Since we’re in month 12 of the pandemic, a post suggesting diversions is more than a little late. But until recently, I had not felt bored. Perhaps it’s not only the pandemic but also the usual February doldrums that have me looking for newness now. 

Listmaker that I am, I came up with some ideas so that I don’t have to tax my imagination every time I seek something new and different. 

I may do one of these, a few, or none. There is no resolution involved here. I’m merely giving myself a list of entertaining ideas to which to turn when amusement is needed. These are all one-off activities — no commitment to multiple sessions or sign-up needed.

• Weather permitting, take a walk in an unfamiliar neighborhood. If it’s an ethnic neighborhood, also read about its history, food, and culture.

* Weather permitting, go downtown with the AIA Guide to Chicago and learn about buildings that aren’t on my Chicago Greeter tour of the Loop.

• Take a virtual tour of a city, famous sight, or out-of-town museum. Websites like Google Arts & Culture have links to hundreds of possibilities. Forbes ranked the 15 best virtual tours to take during the coronavirus. 

* Visits a Chicago museum’s website to learn more about its collection. Or tour along with Mayor Lightfoot on one of her Stay Home. Hit Play. programs.

• Check out an online program or exhibit of the Newberry Library; an online exhibit or event of the Chicago History Museum; or an online event of the Chicago Public Library.

* Try an online exercise class. Yoga with Adriene is popular. Find other suggestions from the Chicago Tribune at link.

• Watch a virtual religious service that’s not of my own denomination to satisfy my curiosity about how other faith traditions worship. 

Looking over the list, I think it’s one to keep postpandemic, whether or not I choose to do anything on it soon. It is always good to be reminded of possibilities.

The list presupposes that I’ll not return to any indoor activities yet. With vaccination so close, I can hold out a little longer.

*****

PATIENCE WANES DURING WAIT FOR VACCINE

Speaking of the vaccine, did you register with Zoodoc when the city announced a partnership to give Chicagoans, as the news release said, “a simplified way to find a vaccination site amidst enduring confusion”?

Zoodoc says that registrants will be notified when appointments become available.

Two weeks after registering, I have yet to be notified, which shouldn’t be surprising, given the limited supply of vaccine. I’m finding it harder to wait, however, as other people in category 1b report that they’ve received a first shot at Walgreens or Northwestern Memorial Hospital. I waste time going to the Walgreens site, repeatedly checking off the same boxes, only to be told that no appointments are available but I can try again later. That’s the message as well on the website of Rush University Medical Center, my healthcare provider.

Since Zoodoc is supposed to inform us of available time slots, what compels me to keep searching? I must have an irrational fear of falling through the cracks.

Patience, as Allison Arwady, Chicago’s public health commissioner, keeps counseling. I don’t plan to do anything in the next week that makes me more vulnerable to COVID than last week. I don’t have comorbidities, as some friends do who are also still waiting.

If everyone in my circle but me has been vaccinated — that’s far from the case — then I can set off an alarm bell.