I find it amazing that there are people who have free time but have no idea what to do with it. Perhaps they are better at time management, which I, as a complete and total failure at organization, cannot for the life of me succeed at. So I daydream about what I would do in my free time, which may actually have something to say about why I rarely have any time to spare. My idea of a perfect day involves cold weather, warm socks, hot coffee, and a good book - throw in a bar of dark chocolate and I have achieved nirvana! But that is not to say that I do not know the scores for people looking for recreation and cool ways to spend their time (an eleven year old perpetually-bored nephew might have something to do with that). Now my idea of fun things to do has nothing to do with video games, X boxes, or gaming consoles. So, if you are looking for some bang-bang pow-wow virtual games that will have you hooked to another version of the idiot box, this article will not be of much help. All the ideas listed below that form my list of what constitutes cool are things that the world did before the advent of computers and cell phones. So, read on if that is what you are looking for. Take a Class What is that one thing that you always wanted to learn but never had the time for? Perhaps you gaze with envy at the cool moves of hip hop dance routines, or you wish you could bake like a pro - well, now is the time to get baking, dancing, or do whatever it is that gets you going. As for me, I would like to figure out the workings of a car, so that I do not look like a complete idiot every time the hood is popped. So if I ever have the time and opportunity, I would take a crash course in car basics. My point, in case it is lost, is that there is always something to learn, a skill to pick up, or a new idea to try. Taking a class is but one option. Volunteer I can see you shaking your head, saying "Volunteer work? Really?" But even at the risk of scorn, I would like to point out that volunteer work can be a fun activity to do in your free time. Find an organization that interests you, work with animals or kids, even at the zoo if you like. There is no dearth of work for the eager, and the satisfaction you will achieve is boundless. Build a 'Project' I was left with a bunch of bored preteens recently, charged with the responsibility of keeping them occupied. A little nonplussed, and completely unaware of any fun activities for these kids, I decided it needed an involving project to keep them all occupied. Unfortunately, they were not in the mood for papier mache crafts, or any of the run-of-the-mill cures for boredom. What did it take? Well, let us just say I have a precarious-looking tree house in my backyard! Paint, Write, Sketch If it is creative recreation you are after, the world is pretty much your oyster. Take up pottery, painting, or creative writing. Still at a loose end? Just pick up a sketch pad and a pencil, pack an apple and a flask of coffee, and drive out without an agenda. Pick a picturesque spot, and let your creative juices flow. It is hardly difficult to find recreational activities, what with the many options the world has to offer. No matter where your interests lie, there is bound to be something that might catch your fancy. If you are lucky enough to have free time on your hands, make full use of it and enjoy yourself. What better way to recharge your batteries in time to get back to the routine grind!