Tag Archives: lessons learned

What I Remembered This Weekend

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The stars finally aligned this weekend: I was in decent health, had free time, and the weather felt like traditional spring complete with blue skies, a lovely breeze and highs in the seventies. Adam and I took advantage, doing a little exploring close to home and reminding me that adventure is what you make of it.

Here are some things I remembered along the way:

Not all bookstores are created equally and it’s ok to leave empty handed when the vibe is off. That’s not to say it isn’t a good store. That’s to say it isn’t a good store for you. 

If you see somehting you really, really like and can afford it, just treat yourself. If you don’t you may devote a lot of time and gas money trying to locate it again later and face loads of disappointment when you can’t find it. This is pertinent because there was a wallet I wanted and didn’t buy and then spent months ransacking every TJ Maxx and Marshalls within reach. Thankfully, the Athens, Ohio Marshalls came through for me. 

An Impossible Cheeseburger always tastes better when someone else does the cooking and Applebee’s does it especially well. 

A table of nerdy guys making too much noise playing their fantasy board game is still better than a silent but empty library. Their laughter, inside jokes, and tip sharing was a joyful thing to hear. It was also a bit distracting as I shopped the used book sale but I was still glad to witness their camaraderie at the library. 

Some places are meant to be revisited and experienced with different people and in different head spaces. We went to the Ridges, a property now owned by Ohio Univeristy, which is home to the former Athens Lunatic Asylum. We walked the brick street perimeter, hiked on a beautiful nature trail, and admired some of the ways Ohio University is using the property to honor what once went on here while proving that life really does go on. We also explored a cemetery where patients were identified as numbers, not names. This place hits me differently every time and I’m glad because that means I’m still processing the reality of it all rather than dismissing it as a chapter of our history. 

Most of all, I was reminded that sitting on a park bench with someone special is always a good choice. Especially when you both appreciate the shade of aged Elm trees and the squirels that scurry all around. 

Come back tomorrow and we’ll talk more about that asylum on the hill.

What I Learned From The Pandemic

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It’s June. Our world here in Ohio (and the rest of the country) has been screwy since March. Some of us have picked up new hobbies, found new passions and maybe even have begun to self reflect. Here’s what I have learned from the pandemic:

1. I do well on my own. Years of experience as an only child have served me well because I’ve had no trouble living alone and not seeing others. Who knew this life skill would come in so handy?

2. Dressing nicely is something I miss. Jury duty recently offered me a court ordered excuse to put on a dress and leave the house. Fellow jurors complained but I was excited to wear something other than shorts and a t-shirt.

3. The ability to move about freely is something we take for granted. Lots of cancelled plans and other inconveniences are disappointing but the real frustration is being unable to just move about freely. I used to hit the road on Saturday mornings for fun, roaming freely in a variety of directions. During the shut down there was nowhere to go and nothing to do. I’ll never take for granted my Saturday meanderings again.

4. I am fortunate and privileged. With no kids to educate or spouse in the way, I’m free to manage my time as is best for me. I’m employed and staying busy with plenty of interests to keep me occupied. My life is good compared to many others.

5. Constant dependence on the store can be minimized. Back in March, when it was clear that things were about to turn serious, I stocked up on all sorts of things – cat food and litter, toiletries, pantry items, frozen foods, trash bags, and anything else I could think of that would keep. By doing this and by managing fresh produce wisely, it became possible to hit the store every couple of weeks. While there, I would replenish supplies used from the pantry and pick up produce, thus keeping myself in a constant state of stocked up. It has saved me a lot of money not running to the store whenever I need a few things.

6. On a lighter note, I learned that the pickles pictured above are positively addictive. I don’t know what they put in these things but they’re amazing!

What have you learned from the pandemic? I would love to hear your stories!