H4 Activities

You've just got married. You've come to USA on an H4 Dependant Visa. You don't have a Social Security Number (SSN). You cannot work, atleast not officially. You are caught in the CVLD (Cooking-Vacuuming-Laundry-Dishes) rut. You have started getting bored at home and its going to be a while before you can start working again.

What do you do?

1. Study.
You can get admission to universities in the USA and study on an H4 visa, yaaay! So, if you are keen on furthering your knowledge in the field that you work in, enroll into a post-graduate course and earn a degree. You can look up universities by using the Google University Search Engine. For a compiled list of US Universities by state, click here.

2. Library.
Join the nearest public library. Find the library closest to you by going to http://www.publiclibraries.com. They are free and can have a wide variety of books, magazines, music and DVD's. I can spend hours in a library and not get bored. Besides, there’s a lot to learn from books.

3. Workshops.
Look up the library or community college in your area for courses or workshops (you should be able to find these online). They are relatively inexpensive, sometimes free, and have a host of activities, classes and lessons from salsa dancing to creative writing to robotics to photography.

4. Volunteer.
Contact your local schools/businesses for volunteer positions. You may have a skill and they may need it. Even though they can't put you on payroll, you will enjoy it. For instance, you can try to volunteer at your local school as an assistant teacher in case you like to teach.

5. Get Creative.
If you even have an ounce of creativity in you, look up your local arts and crafts store (Jo-Ann Fabrics is a good one). You can pick up inexpensive DIY (do-it-yourself) kits, cultivate a hobby and decorate your home. You can get crafty ideas at http://www.hgtv.com/ too.

6. Blog.
Start your own blog - go to http://www.blogger.com/, its easy, its free, share your thoughts, your ideas, share some tips, talk about your hobby, anything that works for you. You can also look up http://www.h4help.org for H4 related forums and http://www.lekhika.com/h4help for H4 related blogs.

7. Exercise.
Start going to a gym. The one in your society should be free or you may need to join one. (I'm sure those of you who've spent atleast one winter here agree to this point.) Yoga classes are also offered all over the country and surprisingly the american instructors know all about the 'asanas' and 'mantras'.

8. Socialize.
Most of the US States have an Indian Association. Look them up and participate in the festive activities. This will reduce the feeling of home-sickness and help you make friends. Join a social networking site, like orkut or hi5. You need not reveal too much personal information, just meet your old friends, keep in touch, find new friends in your area and participate in the forum discussions.

9. Family.
Invite your parents/in-laws here or start a family. I know, its easier said than done! Life turns into a completely different ball game with kids.

10. Meditate.
Preachy and spiritual as it may sound, this is the best thing that ever happened to me.

Please feel free to add to the list and/or share your comments on these activities.