STORM2K

Lots of emotion running on these boards and in our lives these days.

An economy that's waiting for good news, a war that finds us anxious about checking the morning news, and health problems that seem to show up more often during challenging times.

Just curious what you personally do to give yourself a break from the rigors of a difficult world that seems so heavy to carry.

Do you listen to music, take a walk, grab that fishin' pole, cook a favorite family meal, read a good book, seek out online friendship, or make a long overdue call?

In my case, I try to focus on a couple of projects that need to get done, take a walk when time allows, and make a plan or two that give something to look forward to. Good conversation, whether online or any other way, is also a big help.

Quality time with family is a must, too.

How about you?

I find that I look forward to times when I'm absolutely alone in the apartment; no one's needs to meet, no "refereeing", no pre-emption of his-her-their TV imperative to something I may have wanted to watch.

I may spend this precious time inspecting my knife collection, doing my laundry, sleeping, cooking, or listening to my all-but-ignored 60's-80's CDs or tapes...but whatever it is, it's MY choice.

This is a tough one.My life has changed so much over the past few months,my options have dimished considerably.I used to spend time with CJ and the Boys...BB Q ing or exploring the desert..shopping or taking a Sunday drive.Maybe help with Homework or doing crossword puzzles.Projects around the house,fixing and polishing,etc...Gardening was wonderful.Always a Ballgame on TV or the radio.Maybe a trip to Phx or Mexico for fun.Madera Canyon or Sabino Cyn hiking.Playing catch.And..well Man-Woman time.
Now..it's just me and my loyal Cocker Spaniel "FDR"..I call him Franklin.I suppose I am walking him more often.I am quieter.I may go to an art museum,or antique browsing in the old Section of S Tucson.I may swing by the old Boneyards off the D-M AFB SW Aprons to visit the parked F-4s and hoist a laced Starbuck's Mocha to the wind and lite a decent Cigar.I swim more..work out at the Gym here,or shop in the nearby boutiques.I enjoy good music,a glass of terrific wine and I look forward to the sunset.I go to the Church sometimes and just sit outside near the Fountain...and thank God for what I do have.Right now..its simple is simple does.I look forward to the Boys next visit and food shop for them..I clean the little Casita and try to pick wildflowers when I find them suitable to bring home...I love the Sunset from my Den window.It is so inspiring.I need to get back to my Wx research and writing my book/screenplay.I finish up by a passage from the Good Book,before I make up the couch for my night's respite..Music CDs Chopin or Beethoven...Pink Floyd,Creed, Lifehouse and U-2...while I restore an old Ibinez Electric Guitar for my middle son Christopher.
Organising old photos of my Car collection is still a project I need to attend to.
Great Topic..Thank You! 8)

Quiet music, usually smooth jazz such as Pat Metheny Group....dim the lights and close my eyes.

Also I find a quiet walk lowers my stress level, especially a walk along the seashore.

I enjoy going online every day. I find coming here to corresponding with everyone here is great for me. I also visit weather websites, including radar, satellite and forecast information, as well as forecast models.

I also enjoy using AIM, I find it much easier to chat online with people, than in person. I think it may even be helping me, although there isn't many places for me to go, as it is.

Time goes by very fast when you are involved in messageboard and surfing the web for what ever you are interested in.

We can get our minds off "Operation Iraqi Freedom," while we correspond together here and at times check out the latest we missed together. (if we are not getting the information first hand ourselves)

Two reality breaks come to mind:

Daily: just walking our Golden Retriever! She prefers a park nearby so if it's not wet out, it's a nice break.

Long term: visiting Hocking Hills, OH. It's near Athens, OH (the home of Ohio University where my husband is an alum) and is just stunning to see. Gorges, waterfalls, hiking trails, cliff, rock formations. A complete getaway. The region is now populated with many B&B's, cabins and a few hotels. Nice restaurants too (one of our favorite's is an Amish one, very good home cooking). Also nearby is Lake Hope State Park. Several cabin types there are available. The ones we've preferred are rustic - wood floors, FP's, no TV or phones. One trip we listened to a program called Tradio on the radio. People were trading all sorts of items - refridgerators, furniture, equipment, cars/trucks. It was an experience - we were at that point I do believe missing TV! Not to slight other Tradio programs. Guess you had to be there. This was about 17 years ago. Long before we had kids. Our girls would die though - no cable TV? What? LOL

We're actually planning a HH trip very soon, the end of April. So if all goes well I'll be hiking at Old Man's Cave in just a few weeks....can't wait. If anyone lives within a few hours of this region, I highly recommend a visit. It's amazing to me that you will driving by and if not for word of mouth or signs, you'd never know this beautiful gorge is literally just on the other side of the road. Hidden by trees sometimes. Here's a link for those interested:
http://www.hockinghills.com/

Next.....

Definately coming online and chatting with my buddies here!

When it is nicer out, I am outside gardening. It's therapy for me.

I like puttering around the house, cleaning etc. - I am a true homebody.

I enjoy watching television, reading, needlepoint and looking forward to my weekend naps - that's relaxation!

Of course, my 4 cats and my dog, Rudy, keep me on my toes all day long. But there's nothing like have one or two snuggling with you on the couch when you are napping!

I love being online, reading a good book, listening to music, shopping and just being alone relaxing w candles burning and sipping tea.

2 things to come to mind. One.......taking a nice long drive out in the back woods, funny, we've seen the population in the White Mountains EXPLODE over the past 3 years. The road system was never meant to handle this amount of traffic, as well seen during the evacuation last June and yet, with the huge influx of ppl, I can get in my pick up, drive less than 3 miles and not see a SINGLE soul for miles and miles, just me and Mother Nature as one.

Secondly, listening to Native American Flute music, Carlos Naki comes to mind as being the #1 flutist.

Dennis

Short term relaxation for me is my son being out with my husband, me alone on my porch in my rocking chair reading a good book with NO noise.

When we really need to unwind, we jump in the van and just drive to any place the car stops. No plan. I have a Hat with N,W,E,S on scraps of papers. What ever gets pulled out is the direction we travel. If we want to travel out of state, I give my son a map of the state we want to go to, give him a pencil and tell him to draw an x, thats where we go. This country is so massive and there are so many wonderful places to see, one day I will give him a map of the country and say "pick a state"

Building with Habitat for Humanity is the best thing that I do to get my mind off of the War.

Other things are chatting with friends (whether on or offline).

Listening to music when I get the chance...I have such an eclectic taste that it is hard to chose just one favorite singer/songwriter.

I like walking out to the chicken coop and hanging in the hammock with the children watching the ladies peck around. I also like to garden for relaxation, but this winter doesn't seem to want to end, so don't know when I will get to do either.