Stitching does wonders for me. I don't have my 'tools' here currently, so it's been months I haven't practiced, but it used to work well. Your hands are kept busy, and it's not too complex, since you stitch according to a precise pattern. I found it great to keep my hands busy while helping my mind to relax, which it needs, between school and work!

Well, I'll throw this out because it's what my fiance and I do. . . but I doubt it will strike much enthusiasm into anyone.

We do 1500 piece puzzles while watching rented movies. It takes us a little over a month to do one puzzle. We're super proud when we're finished. I'm thinking about getting our first puzzle we ever did professionally framed and giving it to him for V'day.

Puzzles are a good idea, I think. I like doing them, but my 3 year old and lack of space doesn't allow it.

I had the same problem when I moved recently -- science / health writing which used to be my hobby then became my career. Here's my 2 cents:

- Go to the library and check out a bunch of a trashy romance novels: I've always been a contemporary literature and non-fiction fan, but I was always too busy to sit down and absorb heavy reading when I was in grad school. A friend of mine finally convinced me to read a romance novel, and I have to admit, it's like crack. You can find a genre for practically any taste, and they make the time fly by so quickly. Plus, giggling over the notty bits is kind of fun :-)

- Blog about something fun. I write a 3FC blog and a few for work, but I also write stuff for fun. Write about something you LOVE and find people who love it, too. If lots of people end up reading it, you can even look into monetizing it.

- VOLUNTEER. I can't stress enough how much you'll get out of volunteering. I had gads of spare time after my move, and I wasn't adjusting very well. I decided to start volunteering at my local cancer center a couple of months ago, and I've been so glad that I did. There are so many opportunities out there for all kind of skills. The Humane society even needs volunteers to pet the animals to help acclimate them to new owners!

- Take a class at your local community college / adult education center. There's a class in my town to learn stand up comedy -- there's probably something just as wacky / interesting for you in your town!

Good luck!

Lots of great ideas on this thread!!
When I have spare time, I love to read, listen to music, do some crafts like jewelry making, painting, or cross stitch. We just got a PS2 for Christmas, and I'm planning on buying that dancing game where you buy the mat to dance on.

I love to do crafts! I'm also really in to photography-I don't have one of the fancy thousand dollar cameras either :).

I have the same problem, I mindlessly eat for no reason at all. I agree with the scrapbooking. it takes a long time to do, you could spend all day doing just a couple of pages.I am about to start one for my daughter's prek year. just have to go out and buy a few things. it doesn't have to cost that much either if you get really creative! plus there are tons of websites to help you get started!:hug: