I don't think I've been doing this right! The intention was to do stuff I like and have been wanting to do - with or without others, that's part of the 'for myself'. These are outings that I don't really care what other people think about them - in fact this is (attempting) to push myself to do these outings that I want to do even/especially when I know others don't think much of them. For example, the January date trip to Appleton to see the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit is a shinning example of what that challenge is supposed to be about. It was something I was interested in, and something that I knew I would (1) have a hard time finding others that wanted to do this with me, and (2) probably not enjoy it as much if I had 'dragged' others to go with me. Most of my friends and family would not have thought the drive was worth it for that simple exhibit. It was better that I went by myself - and I did really enjoy it. Shinny example.
So I'm refocusing on what I want to get out of this challenge and changing my May plans. I had a tentatively planned a (big) two day trip to do a bunch of stuff in south-central Wisconsin. In some ways, this was right on target - several of these things had been on my *list* for years - but in the most basic way this was wrong for the challenge because it was too much. Taking time off of work, hotel and other expenses -- these were leading me to dread this more than look forward to it. Yesterday my brain started working better (I've had trouble focusing and getting things done - that due a post for itself), and the idea of a day trip to the Chicago Botanical Gardens popped into my head. Like so many things, this had been on my list for a long while - it had resided on my Christmas list (they have an amazing amount of Christmas lights and displays) but it was again something I couldn't find people who would want to go with me, be able to keep up with my pace (ie, making the experience enjoyable for me - there were people who would have gone with me and not complained, but it would have been a slow going effort and it would not have been enjoyable for me), and its expensive to go alone (they charge $25 per car for parking, but the gardens themselves are free). So it stayed on my list.
So for this weekend, I'll board the dog over night Saturday (big family party) and be able to leave early early Sunday morning. I'll plan to park at the metra station and either walk (free) or take a trolly ($2)to the gardens. I wish it wasn't Mother's Day because I expect this is a popular destination for families on that day. But it is what it is and I have to stop letting perfect outings be the enemy of the good outings. Plus as bonus they probably have outstanding tulips - and those are my favorite flowers.
To recap:
January - day trip to Appleton to see the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit at their History Museum.
February - day trip to Lake Geneva's Winterfest to see the national snow carving competition and hiked a trail at Big Foot Beach State Park that they light by luminaries
March - Zion Passion Play. This was something that has been on my bucket list for a while and going there with Barb and Jon ended up enhancing the experience.
April - there were a lot of 'sort of' experiences, but I'm counting this as the Brewer game with Anne. She had awesome seats (1st row behind the visitor's bullpen), seat were free, it was spectacular weather, first time this season the the roof was open for a game, a great walk to the stadium having a few Hard Root-beers and catching up. All and in, this was an outstanding night.
And moving forward:
June - Mega Hike was reschedule for June so I have Sat, June 1 for travel and and Sun, June 2 for the hike- this is the weekend Danny graduates from St Dom's and there may be family celebrations, so its just tentative until I hear about those plans. Barb T can no longer go with me so this is a solo adventure. I also put a tentative hold on the weekend of Jun 14 - 16. That may be a good weekend for a Door County visit, with the extra stop to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help where there was the approved apparition; or possibly a camping weekend
July - Possible a trip to Spring Green area to see the House on the Rock and Cave of the Mounds. Both have been on my (minor) bucket list for a while. Along with them, if there is time, I can add the Frank Lloyd Wright house, Taliesin; and possibly camping at Tower Hill State Park. Solo camping has also been on my list and I do want to test out my new tent - Alternative plans are there are several movies coming out that look really good - may be time to do a personal double feature, with a hike? or a bonfire? Or maybe the day in Madison with a bike ride from the farmers marked to picnic park, another ride through the Arboretum, and possibly a tour of Camp Randall and the Kohl's Center.
I still have a lot of work to keep this challenge active and meaningful. I need to focus some planning time and then to commit to it.
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