What to do with myself

I need some help. I think I’m going through a quarter-life crisis. Okay, maybe crisis is a bit harsh because most of the changes going on are wonderful, but nonetheless my life is changing so fast I can’t keep up with it. The constant standing, bending, lifting, and long car rides with the Red Cross aren’t very compatible with pregnancy, so most likely I’ll be quitting my job within a month or two. Not that I’m heartbroken or anything, to be honest I never envisioned myself having a long term career as a phlebotomist (not really sure who would!) so in many ways the pregnancy thing was perfect timing. But I’m having a hard time figuring out what in the world to do with myself. Again, don’t get me wrong—there are a million and one things on my “to do” list, but unlike my amazing husband, I’m not one to get very excited about picking paint colors, looking at carpet swatches, and comparing window bids. Ugh. I’ve been trying to pursue some new hobbies, interests, passions, etc. because a lot of the things (both good and bad) that used to keep me busy just don’t work anymore. I mean, trying to take a jog around the block is a joke--I think I get more up and down, bouncy belly momentum than actual forward movement. So out the door (for now) with marathon running, mountain climbing, and even tennis (last time John and I tried to play I lasted 5 minutes on the court before my hips were killing me). I was thinking maybe I could take up Judo, or even Sumo considering my rapidly expanding belly. Or maybe table tennis, do you think winning the Highland High 5th period German class ping pong tournament would qualify me for London 2012? I’m not much of a domestic goddess and even thinking about things like cooking or scrapbooking or home decorating makes me slightly nauseous (though I deeply admire all you Martha Stewarts out there and beg you to give me some tips). I thought about attempting to make a baby quilt, but just looking at a couple patterns sent my anxiety through the roof. I can knit and crochet beanies and I think that’s going to be the extent of my craftiness for a while. One of my problems is I get all these grandiose ideas in my head--like starting some kind of eating disorder treatment program (having been through plenty myself there are so many things I wish they’d do different) or going back to school to become a P.A. so I can travel to 3rd world countries and help fight malaria--that sometimes I forget how it’s usually the small and simple things that really make a difference. Sometimes the shy kid next door needs a friend just as much as (or even more than) the kids in Africa need those vaccines. And honestly, I know that the greatest happiness, joy and sense of purpose comes from spending time with family and friends and serving the people you love. But I can’t help but feel like I need something or somewhere to channel all my pent up energy. Lately I’ve been spending hours playing all 65 pages of Rachmaninov’s 2nd concerto. Anyone know of a good symphony I can hire to play along? Until then, you can go watch this clip and pretend it’s me--but if you want a better idea of what I sound like you’ll probably need to play it in slow motion. And don't ask me what's up with the lady crying in the audience. I think this might be taken from a movie or something. Regardless, it's my favorite piano concerto ever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdpiB8HFJC8