I feel like I've wasted a lot of time, but not entirely. Here's how I've spent the past 5 months of unemployment.

Jobwise:
I applied for a bunch of jobs, both permanent f/t and p/t, started attending a job networking group, created Job Alerts at about a dozen job boards, enhanced both my resume and Linked In profile, took advantage of career counseling which was part of my severance package, met other laid off colleagues a few times, met with a recruiting agency, and took the census exam in hopes of being hired as a temporary worker this spring. I also contacted all my old freelance contacts and told them I was "open for business." I had just 1 job interview.

Budgeting:
Pared down all expenses to bare minimum. Cancelled Netflix, let all subscriptions expire without renewal, started getting DVDs from the library and reading my weekly paper there. Stopped mortgage prepayments.Avoided getting sick so no doctor's visits these past 5 months.

In addition to unemployment benefits, I earned $1,035 from freelance work, plus about $170 from surveys. I made about $255 selling stuff on Craig's List. Sold a gold necklace for another $225. All of this has allowed me to live and pay the bills without spending anything from savings.

Personal:
I visited my dad out-of-state both Thanksgiving and Xmas; I wouldn't have been able to do both had I been working.

I cut my hair for the first time in 10 years, short.

I gained weight and joined a gym, but only for 3 weeks (free). Did a lot of walking.

A friend helped me install a new wall sconce in my bedroom, and I've started wallpapering the bathroom.

I read 4 books.

I did a lot of much-needed winter pruning, with a lot more to go. (Waiting for a good weather day.)

I maintained my blogs with at least twice weekly posts.

Attended 3 health-related lectures that included a free dinner.

Saw 2 or 3 $2 matinees.

Helping Others:

Was able to take both my mother and neighbor to appointments they had for surgery.

Did some volunteer work for 2 local environmental groups.

That's about the extent of it. After reading Fern's latest post on how others have used their time, I hope to do a better job of spending my time productively instead of vegging out.