Does it seem like I must be spending all my time on the internet?  If so, it's because I need to get a life.  I retired from teaching two years ago, and planned on traveling with my husband.  While RVing this summer, we found that he had even more health issues than we thought.  So since July, we have been visiting one doctor after another.  He requires a lot of pain meds and thus sleeps a lot.  We downsized to a small home so we could travel, and there is only so much housework one can do in this little cottage.  My life consists of going to church, reading, watching TV, eating, sleeping, and playing on the computer while he is asleep.  I don't leave the house for very long, since I worry about him.  

I am thankful for my health, and that we are able to be together without worrying about income.  I enjoy visiting with all of you on the internet. Thanks for the forum to share with others.

I'm so sorry your hubby is not well and your retirement plans are not working out as you expected.  I watched my parents deal with similar issues (although they were much older than you).  But.... we love to have you here. :D

Maybe finding another hobby that allows you to stick close to home, but also gives you something to do that makes you feel productive?  I've found knitting to be a great hobby for just such a reason.....and I can read messages and knit at the same time! ;D

Kathy, It's such a shame that things have turned out this way!  I admire your attitude, though.  You sound very brave in trying to make the best of things.  May I ask what you like to read?

Bikerbraid, I also enjoy knitting, although I'm better at crocheting.  It seems if you are good at one, it's harder to do the other.  At least that's been my experience.  I'd like to learn how to knit better, though.  I have one sweater pattern that I make.  It goes from baby size to men's x-large, so it's versatile, but not very interesting.  

I crochet as well, but right now I'm in a knitting phase.  Give me a few months and I'll be crocheting up a storm!

Kathy, I work at home most of the time, so I know the "chained to the computer" syndrome well. I'm always thankful that I didn't know ahead of time what life had in store for me - hope it has something good in store for you though, around a corner or two.

Can you get out for a walk sometimes? Nothing makes me feel better than the simple chance to see a blade of grass or a cloud or two...

It sounds to me that you are a little bored, finding yourself from a situation that you didn't anticipate. That is totally understandable, and I hope your DH's health will improve and that you'll be able to travel one day.

My life is centered around the home. I work mostly from home, and have only few RL friends. However, this is how I have chosen to arrange my life, and therefore I like it.
In my opinion, the key to enjoying your time at home is to have projects and hobbies to work with. I enjoy doing things with my hands like knitting and crocheting, reading, writing, drawing. I enjoy movies.
In addition to these hobbies, I seem to be always in the process of learning a new skill: how to cook good Italian risotto, how to repair chairs, how to do effective workouts at home. These projects usually involve some degree of studying as well as trying my hand with things. I usually find my inspiration to them by either coming up with a problem with my daily life (eg. "I'm sure this chair could be repaired...but how?") or by stumbling upon something interesting (eg. This mushroom pie is heavenly! I want to learn to make some too. Now, how does one recognize which mushrooms in the forest are edible..?).
These hobbies and projects keep my life interesting, but I also draw satisfaction from ordinary activities. I strive to do my share of household chores carefully and mindfully. For example, when I make the bed, I don't just think of the job just as a necessary evil but as a little service to my family, a task I can do well or sloppily. I cook from scratch and bake about twice a week- spending my time in creating quality of life for my little family. If one things chores as "just vacuuming" or "just cooking", she is inevitably unhappy because there is always an underlying thought that she could be spending her time much better, doing something more enjoyable. But if she would believe that there is satisfaction to be found in everyday life and importance in chores well done- then she will find happiness right then and there.

Hope I managed to say something useful! :)

It's good to have you here, Kathy.  :)

Sorry about your husband's  health. You're a good woman to stay & take care of him, but you need a life of your own as well.

There's nothing wrong with being online a lot, in my opinion, so long as you have a life outside of it. Not working allows you the free time (finally!) to do what you've always wanted to do. All of the things you dreamed of doing while you were working, but couldn't.

Rather than sitting at home, I would recommend getting out & doing something that makes you feel fulfilled. Something that allows you to socialize and have fun (and possibly exercise). I'm a firm believer in making each day count so that in the end, you don't look back on your life and think, wow...what a waste.

Hope your husband's condition improves so the 2 of you are able to travel as you wished. Cheers.  :)

thanks for the replies, everyone.  I was having a pretty down day yesterday and needed to vent.  I do take walks (I'm a hiker, remember).  I also crochet and do jewelry beading.  I even tried my hand at making hairsticks.  But I couldn't get even close to Susan's quality!  Mine look good, but I haven't figured out her secret for keeping the beads from breaking off.  Thanks again for your input.

It sounds like the life you have is not as bad as you might think :)

But, I always do my best to see the positives in things ;)

Some might say I don't have a life because I am on the internet a lot and I watch a lot of tv.  But, for me that is kind of a small escape from the rat race 8-)

I do make time to go see a movie now and then, take a drive to another town or just go shopping just for the heck of it.

I have been known to get cabin fever and take a road trip at the last minute (just ask my wife).

Jerry