hobby whore
I wanna do everything all at once.
YOU NEED TO GET A HOBBY (non-derogatory)! The only problem is there are so many to pursue and not enough time in the day! Nonetheless, it feels good to pursue them, even if only once a day for maybe an hour. To dabble during your leisure hours. To have a past time to look forward to. It keeps you from crashing out at work, I’m convinced.
I am a greedy person (Taurus) and that extends into my non-work hours as you’ll see from this list I’ve compiled of hobbies I am either a) already actively engaging in or b) interested in on some level.
Button-making
I remember being in high school going to some teen-night event at the High Museum with my friends one summer and getting these super cute handmade pins of ice-cream cones and Andrew Garfield’s face that I stuck to my jackets and backpack. All you need are some pictures cut out from magazines or printed off your computer and a fairly accessible device like this to make them yourself. Stick them to hats, coat lapels and jean pockets. I like the idea of taking pictures of loved ones and pets and sporting their portraits like Victorian love tokens. Would make a cute gift for anniversaries.
Collecting
Preferably something tangible like jazz records, Japanese magazines, dolls, paper fans, books by a favorite author, vintage makeup and blind-box figures. I have a few casual collections running, including all things Miffy related and vinyl. If I had infinite money, I’d dive into the Blythe doll market but for now will satisfy myself with oddly specific Blythe doll centered literature.
Clubbing
Put down the sequined skirt and heels. I’m not talking about that kind of clubbing (though I’m not opposed… I could be convinced…). Book clubs, film clubs, run clubs, gardening clubs! Ones dedicated to ghost hunting or card games or specific anime! It feels good to bond, engage and discuss with others over shared interests. If you can’t find any local clubs, there are a host of online ones. Or, even better, start your own! Be the founder.
Camping
HOW I WISH I could request off time from work often enough to go on regular camping trips. At least once a season. Especially in the fall. Snow might be challenging but still fun. I used to go camping with my family during school breaks. It might be even better now that I’m an adult. For now, I’ll settle for episodes of Laidback Camp.
Mixology
Cocktails, coffees, teas, sodas! Working in the service industry, many of my friends work with espresso machines, blenders and shakers even when off the clock. I’ve only recently started dabbling with lattes and cappuccinos, and have only just begun the art of bartending. But my matcha tea routine is very relaxing and provides a delicious reward in the end, too.
Karaoke
MY FAVORITE past-time. And there’s so many different types- live stage, private rooms, self-service. You can do solos, duets, large group ensembles. Be funny or heartfelt. It’s a form of therapy. I might have to pull the trigger on that portable karaoke machine…
Language learning
If you want something a bit more challenging but also extremely useful, taking up an independent study in the language of your choosing can be productive whether it’s a key romance language or something less spoken like Latin. There are so many apps, books, guides, practice books and videos available to use as tools.
Dance
I’m always amazed by the selection of beginner friendly dance classes out there for adults. Burlesque, ballet, go-go— whatever! It’s a great form of exercise, too. If you don’t want to take up actual classes, you can always practice at home. Master Just Dance routines on Youtube or some other online tutorial. I get a lot of satisfaction out of nailing an Ateez number taught by Roy Huang.
Which leads me to my final hobby category…
K-pop
I heard someone once refer to K-pop as a hobby by itself and, the more I took it apart in my mind, I understood why. There’s so many components to being a K-pop lover, especially one devoted to a particular group. There’s the collecting aspect when it comes to CDs, magazines and other merchandise like photocards and lightsticks. There’s logbooks and variety shows to catch up on always. Pop-up events and K-pop themed club nights are common, too. Fans start dance crews to recreate choreography. There’s a level of language learning when singing along to the songs but some go so far as to actually learn Korean. In preparation for concerts, fans channel their creative talents into hobbies like jewelry-making to give out as freebies. It’s an all-consuming hobby with room for different types of expression. Find a group (or a few) you like and get to it.
I wanna do ✨️everything✨️