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This and That: Find the time for you
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We all have heard that infamous song “If I had a Million Dollars” by the Bare Naked Ladies and dared to dream as we heard the lyrics spill out of our radios.
There is certainly a lot we could all do with a million dollars. There’s the spending spree, buy the dream car, load up on gadgets we really don’t need and purchase all the latest designer clothes on 5th Ave in Naples.
Hey, I wonder how it would feel to drop $1,000 on a tank shirt. Most of us (as in the family guys) would take the million and make practical decisions because let’s face it, in the grand scheme of things a million dollars is not a lot of money. Hey I’m not complaining I’ll take it however the typical Islander would pay off credit card debt, pay off the mortgage, set up college funds and all the “I better do things” to grab a little security for the future and piece of mind for the family. The most we would do is put some aside for a fun family vacation and a slight shopping spree at Abercrombie.
Now that I got that out of the way in regards to “if,” let’s think what is more likely to take place: 1. Wining a million dollars or; 2. Finding two hours a week just for you – which in my mind is worth the value of a million dollars; that two hours per week times 52 weeks ... Ah priceless.
Okay, let’s start by naming the conditions of the two hours. It has to be two hours spent with you, yourself, and I. No spouses, significant others, kids, best friends ... no one!
It has to be on your present income. No you don’t have a million dollars and two hours, just your regular allotted weekly allowance and two hours.
Yes, you are allowed to travel, this doesn’t have to be a back yard two hour block.
It has to be relaxing or fun, it can’t be a household chore or project you need to get started like cleaning out the closets.
Okay, now that I laid down the big four rules; ask yourself what would you do? What’s that you say? You don’t know what to do? I see most of us have forgotten how to relax and put responsibilities aside. We kept thinking of all the stuff that needs to be done verses what you want to do to relax.
Need some help? Here are some ideas.
Take yourself out to lunch. Try that restaurant you always wanted to visit and indulge yourself from soup to nuts. Be daring with your choices. Hey you got two hours to spoil yourself. If you don’t wish to do the fine dining go take yourself to your favorite pub and watch a sporting event. As a matter of fact I indulged in just that this past Saturday. Nothing like the Sunset Grill where bartender Mike whips up one of the best martini’s (well the way I like them) on the island while I watch three football games at one time. Best two hours of relaxation I ever spent on a Sunday.
Nothing like a good book. Read it in a place you can not be disturbed such as the beach, a dock on the bay, your lanai, swinging in a hammock, anywhere it’s just you, your reading glasses and a hardcover. Make sure it’s a fun book you can get lost in. Leave the scientific facts, discovers, biographies for another day. Don’t have a good book, spend two hours shopping for one at Barnes and Noble or right here on the island at Sunshine Booksellers. Don’t forget to enjoy a coffee and some scrumptious dessert.
Okay for all you females; go play at your favorite make up counter at your favorite department store. Trust me these counter women love to play with their product, they need something to pass the time. Also you aren’t obligated to purchase a thing, so don’t feel pressured. Just pretend you are a Hollywood actress getting made up for awards night.
Another female thing; bubble bath and pampering yourself. Good time to take out all those bath gels, candles and lufa sponges. Have your favorite music going on in the background. Tony Bennet is always a good choice or any modern day or classic crooner.
If I was a guy this would be a good time to go fishing. I would find a place where I could sit back in a beach chair and throw my line into the water. If you are taking the boat out do not count part of your two hours getting ready for your trip like gassing up, purchasing your shrimp or bait, and all the other tinkering you guys do your boat before setting out on the back waters.
Go bowling or indulge in your favorite sport like finding a putting green, shooting some hoops, playing tennis off the YMCA Sport Wall. Whatever the case might be I would end my work-out with a tall drink.
For all you artist, paint, write in your journal, listen to your favorite music (and I mean kick back and just listen), pick up your guitar, saxophone or bang on the piano keys.
Here is one of my favorites; rent some classic films or turn on the Turner Classic Movie Channel. You would be surprised how far ahead of it’s time some of these movies were for their day. For me, anything Bette Davis is worth my two hours of down time; especially “Jezebel” with the young dashing Henry Fonda.
You can’t say no to antiquing or bargain hunting at Flea Markets and garage sales. Again, I need to remind you, do it for the fun of it, not for the need of it. Some people will go crazy looking for that particular item. Relax and just shop for nothing. Trust me that’s when you find the bargains is when you are not really looking!
That’s a good place to start. Trust me I can name a hundred more; in fact I can write a book on; however these ideas should be enough to get you started. Best tip of all; start now! With the holidays upon us you need to do this for yourself to keep your spirit and mind energized. So good luck and get relaxing ... now!
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Gina Sisbarro-Blassneck resides on Marco Island and is the Senior Program Director at the Marco Island YMCA. Her passion is anything to do with kids; especially the teens. She enjoys directing theater and writing. She looks forward to publishing her first adult novel hopefully in print by the holidays. She has two teenagers Wesley and Brianna “Booey” which gives her the greatest joy in life!
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