Most weekends at my house are spent in a glowy haze of pajamas, of blogs and internet dabbling, of catching up on the adventures of Benson and Stabler or the Real Housewives. But lately, I’ve been feeling a little overwhelmed with the idea that I’m not really doing anything at all with my free time.
So, this weekend, I tried a little experiment. I made a little “to-do” list: nothing stressful, just fun activities I’ve been meaning to try, with a few chores mixed in, too. I wanted to know if I’d feel more or less stressed out come Monday morning if I did more than I was used to.
This weekend, I:
- Spend Friday night reading, writing in my journal and taking a nice, long bath instead of watching TV
- Grabbed a bagel and coffee before cheering my students on at an Academic Pentathlon competition
- Hit up the grocery store
- Tried a DELICIOUS new recipe and baked some vegan cupcakes (more on these things tomorrow!)
- Watched the documentary “We Live In Public” while working on lesson plans
- Went to the Farmer’s Market
- Hit up my FAVORITE thrift store and made out like a bandit with three skirts, two shirts, two pair of BRAND NEW shoes, two purses…for $42!
- Did ALL of my laundry and re-organized my closet
- Saw my little brother’s brand new house
- Celebrated my sister-to-be’s birthday with my family
It was an amazing weekend. I sort of unintentionally disconnected from blogs, Facebook and Twitter, simply because I didn’t have a lot of time. And, despite my deep love for laying around lazily, I feel bright-eyed and bushy tailed this morning — when my alarm went off for the gym, I didn’t even flinch!
I would call it a resounding success! Here’s to more weekends with a perfect blend of work, play and rest!
What did YOU do this weekend? Do you need your down time, or do you pack your weekends full of fun?
Copyright © 2012
BENSEN AND STABLER FOR LIFE!
I had playwriting class Saturday and then a relaxing evening watching Law & Order SVU and napping.
Sunday I shot a short film called “Narrated Sex.” Definitely a fun weekend, though… there was a conspicuous absence of vegan cupcakes. 
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This is how I’d like to spend my free time this Summer. I don’t want to make a list of daunting goals–just some fun things I need a little push away from my computer to actually do. Sounds like a great weekend!
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Amy --- Just A Titch Reply:
May 3rd, 2010 at 9:55 am
It actually got me really excited for my summer, too. I felt so accomplished when I was done, but since most things were fun (save for my laundry/closet!) I still felt relaxed. And I continue to be shocked at how much I enjoy being away from the computer, even though I’m a blog-a-holic
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i alternate between the two. i love my whirlwind weekends, but if i don’t clock enough homebody time, i get all kerfluttered. you know?
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Amy --- Just A Titch Reply:
May 3rd, 2010 at 9:59 am
I am totally with you. I was actually really concerned that I was going to lose it, since I have insanely busy weeks and usually crave my down time. I still had it on Friday night, which I think was the key to my success. I think for me, really, it’s about LESS TV and internet time suck, not eliminating being home all together, ya know?
P.S. I can’t wait to spend my weekend WITH YOU in three weeks!
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i love the feel of producitivity and by default am the most productive on Sundays (multiple loads of laundry, socializing, blogging, journaling, cleaning, dishes, cooking for the entire week) and those weekends where I have nothing planned on Fridays or Saturdays I try to squeeze in projects and it just…
it actually becomes addicting!
You just wait and see when it becomes habit
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Amy --- Just A Titch Reply:
May 3rd, 2010 at 10:00 am
I got my lunch ready, my workout clothes out, and all my prep for the week done and yeah, I feel AMAZING today. I think I’d forgotten what it feels like to be productive, haha.
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I want to trade for your weekend. Mine was and continues to be spent even though it’s no longer the weekend, sicker than the pig that gave birth to swine flu.
Plus side? Awesome pre-Vegas weight loss program.
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Amy --- Just A Titch Reply:
May 3rd, 2010 at 10:01 am
Aw, you poor thing! I hope you’re feeling better soon…but I am a little jealz, I could use a little pre-Vegas tummy trubs.
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Your weekend sounds great! I had an awesome weekend… Friday night had some friends over for a music jam and hanging out, Saturday I did that yogathon thing (three hours of yoga!), then *we* had a little date night that included a movie and some late-night grilling, and then yesterday, I enjoyed hosting a “let’s all get to know each other better” dinner party of some of my friends and his. It was a perfect, perfect weekend
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Amy --- Just A Titch Reply:
May 3rd, 2010 at 10:04 am
That music swap party sounded AMAZINGGGG. That’s right up my alley.
Um, I need to hear more about this *we* because it’s sounding TOO CUTE FOR WORDS. So happy for you, lady.
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Doniree Reply:
May 3rd, 2010 at 10:57 am
I know I owe you an email, but why can’t I ever find you on GChat?
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I had a whirlwind of a weekend and I could use an off day! I met up with my best friend friday for a workout/dinner/movie combo. Saturday I did my long run (eek 7 miles), 3 hrs of softball practice followed by a charity function for cancer. Sunday found me driving 90 mi for my grandad’s 86th Bday lunch and then driving back 90 mi through traffic followed by a grocery store trip because I was out of Coffee (unacceptable in my house). I wish I could have another day just to get other items done like laundry. I am jealous that you are relaxed at Work!
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Amy --- Just A Titch Reply:
May 3rd, 2010 at 10:07 am
What a busy weekend! But it sounds like you did a lot of great stuff, and I’m sure your Grandad appreciated you driving
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My weekends in May tend to get filled up FOR me because of all the birthdays in my family. I like to have things to do on the weekends, but if I don’t get at least like half a day off I find I’m exhausted by Monday.
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Amy --- Just A Titch Reply:
May 3rd, 2010 at 10:09 am
We have a MILLION birthdays at the end of April/beginning of May, too. It starts at Easter and doesn’t quit ’til June 1. It’s fun, but expensive and busy! I feel your pain
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It sounds like the perfect blend of busy-ness and relaxation–enough to feel productive but not so crazy that you felt like you needed a break at the end of the weekend!
My weekend was good–went for a run and drinks on Friday night, drove to my parents’ house on Saturday morning, and spent Saturday hanging out with family, shopping for birthday gifts, had a bonfire, etc. Yesterday was my sister’s wedding shower and another run. Minimal time online-yay!
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Amy --- Just A Titch Reply:
May 3rd, 2010 at 10:11 am
A bonfire sounds so awesome! I love it!
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Oooh! Love this.
Funny, my weekend was an “experiment” of sorts, too. Usually my weekends are so busy–lots of running around, things to do, plans, etc. This weekend was the first one in a long time that I haven’t had anything scheduled, and I just reveled in it. It was delightful!! I was a complete lazy bum (except for my Saturday workout!) and it felt soooo good. Of course now I’m craving some sort of actual outing but, it was nice to have a weekend in to just barely leave my apartment and soak up all the comfort of being a homebody for a couple days. 
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Amy --- Just A Titch Reply:
May 3rd, 2010 at 10:23 am
Sometimes, being a homebody is just what you need.
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My weekends are always jam packed … I don’t do “down time” very well!
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Amy --- Just A Titch Reply:
May 3rd, 2010 at 10:24 am
I am SO BUSY during the week that normally, I just want to curl up and retreat from the insanity of the week. Still, some productivity was really nice — I might be a convert to the jam-packed weekend, haha.
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Sounds lovely! I usually use the weekends as a chance to get OUT of the house… But that didn’t happen this weekend as I had a Monday deadline.
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Amy --- Just A Titch Reply:
May 3rd, 2010 at 10:25 am
Monday deadlines seem cruel and unusual.
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I definitely like to alternate between the two… if I had a really busy weekend, hopefully the next weekend will be real mellow. I need my downtime!
BTW, you need to tell me about your favorite thrift store… I am an avid thrift store shopper myself and I always love to check out new places
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Amy --- Just A Titch Reply:
May 3rd, 2010 at 10:26 am
I’m a big fan of the Goodwill on Douglas in Roseville (that’s where I went this weekend!) but I’ve also had luck at the Salvation Army on 16th downtown (I think it’s closed right now…looked that way yesterday) and a store called Boho Boutique in Roseville, and the huge Goodwill on Arden. So many great shops in Sac!
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san Reply:
May 3rd, 2010 at 8:01 pm
Ah, thanks for the suggestions. The Salvation Army on 16th is only closed on Sundays …
and of course I have been to the Goodwill on Arden. Have you also been to “Crossroads Trading Co” on Arden?
I’ll have to try out the other places that you mentioned!
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I’ve realized lately how much I do enjoy a busy life. I mean, I can’t wait for this summer where everything will calm down but I just feel more accomplished and more willing to take on challenges when I’m busy.
I can get lazy very, very easily, especially on weekends. I need to start planning more productive weekends, even if they’re only once a month! Your weekend sounded divine and I can’t wait to hear about the vegan cupcakes!!
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Amy --- Just A Titch Reply:
May 3rd, 2010 at 1:37 pm
I can be soooo lazy. I think the idea of having a sort of loose schedule really helped. Being a teacher means that my summers are always totally free…meaning that I am lazy for 2.5 months straight! I think I’m going to apply this concept to my summers, too
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You know, I used to pack my weekend full, completely maxed out. And then I met Sweets, who likes his weekends empty, so he can completely zone out. And now? Sometimes we max out our weekends. Sometimes we plan nothing at all. And sometimes we work in a balance of the two. I think it’s hard for most people to go-go-go all the time. So long as you allow yourself some down-time, scheduling isn’t a bad thing! Oh and turning off social networking for the weekend? I do it almost every weekend and don’t regret it one bit (nor do I miss a thing!).
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Amy --- Just A Titch Reply:
May 3rd, 2010 at 1:39 pm
The more time I spend away from social media on weekends, the more I want to make it a permanent thing…I was actually pleasantly surprised by how little I missed it. Food for thought.
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I love this post, Amy. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what I do with my weekends, too – or, perhaps more aptly, what I DON’T do with them. This weekend I needed sleep. A LOT of it. So I slept, a LOT. And I didn’t feel guilty for it because my body was so desperate for it, but I didn’t feel fulfilled, either. Maybe I need to do this soon – schedule a “me” weekend that’s more than just watching TV & catching up on my Google Reader. As always, you’re really good at being an inspiration even when you don’t mean to be.
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I must know where this thrift store is! So far I haven’t found any real good ones in Sac Town and it’s getting me down.
Also the academic decathlon sounds truly outrageous.
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Oh my god, it let me comment! The ban is lifted! Yeah!
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YAY for productive, fun weekends!
This weekend I drank a lot in celebration of summer vacation!!
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That sounds like a fabulous weekend. I also had a great weekend with the perfect amount of activity, relaxation and chores. I got the apartment cleaned, the laundry done, had a real dinner party with friends I hadn’t seen in a while, watched New Moon (gah! Vampires!) and went for a run and a walk with friends around the neighbourhood.
I hope next weekend is just as great, for both of us!
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2 words: Pajama Day
My weekends have been full of fun and obligations so it was necessary to stay home with zero plans yesterday. I still fell into bed at the end of the day.
I like this to-do list – including fun stuff – for summer break.
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Sometimes I get antsy if we stay home too long on the weekends but that’s mainly because I am here 24×7 and it gets to be a bit much.
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Wow, I love that to-do list! I have three days off per week, and I try to dedicate one of them to completely relaxing and being lazy, and the others I make lists for. I’ve found that it really helps to schedule my free time just like I would for work or school. Especially when you schedule in fun things!
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Wow sounds like a great weekend! Glad you did your laundry
Go team!!
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That sounds like an up and down perfect weekend =)
Also, so jealous of your climate. I have to wait until JUNE for farmer’s markets! Please send your sun just slightly north, ok?
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technically I don’t get a traditional ‘weekend’ because I work every saturday, but get days off during the week to compensate.
But on Sunday, I went for coffee and banana bread with my mum, got a film developed and went to look at exhibition homes because I’m toying with the idea of buying a fabulous home and sticking renters into it until I’m ready to move in on my own…
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I like to mix it up. One weekend I want to be balls to the wall busy, and then the next not so much.
This weekend was a combo of both. I was hardly at home, but I was relaxing where I was at.
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[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Amy. Amy said: New Blog Post: A weekend experiment!: Most weekends at my house are spent in a glowy haze of pajamas, of blogs an… http://bit.ly/9EDRwD [...]
Isn’t it funny how when we get all into real life, we let Internet life fall to the side? I do the same thing…which is why my posting gets so sporadic. Still looking for a way to do everything
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I have tried to take breaks from my computer on the weekend. I need it. I did some much needed yard work this weekend, and enjoyed being outside in good weather.
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Your weekend sounds like it was dreamy. I always feel so energized when I actually get up before 10:30 on the weekend and get out of the house, but most of the time I’m too lazy to even try. $42 for all of that stuff is just brilliant! I need a good thrifting day sometime soon.
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