RiverBender Blog: My Summer Bucket List

Well, all of a sudden it’s July, and I have yet to complete a single item on my summer bucket list.

In my defense, I’ve been busy. I moved in May, and I’ve been focused on knocking out tasks around the house ever since then. It turns out it’s a lot of work to take care of a yard, and then I moved a ton of rock to make a firepit, and sometime in there it occurred to me that I have yet to actually enjoy my yard and firepit.

So, as July and the summer sun beat down on us, I’m making an official summer bucket list so I can focus in and enjoy the season.

Of course, summer feels a lot different than it used to. When you’re a kid, there’s a natural break in routine at summertime, and it’s easy to get caught up in the magic of it all. As adults, life just keeps happening, so it’s harder to find the joy.

Not so for me! I’m determined not to lose my whimsy, my wonder, my sense of excitement. I’m determined to enjoy the summer, is what I’m trying to say.

So, my summer bucket list.

1. Roast a marshmallow.

The aforementioned firepit is ready to go. All I need is a stick, some chocolate and a graham cracker. I love s’mores (my sweet tooth is legendary in my family) so this is a no-brainer. S’more it up

2. Go swimming.

Swimming is a quintessential summer moment. I want to spend the entire day at the pool, scarfing down a midday sandwich, jumping into blue water, tanning in the sun. Give me a sunny Saturday and a towel and let’s make it happen.

3. Go for a hike.

Okay, maybe hiking is more of an autumn thing, especially around here where you can go to Pere Marquette and enjoy a truly gorgeous fall foliage scenario. But even though it’s bound to be hot, I would love to go on a nice, long, exhausting hike sometime this summer. The best part? Collapsing into bed after a shower, muscles pleasantly sore, with beautiful sights to dream about. Yes, sign me up.

4. Eat on a patio.

Random, maybe, but doesn’t it sound fun to sit on a patio on a late summer evening, drink in hand, and chill? Outdoor dining is a perfect summer activity, and I’d be down for a night of calm on a balcony or patio, watching the stars appear. Which brings me to my next bucket list item…

5. Grill.

I’ve never grilled before. No time like the present to learn. I could go for a nice charred burger, and I’m determined to be the one who slaps it on the grill, barbecues like a champ, and serves up a good meal to my friends and family.

6. Go to an outdoor performance.

Concert, Muny, Shakespeare in the Park. So many great options to choose from! I’d love to hit one of these (or all three) and enjoy a summer evening on the town.

7. Read in a hammock.

I recently put up a hammock in my backyard, and I’ll be damned if I’m not going to sit there and enjoy it.

8. Go on a float trip.

I just really have a hankering for a good float trip. Floating down the river, getting sunburned, pumping music, snacking on fruit in between taking turns paddling — yup, I’m down for that.

There are so many other summer-y things I’d love to do, but this feels like a good start! I made a point to keep my bucket list items doable. I want to knock them all off the list, and I’d rather make up a summer of fun, small, happy activities than be disappointed that I missed something major.

I’m determined to have a fun summer, and even though I’m a little late on creating a bucket list, I hope I’ll be able to make it happen. I wish you a happy summer, too, full of fun activities and memorable experiences. Here’s to a happy season ahead!

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