Waiting Out Another Weekend at Home
Hannah Starcher, B.A.
Alright, so the past couple of months haven’t been too exciting - BUT - that doesn’t mean that they have to be boring. We are fortunate enough to live in a world where most things can be accomplished through our computers, TV’s or phones. Instead of focusing too much on the negatives, let’s draw our attention to the positives and think about what we are fortunate enough to have, and do, today.
LIBRARIES ARE STILL OPEN ONLINE
While this may not seem like any large feat, libraries are a quintessential part of the community and they offer a wide variety of resources to those that need it. Librarians are currently working tirelessly to make e-books and audio books accessible to those in need of research material, or maybe just a good read. You can sign up for a library card online. From there, enjoy the plentiful services that they have to offer, including free monthly movies, magazines, and music. If you live in Pittsburgh, visit the Carnegie Library’s website and indulge in the media that has been made available to you.
THE VAST AMOUNT OF ONLINE TOURS
I was genuinely unaware of the sheer volume of virtual tours being offered right now. Depending on what you’re in the mood for, you can enter a ghost house, visit a contemporary art gallery, “stroll” the paths of a beautiful botanical garden, explore mountains and forests in different parts of the world, and even live stream the Northern Lights - incredible! There is so much being offered virtually that it almost feels as though there’s not enough time to see it all. If you’re feeling bored or alone, put on your headphones, open your computer and allow yourself to get lost in whatever virtual space you choose to explore.
THE ABILITY TO LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE
If you’re like me, you’ve taken a handful of language classes in your life. Maybe the language just never stuck with you and you put it aside? Or maybe it wasn’t a language that really interested you? Regardless, the newly available free time might be a perfect opportunity to pick a language back up - or learn another language if you are already fluent in a few.
No one is saying that you need to become fluent by the time this pandemic is over, but wouldn’t it be really cool if you were able to add some new words and phrases to your lexicon? Learning a new language is a challenge and an extremely beneficial way to use your time and attention. Listen to a podcast, visit a website, or download a learning language app (like Pittsburgh-based company, Duolingo) and exercise your brain!
As always, be well and know that you are not alone in this.
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