James McGillivray asks us to write "a post about relaxation techniques, dream destinations, vacation plans or anything else relating to taking a break for your own mental health."

There are a few things that I've been enjoying recently, outside of binge-watching shows (and sports), and perfecting grilled chicken and homemade waffles. Separately, not together – moving south has not made that less weird to me.

Deerspotting

There is a neighborhood nearby named Cheval, where there are often deer roaming about at dusk. There is also a quiet spot near Lake Wylie that we frequent where they are out every single night. I think deer are beautiful creatures, and finding them nearby is a great distraction indeed. As a bonus, the kids love it too, making it a great, pandemic-friendly escape.

13+ deer at Lake Wylie, Dec. 29

Games

I always loved games as a kid, and starting to play real games with my own kids, where they understand both the rules and the object, has been a blast. Recently we've been on tears of Ticket to Ride, Drawful, and I'm starting to teach my 8-year old chess.

My Own Little 80s Arcade

I grew up spending way too much time in the lobby of the Voyager Motor Hotel, playing coin-op games like Ms. Pac-Man, Frogger, and Mr. Do!

I've long had nostalgia for these old-school games, and browser-based emulators are just not the same. So I recently spoiled myself with this addition to my home office, with a 19" LCD and 60 different games:

Next I need a pinball machine.