I have a full day alone - plan it for me!

[DriftGames]

So DD (2.5) is at her dads from 9-7:30. This has never happened in the 11 months we've been split up. I have no idea what to do with myself.

I don't have many friends, and the ones I do are busy, so I'm likely to be alone all day.

Any suggestions on what I can do?! I've got DDog to walk if the rain stops, and maybe an hours worth of housework, but other than that I'm totally free.

I drive so can head out, I'm going abroad in a few weeks for the first time since 2019 (and I was pregnant) so I may factor in the local shopping park to do some bikini shopping, but that's all I can come up with.

Let me know what you guys would do with this incredibly rare day off!

I spend 90% of my days alone as no kids, I work from home and DH works away so I am an expert at killing time!

I like to go for very long runs, then sit in the bath and read with a face mask on. Sometimes I walk down to the cinema if there's something I want to see.

I also love local history and have lots of old maps. I find something I want to look at in real life and use that as a basis for a walk.

If I fancy driving I go to the Lakes or North York Moors which aren't that far away and spend the day there, walking or out on my bike with a good lunch stop in a cafe, sometimes with friends.

I’d do the housework first so it’s out of the way and your ex doesn’t think you have great plans that he can sabotage.

Then I’d work in some form of exercise, a lunch out in a cafe with a magazine and go to a gallery or the movies.

I would get all my housework done first thing, good long dog walk, uninterrupted shower, get ready and head out for a nice lunch,, bit of shopping then home for an afternoon of films on the sofa with coffee and biscuits. Once DD home, get her to bed, order Chinese, pour glass of wine, done! Enjoy your day, I'm not jealous at all 😀

@garlictwist that all sounds lovely. You sound like you have a very contented life and know exactly how to use your time!

A walk sounds lovely - DDog needs his Sunday trek however he won't go out in the rain so will play that one by the weather. I'm in Leicestershire so whereas we do have some nice countryside, nothing like the moors! I grew up in the Peak District so I do miss the scenery at times.

I thought about popping to a cafe - I've never been for food/drink alone but heard it's pretty empowering and there's a very popular coffee shop not too far away, close to the shopping park I mentioned so I may do both of those things at some point!

@Rainbowqueeen @HalloHello you both also mention lunch/cafe - is this something you do alone a lot? As above in my reply to PP, I've never done this but heard it's very empowering?

I think @HalloHello has nailed it ! Sounds perfect. @DriftGames, I often go out to eat alone. I've done it for years. Take a book or magazine if you think you might feel self conscious. I sometimes read or just people watch.
I often have days to myself. I walk, read, have long baths, cook and if I'm in the mood, do some housework, or at the very least a part of the house that's been bugging me ! The other day I did my bedroom - emptied it, cleaned it and had a throw out.
I also packed my suitcase for my hols. 😎
Have a lovely day !

@Lemonweightloss that all sounds brill. I am tempted to get some bits together to pack for DD and I's holiday - it's over my birthday in April and I'm so excited for us both!
Definitely leaning toward a little coffee break too, I think I've got the confidence! I'll probably people watch and do some MN'ing

I appreciate your reasons might not make you think it so but it sounds amazing.

I would go out for a walk (But no dog). Possibly go out to the cinema by myself (something you can’t do with a toddler). Concentrate on something at home in the daytime that’s impossible with a toddler - some form of craft, or reading. When doing housework I’d probably do something I’ve been putting off for ages (but then I’m slovenly so your bathroom cupboard or wardrobe is probably in a better state than me). Definitely eat something someone else gets to wash up! Enjoy

My2 DC go to their dad's every Sunday (not quite as long as yours will be going). I always have a huge list of things to get done and rarely struggle to full my time! They are 5 and 6 though. My Sundays consist of washing, blitzing the house, gardening, catching upon all the stuff didn't have time for in the week.

Yes happy to eat alone. Just take something to do like a magazine.

And it’s lovely to be able to drink your coffee while it’s hot with no interruptions. Give it a try

Enjoy your day! Long leisurely shower, and a walk, with or without dog. Shopping and then a nice lunch out. And yes, it is empowering. It took me a while to get used to being on my own.
The only thing I would disagree with in all the above is doing the housework. Nope. This is your rate day off. Spend it doing what you enjoy. Unless that is housework of course! Housework can be done any other time, and presumably does get done when your little one is around, so make this day all about you. Have fun!

Thank you everyone - I'm so excited. DD sees her dad frequently but usually for an hour after work, which isn't really quality time so I'm pleased they're going to spend some quality time together which makes it easier for me to really enjoy my day.

Think I'll sack any housework off - I do it daily anyway as I find it easier to keep on top of little and often - all I will do is change our bedding and bung that in the wash.

So far my plan is to walk the dog - we have a break in the rain forecast around 9 - then drop him off at home and head to the shops, do some leisurely holiday browsing for DD and I, probably nip into the pet shop and get DDog a nice chew, then head for a coffee and cake (fuck the diet today!), home and stare at purchases, probably send a pic to my mum (I still do this at almost 27), start some packing maybe although we're away next weekend too so must be careful not to pack anything we may need for that break.

Please still send options my way - I've got a very long day to fill, though I'm sure it'll fly by!