Friday, June 30, 2017

One New Thing


This is the wall in the park in Colorado where Ryan and I had a great talk. We had been on a long hike, and because John was still fishing, we sat down to rest and drink lots of water. We started to chat, and the conversation flowed easily from one topic to another. I mentioned how much I was looking forward to dinner that evening, as we had plans to visit an English pub-like place for their delicious fish and chips. Ryan commented that I should look for a fish and chips place at home, and I explained that much of my enjoyment was really due to having dinner with my oldest son while on vacation. The conversation progressed and Ryan eventually declared that he thought I should make an effort to try at least one new thing every month. Now that's an interesting idea ...

We've been home from Colorado for almost a month, and I haven't really done anything new yet. I tried to explain to Ryan that I've switched from drinking half lemonade/half iced tea to raspberry iced tea, but he wasn't having any of it. Due to Ryan's reminders during phone calls, I finally searched for and found a surprisingly close English brewpub and we I will be heading there this weekend. I've invited John, but he seems to be dragging his heels for some reason. Maybe one of my new things in June will also be eating alone in a restaurant!

I recently came across a women's archery course given at the end of July, and began pondering this as a new thing. Both John and Justin shoot bows, and I think I like archery target shooting, but I'm not sure. I have shot Justin's youth bow because it requires less upper arm strength, but it's really too small for me. I signed up for the course, so archery safety, recurve vs. compound bows, determining the correct draw weight and length for me, and trying out some bows will be my new things for July.

I'm very grateful to be Ryan's mother because he will push me (gently, but still insistently) to get out of my stagnant mindset and try one new thing. He's helped me to start looking at things from different perspectives and I'm seeing new possibilities. Your suggestions are welcome!

14 comments:

  1. I laughed out loud at "he wasn't having any of it"! What a phenomenal son! I will keep my fingers crossed that you will have to wait a good long time to "dine solo in a restaurant" and think archery next month sounds so very promising!

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  2. Oh I'm excited about your archery!! I am really loving it (although now our target is hidden by day lilies and the like and most days it's too hot). It's a surprisingly good workout! For a couple of years now I've been cooking (at least) one new thing each week. Some have been duds, but some dishes have been wonderful. It's been fun. And English brewpub nearby - lucky you!! And Ryan sounds like a wonderful son.

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  3. A challenging "push" now and then by my children are welcome any time. (And I do the same to them.) I know I could use a good mental puzzle during these lazy summer days but a physical one would be more challenging.
    So, archery sounds good. Brew pub sounds even better.

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    1. I also welcome the challenging push! I tend towards security and doing the same old thing too much, so it's nice to approach things with an attitude of possibility. I hope I'm up to new mental and physical challenges!

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  4. I LOVE this idea! Moving beyond our comfort zones is such an empowering thing -- no matter how old we are (and maybe even more importantly as we - ahem - age). I took an archery and orienteering unit in PE way back in high school and I LOVED it. I wish I lived in your neighborhood and we could take the class together! (I'd also happily join you at the nearby English brew pub. . . ) XO

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  5. I think we all tend to stick to our comfortable daily, weekly, & monthly routines. A friend challenged me to try something new each month this summer, so I tried a water aerobics class at our community pool. It was a surprisingly good workout, a nice group of people, & cooled me off on a hot day. I even went back for a second class! Archery sounds challenging and going to the brew pub (solo or not) sounds like it could be fun. Enjoy!

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  6. One of the proven ways to stay mentally agile in older age is to embrace mental challenges. So, good for Ryan to encourage you in this way. It is so easy to stay in our comfort zones, but it's not good for us. I challenge myself to cook new things all the time, even when I am not into it, but that is the not the same as learning a new skill. Keep us posted!

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    1. It's so easy and seems to be my default to just do what I'm comfortable with, but these prods, nudges, and nagging from Ryan have also excited me to look for and be open to new possibilities. I don't often cook new things because dinner for John includes meat and nothing spicy, but that doesn't mean I can't experiment with new side dishes (even if they are a little spicy!)

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  7. That Ryan is a smart one ... he must have an awesome mom! Eating alone in restaurants is something I learned to enjoy when I traveled on business. If you want to be chatty, sit at the bar. I've had some delightful conversations over drinks and snacks with total strangers! of course you can always sit at a table ... and then it's perfect for people watching ;-)

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  8. Eating alone can be fun. I also find it offers time to sit with your own thoughts without interruption. I have been eating out alone (on occasion) for much of my adult life and don't mind at all. Even eating in very fancy places alone (while traveling) is fun as you get extra attention. Anyway, doing something new, one thing a month, is just what I want to do now that I'll have time on my hands. First up, art classes. Ryan is a very smart man!

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  9. I wish we lived closer, I'd love to go to that pub. It sounds like fun. I've been thinking of taking up the violin. I play guitar and thought fiddling would be fun. Maybe I will follow Ryan's advice too.

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    1. I am not musical at all, and think that trying any kind of new instrument is a big, but worthwhile, challenge! Give it a try a try!

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  10. what a beautiful tribute to your son! I can and do eat at a restaurant by myself with a book (it's fun). I cannot imagine going to a class by myself...so yay you!

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  11. Oh, this is WONDERFUL!! I tried archery many years ago at summer camp and loved it.

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