It's the first day of spring! And I finally have crocus in my yard, about…
Starting A Spring Self Improvement Project
Friday was the onset of something I’m calling it A Spring of Solo Side Quests: practicing the habit of leaving the house, despite my inner hermit. I have a list of places that I want to try by myself. They aren’t all necessarily new to me but they are all places I would normally not viisit because I have a very strong tendency to just stay home. While that’s not necessarily a bad thing, I do want to (occasionally anyway) choose the bigger life.
My side quest on Friday did not go as planned, however. I decided to visit a coffee shop in the next town over because they are going to be opening a shop in my town soon and I wanted to check them out. When I got there, though, the parking situation was unclear. After a couple of passes, I still couldn’t find a spot, and I left. I was halfway home when I called myself a coward, turned myself around, and went back, determined to solve the problem. As I was waiting to take a right hand turn (and I could literally see the coffee shop), I was rear ended by a massive commercial truck.
Spoiler alert: I’m fine and the damage to my car was pretty minimal.
Once the police left, I had a decision to make: abort the mission and go home or proceed as planned. Or, as it turns out, create an alternate plan. And that’s what I did when I took myself to my favorite in town coffee shop instead. It was not the time to try something new, given my slightly shaky state, and I wanted something familiar and comfortable instead. A place where I know my order. A place where I know the people. I sat and had my treat and read my book and chilled out until the adrenaline left my system and I felt like myself again.
My solo side quest project is sure off to an interesting start.
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Yay for side quests!! Boo for distracted commercial drivers… (Happy to hear you’re not hurt!)
I’m also one for staying home but will join you in trying to get out more. The weather down here is already heating up (85 degrees for the high today) so I will be looking for indoor things to challenge myself until the weekend when work ‘t get in the way…
Happy Monday!
Oh No Carole…..that’s awful! What a way to start your new self project.
A side quest sounds delightful and fun. But what a nasty way to start out. So glad you are ok and the damage to your car is minimal. I’m looking forward to reading about other places you venture out to on your side quest journey.
I’m sorry to hear about that damn truck but glad you and your car are okay. I would have taken the accident as a clear sign that I should go home, rest and recover, so good for you. I’m also one to choose staying home, so I have a question: what do you think you might gain in (occasionally) choosing to go out? I don’t mean this in a snarky way at all, I’m just wondering what I might gain by going out that I don’t already have at home.
Well, fudge. Nobody likes their bravery at trying something new to be rewarded in crappy ways. I do like that you regrouped and pursued an alternate plan. Staying out and about with a coffee reward probably also meant a better overall outcome of the day. Here’s hoping the shop in your town has better parking so you can enjoy that side quest. Glad you and your car are not badly damaged.
Oh, Carole! I am so, so glad you are okay! But ugh… just ugh. Shame on that truck driver for not paying attention!! I hope that this bumpy start won’t prevent you from heading out again! XO
I’m very glad that you and your car are ok. Same thing happened to me in January. I am a home-body, so I don’t get out often unless it is for a special purpose. My days of being curious about businesses selling things I don’t need are basically over, but I do have great curiosity about new grocery stores. We all have our quirks. 😉 Why do you think you need to get out? You seem to have a very stable and rewarding social life, you are busy in local organizations, and you are still working. Sounds like you are getting out quite a bit to me!
Well. I want to go OFFICIALLY On The Record here. I LOVE the notion of Solo Side Quests! Bravo, you. What a grand idea. But I also want to go On The Record that . . . I hate visiting new coffee shops!!! They can be so dang intimidating. (Both Brian and Lauren have been baristas at snooty coffee shops in the past, and they assure me that the inimidation is by freaking design . . . and that the baristas actually do judge everyone . . . and so we are completely justified here.) (Just sayin.) Anyway. I’m sorry that you’re off to a rocky start (so happy you’re safe and your car is only minimally damaged). Good for you for finding a way forward and not letting it (as the song says) “break your stride.” I can’t wait to hear about your further adventures.
Congratulations on doing something brave. I’m sorry that it ended up with a smashed (even if slightly) car. Now you get to be brave getting your car fixed. So that ought to count extra for your quest. Are there rewards built into your quest? Besides whatever intrinsic ones are involved?
I am sorry your solo adventure did not go well. Glad you are ok. But you have inspired me to try the same. Since retiring I find I am more of a homebody than normal. Most of my friends still work so daytime activities are minimal. My hubby and I have been trying new to us coffee shops, but I need to get out more on my own. Thanks for the inspiration.
I’m so happy to hear you are okay and that your car is pretty okay! I’m typing this as I sit at home after bailing on plans! (In my defense I was commit all weekend and needed some downtime.) I like tor idea though!
So glad that you’re OK!! Yikes. And good for you, pivoting & carrying through.
Oh dear. I’m sorry that your attempt turned out as it did, but I applaud the effort and your quick thinking on your feet to make the best of the situation. Here’s hoping your next side quest is much more successful!
I’m so glad that you are okay! And, I’m glad that you were able to change your plan and enjoy a treat at a place where you feel safe.
Have fun on your solo side quests. I’m glad you were not hurt and your car is ok. I have been going on solo day trips occasionally, a ride to the shore and a used bookstore with lunch, a ride to an independent bookstore that has a noon book event a few times a year. Being single and a senior I needed to do it for myself and I do enjoy my days alone. I hope you enjoy your solo quests.
I’m happy to hear you were not hurt. Kudos to you for viewing this as an “interesting start” to solo side quests. I’m glad you decided to finish up at your favorite local shop with a familiar treat.
Solo quests are good! Sorry for the bad start.
Take it easy today and tomorrow; a lot of times getting rear-ended results in more aches and pains the following day. Let your body rest.