How Do You Divide Up Your Time?

Do you have a hobby?  Do you want a hobby?  Do you think hobbies are important? Recently I was asked to answer the question, "Do you have a favorite hobby and why do you like it so much?"

First of all, the question implies that I have more than one hobby and that one should be my favorite.  I thought long and hard - about 2 minutes - and couldn't figure out what my hobby was so tabled it for awhile.  Over the course of a few days, I continued to think about it and nope, couldn't come up with any hobby I might enjoy.

The definition of hobby is 'an activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure.'

AHA! -- now we are getting somewhere.  

1 - I love to eat.  I enjoy cooking.
2 - I love mysteries and problem solving -- born a fixer.  
3 - I love to work and rarely stop to do anything else.

1. Turn your hobby into a business

When my kids were growing up I experimented with at least two new recipes a week. One would be for the main course and the other for a dessert.  Then we would vote on them as a family and unless it was unanimous, it got tossed.  I realized from this experiment that different people like different things BUT when all these people liked the same thing, it would be a winner.  From that, I started a business of making desserts for restaurants which was successful and lasted for ten years.

My best-selling signature chocolate mousse cake

2. What are you an expert at?

Whether it is reading a book, watching a movie or a TV series, I need mystery.  When I wrote my own life story, Battered Hope, I wrote it as a novel and a mystery.  I like discovering the 'unknown' and figuring out the whys without someone pushing it into my face.  I became a great storyteller for that reason.  Now, as an author and writer for many magazines, I try to implement that into each article.  Keeps the attention of the reader.  

As far as problem-solving, I was born a fixer and use those skills for myself and anyone else on a regular basis.  Whether it is where to get the best price for an item or finding someone who seems to have disappeared to helping a friend with an emotional problem; I want to help fix it.  I thrive on it.

3. Which do you prefer -- work or play?

At the end of the day when my 'daily list' is complete, I usually look for more to do.  I have to talk myself into taking a day off but it rarely happens.  I am happiest when I am working and accomplishing.  Sometimes, when I try to watch a movie or TV (And I ONLY watch one that is taped as the commercials are such a waste of precious time) I have to fast forward through the slow parts to get to the end quicker so I can get back to work.  Maybe I'm sick or weird, but I don't feel either.  Just love to accomplish my goals whether they are daily or annually.  

My dogs work in the office with me

So...........I guess I found my favorite hobbies.  I don't think I really have any.


Now it's your turn -- tell me about your hobbies and especially your favorite!  This challenge was part of the Secret Subject Swap and submitted by The Blogging 911. Please take a moment to read the other stories and support this group of awesome bloggers and writers.

Baking In A Tornado
Spatulas on Parade
The Blogging 911
The Lieber Family Blog
The Bergham Chronicles
Bookworm in the Kitchen
Simply Shannon
Southern Belle Charm
Part-time Working Hockey Mom
Climaxed

                        

Photos courtesy of cookdiary.net