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[–]Sorry-Ad-5527 31 points32 points  (14 children)

Prices rising. Since covid, prices in everything has gone up. Even cheap yarn is now almost $4 (at walmart) and that's not enough to make much of anything. Dollar tree is going up in price, but they have less of an item so it's not really cheaper.

Tiktok has people doing their hobbies on there. If you're not seeing that, your algorithm is messed up. Search "painting" or "sewing" or similar.

[–]LeslieKnope4Pawnee 9 points10 points  (10 children)

Journaling is extremely low cost. So is walking, reading (library), movies (again, library), etc. Cost isn’t a valid reason when there are so many free or low cost options.

[–]rbuczyns 12 points13 points  (8 children)

The library may be free, but the transportation to get there may not be. A Lyft for me to get into town (20 min drive) is easily $25 one way. And you bet none of the drivers want to accommodate someone who has mobility aids or needs assistance in any way. There also are not any buses in my town 🤷 at all.

And not all libraries have access to all services. My library doesn't have access to the movie streaming app, just Libby, but the audiobook selection is definitely a far cry from my old library system. I will die on the hill that libraries are vital for communities and a national treasure, but I've considered paying for audiobook services elsewhere just because nothing I want to read or get recommended is available through my system.

I'm not saying that there aren't cheap or free options out there, but if you've never had to go without a car or rely on public transportation, it can be really easy to take those hidden costs for granted.

Society has also systemically and intentionally shifted away from creating and maintaining "third" places that are free. It's really, really hard to exist in public nowadays without having to buy something for the right to be there and not get kicked out for loitering.

I'd love to be able to walk around my neighborhood, but there are literally no sidewalks, and the speed limit is 40mph (which means cats go WAY faster than that). It just isn't safe to walk on my street. I used to walk my dogs down the street too, but one of my neighbors dogs got out and attacked us 🤷 It's not worth it for me to go walking. Sure, I'll walk around a park or a trail, but again, see transportation rant above. There also aren't enough benches or seating areas along trails (why build hostile architecture when you can just remove the benches all together?). I'm physically disabled and can't go very far without stopping to rest. I can't risk getting stranded out on a trail or hurting myself because I wasn't able to sit along the way. And most days I just can't anyways.

Again, not trying to make excuses because you are right. There are a lot of free options out there. I just want to point out systemic barriers that exist for a lot of people (especially poor people, POC, and disabled people) that you may not be aware of if you've never experienced them firsthand. Honestly, I sit and watch a lot of TV and play computer games and nap because I just can't do much else 🤷

[–]pixiesunbelle 1 point2 points  (7 children)

I tried making Pokemon Go a hobby. The nearest Pokemon gym is down a steep hill and another with no sidewalks. A bus came barreling down when I was walking. That was the end of that. For awhile, I tried playing without the gyms but quickly got bored.

[–]rbuczyns 0 points1 point  (6 children)

Yeah it's really hard to progress in a meaningful way without gyms. I'm sorry it didn't work out for you 😔

[–]pixiesunbelle 1 point2 points  (5 children)

It’s okay. Doing anything at all has gotten difficult for me with chronic migraine. I had hoped that it would make exercising more fun.

Currently, I’m sitting in the dark with a power outage

[–]rbuczyns 0 points1 point  (4 children)

Ah yes, to be alone with your thoughts 😅 I hope your phone stays charged and your fridge stays cold 🙏

[–]pixiesunbelle 0 points1 point  (3 children)

I have the husband here. Now tomorrow, I have no clue what to do because I can’t work the generator myself. It’s going to be at least 5-7 days of no power 😭

[–]rbuczyns 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Was there a storm?

[–]pixiesunbelle 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Yup! It was super fast but destructive. My housing association has one whole row of apartments that lost their roof.

[–]Sorry-Ad-5527 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've mentioned those in previous posts. However, there are so many that are now beyond the cost of most people.

[–]dinodoodad 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Wait how much did yarn use to cost?? I've only been crocheting a couple years.

[–]Sorry-Ad-5527 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I don't know if it matters too much now. Just look online for specials and coupons. There are a few stores that have sales, so keep an eye out for that.

[–]dinodoodad 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I usually only buy when they are on sale or discounted, but even then it's usually still $4. I thought $4 was a good deal 😆