Good Thing UConn Didn't Play Us

This blog is without a doubt self-serving. Not in the sense of "wow, I'm great, let me see how many people will follow or comment on how much I amaze them," but in the "I need to be disciplined, structured, and inspired" sort of way. I feel accountable when I write, more obligated to act on those ideas that would otherwise safely stay dormant in the uncontroversial world of the hypothetical. It is also good for me simply because I tend toward the abstract. My mind rarely feels "settled," often going in twenty five different directions about a weird mix of topics that happen to be intriguing me on a given day. Writing forces me to see (or perhaps "manufacture," as some would argue) some sense of continuity or rationale. Overly analytical or pretentious conversations that have no purpose but hoped for adoration frustrate me. But, in most cases, I think we ARE in fact benefited by reflection and thought. Writing makes me consider the "why?"s and "so what?"s much more so than imagination would ever do. Hence, my very sophisticated and grammatically impressive "and the point is" comments at the end of most posts...

So, while I suppose this blog is my figurative "to-do," rather than "wish list," today I choose to interpret it more literally. Here are a few things that I would like to accomplish in my hometown in the coming months or years. I welcome feedback, suggestions, and perhaps most importantly, your chastisement if I don't follow through. Everybody needs a little fussing on every now and then.

1) Start a book club. This of course would need to be accompanied by interesting recipes, occasionally watching the movie adaptation of the respective book, and random discussion tangents.
2) Women's basketball league or at-least a shoot around a couple of times/month. I know that there are plenty of people still living in the county who have, at one point or another, participated in the storied history of the Lady Panther basketball team. I have even less doubt that we are all still really, really awesome. And in fantastic shape.
3) Arrange a recycling drop-off location. I doubt curbside recycling will be viable anytime soon, but surely we can come up with a drop-off center plan. I especially welcome any suggestions on this one.
4) Get my yoga instructor certification. I did a little yoga on my back deck a few days ago and remembered how much I enjoy it. I have taken enough classes that I can do a fairly structured 30 or 45 minute session, so if anyone ever wants to join me, you're more than welcome. Certification is probably a good idea, though. If any of you know of an online program that is actually reasonably priced, please let me know.
5) Utilize Marrowbone Park. I really appreciate the work that has already been put into reviving the park, but I would still like to see more done. We need new tennis nets, maybe horseshoe pits, a volleyball net. I would also like to organize some type of theatre program at the park (maybe children's plays, improv night?:), or an arena to showcase plays by local writers). Would love to see murals painted at the park (and throughout Marrowbone) along the lines of the Marrowbone Tire & Lube art.
6) Write more poetry. I do a poem every Christmas for my family, but I should expect more of myself.
7) Try at least one new recipe/week...and post the results here. I also want to learn to make my mom's sourdough bread. Feeding the starter every few days sounds like a pain, but this is a tradition that I would nonetheless enjoy learning from Miss Jackie. I am also interested in taking a bread-baking or pastry class.
8) Start a compost bin. Lucy and Willie are going to be 500 lbs if I continue giving them so many table scraps. If any of you have specific methods or suggestions, please pass along.
9) Visit all restaurants and stores in Cumberland County. Write reviews and/or reflections here. Patron locally-owned, unique restaurants in surrounding area.
10) Create new lists on Pillowbook - place for book, movie, and concert suggestions.
11) Find a jogging/walking partner. Complete a 1/2 marathon by the end of the year.
12) Audition for a play at the Barnlot Theater in Edmonton.

If any of you have ideas as to programs, organizations, or initiatives that might be fun or inspiring, please let me know. I moved back, in part, because it is undeniably comfortable to be known. I don't want this sense of peace to allow me, however, to settle for ease, and the ordinary, and the day-to-day. We should all strive to be inspired, regardless of the amenities and opportunities that supposedly do or do not surround us.