoy pop psych, spirituality, sociology, speculative sci fi, chick lit, young adult fiction, and pretty much anything that grabs my attention with a good title or a good first page. I read 1-2 books a week on average. Last week I read Eat, Pray, Love and You Don’t Have to be Wrong for Me to Be Right. The week before that I read Seducing the Boys Club. Oh, I also love reading magazines.

3) Running/biking – I run for fitness, but also because I enjoy spending time alone, thinking, and connecting with my inner strength. Running puts me in a state of peace and acceptance. I used to run a lot more when I was kid-less. I ran a couple 5ks and trained regularly. Now, I’m lucky to get 1-2 runs in a week. I would, some day, like to train for, and run a marathon. I also like biking off and on. I used to be a swimmer when I was younger. Maybe one day I will do a tri.

4) Spirituality/Meditation – I like to meditate, but I don’t make time very often to sit. Instead, I am an opportunist meditater. When I’m in a long line, driving in traffic, doing chores, or laying in bed before I get up in the morning, for example, I use that time to meditate, breathe, and be mindful of the moment. In addition to practicing the Zen Buddhist approach to meditation, I find the study of religion and spirituality to be invigorating and endlessly interesting. Both of these things are about people, and our interpretation of our existence in this universe together. How can that ever get boring?

5) Video games – I don’t play them as much as I used to, because I have been making a focussed effort to get my career started. But, I have a DS (right now, I’m playing mahjong) and I play World of Warcraft casually (and yes, my hubby coerced me to start up a warlock, even though I swore I wouldn’t go back. What can I do? My hubby’s cute, and hard to resist). I play video games not only as a pass time, but also as a way to connect with my hubby and kids now, if you can believe that.

Ok, your turn! Who are you? Who is hiding behind that homeschooling persona? Also if you have a blog, and want to share, take this opportunity for us to get to know you better at your blog.