Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Do you make a summer list? Or, for that matter, do you make a fall, winter, and spring list? I have been lazy about making a list over the last school year and it’s really affected what I have done over the last few months. I feel like I haven’t taken advantage of getting out there this year.
I feel weird about making a list right now for some reason. I’m a bit overwhelmed with a new puppy and all it requires of me and some uncertainties I feel right now. Just keeping it real here. But, still, I want to re-charge my batteries, re-connect with people I care about, and eek what I can out of this current season. Also, I looked back on some previous lists and many of the things I previously put down I just don’t care about anymore. I don’t really care about farmer’s markets this summer. Do I need to go to see if that’s really true? What’s wrong with me? Do you ever feel like this?
First of all, here are some general themes I want to employ this summer:
less scrolling – more reading books
less shopping – more putting together outfits from what I have
less shopping – more decluttering (this always helps me to see just how much I have and how much I could end up with!)
less complaining – more rejoicing
less negativity – more positivity
more moving – less sitting
leas meat – more plants
less processed – more fresh
less hurry – more calm
less indoor time – more outdoor time
Want Tos for the Summer:
I want to lift weights at least 4 mornings a week.
I want to walk almost everyday with pup or alone with a podcast or both.
I also want to have dinner done so I can walk with Tom and Eddie Otis after Tom gets home from work. I know this means a lot to Tom to have me walk with him and it’s a great way to download our days. It’s also fun to see Eddie Otis explore the world together and he gives us lots of laughs.
I want to spend lots of quality time with Tom, kids, and pup. I have a drop everything attitude when my kids ask to hang out with me.
Celebrate Tom’s birthday and Father’s Day in a way that makes Tom happy.
Celebrate our 24th wedding anniversary.
Boat with friends to lunch or sit in cove and have a picnic on the boat.
Teach Eddie Otis how to use the doggy boat ramp.
Enjoy the scents of summer- coconut conditioner is currently in my shower and I’m using the Trader Joe’s bum bum dupe body wash and body cream.
One pool day at Erica’s pool – already enjoyed one day and might do another.
Rooftop or boutique pool day with my friend Beth.
Go to the adult pool with a friend or even by myself to read. We no longer belong to a pool, but there is a pool where I can pay as I go that has a pool set aside for 18 and up. Most of the people are way way up if you know what I mean, but it’s lovely and you can take a float.
Coffee dates or happy hour dates with friends.
Take lunch to Elizabeth at her office and sit outside and eat lunch with her – already promised this and need to make a plan.
Catch up on movies and tv I missed.
Try some new recipes – last summer was so fun making some French recipes with Mason.
Finally try pickle ball with my friend who is obsessed (Heather).
Plan and take a trip with family even if it’s small.
Plan a bigger trip for either fall break or winter break.
Plan a day in my hometown with my mom, sisters, and their kids.
Go to a matinee movie alone.
Go to lunch alone at a kind of nice place.
Read on my patio – finally over my reading slump I think. I have now read 5 books in 2024.
Go out to the patio after dinner and enjoy the longer daylight.
Get a few pedicures in summer colors – white will be the next one – possibly invite a friend.
Declutter as many spaces as possible – this might be a better time of year to do 40 bags in 40 days! It’s normally a Lent activity where you choose 40 spaces in your house and get a bag of stuff to donate.
I’m sure I’ve forgotten many things, but this should get me started!
Cheers!
Amy
Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa 
These summer intentions sound great!
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Thank you! Looking to you for plant inspo!
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Your list is really inspiring me- inspiring me to slow down and enjoy the beautiful things all around us- you are also inspiring me to make my own list- will credit you when I post it 🙂
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I think it’s normal for our tastes in activities to change from year to year. I do think that you’re craving both quiet and quality friend time. I pray that you got lots of both during this much needed summer break! I love your lists of things! I need to shop in person for some fresh produce…this is our favorite time of year for easy no-cook dinners. I may do that today after work! I forgot to text you yesterday, so I’ll send one today. I want to catch up!
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What a fun list! Reading it put me instantly into a holiday mood. I am curious to follow along this summer. I meander between structure and spontaneity during July and August. On one hand, I looove to just go with the flow, have some down time, grab an ice cream, go for picnic, hop on a train to somewhere new when we feel like it. On the other hand, I am far too much of a planner to completely go without a plan. I might try a bucket list this year with different fun outings for inspiration 🙂
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Sounds like a great plan! Do you have mosquito issues on back patio? Any tips? I’m getting eaten alive this season. Happy summer!
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This list sounds pretty perfect to me and I love that you are changing as seasons in life change too. Soak up all your time after such a long school year!
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I love your general themes list. I haven’t made a list this summer but I aim for doing many of the things you have in your list. I would love to spend more time outdoors but I can already tell this is going to be another brutal summer. Today is supposed to be 103 with 82% humidity in San Antonio!! 😳🥵
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You’re going to have the best summer ever! Love this list…little and big things.
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Thank you – I had a hard time with it this year. I think maybe I am feeling some dejavu? Also, I might just be too tired to think about it with the school year that was and the new pup?
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Oh, wow, that sounds fantastic! I so look forward to follow all your adventures! I have a request: Aldi shopping tips!
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Thank you! Oh, ok! I don’t think I’m an expert, but I can try. Stick to the outer rim with the fruits, veg, cheeses, and meats. My family doesn’t like off brand chips! Oh, and their chocolate is good, too.
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Great list for the summer!
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Thank you!
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I definitely think my summer “interests” have changed over the years. Your list sounds so laid back and fun! I haven’t made a list, but it would be similar to yours…enjoying the puppy and savoring time with adult kid(s) at home. I would like to plan some special family times when all of us will be here for 4th of July. Great post!
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Yes! I guess I didn’t expect mine to. I even am not as motivated to see friends or have friends over. Is that weird? Is that just the puppy exhaustion?
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I make lists, but I haven’t ever made a list of what to do during a certain time. I really like the way you’ve divided the items into two categories. I have done a 40 day Lent purge, but I haven’t done 40 bags! That’s a lot of stuff. I think I did a pretty good job of that when we downsized two years ago. Good luck!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
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Thank you! The 40 bags don’t have to be massive and don’t even have to be bags. It’s more about listing 40 little spots in your home to declutter. One can be silverware drawer. Downsizing would make you do that! Thank you!
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It’s true: I used to make lists of things to do and check things off. Toddler life changes that. Babies are transportable. Toddlers are beasts. Unless you have someone else *with* a toddler to hang out with (I don’t), you often feel like a burden. It’s not the toddler’s fault, it just is. So every time I think “I’m going to make a list of fun things to do”, I’m quickly brought down to earth by reality lol.
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I think my puppy is in toddler stage because I think I feel like he’s my only list item this summer!
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