On the weekends I get these insatiable urges to pack up and leave and go somewhere. It usually happens on Sunday afternoons: I get the sensation that I’ve been inside long enough and need to go somewhere. Anywhere.

It’s odd because I never got this sensation in Southern California. Perhaps because I was driving an hour and a half to work one way every day 5 days a week. On weekends the last thing I wanted to do was get back in my car. Plus the beach was so close I could walk there with the dog in about 5 to 10 minutes.

Looking back, I feel like I was a fool to not take advantage of my surroundings in Southern California and and explore the area with the same fervor I have exploring my new surroundings here in Wisconsin.

When I get Cabin Fever, it usually comes with a certain level of impatience. I can’t even take 10 to 15 minutes to find a new place to explore. Instead I pack up the baby and the fur baby and we’re all out the door. We usually end up in the same places. But the result is satisfying nonetheless.

Today we’re at Mitchell Park, a place we’ve been at least 50 times before. Instead of feeling bored, I feel content. The last thing I want to do is go back inside. It’s 30-something degrees but I have the layers to handle it. I’ve got my yoga pants under my snow pants and a long-sleeve shirt under my snow jacket, plus the big thick winter boots. Even the bulldog has her winter coat on.

I’m warm enough to just sit here in the grass and just be present.

What are your go-to places when you need to get out and go somewhere?