I wish I could say that I had more time to explore our growing niche of a city, Waco. As I am nearing the end of my junior year at Baylor, it hit me that I really have not absorbed all that Waco has to offer. With there being only one year left for me to adventure, I needed to put together a list of things that I would like to accomplish.

1. Explore Cameron Park

My park explorations have been far too limited. I've heard of the beauty of the bamboo shoots, the woodsy hikes, and the "breathtaking" (for Waco) views; however, I still have yet to really invest much time into navigating the trails of Cameron Park.

2. Try out all the different coffee shops

I am not sure if the revenue boost being brought into Waco has anything to do with the increase in the number of neighboring coffee establishments, but I am thinking maybe it does, or I was just blind to them all (which is also very likely). With new ones appearing to pop up every so often, I have this new burning desire to try them all out. This excludes Starbucks!!! Chain coffee shops are not included in this hot-drink-sipping adventure. I know each place is sure to offer a unique vibe, and I can't wait to immerse myself in the ambiance.

3. Volunteer at local shelters

One rather depressing fact about living in Waco is that there is no shortage of shelters (of any kind) here. Whether we are talking human or animal, they are here. I have spent some of my time giving back, but if we are being honest here, I haven't spent enough time doing so. I want to change that. Fuzzy friends, here I come!

4. Go beyond the "Baylor bubble"

There is so much more which this town has to offer that I have not yet heard of or explored yet. Seeing that the furthest I drive from my house is about a 5-mile radius (besides the airport), I do not get to see that much of the city. I know there are things out there that will spark my interest; I just haven't allocated the time to such endeavors. My new goal is to expand my Baylor bubble radius to include more places of establishment and adventure to spark my interest.

5. Go antiquing

Here in Waco, there is no shortage of antique stores. I have noticed their increase in popularity and sheer volume of stores following the success of "Fixer Upper." I live just down the street from at least three stores, but I still have yet to step foot into any of them. I am curious to see what all kinds of things I may find in the heart of Texas.

6. Homestead Heritage

This is a community that lies just outside the Baylor bubble that supposedly has incredible food and a unique lifestyle to match. Separate from the rest of society, the people of Homestead Heritage live their lives (from what I have gathered) the way God intended them to. A society of simplicity yields fine craftsmanship, food, and memories. I am antsy at the thought of exploring, already.

7. Engage in local festivities

"I am too tired" is no longer a valid excuse that can be used to lay in my bed. I am down to a limited time span for my Waco adventures, so taking a snooze is no longer an option. There are the occasional pop-up festivities in Waco, such as Art on Elm Street and Food Truck Showdown. I shall be an attendee.

8. Drive

I was driving the other day down Austin Avenue and realized that I had never driven so far down this road before. As the stoplights passed, I found myself growing fonder and fonder of where I live. There is so much more to explore in this rather larger-than-I-originally-thought town that I want to see. So, the solution is that I shall drive more in exploration. I love to gaze at old buildings, pretty houses, and find what appears in neat stores.

9. "Sail-gating"

When else will I have the opportunity to sail-gate a football game on the Brazos River?