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Post by cahwoo on Aug 22, 2014 13:57:28 GMT
Ever since I was a kid I've never looked forward to enjoy a weekend. We never did anything special my mother never wanted people over and never wanted to go anywhere. Of course as I look back now I know it was because we didn't have any money to go anywhere. Now as a senior adult I still don't like weekends. I have no family to do anything with and no money to go do anything. I know I'm just whining and feeling sorry for myself but at least it's something I can do.
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Post by gar on Aug 22, 2014 14:01:21 GMT
Aww, that's shame! Can you not plan a little treat for yourself even if it's a trip to the library, some chocolates, rent a dvd, a walk in the park and an ice cream. Often there's more free entertainment available, free museums and so on, that is commonly known about - can you research anything like that?
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Post by krc11 on Aug 22, 2014 14:13:06 GMT
I think it's time to make some plans so you have something to look forward to. You don't necessarily have to spend money to do something fun. Do you have friends that you can plan something with? I know it's hard if the friends all have family and are busy. If that's the case, maybe try to put yourself out there to make friends. Book club, walker's group, free museum or city events? Have you tried Meet-Up? There may be a group centered around something you are interested in. It's a great way to do something and maybe meet some people that you can become friends or at least a buddy to go to an event.
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gloryjoy
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,332
Jun 26, 2014 12:35:32 GMT
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Post by gloryjoy on Aug 22, 2014 14:15:06 GMT
Aww, that's shame! Can you not plan a little treat for yourself even if it's a trip to the library, some chocolates, rent a dvd, a walk in the park and an ice cream. Often there's more free entertainment available, free museums and so on, that is commonly known about - can you research anything like that? I agree. Try to plan something for yourself. Doesn't have to be anything big and exciting but something to look forward to, something you don't do every weekday. It will get you out of the house and into the freshair.
Can you take an inexpensive class at your recreation center?
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Post by krc11 on Aug 22, 2014 14:15:38 GMT
And for the record, it isn't just you without a lot of plans. I have family and some in town. We rarely get together and it's not for me not trying. Friends are busy too. It seems that anything anyone wants to do is go out to eat or have a barbq. If you are on a budget (or trying to lose weight), you decline a lot of those activities. And I still work so I look forward to the weekends because I don't have to go to work!
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Post by *christine* on Aug 22, 2014 14:16:18 GMT
I don't like to do anything, so I relish a weekend when I can just stay home, read, nap, watch tv. Not work!
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Post by Scrapbrat on Aug 22, 2014 14:21:09 GMT
I read one time that one of the great joys in life is having something to look forward to. I totally agree with that. There are some good suggestions on here for planning low cost things to do.
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Post by anonrefugee on Aug 22, 2014 14:30:21 GMT
I'm guessing you're still working, otherwise a weekend isn't as noticeable. Can you make a small plan with a work acquaintance to meet for coffee or go to a free event?
The main museums in our city can be pricey, but small private sales galleries with nice shows that are free.
What about city sponsored festivals and fairs in your area? When I check our state tourism site I'm surprised how many we have.
There are things I do now as preventatives for later life. I mean this kindly, looking for small ways to celebrate weekends might give you something to look forward to later.
This might sound strange, just thought of it. But if you aren't a church goer or believer, you could still visit various churches in your community. Make it a research project, and compare what you find. Our church offers more than just religious training. There are business training classes, outreach projects, fitness classes. People from other faiths are welcome to attend those and costs are minimal if any. And they do, no pressure to join.
Sorry this got long. It hits home in a way. My old routine was shattered last year and I'm in process of finding something new. It's harder than I expected, but I'm doing it now so I won't feel lost with empty nest later.
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Post by anonrefugee on Aug 22, 2014 14:33:52 GMT
Thought of something else. Might sound funky to others. I'm shy-ish about reaching out and making friends. Now I tell myself, "it's just one coffee" if I ask an acquaintance to do something. It's a little like dating, you don't have to marry the guy, only visit for 35 minutes.
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Post by annabella on Aug 22, 2014 14:36:11 GMT
You could go to the park and have a picnic and read a book. You could sign up for an adopt a grandparent program. You could volunteer somewhere. Join a free aqua aerobics class at a public pool.
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Post by femalebusiness on Aug 22, 2014 14:40:59 GMT
Isn't it funny how things from our childhood affect us even in in our senior years? I still can't stand lights on in the house during the day because for some strange reason it reminds me of when I was home from school, sick, as a kid.
Weekends come around too often to dread them. I dread Christmas but that only happens once a year, weekends pop up every few days.
Do you have a senior center in your town? Maybe go hang out there even if it doesn't sound like fun at first. Just make yourself go check it out. If I didn't have my hubby here to entertain me, that is the first place that I would go. The other option is to volunteer for the weekend shift at an animal shelter or a nursing home.
Good luck finding something to look forward too.
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tracylynn
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,899
Jun 26, 2014 22:49:09 GMT
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Post by tracylynn on Aug 22, 2014 14:46:22 GMT
Honestly, I prefer to do nothing on weekends but stay at home, sleep in, get some TV time or crafting in. My weeks are busy with work and stuff, so I definitely look forward to weekends. Long weekends are even better - I'm taking 4 days for Labor Day weekend - can't wait!
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Post by kristalina on Aug 22, 2014 14:47:49 GMT
You could start a Meet-up for single seniors who want to explore - whatever your interest is - hiking, beach combing, gardening, painting, birdwatching, history.
You could go to garage sales, and pick up cute vintage stuff and open an Etsy shop to resell them. That way, you keep busy and make money!
I don't know if you were really looking for suggestions but there are tons of free things out there. If there's a senior center near you, they will also have scheduled events.
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Post by Goldynn on Aug 22, 2014 14:50:35 GMT
I agree that you need to PLAN something, the fun us in having something to look forward to. Do you like to read? Plan to have a read-a-thon, complete with a cozy chair, blanket, favorite beverage, fuzzy socks - whatever. Pick the time, log how many pages you read and write/talk/blog about it. Do you like to watch movies or tv? Make an event out of it: pick what you'll watch and when and set the area up for fun and comfort. Do you have a subject you'd love to research online, such as travel, decorating, book blogs, etc? Plan a specific time to do so and tackle it with zest and enthusiasm and create a folder or take notes on what you find. Just plan something you know you'd enjoy, it doesn't matter what.
I think you were conditioned to not appreciate the weekends. Maybe you can change that a little bit with some small steps. Good luck - and TGIF!!!!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 10, 2024 10:20:00 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 22, 2014 14:54:53 GMT
There are some great suggestions above.
Personally, I look forward to the weekend because I don't have to go to work. I usually try and do my housework on Friday after work so I can wake to a nice clean house on Saturday morning freeing up my entire weekend to do nothing but fun things like scrapbook or go window shopping, or perhaps a stroll through my local farmers market. Sometimes it's a visit to see my grandkids or I will have them over. It the weather is not too hot I will go putter out in my flower garden or go for a nice long leisurely walk which ends up with a couple of idle chats with some of the neighbors in my sub-division.
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Post by BeckyTech on Aug 22, 2014 14:55:26 GMT
We didn't have a lot growing up either, but my mom would pack a picnic and off we would go - to the park, the mountains, whatever. We explored a ton of the sights the mountains had to offer that were within a days' drive.
She would also scour the paper (the days before the Internet) for low cost or free events.
Nowadays there are local websites that tell you what low cost and free events there are going on in your area. You get notice of the free museum and zoo days as well as a ton of other events going on. Google [your city name] free events and see what pops up.
Now it's up to you to get out there and start doing!
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Post by kelly316 on Aug 22, 2014 14:57:24 GMT
It isn't just you, I've dreaded weekends and holidays. I like routine and feel like my plans are not exciting enough. I spend most of my weekend doing what others want to do. If I lived closer, I would hang out with you!
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wellway
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,026
Jun 25, 2014 20:50:09 GMT
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Post by wellway on Aug 22, 2014 15:03:56 GMT
Do you have any hobbies or interests? The weekend is the perfect time to indulge your passions.
Learn a new skill, volunteer, research local or family history, pick a country and learn about it. Read a book, hire a film, take a walk in a new area, pea more! Meet a friend for coffee - baby steps - later you can extend an invite for brunch.
There are lots of things to do that need time thrown at them rather than money.
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Post by gmcwife1 on Aug 22, 2014 19:25:06 GMT
I'm sorry, I get it, I don't enjoy going to the park. Never did it as kids and I just don't get it. Well the park or the beach There have been some really great suggestions, so I hope you can find a way to make your weekends more enjoyable!
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scrapaddie
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,090
Jul 8, 2014 20:17:31 GMT
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Post by scrapaddie on Aug 22, 2014 20:14:44 GMT
I enjoy thrift shopping..... Very cheap, I talk to complete strangers and occasionally find a gem.
Bike riding
Hiking/ walking
Phitography
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Post by alibama on Aug 22, 2014 20:18:47 GMT
I am at the point where I just one day of the weekend to be at home so I can do nothing but what I want. Watch TV, crochet, scrapbook, read. It seems like everything is so busy I just want that little bit of time.
One idea for you how about volunteering at a rescue for pets?
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Post by librarylady on Aug 22, 2014 20:29:36 GMT
Lot of good ideas thrown out ==pick one and do it. Surely you have 1 GF that you could plan a "come over for coffee" or "Let's go ___"
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georgiapea
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,846
Jun 27, 2014 18:02:10 GMT
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Post by georgiapea on Aug 22, 2014 20:37:21 GMT
While I often waste my weekends, they are when I catch up on the laundry and that's sure not very exciting. I'm guessing you are the only person living in your home, so there's no one built-in to do things with. Is there no Senior Center in your town? They often offer classes and you might meet other women there to hang around with.
I liked the suggestion of making a round of the churches as a research project. That could really be fun and I would write up my findings each week.
Do you still scrapbook? Attend a crop or find a place where open time is available. You will meet other women there.
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back to *pea*ality
Pearl Clutcher
Not my circus, not my monkeys ~refugee pea #59
Posts: 3,149
Jun 25, 2014 19:51:11 GMT
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Post by back to *pea*ality on Aug 22, 2014 20:43:51 GMT
If you like animals volunteer at an animal shelter. I guarantee that you will receive lots of love and kisses and meet some very nice people. You will look forward to weekends and so will your new friends.
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finaledition
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,896
Jun 26, 2014 0:30:34 GMT
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Post by finaledition on Aug 22, 2014 21:00:10 GMT
Make running lists---really varied lists: upcoming festivals, local sites to see, helping others, pampering yourself, social activities, books/movies/tv shows to marathon indulge in, projects around the house, etc...keep adding to it when you think of ideas or read about ideas. Sometimes I get a AAA magazine and each time it has a write up about a local place that I had never visited. Also take a look at Living Social or Groupon for unique places to go or places to indulge yourself.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 10, 2024 10:20:00 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 22, 2014 21:14:06 GMT
Ever since I was a kid I've never looked forward to enjoy a weekend. We never did anything special my mother never wanted people over and never wanted to go anywhere. Of course as I look back now I know it was because we didn't have any money to go anywhere. Now as a senior adult I still don't like weekends. I have no family to do anything with and no money to go do anything. I know I'm just whining and feeling sorry for myself but at least it's something I can do. I look forward to week ends simply for the change of pace from the week; not that I plan anything truly special most week ends. I'm happy to not have to get up for work at a certain time and be at work. Maybe you don't need week end plans but week day plans? Something that makes a difference between the week and week end?
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msliz
Drama Llama
The Procrastinator
Posts: 6,419
Jun 26, 2014 21:32:34 GMT
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Post by msliz on Aug 22, 2014 21:29:08 GMT
The thing for me is, if it's not on my calendar, it's not happening for me. There are plenty of free and cheap things to do, as others have suggested, but you have to put them on your calendar so they become plans and not just ideas. Put things on your calendar, and invite someone to join you. Make your plans "official."
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raindancer
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,095
Jun 26, 2014 20:10:29 GMT
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Post by raindancer on Aug 22, 2014 21:32:46 GMT
Ever since I was a kid I've never looked forward to enjoy a weekend. We never did anything special my mother never wanted people over and never wanted to go anywhere. Of course as I look back now I know it was because we didn't have any money to go anywhere. Now as a senior adult I still don't like weekends. I have no family to do anything with and no money to go do anything. I know I'm just whining and feeling sorry for myself but at least it's something I can do. I used to have to entertain 10 children for a 5 hour minimum outing every saturday and every sunday per the state when I worked at a group home. Guess how much money we got for each day for 12 people (kids plus two staff)? $20. There are a million free activities you can do around town if you try to find them. Festivals, parades, entertainment, etc. You might really be surprised at all the things that take place for free on the weekends in your community! Check your paper, online sites, quirky newsletters and free papers you can find at circle K or whatever, your local news sites online (ours has a community events section). Look for meet up groups that do things like play frisbee, or take easy hikes, or play board games, or cards or something else you enjoy.
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Post by mztfied on Aug 22, 2014 22:42:31 GMT
Senior adult pea here living on a fixed income. Weekends for me are filled with things I can do for free. Fridays nights are free concerts in our city park. I take my supper and a lawn chair. Cost $0.
Saturday afternoon I often go to the local mall food court. I take along a tablet and book. I am a snail mail letter writer and love to read. I often simply watch people. I get a coffee at Mc Donalds. Cost $1.09. Sometimes I bring a sandwich and piece of fruit.
Sunday is church or just Sunday school. Afterwards I do my weekly run by Sprouts to get my veggies. Go home and prepare for the coming week. Cost varies depending on what I buy but usually not over $5 as that is what my budget allows.
I listen to lovely music out in my "garden" which consists of a bench in the shade of a tree.
When it is really hot I am often found at the library where I let them pay for the AC. During summer there are numerous activities that are free.
I have found that I have to be creative and proactive. I love my home but I do get terribly lonesome at times. I don't work so have lots of time on my hands. On the other hand I also don't have much in the way of extra money to spend on what I consider luxuries.
Look at your city website to see if there are free activities going on.
Wednesdays I meet two other senior ladies for coffee at Mc donalds. We can sit and chat up a storm and cost is just another $1.09.
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Post by doesitmatter on Aug 22, 2014 22:43:06 GMT
In lean times I have done these things to entertain my kids: Church activities and services, Parks, Walks, Bike rides , washing the car or their bikes as water play, swimming, crafts, cooking together like baking and decorating sugar cookies or individual pizzas, free community movies and concerts in the park.... so much of what I've done with my kids didn't take money because we didn't have any. Many of these are things you could do on tourism or with a friend or neighbor. If you are at all interested, I would highly recommend church - great place to meet people and often lots of activities and events Oh and the library! Free and lots of movies, books, music and other free activities.
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