those long evenings in - has anyone taught themselves anything interesting

[chorizo]

hello everyone I am new to mumsnet even though my kids are quite old
my partner has a new job and goes away, a lot
i want to do more interesting stuff in the evenings instead of clearing up and then watching tv: does anyone have any ideas? he goes away for 2-3 month stretches at a time, so even if i get to go out a few times, that's a lot of evenings in.
maybe i should have posted this in bodymindspirit I don't know.

cheers
chorizo

what about a collage course ?

chat on mumsnet. who needs anything more than that in the evenings ?

open university course?

home exercise.
learn a foreign language.
make some new cushions for the sofa.
give yourself a weekly manicure and pedicure.
Experiment in the kitchen.

I'm glad you've posted this question Chorizo as it's inspiring me to do more than lounge about tonight. I'm going to go for the manicure/pedicure option myself.

How 'bout something crafty like cross stitching - not necessarily for yourself, but greetings cards/new baby/wedding samplers etc. Dead easy and quite satisfying.

start up a book club with your buddies and take it in turns to cook for everyone, using the book to theme the dish & wine.

I paint. Its the only time I can do it without constant interruptions and children knocking my water pot over. Very relaxing/rewarding/therapeutic. And you will have something nice to hang on your wall to cover the baby food, pen marks and other undesirable things that should not be on walls.

when i have spare time lately i find myself on here!!!
Would LOVE to do something to use my brain!!

So far ......

Did an evening class on the theory part for Day Skipper sailing
Made two pouffees
About to do my dissertation for my MSc
Baked cakes
Made soup

Once the next one is out (due Jan 2005) I hope to learn to paint or do woodwork and go to some sort of keep fit class.

I'd definitely advocate an evening class doing something you are interested in. Very fulfilling!

i come on mumsnet and get taught all sorts of things in the evenings, in the morning, in the afternoon... you see we are just a load of girlie swots really!!

oh, just saw you thought of posting this in my fave area to hang out on MN... come to Litotes or Celestine Prohesies thread and we could talk more about what you are interested in and someone might be able to help...

I've been feeling vaguely guilty about this myself too. Once children are asleep I find 2 glasses of wine and a bath and I'm comatose! But is is the only time of day I can do things with concentration and was wondering how to find out about pursuing my interest - photography - more actively. Can't really go out to evening class or anything as still breastfeeding but would like to find a book, magazine, or something. Magazines I've seen all seem to assume some basic knowledge level, but mine is vry low! Can anyone suggest anything?

I paint glass and make cards in the evenings - I do things like wedding invitations for people so earn a little bit of money as well. Just finished a big order for a friend.

I like to do something in the evening - I'm also studying to be a breastfeedin counsellor (must really get my finger out on that, I've not done any for ages!!) and am about to start a distance learning theology course, for fun (! )

I end up spending too much time on MN and too little time studying though!!

I've studied various courses with the OU - from child development (my mum keeps asking if I've walloped them over the head with the child development book yet!) to various computing courses. I've had two years off now because of moving house so much, but I'm starting the last course towards my degree in January. Its nice to keep the old grey matter working.

I learnt to make clothes for DD and even started designing clothes (even though i'm a terrrible artist). i feel proud that i've done it and feel like i've achieved something and taught myself and new skill.... it feels good.