Post-Pandemic Wish List
I thought it might be fun to jot down a “wish-list” of things to do once our freedom to roam is restored.
I know we’re not there yet, but I’m going to start a wish list of things I’d like to do once life returns to near-normal. Perhaps you might make one too. I’d love to hear what you’re yearning to do.
Wish List
For so long, I’ve been wanting to see Jackson Browne and Neil Young in concert. I love all types of music but these two have been on my wish-list for some time. My friend Maureen, told me that Jackson Browne and James Taylor were scheduled to perform at Jones Beach Summer Concert, Long Island this summer. I would definitely make the trip up north for that if the concert isn’t cancelled-but who knows what will be at this point in time. Either way, finding live music locally or somewhere accessible, might be fun to incorporate into your wish list too.
I want to escape into the woods and mountains and perhaps try camping. I saved a magazine called, Our State: Celebrating North Carolina, October 2018 edition, titled Into the Wild. The article written by Jermey Markovich, shares his experiences in some of the most remote places one can escape to in North Carolina. One spot is Mount Mitchell. Ken and I have been there and would likely go back and explore some more. The author’s next location was deep in the most remote western pocket of North Carolina. An unlikely trip for us, that is for sure. So where can minimal-adventure-seekers go to hike and camp in North Carolina? The website North Carolina State Parks offers the answer. You enter your “must-have’s”, like bathroom facilities, and from there you can find what you’re looking for. I do not qualify, nor do I wish to attempt to be lost in the deep woods 4,900 feet above sea level anytime soon like the author of the article Into the Wild, where to find your mountain magic. Although it might be intriguing, it’s hardly alluring for me.
Visit a new city. Nashville is on my list. It’s not too, too far from where I live, so it’s doable. Most of the websites have Covid-19 pop-up information, but for when this is in our past, here’s a place to start: Nashville Things to Do.
Start Kayaking, Swimming, and PaddleBoarding. The water isn’t quite warm enough, unless you wear a wet-suit, but we’re getting there. This activity will require a partner, but it is something I’d like to do on a more regular basis. Here’s a list that might help you find places to pursue such activities locally for those that live in the Wilmington area water-sport tours. But, for those that don’t, maybe you too have access to beaches and waterways and this is something you’ve been wanting to do. Actually, this is probably the one thing many of us can do even now.
Someday…I don’t know when, but I’d like to do something a bit out of the ordinary that could make a difference in a small pocket of the world. Maybe a mission trip where I could practice nursing again or impact a life in other ways. Hopefully, it won’t be long before I can return to volunteering at the homeless shelter, but I’m also keeping my mind and heart open for other opportunities. There is so much suffering all around us. It prompts one psyche to do more.
I want to visit more State and National Parks. I’ll start with North Carolina State Parks, but I’d love to expand to other parts of the country. Chances are, many of us will be doing more local trips over the next year or so, especially if oversea travel is too difficult. There is so much to see in this amazing country and maybe now is the perfect time to invest in this land by making a concerted effort to visit our National Parks. I still wish to see other lands, but maybe this is the year for all of us to see more of where you live?
What I Can Do Now While Still Dealing with a Corona
Go for a bike ride. Maybe pack a picnic and get lost somewhere. Many places aren't open, but with a little research, I’m sure there are places to explore.
Start a new hobby or relearn something you used to do. Since I retired from my career as a nurse, there were two things I wanted to learn, and I still haven’t started, so maybe now’s the time. I’d like to learn how to play the guitar and knit. Both are reasonable, don’t you think? I already have a guitar, although I have to get one of the strings repaired. As for knitting, that too is something I think I could teach myself. It will require some motivation, followed by patience. Once in a while, I’m drawn to my piano and go through old favorites. I certainly can do more piano practicing, but I think I need some new music.
I find it helpful to write things down. At least it’s a step towards accomplishing an old or new task. Maybe that is what we need right now, a path forward. Writing acts as a gentle reminder of things you thought of doing and perhaps slipped your memory.
I hope I inspired you to come up with some wishful happenings of your own. Maybe that will ease some longing to escape. Just knowing there are plenty of things you can do right now as we lay-low, and then anticipate fun adventures in the not-too-distant-future, might help lift your spirits.
