Hobbies & Relaxing

Hobby:
1. an activity or interest persued for pleasure or relaxation

Relaxation:
1. abatement or relief from bodily or mental work, effort, application, etc.
2. an activity or recreation that provides such relief, diversion, entertainment.

Sure, I knew what these words meant. But as a college student, I typically don't have time for anything "fun" outside of school and work. But, as a student in Norway, I go to class 3X a week, on a busy week. 2 of my 3 classes just had a month long break, and after 2 more weeks they will have another month break, and the third will be completely done. To occupy myself I have come across these "things" called a hobby.

Relaxing:

Maybe not a true hobby, but one none the less. I have occasionally stayed in bed or on the couch literally all day. On the weekends it's not unusual for me to wake up around 1pm (I must admit that once I woke up at 4). My excuse is that I am merely making up for 3 years of lost sleep while at CSU, but once that sleep is all made up, I'm need to pre-sleep for when I will have a lack of sleep next year.

Cross Country Skiing:
Sadly this hobby didn't get much practice, I had some equipment malfunctions and then the snow all melted. But I have fallen in love with this sport. It's harder than it looks but also not to difficult, after my first time on skis I felt pretty good about it. I loved the trails and scenery you get to see when skiing. You can go so much further and faster than walking (and you don't sink in snow). Hopefully I'll get to do this next winter in Colorado!

Knitting:

Yes, I have decided to become a little norwegian grandmother. I was taught how to knit many years ago, I just had to learn how to start for myself (my grandma always did the first row when I was young) and how to not drop stitches (or pick up extra). Now that I have strait edges (on both sides) I love it. Plus, it's a relaxing way to be "productive" while watching TV.

Torrenting:

Speaking of TV.. I have learned how to download TV shows & movies. I am fairly addicted to this particular past time. In the 2 months that I've been in Norway I have seen:

5 seasons of Big Bang Theory

3 seasons of Parenthood

3 seasons of Modern Family

1st season of Once Upon a Time 

8 seasons of Grey's Anatomy

... yes, this is a sick and horrible problem.

Drawing:

Back in high school I used to draw all the time. Since college I have occasionally drawn, but I've always drawn horses. Here, with all my free time I've decided to branch out. I'm currently learning how to draw different features on human faces, eyes, noses, ears etc. with the final goal of actually drawing a person.

Yoga:

Weekly, sometimes biweekly, yoga classes are my new favorite way to exercise. I hate the gym, I hate being sweaty, and I especially hate treadmills, I feel like a hamster on a wheel. But yoga is perfect. Great workout, minimal sweat and it will hopefully help strengthen my back for horse riding and make me all flexible again.

Daily Walks:

Still working on the commitment of this hobby, but I try to walk around my neighborhood daily, unless it's very cold of course. The scenery is gorgeous and fresh air is always amazing!