I feel like IKWYM, was also in college in the later 90s. I remember being so enthusiastic about all the computer stuff, and doing things like customizing Napster skins, computer themes, sim city buildings. I parlayed all the fun I had playing around creating graphics and building websites on geocities and made that my career before I even graduated. Now things with AI are changing it all so fast, and there's SO much potential there, but overwhelming too, as well as the dread that comes with certain aspects of it. The environmental impacts bother me too much to use it for fun.

I've been doing some tiny, local exploration. I occasionally watch videos from tourists and influencers to find things in my area, but also Pokemon Go is great about pointing things out (street art, statues, etc.) that I often didn't know were there. Sometimes just looking at Google maps points out random things that I then go find out what they are. I do simple things like take different routes across town when I'm not pressed for time to see new stores and neighborhoods. And I go for walks somewhere else. If you're going to be doing it anyway, why not a park or trail I've never seen before instead of the usual? It sounds basic, but that small bit of novelty really does help me get through.

There are also lots of attractions within just a couple of hours that I've been trying to find time to visit. I used to travel a lot, but that's just not very feasible right now in a caregiver sandwich role with chronically ill family members, so I've figured it's a good time to plan out some options closer to home. Like went and stayed in a historic hotel just a couple hours away from our house that had cool features you can only see when you're a guest there. Normally I'd never need to get a hotel there as it's too close to our place, but it was fun and interesting. I feel like most people go for bigger trips and miss a lot of the things that are in that near middle distance. I remember reading that the guy who "invented" microadventures does a lot of things, including camping trips, that could be completed in the space after work one day and before work the next day.

I also started learning a new language (Mandarin) that really challenges my brain and is so different from anything else I've learned in my life, including the writing side as well. Almost relaxing to practice. I watch a lot of foreign media too to learn about new cultures and listen to web radio stations from other countries.

I've also tried out some crafts and baking stuff without trying to make it my new favorite hobby, being fine with just doing something for fun once and then not again.

I hope you find some things to do that bring you that spark!