How to spend a month without a job?

I'm in the enviable position of having a full month without any firm commitments. Today is August 12. On September 12, I'll report to the State Department to start training to be a diplomat. I hope to spend the time between now and then as well as possible. I have three things in mind-- and you can help with each.

1) Play lots of music. Unfortunately, both of my bands are missing members due to people moving away. I'll practice a lot on my own, but would like to play with people too-- in part because it's fun, in part to try to put together a new band lineup for the fall. If you know any awesome musicians (bluegrass or otherwise) who might like to play with me, put us in touch!

2) Read books. Yesterday, I finished reading my first novel in months and months. I want to keep that going-- to expand my reading list beyond what can be contained in Google Reader. Send me recommendations for what I should be reading!

3) Take on challenges. My friend Amanda has started a project where she solicits challenges from friends and completes them. Potential challenges are very broadly defined as things that are hard but fun to do. So far, for example, she and her partner in awesomeness have walked from DC to Baltimore, written and performed a 10 minute play in iambic pentameter, and more. They are currently writing a young adult novel, staging a mass wild west style showdown (rock-paper-scissors style) in a public park, and more. There are plenty of potential challenges ripe for the taking on the website, but I'd like to hear what you think I should do. Send me ideas for challenges, ideally ones that can be accomplished in a month! Bonus points if you want to collaborate to tackle a challenge with me.

Besides these things, I'll be fixing bikes, swing dancing, and catching up with friends. Be in touch, especially if you have mornings free and would like to schedule things early in the day. So far, the hardest part of unemployment seems to be getting out of bed at a reasonable hour.