Ashley, that's a great list of ideas!
Reddragon, good idea finding someone to spend some time with over the weekend!
Sort of wish you were around here. We are married with kids, but always have time for anyone who wants or needs to come over.
I got these updates this morning as I was leaving to do my shopping chores and have been thinking about them.
Ashley, you mentioned going online to research games, hobbies, etc. For me, one of the main distractions that inspires me and keeps my thoughts busy is doing something like that - not for ME, but for my KIDS. I think about cool projects I'd like to do with them, or games I would like to teach them how to play. Reddragon this might work for you especially if your children are gone for the weekend. They come back, and you are armed and ready for them, waiting to teach them how to play a new card game. Doing all of the research and prep work beforehand allows you to be a better teacher to them. Deck of cards and time on the internet = less than bottle of wine.
One idea for you for THIS WEEKEND. Figure out which of your local library branches has inhouse a copy of "The Book of Awesome" by Neil Pasricha. Go and buy some construction paper. Cut out a giant tree and stick it on a wall somewhere. Cut out a whole bunch of leaves of different colours, and have on hand some markers or pens for when the kids get back. Each day, any member of the family can write down things to stick to the "tree of awesome". Things you like about your life, something you enjoyed about your day, something nice about another person. This is kind of like a poster board, however, it is also a fun project you can do with your children. Benefits you, benefits them, lets all of you do something together. Cost of construction paper = cost of wine you would have bought.
If that kind of book is not your thing, how about a memoir? In "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls, she talks about growing up with her parents who moved around all the time, and of her father who was an alcoholic. It's not a heavy read. I had it from the library, did not finish it in time, and went to Value Village and bought it for $2 or $3. I do find that everything that I read that involves alcohol and the effects on a family gives me just a tiny bit more resolution to cut this out of my life.
And if you don't feel like reading THAT, how about reading something that your kids would currently be reading? Read the Hunger Games if your kids are preteen-ish age. Once again, this involves going online and figuring out which library branch has one on the shelves. Oh and after that, go online and figure out how to braid hair. The main character wears a braid. That kind of ability might be very impressive if you have preteen girls.
Other ideas:
-go around to garage sales or thrift shops and only spend enough money to cover a bottle of wine or two.
-at these sales or shops, look for things that you can do with your kids. I love planning stuff for my kids, and thinking about how they will be pleasantly surprised when they get home can be inspirational. I used to be a very cool and creative parent until I turned into the drunk and always passed out parent. Yuck.
A thought on money.....my husband and I have always been very tight-fisted with our money. We buy everything on sale and do not indulge in anything that is not necessary. It is just so strange, though. I KNOW that we spend on average $50/week on beer or liquor, and when I figure out how much that a
