By Ashtyn Britt
abritt@lc.edu
Being stuck inside a lot has given me many things to think about lately, specifically how much time I wasted not doing the things I have really wanted to do. Why did I waste so many opportunities to take a nice walk in the park? Or grab a smoothie with my best friend? What should I do when the pandemic is over? Well, while we may not know when the end will be, we can at least try to plan ahead for once this eventually does end. For anyone reading at home, I hope to maybe inspire you to make your own list as well! Now, on with the list!
- Get an Internship.
Some people may know this is all I need left in order to graduate, and I very much would like to accomplish this. I have learned a lot so far in my field, and cannot wait for the opportunity to apply what I have learned!
- Have a computer of my own already.
This has become incredibly problematic during quarantine, seeing as I usually use my office computer for everything computer-related. I was hoping to give myself more time before needing to make such a big purchase, but it ultimately cannot be helped!
- Get a Gym Membership.
I have never in my life wanted to work out more than I do now. I would give my left arm for the chance to use an elliptical while being stuck at home all day. Alas, I shall simply have to wait until the apocalypse is over.
4. Have written at least a fourth of my book.
Anyone who knows me personally knows I have wanted to write a book for a long time, and I actually have some plans in relation to potential self-publishing, but for now I will keep more intimate details to myself.
- Visit my hometown for a Classic Summer Day.
I seriously miss my family, and hate that I am unable to currently visit my childhood home and parents. One of my favorite parts of this coming summer will be hopefully the chance to visit my dad and maybe have a chance to swim.
- Learn to play Minecraft.
I will admit, I am not really into video games, but it is never too late to try something new! Heavens knows I loved the Sims 2 on my PC growing up, so I would like to think Minecraft could be an easy transition as it is also a world-building game.
- Enjoy an old-fashioned day at the Bookstore.
You know what I am talking about! The kind of days where going to the bookstore is the main event, where you drink at the coffee shop next door before laying around for hours glimpsing into books hoping to find one you love enough to buy. Enjoying the aroma of all the fresh-printed paper and happiness!
- Go to Comic Con.
I will not lie to you guys, I do not have a lot of faith in this item on the list. If the U.S. does not figure out how to contain everything and get back on track in time, not only will Comic Con probably be canceled, I probably would not be able to afford it if I could go.
- Visit Eckerts.
I mean, it is not that far! Plus, the apples are always delicious and the scenery is simply gorgeous. I cannot wait to go and enjoy one of the best parts of summer.
- Go Camping.
Being inside a lot makes you seriously begin to miss the outdoors. Especially camping! Who does not enjoy being out with your friends, making smores and watching the stars around a fire? It will be nice to reconnect with nature and feel more centered.
- Go to Shakespeare in the Park.
I am surprised I have not done this already, since it is a free event and I am a giant Shakespeare nerd. However, it simply never felt like the right time. However, I vow now that the next opportunity I get back in normal society, I will go and enjoy a Shakespeare performance in the park!
- Go to the St. Louis Union Station Aquarium.
There are so many things to do there! There is the aquarium, obviously, but also a ferris wheel, a carousel, minigolf, restaurants, gift shops and indoor adult obstacle course. This is an entire day’s worth of fun, and I am so excited to go and experience it for myself!
- Complete at least five things on this list.
I will be the first to admit 13 items is a little ambitious, and life can get in the way a lot. However, it is not about how many of these things we actually complete, but the effort we make in trying to!
Featured photo by David Tupper.
