A Summer List

 

Every year right around spring and early beginning of summer I start to dream of what summer will have in store for me. I would create a list with things I always wanted to try, do, or explore. I would also have lists for each season but the summer list would be the biggest of all. Usually, I would travel around Europe; Germany, France, Italy, Spain, England, Greece or/and Turkey. I would also hang out with friends and enjoy open-air music festivals, eat out more than usual and enjoy late summer nights out on the town – with 80 degrees at 9 at night it would feel pretty darn good. 

This year my summer looks a little different. I am not traveling to Europe. I am far away from my friends and family. I am in California. I am personally and hopefully also professionally growing. Plus, I am no longer alone. Yet, all this change will not hinder me to dream of fun summer activities as well as make some of these dreams actually come true – and a new place just asks for a fun and new summer list with exciting things to do!

Here’s my list for this year. It will be fun to come back to this list and cross a few things off from time to time. After all, I want this summer to be a great one; especially since this marks a new part of my life.  

• Explore more of Sacramento and surroundings {as of 7/1 we saw 95% of Sacto}
• Visit Orange County {going early August}
• Travel to and explore the Reno area {completed, yet will be going back a few times}
• Visit San Francisco
• Visit Monterey  
• Go to one or two wineries
• Make strawberry mojitos 
• Make sangrias
• Make popsicles
• Bake a gluten free apple pie, and maybe a plum pie
• Go to the Farmer's Market hopefully twice a month
• Go to the beach because we miss it so terribly much
• Watch a movie at an outdoor movie theater – preferably a drive-in theater
• Go hiking
• Read at least four books
• Catch up on my favorite shows (Criminal Minds included)
• Decorate the apartment with artwork so it looks welcoming and less boring
• Turn off my phone for at least two hours each day starting July 1 for two months (yes, each day)
• Find a job (not a summer goal but it must happen this summer)

Do you make lists, or am I the only crazy one?
Would love to hear what you have planned this summer.

Have a great weekend.

 image via DustJacket