About the "B" Word

I used the "B" word at Habit yesterday. I thought I might elaborate here. The "B" word is bad, and my children know better than to use it.

Boredom. Yes, I've been feeling bored. I told my husband and he just laughed at me and said he'd love to be bored. Just last month I wrote on the blackboard that boredom, like youth, is wasted on the young. Then all of the sudden, it struck me.

This is not the type of boredom marked by inactivity. No, there is plenty of activity going on here. This state of boredom is marked by disinterest, unrest, lack of excitement, tedium. Blah. There are plenty of things I could be doing, even more things I should be doing, but I feel like doing nothing. It might sound a bit like being depressed, but I'm about as happy as can be these days. Happily bored.

The sewing machine is gathering dust and craft supplies are tucked away in the closet (ok, closets). I've read several books lately, but don't really feel like starting a new one. I've been enjoying a relative state of order about the house (a note to those who have been over recently or are coming over soon - please note my use of the word relative in describing the order of my house). Boredom has its perks. My countertops have been clean for days.

When Avery was about 9 months old, she crawled over to her wooden stacking rings, which were disassembled on her play mat, put the rings back in order and crawled away from the toy. She didn't touch touch the toy again. I've observed both kids going through similar phases over the years - they get bored with their current selection of toys or activities that have engaged their attention and go through periods of unrest. I guess I'm going through a phase. Does it mean I'm on the brink of a new developmental stage? Perhaps. I did just turn 34.

So this morning I did what any bored person might do - I trolled the internet, got caught up on my blog roll, found a pattern for a sweater I must make.

I might as well keep my hands busy while I go through this phase and have something to show for this period of boredom, besides a relatively tidy house. Unless, of course, I get bored of knitting.

"...the number one reason knitters knit is because they are so smart that they need knitting to make boring things interesting. Knitters are so compellingly clever that they simply can't tolerate boredom. It takes more to engage and entertain this kind of human, and they need an outlet or they get into trouble." Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (quote found while googling "boredom and knitting" - I told you I was bored)