To be a bit fed up by now?

[DefenceAgainstTheDarkArts]

The summer holidays are dragging by painfully a little.

I live alone and have no DCs and I am getting desperate! I cannot physically spend another day bumbling about my house!

How do most people fill the days?!

Lovely ideas here thanks :)

I think it's feeling lonely as much as anything. It's nice sometimes to have time to yourself but by day 3, even if you're doing nice things, it feels a bit ... meh face x

If you're er lonely, join a hook up site or go on dates for fun?

Stop showing off!

I cross posted with you on the 'lonely' word! - sounds like you need to be with other people having fun - join something defo.

A teacher friend of mine is volunteering for these people www.chicks.org.uk/ this summer. Or if you want to get away from stuff with kids my Mum has done a volunteer week with the National Trust before. She had a great time and obviously a good chance to mix with other people too.

I would guess that you may feel out of sorts and tired because you need some exercise and fresh air.

Chicks is amazing, look into that for the future definitely.

Also try and visit every free museum/gallery in a 50 mile radius of your house- a challenge would make me more interested in this!

Herhonestly - I promise, it really wanes after a while!

Like I say I have got fresh air and exercise but haven't derived much pleasure from it - it is very stale and sticky here.

I think I'm just not a warm weather person to be honest!

Do you have a partner?

No Gumby - just me although it's not always a bad thing, I know.

It does get a bit lonely, though :)

OP, I understans that you feel a bit crap, but people who say whaat you have said on this thread annoy the hell out of me! I am also a teacher and my DD has been away for all but 2 days of the holiday so far. I am not in the least bored, and neither have I met up with any friends. I go for walks or swimming, watch TV, read, do household tasks I got behind with in term and (whisper it) start work for next year.

I too think only boring people get bored, sorry. And people like you who say this about school holidays add fuel to the fire about us having too long off, easy life, etc, etc.

Could you stay with friends or family for a few days?

That really wasn't a very pleasant message cardi. I'm pleased you aren't bored, and I have done all the things you mention.

I don't think at any point I have used the word bored - I am fed up, lonely, a bit depressed and low generally. I have done everything you mention and more besides - I have gone to see friends and I have tried to get out if you like.

Perhaps having a child means you're busier during term time? I don't know.

This isn't boredom. I can find things to do to fill my time but there is more to life than that and it does make me very depressed when I haven't had human interaction for days on end.

Gumby - no unfortunately I don't have any family and friends are either away or have young children (or both) and so I'd be putting them out. Thanks, though :)

Thanks for the suggestion that is - I wasn't inviting myself to the Gumby household

Are there any local walking groups you could join up with? We have a few in the area, some just go for a walk, others aim for a pub. You should be able to chat and walk.

I'm sorry you found it unpleasant, Defence. It was just honest. I'm not finding things to 'fill my time', and I find that a bit of an unpleasant suggestion actually. I'm doing things I enjoy that I don't have time to do in term time. And I don't need DD to make me busy then! SHe's 16, so doesn't take much anymore. I do, genuinely, get very cross about teachers/TAs who claim the holidays are boring, and by definition, therefore, too long. THey aren't. Not for us, not for the pupils. I probably answered sharply because of my genuine confusion and anger.

ANd I know you didn't use the word boring - but that is definitely the implication. Other posters have inferred that form your posts too.

I've been in your situation - its a bit miserable i know.

I recommend finding hobbies you love. Preferably to be done with decent people - i did life drawing, pottery, running and after a while didnt feel so alone.

Ultimately you need to spend time with people. We are social animals even if we dont relish the prospect at first!

Cardi, I was talking about myself rather than you with my "fill the time" comment.

I did think it was reasonably obvious that my post was about me and that I was not speaking about teachers and TAs all over the country and while I apologise for making you angry, I have to say I am a bit mystified as to why you're angry and confused. It isn't a crime to feel lonely, nor is it a bad thing to feel depressed when you have been alone for long periods. I saw two friends on Sunday, that was lovely, I have been alone since. That's hard.

Clearly, you are more adept at dealing with this emotion than I am but I don't think I am alone in finding this a bit difficult. It's also the first long holiday I've had since losing my last living family member so you know - it's tough.

Pip - that sounds lovely, will have a google now! Thanks! :)

Waypastwine - definitely.

I was looking into doing a painting course but because I'm moving house soon it's pointless starting as I'll have moved by the time it really starts if you see what I mean. I'm in limbo-land just now! :)

We also have one of those pottery painting places near us (where you go along and paint a piece of pottery). They have evening sessions for adults and also some 'paint and lunch' days for adults - so not committing to a whole course, just a one off session. Is there anything similar near you?

glad to help Plan for the near future then, get things sorted and investigated for the area where you are moving too.

I just read your earlier posts too and saw money was a concern - thats valid, but you have to invest in your happiness too if you can.

I bet your friends with children would not be in the least bit put out to see you, even more so if you offered to have their DCs for a couple of hours to give them a break.

Could you do a bit of childminding next summer? Extra cash and lots to keep you busy.

Work at a holiday club / PGL type place?

Hi Defence - if it makes you feel better (??) I used to get lonely over the weekends when I was single and before DCs - and I have a fair number of hobbies, reasonable number of friends and could happily spend all day reading.

Some suggestions - Ceroc (or other dance class). All ages, cheap and in the evenings - so less time in front of telly. Usually quite sociable. You could start now even if you are moving.

Volunteering holidays - BCTV - never got to do this myself but they do things like dry stone walling. Still fancy that

(for next year) - cheap overlanding holiday/adventure holiday

I will look into it pip - I think it mostly seems to be classes, which are great, I did a local history one last autumn and met a lovely lady through that :) but it's a pain when you're moving and can't commit!

Dame - it isn't that they wouldn't be pleased to see me, it's just that they obviously need valuable family time as well and I can't have them here due to the moving disarray! and I feel awkward inviting myself. I will/do see people but twice a week seems my maximum - I just don't know enough people to fill all the days I guess.

Next summer I am hoping to try for a baby so I hope that I'll be busy with that! That's why I am trying to save money too. x