I need a hobby!

Hey everyone.
My Mum told me today that I need a hobby. She actually asked me how my tennis was going (I thought it humourous [sp?] as I have never really seriously played in my life!). She said that I need to go out and do something to socialise with other women (as I only really have one girlfriend, so need to expand my circle of friends by just a little bit).
I used to do inline skating (competively), martial arts (was asked to do it competively), photography, and playing with cars. Now I do nothing aside from be Mum.
I just need some ideas on what other women did/do for a hobby after becoming a Mum, maybe what I could take my daughter along to. I could strap on the old skates and push the pram around town for extra weight training, sit her there while I bash up a boxing bag or take a car apart, or take her with me on a drive out for photo ops, but none of these really help me meet anyone new.
I would also love to go back to studying, but I can't take my daughter along, and I think it would be difficult for me to put her in care at the moment. So, maybe that would be quite a way down the track.
Sorry for the long babble on. I would love to hear (well, okay, read) what people have to say.

What about a gym with a creche and some classes you think you'll enjoy....
Join a weekly pram push or mother's group or play group (it's not really a hobby)
Friends of the zoo, library, museum, whatever - lots of those kinds of places have volunteer groups

HI I'm a bit the same as you I don't have many friends and spend all of my time with my kids attached to me. LOL. I have always found playgroups a good place to meet other Mums and its a good place to meet people who are most likely much like yourself. I used to do a pram walk in my local area that was before I had 2 kids and found it hard to push the two of them around. I have recently started doing a course via corrospondance. the course is something I have always wanted to do and its something that I am doing for me which is probably the first thing I have done for myself since having the kids.

I agree playgroups are good for socailising, maybe do scrapbooking classes and join a scrapbooking group.

Maybe even look on here to see what other BB girls are close to you. You could meet up with them and this might extend the friendship circle.
There are loads of places to do things with kids where you can meet other people.

Its not the quantity of friends its the quality of friends that is important.

i say scrapbooking, has sorta worked for me abit.
Depends on what you are into - if you are crafty, any sorta thing - i think even ceramincs etc have groups. Not sure where you are, try perhaps even book clubs. Check the local library and/or community centre for whats on in your area.
Try volunteering (difficult i suppose with kids thou) at animal shelters, or st vinnies, or even just elderly homes.

if you are into craft there are LOTS of groups about - quilting, knittig, sewing etc. If you want to do some volunteer work there are lots around - depends on how much time you can comit and what you enjoy. St John Ambulance is a good one which gives you useable skills and has "set" times so you can plan ahead.
You sound like you're an active person - have you thought about something like tap classes? Or water aerobic classes? Or a netball team?

HTH

MG

I started the Church coffee mornings as soon as I started Maternity leave... I'm the youngest Mummy there by a few years, but everyone is really friendly and I only notice the age gap when someone asks if I mind it (just one person does this)... it's not like we're in school and your age determines your friends now! Plus the more mums I meet, the wider the babysitting circle if I ever need it.

I have no sense of rhythm, so can't dance. Can't swim and have a fear of the water, so can't do water aerobics (but will go into the shallow pool to baby swim lessons). Used to play netball, but never got to know the rules. I'm not very crafty. Creative yes, but crafty, no. And sorry St John, I'm needle-phobic (but am trying to remedy that).
I agree its not the quantity, but the quality.
I was thinking about doing some study, preferably from home, but I just can't decide on what. I would prefer to get myself into doing work from home, so that has a bit of a bearing on the area of study too. I did start an Engineering course and really did want to get a degree, but now, its a bit like I can't be bothered.
Hmm, looking over this post seems like there is no pleasing me! Thanks all for your replies!

What about Mosaic Art??? Where you put bits of glass and tiles etc onto coasters etc you know what i mean? Look it up on google if you aren't sure what I mean. It's a really good hobby. I have ALL the bits and pieces and started making a photo frame and then we just got busy (we have a business) so never really have the time. i'd love to do it one of these days.....!!!!! it's sitting there collecting dust. i think hobbies are great. I think when we have a baby, and I'm at home more, i'll try and do it then that's the plan anyway!!! IN between nappy changes, bottle feeds etc!!!

Netix - just want to let you know that St John Ambulance Volunteers do NOT give needles - not part of their training. You would do lots of other things like learning how to treat bites, stings, spinal injuries, fractures, heart attacks, strokes, respiratory issues etc etc. Lots and lots of bandaging and monitoring people. In some states you learn oxygen therapy - depends on the state legislation.

Netix: Arent you in the western suburbs of melb?
Email me: d85@aapt.net.au

Im looking at putting together a small mothers group :)

AAARRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
I just typed a quick reply, and went to post it using the post reply button! That shows my concentration level with this darned headache.
MG: I did realise that St Johns dont give injections, but its the whole 'first aid' thing that bothers me too. I have done (only partly though) two first aid programs, but was unable to complete them as it made me feel very faint and sick. I have however been able to render first aid to our cat (I know, a cat, but it was still bleeding) and change the dressings on elderly MIL wounds. Guess I am getting a bit better. I also managed to get through the first aid thing by the paramedic at the new mum's group, although that didnt have anything to do with blood.
Danni, I live in Sunbury, good memory! I will email you shortly. Thank you!