I never saw my rut coming. Over time, I've become a creature of habit – going to the same places to work (out), play and Chardonnay. The rut may have been due to moving into a new house and not wanting to venture too far out of my neighborhood. Maybe it's due to all of the travel I've done for work over the past year or so. Perhaps it was the basic comfort of the places I've established as my own where everybody knows my name (or at least my face) as a self-proclaimed “Norm.”
I remember a time when places/experiences that were a part of my every day were just as important as the ones that hadn't been tried. I LOVED trying something new…and loved sharing it with others willing to listen. Whether it be daring (trapeze class! going on a cruise by myself!) or artistic (how to improv!) or tasty (how to frost a cake!). I felt important when someone asked me about a new restaurant or tour or culinary class. And over time…those questions went away. Because I didn't have as much to share. Because I am in one heck of a rut.
Years (and years and years and years) ago, I created a list of things to do called “34 Things to Do in my 34th Year”. And this very routine life I lead has made me think that I should incorporate the fundamentals of that list into my current one. I want to give things a whirl that is fun, new to me and/or are beneficial to me as an overall human being and a homeowner. So…here's the start of a list to add a little more variety to my life.
The No Mo' RUT Roh” List
Wine Not? Not having a wine-related item on the list just wouldn't be right. And I like being right! There's a tasting room within the Quantum Leap Winery in Orlando, FL that is open most days of the week. I need to grab a taste (or two) while enjoying some cheese and charcuterie. And occasionally, there is a yoga class offered at the winery. Namaste and Chardonnay. Downward facing YEAH!
Say OHM. Meditation in Motion by the Lake at the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes in Orlando, FL. The Saturday sessions are available now through the end of April. Revitalizing my body and mind through breathing and movement techniques sounds like a lovely way to kickstart my weekend (gently and with extra “zen”th, please).
Staged Not Confused. The Dr. Phillips Center has been open for years, and I've never been! Their calendar is filled with great musicals, plays and special events. I HAVE to experience the Arts Center before the end of this year. I've been slowly leaking culture and need to fill ‘er up. Soon.
Throwing Bowls Safely. I want to “art” some more with my own two hands. I've painted my own pottery, but I have never “thrown” it. Super Cool Awesome Pottery has so many classes to choose from including how to use a pottery wheel to “throw” your own bowl. That sounds wheel-y, wheel-y cool and super awesome. <insert winky face>
Hands On. Hands Off. Home Depot offers free DIY classes on numerous topics from how to install flooring to how to make a wall planter. I'm a relatively new homeowner with limited knowledge of how to use ALL the tools. I'm more “handsy” (in my talking style!), less “handy.” So why not take a Home Depot class to become more self-sufficient and capable around the house? All I need is a toolbelt. And some tools. And a first-aid kit.
This list has a little bit of work, a little bit of play and a little bit of Chardonnay in it. I'm ready to incorporate new experiences into my life!
Are you in a rut? If so, what do you want to do to get out of it? What makes you happy?
Work Hard. Play Hard. Drink Chard.
All grammatical errors are my own. Grammarly is helpful but doesn't always get my writing style.
I had forgotten about the solo cruise. I like your goals. Enjoy meeting them! I want pictures of wine yoga.
The solo cruise was quite the experience! Wine yoga sounds awesome! Pinot Noir and pigeon pose. What could go wrong?
I can relate! I need to get back to my old self and try new adventures. Your dog Pugsley is adorable too by the way. Will pin this post as a reminder.
I would love to hear about your new adventures! And Pugs says “Woof! Woof!” (that’s a doggie “thank you”. 🙂
i feel you. i just turned over my career after i quit my 9-to-5 job in sales, and now i’m mostly working on some freelance project for writing. i’m content with my new adventure. at least so far. 🙂
Wow! That’s a major life change! How long did it take you to decide to move on from the 9-to-5 to writing full-time?
I live in Orlando and love Quantum Leap Winery specially those pours they do at the table. My favorite wine is read but I enjoy a good chardonnay. I did same as you le my 9-5 and now I am my own boss congrats!
I need to go to Quantum! Where else do you like to go in Orlando? And congrats on being your own boss! Right now I have two bosses – my 9-To-5 one and myself. Whew!!!
Great plans! I am interested in the Home Depot classes!
Which type of Home Depot classes would you like to take? I would like to learn how to lay tile. Also, I should take a gardening class. What I do to plants is criminal. Just criminal.
Great read. AS A single parent, I tend to get lost in trying to keep everything together. I am particularly excited about this new slogan, “solo moon”. I see myself creating these moments locally. A cruise would be great ☺
The “Solo Moon” was really fun! I would love to hear/read about your adventures! 🙂
They do say that the variety is the spice of life. I hear you on this, I love variety and new things to see and do 🙂 x
Right?! I need more spice. I’ve been living without salt (but not on my food!).
Listening to reggae music makes me happy!
Hi!!! Do you ever play reggae music? Reggae music has such a great “sway” to it. 😁🎤🎉
Hhhhhiiiii Laurie. Ooohhh yeah….like all the time. As I type this now, I’, listening to “Who Knows” by Protoje and Chronixx!
I need to check them out! I’m listening to the sound of my ceiling fan and the washer. It’s my “house music”. 🤓
Hehe…..wow! Alright, Laurie. Don’t forget to. 😊✊❤