What does one do on a Saturday?

Sometimes I just go exploring. I’ll find a new neighborhood and walk around. Today it wasn’t raining that much until this afternoon, so it’s an option.

I’m still learning about Seattle myself so this is still fun. I went to Greenlake last weekend and then Discovery Park for the first time…

Take photos with the digital camera. Walk around Seattle Center, the Sculpture Park, go out to Alki… Window shop downtown. Take the ferry to Bainbridge Island and look at the art. Hang out at the library. Go to a bookstore and flip through the magazines. Cook something cheap but outside your comfort zone. Then freeze half of it so you can eat the leftovers when you feel blah later. Clean. Buy a book on languages (or check one out from the library). Play video games (get them cheap on half.com). Have you been to Daiso at Westlake Center? Lots of cheap and useful things — half the fun is just looking around.

Free museum days? Art walks? People watching. Take a class at community college. Join a writing group/book club. Volunteer to be an usher at a theatre. Surf the web. Read a book.

Of course I’m sitting at home surfing the web, but there’s so much to do in this town. These are just some of the things I can think of off the top of my head. Good luck.

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DK,

I know exactly how you feel (especially the feeling like you’re 40…I’m 26 and I feel the same). I’ve been working for myself from home my whole adult life. I have no real friends. And I go *weeks* without talking to people. It’s very difficult to make friends once you get into your 20s AND you don’t have “regular” job.

Too much boredom will result in deep depression. So hopefully you cure the boredom before you fall into the depression which is much more difficult to get rid of.

Unfortunately I can’t give you any concrete ideas or I’d try to take my own advice.

James

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Actually Debt Kid – after reading your blog for a while, I’m beginning to think that you do have a form of depression and seeing a medical professional would be helpful.

The kind of trouble you got yourself into (day trading = gambling) was a symptom of something.

The ups, but mostly downs, you write about are also a symptom of something.

It is okay to feel as you do given your situation – it must be overwhelming to face bankruptcy and be so financially tight. However, I think that there could be something organic going on that a trip to the doctor and either therapy or medication might help you cope a little better.

As for “nothing to do in Seattle” – sure having little or no $$ to spend right now must make it seem that way.

However, I remember back to the days when I was in college and my BF and I were able to take $2 and have the best time… and yes, that is $2 with no zeros behind it.

And, five years ago, I answered an ad on CL from someone looking for a “creative date.” My reply involved spending no more than $5 p/person for an entire afternoon. And yes, I got the date. (We did, however, spend a little more than $5 – he just appreciated my creativity.)

So, put on your running/walking shoes and get outside… make a goal – 3 miles or 5 miles or whatever. As Nike says, “Just Do It.” Then, when done, go home, shower, make a cup tea or coffee, and plan your next activity – go to the library and check out a Forder’s “Seattle” guide book and become a tourist in your own home town. Last I heard, there was no entrance fee to Pike Street Market. The ferry ride to Bainbridge is minimal $$… but if you can’t afford it – see if someone will take you free in their car! Hell, be like a homeless person and write a sob story on card board and stand in front of the line of vehicles to see who’ll let you in their car to go over.

And, one final thought – when I was really really broke – on a Saturday I’d get all dressed up and hit the great hotels downtown. I’d read the “notice” boards for the weddings… then walk the area until I found a wedding that wasn’t a “sit down” dinner with name cards at tables, but an open affair with a buffet. I’d confidently stroll in and join the fun. I’d always be either a friend of the bride or groom “from school” (I’d never say “college” because not everyone goes to college). I’d enjoy a nice meal and dance a little.

Yes – I was the original wedding crasher! It was always great fun and good food.

If you feel guilty, don’t – because the buffet is set up to have “extra food” –it is very hard for the caterers to have a “head count” for which to charge. In addition, while many people RSVP they will attend a wedding, typically between 2% and 5% don’t show up. So, your attending is assuring no food go to waste.

I dare you to try this and report on your blog.

Trust me – you won’t be bored!

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DK I think you do suffer from depression. Why make a post like this unless you’re in denial? I’m 25, married, and the weekends feel like my only time to catch up on things I want to do during the week. Going to work at a regular professional 9-5 does have drawbacks too. I would like to work for myself one day but it’s better to start slow and build it from the ground up. You need to find a way to focus on the positives instead of dwelling on the negative (debt) all the time. I meet random people all the time in random places like coffee shops and wine tasting. You’ll never know what you’re missing unless you get out there.

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Depression? Maybe. Debtkid’s not having any trouble getting out of bed, though. Stressed, probably. I’m not sure going rather obsessive and risky on stock trading is depressive. It’s definitely some form of flawed thinking, however. Contrary to popular myth, one can try and sort out these mental problems on one’s own.

Let’s not exaggerate here and stick labels depending on what we expect to find.

Anyway, reading a book = library card, my friend! That free, free resource too many people neglect, even though you pay for it with your taxes.

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