Passages

[macski]

Interesting thread.

Competitive ballroom dancing and medal competitions. Enjoyed it when I did it but wouldnt go back. My SO keeps suggesting that one day we should go back to some classes (he's a beginner) and I would like that but for now it doesn't work because he does shift work.

Beading - it was a short-lived hobby.

Bushwalking (I think in the US you would call it hiking) and camping - now my idea of camping out is staying at the Hilton.

But I still enjoy kayaking and want to do even more cycling. I'd also like to still keep up the downhill skiing although do more cross country and snow shoeing here in Australia.

[Pax]

I've been thinking about this and have realized the one thing I've given up that I truly miss is kayaking. Think I need to remedy that.

[spokewench]

We've (hubby and I) been doing this for a while - evolving our lives. I think they call it "Aging Well".

Things change but passion for life remains!

For the most part, I put the bikes away about 4-5 years ago, took up tennis instead. Hubby, put the bikes away to a smaller extent, but no racing, no training, no pressure to ride about 5 years ago. He took up his old youth time past time, motorcyles and bought a road motor and a dirt motor.

I bought a real cheap scooter to see if I liked it and then bought a bit more powerful one so that I can ride to work, run errands, etc.

I still garden (hope I never have to give this one up). It connects me with the natural world so I don't want to give it up.

I have always tried to donate time and effort to community; but those passions have evolved as well. First I was on the bicycle advisory committee for the city; second I donated a bunch of time to captain bike teams, lead women's weekly rides, help with a bicycle club in town on the board, putting on races, etc.; third I was on the parks & rec committee for the city. I moved off the bike teams, out of the bike world, off the parks & rec committee, finally in the last month off the bike advisory committee. I started tennis, got involved in organizing play time with the ladies in town; captained league tennis teams. Now, I'm on the USTA district tennis board, went to help work the adult tennis sectionals in our section this weekend, am taking on a new job as district league coordinator for competitive tennis.

So, yes, we evolve and move our interests, but our passion remains!

[rubysoho]

*Competitive horseback riding. Which for now means all horseback riding. I can't start up without feeling that "itch" and since I currently don't have time/energy to do what I want to do I only frustrate myself.

*Quilting - another one where I just don't have the time.

*Art - time again. Though I still pick up materials and have completed two pencil drawings this year. I wish I could get back to working with glass but I need some serious kiln space and pottery kiln people don't share with glass kiln people (some of the material in the kiln process for glass can shatter the pottery/porceline).

The swap for not participating in the above has allowed me to explore the local hiking scene as well as cycling and running. All of which I am enjoying.

[goldfinch]

I've been thinking about this and have realized the one thing I've given up that I truly miss is kayaking. Think I need to remedy that.

Pax, I live in a motorhome and I like to kayak. I got an inflatable kayak that I can store in the bins. This is no toy, it is tough and works well on rivers and small lakes. It is vulnerable to wind, otherwise I like it a lot. The one I got is made by SeaEagle. http://www.seaeagle.com/SportKayaks.aspx?hullID=SE370

[Pax]

Pax, I live in a motorhome and I like to kayak. I got an inflatable kayak that I can store in the bins. This is no toy, it is tough and works well on rivers and small lakes. It is vulnerable to wind, otherwise I like it a lot. The one I got is made by SeaEagle. http://www.seaeagle.com/SportKayaks.aspx?hullID=SE370

Thanks for the link goldfinch! If we end up RVing I would definitely consider one of those.

[goldfinch]

Thanks for the link goldfinch! If we end up RVing I would definitely consider one of those.

If you get it get the Pro package. The seats are substantially better. Plus, they make nice beach chairs.

[Miranda]

We're planning to put our house up for sale in the Spring so we've been lightening the load. Every time we take a bag of donations to Goodwill/Salvation Army/Habitat it feels so freeing. I've loved my "stuff" but it sure feels better to have less of it.

BTW, both motorcycles sold yesterday!!!

+1 to that...

I've been going thru the process of decluttering also.

I read this guy's book (excellent), and continue to read his blog also... http://brooks-palmer.blogspot.com/

[Pax]

+1 to that...

I've been going thru the process of decluttering also.

I read this guy's book (excellent), and continue to read his blog also... http://brooks-palmer.blogspot.com/

It's been an interesting journey, I am so NOT a packrat but my SO is. She realizes she's got too much stuff now so she's getting ruthless with the cleaning out, it's fun to watch.

We've also pulled old junk out of jewelry boxes and sent it off to a buddy of mine (a retired chemical engineer) who buys gold and silver... so far we've gotten $1600 back!!

[limewave]

Speaking of Goodwill . . .

Garage Sales DONE! Over it! Way too much hassle. I can drop everything off at Goodwill then write it off my taxes for more than I would ever be able to sell it for in my driveway.

Driving Okay, I still drive. Many moons ago I moved to the outskirts of the city where I work. I learned that everything was at least a 20 minute drive. I moved back "home." At the time, I had a 50 minute commute each way, but once I was home I never had to get in my car again. Of course, now I work from home. And we live less than a mile from the schools, daycare, post office, grocery store, bank, etc. THIS IS THE LIFE.

Drawing Hard to believe I was an art major. I used to LOVE drawing. It was my life. Now there is no time at all. I've picked up sketch pads and charcoals over the years in hopes of rekindling this hobby . . . but my passion is just not there anymore.

Hotels DONE! I much prefer my RV. Even after staying at some of the nicest hotels, I long for my RV, my own bed, my kitchen, my shower, my couch . . . Nothing like having Lake Michigan out your front door and the woods for a backyard.

[limewave]

We've also pulled old junk out of jewelry boxes and sent it off to a buddy of mine (a retired chemical engineer) who buys gold and silver... so far we've gotten $1600 back!!

I've been contemplating this. Before my grandmother passed, she gave me her wedding ring. But it was an older style, quite dated. And so she insisted (I didn't ask) that it be reset in a new band. I have this stunning ruby and diamond ring now. I LOVE IT. However, I have this giant gold band leftover. I have been contemplating selling it. DH thinks I should hang on to it--it was my grandmother's afterall. But why? There are no stones in it? I just imagine it sitting in my jewelry box until I pass.

[Pax]

I've been contemplating this. Before my grandmother passed, she gave me her wedding ring. But it was an older style, quite dated. And so she insisted (I didn't ask) that it be reset in a new band. I have this stunning ruby and diamond ring now. I LOVE IT. However, I have this giant gold band leftover. I have been contemplating selling it. DH thinks I should hang on to it--it was my grandmother's afterall. But why? There are no stones in it? I just imagine it sitting in my jewelry box until I pass.

That's where we were, neither of us even wears jewelry but we had a bunch of the stuff we'd been given as gifts over the years. My class ring hadn't been on my finger in 30 years, and I had a gold watch that belonged to some relative (I have no idea who so there's no emotional attachment). Now that money is in our escape fund for our next move.

[limewave]

I just went through my jewelry box and found my charm bracelet from 1991. the charms: Golf bag, Tennis, Trumpet, Skis, and Bicycle.

Hmmm, the only thing I still do is cycling!

[GLC1968]

See, my problem is that I still love doing all of my previous hobbies and of course I've added many more. While my time is limited, I just can't say 'done' about any of it because I do love it all.

OK, here's two:
Snowboarding? Done. I never liked it *that* much anyway.
Rugby? Done. I'm too old - I just don't heal quick enough anymore.

The rest? I still want to do these things even though which ones get priority does shift from year to year...

Beading
Biking
Triathlons
Farming
Gardening
Travel
Kayaking
Skiing
Hiking
Camping
Tennis (hardly ever do this, but I love it when I do!)
Running
Baking
Canning/Dehydrating/etc
Ice skating
Photography
Reading

There are lots of things I've tried and decided that I didn't much like pretty early on (like golf) and other things that I don't want to try because I don't want to add another potentially time-consuming and expensive hobby (motorcycles) to my life.

I do have a 1972 Super Beetle in our garage in need of TLC (I bought it as a project car and never worked on it) that I really should let go. I just don't see how I'll ever have time to work on it (even though I may love doing it).

[Pax]

Rugby? Done. I'm too old - I just don't heal quick enough anymore.

Amen sister! I got invited to the Old Girls game (where the old gals play the current college team), they asked me to play!!!! I laughed really hard, smiled and said "since I have to be able to walk tomorrow I'll pass, but thanks".