Hey there, neighbor.

I’m guessing that right now you, like most people, are having to spend much more time at home than normal. And, despite this being the “digital age,” there’s only so much video streaming and Facebook browsing that you can do before it gets old. Am I right?

That’s why I think it’s important that we find some new ways to adventure and keep life interesting. So, with the explicit hope of inspiring you to have some fun, here are some things I’m looking forward to over this season of quarantine.

Build a Fire

I recently saw this report out of Australia, where the shelves of a local hardware store were looking as empty as the Walmart near my house. I myself went to a hardware store recently, and saw a fair amount of people roaming the aisles.

And that brings me to my first idea, which I’ve already checked off my list: Build a fire pit!

Despite living less than 10 minutes from downtown Ft. Worth, I am a big advocate of getting outside. And having a campfire in your backyard is an easy way to do that. I found a $34 fire pit at Home Depot and “splurged” to grab the $5 bag of marble rocks that was nearby. The result was beautiful.

You can also find portable fire pits, if you don’t want to dig a hole in your yard. Just keep the hose nearby, grab some smores fixin’s, and you’re set! (Following all local fire laws, of course!)

Look Out the Window

Recently, I realized that I need more nature in my life. After all, Romans 1:20 says God reveals Himself through His creation. And, while not everyone has a backyard for a fire pit, most people have a window.

Sadly, my house didn’t come with blinds. We had to cover the windows with sheets — great for privacy, bad for views. But I finally got some blinds up in the living room a couple weeks ago. And just staring out at the trees in the day (and watching the thunderstorms at night!) has already more than made up for the cost.

If it’s not a habit in your life, give it a try! Phones, laptops and books can all move, and just glancing out the window every now and then can do wonders for your mental health — not to mention the mood-boosting benefits of natural light.

Try Out Some New Recipes

I hear a lot about other people experimenting with new foods in the kitchen, but it’s not something I’ve done too much of. Well, I’ve got the time to branch out a bit more now.

Seems like as good a time as any to pull out Mom’s casserole recipes … even if she’s moved on to the Instant Pot phase of life. Then, there was that bomb diggity queso recipe I saw a while back. And, a friend made some delicious-looking burgers from scratch the other day. So you know I’m going to have to steal her recipe. (While maintaining proper social distancing, of course.) I may even try out some baking for the first time.

It’s been quite a while since the last time I made a smoothie at home. But buying some frozen fruit packs from Walmart makes that a breeze. (My secret to a delish smoothie? Sweeten it with a little bit of honey.)

What Kind of Things Do You Like to Do?

My one resolution (I use that word very lightly) for 2020 was to hobby more. So I’ve been trying to learn “Fur Elise” on my keyboard. Maybe it’s time to actually pull some of my books off the shelf as well — or sign up for the local library online. Or even just read through 1st and 2nd Samuel again. There are some incredible and entertaining historical accounts in the Old Testament. (Who says reading the Bible always has to be solemn? There are some hilarious moments in there.)

I’m also planning to finally make a flowerbed in my front yard. I’ve had several potted plants, but haven’t actually put them in the ground yet.

Of course, it’s also good to stay connected during this time. Calling and texting friends and family. Continuing small groups online through platforms such as Zoom and Skype, even if you can’t leave your house. Playing with your kids more. As I’ve been saying to my friends and family, “We’re just going to have to find new ways to adventure in life.”

What kind of things do you like to do? Hopefully these ideas help you come up with some good ones of your own!

 

Austin Roscoe is The Stream’s web coordinator.