Do You Like to Make Summertime Checklists?
Photo courtesy of Kelly Dawson
I’ll say what every (American) adult thinks between June and September: We deserve a summer vacation. And not just, “Here’s my OOO email auto-response, which will be up for two weeks and I will undoubtedly check regardless,” but a real, relishing break to soak up the season.
Perhaps the reason why some of us are lucky enough to look upon summer fondly is because it gave us a chance to get away from our standard routines, explore the open spaces of nature, and dive into new hobbies when we were young. It’s tough to do that as a grownup, particularly if you don’t plan for it.
A few years ago, a publication asked me to write a checklist for readers around this theme, and I enjoyed doing it so much that I’ve been making one for myself ever since. Here’s a small slice of what I have planned before the start of fall, and I’ve made sure that most of these are low-stakes fun.
Have a picnic beneath a shady tree.
Eat a popsicle outside.
Stop and smell the flowers.
Watch a baseball game from the cheap seats.
Take in an outdoor movie. (I’ve been going to this venue for over a decade!)
Go to the beach for the day — no stereos included.
Play a sport barefoot in the grass.
Make s’mores.
Read a classic book.
Jump into the deep end of a cold pool.
Go on a road trip, even if it’s only to a place a couple of hours away. Roll the windows down!
Arrange garden flowers in a vase.
Listen to the birds.
Visit the farmer’s market.
Make an art project.
Send a postcard.
Peruse a garage sale or flea market (or both).
Go out on a boat with friends.
Eat a watermelon and feta salad.
Whip up a Pimm’s cup.
Be in the audience of an outdoor concert.
Spend the whole day outside without a phone.
Add sprinkles to the top of an ice cream cone.
Let me know what you have planned for the summer in the comments below!
