Saturday, February 23, 2008

big dilemma



There are three hobbies in my life that bring me great pleasure.



I love to read. Anything and everything.


I'm a relatively new knitting devotee. It's the most Zen thing in my entire life.


And it should come as no surprise that I like to blog. Far, far too much.

Does anyone see the problem here?



I do. You can only do one of them at a time. Now, that's a problem.


I have dueling addictions.


Surely it's a sad commentary on our society when we feel bad that we can't multi-task our hobbies. We spend our days juggling one task after another and then feel guilty doing just one thing at a time - even (or especially) in a moment of relaxation. As a reflection of the expectations we put on ourselves, I hate the idea of making myself feel bad that I'm doing one solitary thing.


But in practicality it's a real problem. The fact that some things can't be combined makes my life more difficult, or at the very least, less fun. And the fact that each of these hobbies can be combined with other things but not each other makes me crazy.


Take reading. It's the ultimate multi-purpose passion. I can read at the gym, on a plane, or at red lights if the book really has its hooks into me. I can knit while I'm gossiping with friends, watching TV or waiting at soccer practice or play rehearsal. I often read blogs while I'm watching TV with the kids because if you get distracted it isn't hard to get back on the train. It takes a little more concentration to write, of course, but I've learned to take what I can get and be grateful for it.


But you can't combine my top three. At all. Maybe some people can knit and type at the same time, but I barely manage them separately. Reading and blogging doesn't work in my world. And while I suppose some people technically could knit and read simultaneously, I'm not one of them. So I have to pick and choose between my vices, giving each a place of its own in my day.


I like to blog in the morning, coffee in hand. This isn't to say that I don't check in at other times during the day, loving comments the way I do. Knitting helps me to sleep, so it's usually what I do right before bed. I used to read myself to sleep but find that knitting clears my head better, especially when I've been at work. I read in bits and pieces all day long, whenever I can fit it in. If I have an afternoon at home alone I usually curl up with a book and a dog.


It's a balancing act, much like life, and sometimes it gets a little out of kilter.


Sometimes it's a real dilemma.

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As you can see Header #1 won by a landslide. (Hard to fault when even the person who created it preferred it!) Doesn't it look terrific?? Thanks, Carolyn!

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New installment of RC/RN on Monday. I hadn't realized it's been a month since the last one, so if you want to reread it go here for Part 1 and here for Part 2. Hopefully, I can wrap this up in one last go-round!

UPDATE: SORRY!! I totally forgot Fun Monday. RC/RN on Tuesday. Where is my brain??

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32 comments:

Rudee said...

I have the same passions and sort of the same type job. I knit on break. I knit a few rows then promise myself a reward--like reading or chocolate. Reading looks better on my behind than the sweets. Blogging is what is new for me and it is a huge time suck. Hope you haven't fallen down the ravelry.com black hole.....if not, you have been warned. Ruth

Altaglow said...

Great New look--I LOVE it.

I've found that life's choices don't usually fit our preconceived moulds. But, isn't it GREAT anyway?????

ped crossing said...

I feel your pain. I have more hobbies than three. So many are quite neglected.

If you figure out the magic answer, will you please share? I have the feeling it is an empty nest. But I am not nearly ready for that yet.

Anonymous said...

I love the new header and your overall new look. It looks great!!

I feel your pain, when it comes to the dilemma over hobbies/free time. I stuggle with this all the time. I love to read, but find I have not been reading as many books, since I started blogging. Every day I say, I will start reading more and blogging less, yet once I get on the computer and start commenting..forget it.

I guess it is all about what makes you happy. What gives you the most relaxing, enjoyable feeling, making the most our of your down time. For me, it varies day to day.

I for one, am so glad, you are still a regular blogger.

Good points.

XOXOX

Irene said...

RC, there is an award for you over at my place, come and get it.

Mya said...

I'm often getting the crochet hook tangled up in the seaweed whilst scuba diving - but I usually manage to make them work in combination.

Mya x

Aoj and The Lurchers said...

My mother can knit and read at the same time....always amazed me how she can do that!

MarmiteToasty said...

I love the new header......

I to love to knit, Ive knitted since I was 6, and even use to have me own designer knitwear that I use to flog around the craft fairs.... thats of course before I was dumped on the huge shitpile of life LOL.... being a single mum of 4 lads has been very hard, and me knitting was one of the first passions to go.... BUT.... 6 months ago I found me needles in the cupboard and as soon as I took them out that passion came flooding back.... its something for me, just me :)

I read constantly to, nuffin deep, just light stuff, novels, but I have been know to be reading, whilst standing cooking the evening meal lol me lads so laff, well, some books ya just cant put down....

And blobbing, I only wish I had more time to flit around everyones blob more often.... I know given the chance I would sit on me bum all day and read and comment and post lol....

Have a lovely Saturday..... its overcast and drizzling here this morning....

x

MarmiteToasty said...

Jebus, I do ramble on and on lol sorry....

x

the mother of this lot said...

Love the new header - glad I made the right choice for once!

I once worked with a woman who could knit, read and watch TV at the same time. Obviously, you have a long way to go.

Is that your new uniform in the picture? Have you started taking the dog to work and knitting in your breaks?

Beth said...

Great choice of headers. I'm loving it and now I want to change mine. It's just excellent.

I can read while stirring something, but have never learned how to use pointy sticks and yarn.

And blogging? I post so little because I spend so much time following other people's blogs and commenting. In fact, I may have to blog about that someday.

laurie said...

well, logistics aside (all three require the use of your hands), reading and blogging require the same part of your brain, too. the thoughtful, interior, reflective part.

besides, RC, multitasking at work is one thing--it's work. you have duties and responsibilities and certain things that must be accomplished within a certain time frame.

hobbies should never be pushed into that category. multitasking hobbies?? that's a dangerously american way of thinking. hobbies are for renewing us and relaxing and refreshing. once you start trying to multitask them you destroy the reason for doing them in the first place.

Irene said...

I love the new header and it's the one I voted for, so that is great!

I love to read and I love to blog, but I also don't do both simultaneously. Luckily, I am semi-retired, so I have more time on my hands than most of you and I really do get to choose what I get to do next. I do have that luxury.

I realize how lucky I am and wish I could all give you an hour of my extra time, but that would leave me short of some. I really need 24 hours in a day and night to do all the things I want to do, because there never is enough time, no matter how much you have of it. Therefor I sleep in such a funny schedule.

Akelamalu said...

I have the same problem - read or blog! I can knit and watche television at the same time but I don't knit any more.

Like everything else in life you just have to allocate time slots to the things you want/have to do.

Love the new header!

Kim said...

The header is cool. So cool. Carolyn rocks.

Relax. Pick the hobby you're in the mood for and do it. Girl, you've got to enjoy what you're doing and give yourself a break.

Anonymous said...

LOVE the header choice! :o)

Reading and blogging are my hobbies. Can't knit. Can't crochet... I have a brand new sewing machine and still can't sew... SIGH

Maggie May said...

Your header looks great! Glad I chose it! I am a compulsive reader and a knitter & blogging does take me away from these. I hate cooking & often do a crossword while I stir something & sometimes read while I cook. No wonder my stuff is hardly edible sometimes!
It is impossible for me to knit, read & blog at the same time but I can knit & watch TV!
Come on! It wouldn't have the same therapeutic effect if you could do all three together!

the rotten correspondent said...

Okay. I have to clarify. I don't want to be able to do all three of them at once. Honest. I totally see that that would take away all therapeutic benefit!

My complaint is having to choose which one to do at any given time. I hate having to choose!

Anonymous said...

I love the new look, and I'm looking forward to installment #3, perfect timing for my friend who is starting nursing school
March 10th.

Jo Beaufoix said...

I am with you on the dueling hobbies. It's so hard, I tend to read in bed, even if I blog till 2am.
But at least you have 3 things you really enjoy. :D

Maybe you could knit a blog, then write a book about it???

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

I've had some small success crocheting while -reading- blogs, but yes, there's a bit of a problem when you like working with your hands, isn't there?

Luuuurve the new header, by the way!

Sandy said...

Books on tape, anyone? Knit and listen, knit and listen.

Just joking. I love the feel of books, the smell of books, the bookiness of books.

I have no solution for you, just a lot of empathy!

Great new look!

LCM said...

I feel your brain pain. My mind doesn't work properly unless I read most of a good novel every day. I am behind in my reading and it bums me out! And yet, I read more than most normal 10 people read in a week. But I managed to knock out five books in the last few days, so I am on a more even keel. But, I have sorely neglected my Sunday church lesson....and that's tomorrow!

Diana said...

You could always go read a knitting blog...

aims said...

I can knit and read at the same time - drives people crazy I know..but it does cover two of my favorite things....
The blogging takes up a lot more time than I thought it would - especially when there are just so many good ones to read..

I've wondered often how you manage to do all that you do...now I can see that you definitely are superwoman!

Stacie said...

Dilemas like this are the best...how to best please myself right now? I am glad you've figured out a way to enjoy all of your loves.

I taught myself to knit last year. I am working on blankets for the boys. It is far from relaxing though!

Attie said...

My grandma when with us still used to knitt and read at the same time!! she had one of those big ole square old sof chairs that everyone always fought for...she'd lay her book on the arm and knitt away..we loved turning pages for her!!

Gone Back South said...

Nope, you got me there. I can't blog and run and sleep at the same time either. But look on the bright side ... at least more hours in the day are dedicated to doing your top 3 activities separately ... if you could do them all at once you'd spend less time doing them!

Nearlydawn said...

I sort-of combined reading and painting. I found recently that painting is so detailed that sometimes find I don't have the patience for it. Funny, huh?

However, if I listen to books on tape while I paint, I've found that I can get so wrapped up in a story that I don't think of anything in the real world at all, and I can go for hours on end without noticing.

If a story is really, really good I sometimes keep painting just to have an excuse to keep listening!

At first, I felt like I was cheating by not reading for myself. But now, I feel like I've seen a movie if the writing and the reader are really in tune.

I'm into getting books on tape from the library these days. They have a huge selection in the county I'm in. Who knew?

Potty Mummy said...

You hit the nail on the head, RC. Why do we feel guilty for doing only one thing at a time? I certainly do. For example, right now I'm commenting, am on holiday, and am working out at what time I can reasonably have my first vin chaud...

Life's a bxtch sometimes, isn't it?

Madam Crunchypants said...

I'm with you - I have a hard time managing my hobbies, and I don't even knit.

Corey~living and loving said...

I have much of the same hobbies....and yes...it is hard. life is too short for all the good things.

love the new header.