This is a bit of a hard category to nail down. Obviously, everything we do is an “experience” in some way. And I obviously don’t mean simply that…

On the other hand, I’m also not sure if I ONLY mean big experiences. Retiring would be big, but not an experience; going to the circus would be an experience, but not necessarily big.

I guess that I’m more talking about doing things that are not part of my ordinary world. Or perhaps even more simply, things that take effort to do. D&D, even, takes effort.

We’re going to go see Singin’ in the Rain at Centerpointe in June, and it sort of counts, I think.

Usually, I would include various restaurants in the list, except that I don’t have a list at the moment of “must try” restaurants. I should, I suppose, although my interest seems pedestrian…I was following a guy on FB who created a group centred around “Club Sandwiches,” which he called “Clubbing for Cancer” — trying to find the best club sandwich in Ottawa while fighting cancer. He lost his battle, unfortunately, but the group is still active and I liked the premise. I thought of doing wings, but it’s often subjective; burgers, pizza, etc. are all overdone (sometimes literally). But I do have this idea for going out for a simple breakfast — eggs (sunny side, of course), toast, bacon, juice. Home fries if available. Maybe sausages. Normally, no, for bacon or anything else. I don’t really think of that as “an experience” necessarily, but I do have a list of some 70 places that people suggested. I’ve done 3 so far. I tried to tick the box for another one between Christmas and New Years and it was JAMPACKED. Not a relaxing vibe at all. But I’ll probably do a few more over the next year.

I could include astronomy viewings, but again, not really what I’m thinking of, that’s kind of separate.

I am a member of the Capital Crime Writers group, I suppose that would count for an outing to hear a guest speaker.

I could also benefit from a simple baking course, if I could find one that isn’t during the day (I’m not retired yet!).

And I am still thinking about a retreat weekend sometime. Just me and my thoughts.

Oh, and if I get a chance to ride an e-bike or drive a jetski or boat, that would count too.

That’s about it. I’m not dreaming big this year. I did the Bouchercon last year, and we went to BC, even went to an orchard and picked apples (I’ve always wanted to do it and never went!) but this year will be more about home stuff, saving the gusto perhaps for Egypt in May 2027.

Until then, I’ll have to noodle some more stuff. Feel free to suggest out-of-the-ordinary things to try.