To Be or Not Be ... Social?

THIS is a huge question for me as we head out of quarantine.  "My group" is fully vaccinated and set for socializing.  

Yet, I'm hesitating.  Why?  Because it seems like it's the same old same old.  Let's get together for a drink. Let's go out to dinner.  

What happened to hikes, nature walks, talk over a cup of coffee (not coffee and an entire spread of food)? Can we think of simpler things to do or DIFFERENT things to do?  Life is going to become EXACTLY like it was before unless I hold a change for myself.

But where's the line?  I like social eating too.  I want to see friends.  I don't want this to be the only thing I do though.  Because I don't have a big friend circle (more individual friends), getting together with 5 friends means 5 separate outings and that means 5 dinners out.  Then it feels like same, same, same.  See the problem?

The other issue is people sort of annoy me -- sadly, true hah.  Like the last minute happy hour cancelation after working all day on the cooking and prep.  Like let's have a conversation that's all complaining -- easy to do with the world right now.  

Gathering with intention.  That seems so nice.  (The book I read by Pria Parker got me motivated on this concept.)  I have ONE idea, but that needs a little time and finagling.  

I'm going to work on problem solving this situation.  There MUST be a way to make gatherings more interesting.  Maybe I need to compromise and do the usual stuff for the first round of hellos after quarantine.  Then I can get creative.  I wonder if "my group" is open to things a little different?

As for today, full and fun.  I want to run at the park, paint my toes, watch the coaching call and maybe a Target run.  Some variety with things I enjoy.  I started a new book -- The Goldfinch (Donna Tartt).  One of my besties said it was her favorite book of all time.  It won a Pulitzer Prize so I have high hopes for this one.  It's long and I read the first (long) chapter last night.  Heavy, sad story so far.

Lots to chew on mentally too -- Asheville routine, socializing and coaching options.  Hmmmmm.  Have a good day and stay well.  Later gators.