ARE YOU A SUCCESSFUL list maker? I try to be, I do. I use different tools, on paper and on my computer, to try to keep track of the too-many-to-list obligations and opportunities in my life (not to mention the lives of my husband and kids.) But somehow, I’m not so good at organization, which means I’m not so good at actually accomplishing long-term goals. I can do the stuff that’s right in front of me, but looking beyond the disaster at the end of my nose is, um, a challenge. When it comes to flaws and failings, there’s nothing like a little exhibitionism to keep you honest, so for this summer, I decided to come out of the closet with the things I need and want to get done.
My kids’ insistence on setting goals for the summer (apparently, I’m raising them well, i.e., not too much like me, a notorious avoider of goals and goal-setting) got me thinking. What do I really want for the summer that lies ahead, the way-too-short two months of green and warmth and swimming and farm-fresh vegetables?
My 10 Summer Musts
1. Tomatoes, basil and corn. As much as possible, as soon as they arrive. (Given that it’s been Noah’s Ark-like weather for the last three weeks here, they may arrive exactly never, but hope springs eternal.) I’ll be visiting some of my favorite food bloggers for recipe ideas.
2. Sun on skin. Sunscreen, sure. But that feeling of your skin slowly heating up is one to treasure, especially when you live in a place where winter’s five months long.
3. Fireflies in a jar. My kids have to do this, at least once, if only so I can have the joy of seeing them replicate one of my favorite childhood activities.
4. Bonfire, with s’mores. We’re trying a new version: chocolate graham crackers, peanut butter, chocolate (duh) and homemade marshmallows. I promise a full report.
5. Beach. Seaglass. Hopefully a lobster roll or three. We’re heading to Maine in a couple of weeks to benefit from a sister-friend’s hospitality, so this one should be easy.
6. A run in the rain. Remember that 10-mile goal? I need to conquer my fear of slipping and sliding on the dirt roads that surround my home if I’m going to get there. Though the sun shone yesterday, more storms are coming, and I can’t let them derail my training schedule (because, believe it or not, I actually have one!)
7. Infinite Jest. One of my absolute favorite bloggers has challenged friends and readers to join her in a summer readathon of the late David Foster Wallace’s doorstop of postmodern fiction. I tried to read this when it was first published, and failed, but this time, I’m hoping to conquer it. I guess I better add it to my beach bag full o’ books.
8. A night away with my husband, and without my kids. We’ve only done this once, and it was almost three years ago. I think it’s time. Any suggestions on where we should go for a grown up sleepaway?
9. Get better about keeping in touch with friends both online and real. Does this mean you? Keep me honest.
10. More play, less stress, and a keen eye towards making the most of ever-shorter summer days. Maybe what I really need is this inspired non-planner from designer Keri Smith and Little Otsu.
What about you? What are your must-do summer activities? Who better to share them with than your sisters?
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No surprise, really, that sisterhood, often life’s longest relationship and always one of its most important, has been the Muse for so much creative self-expression by women, and also by men. 
As the suffix of its name suggests, 
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
#3: There aren’t any! Haven’t you noticed? I’ll bring some back from the midwest.
#8: The cottage at the lake is always yours.
#9: No, but I’ll always take more! ;)
#10: Count me in, after today.
You can add tomatoes to the Barefoot Contessa’s corn salad recipe and get all you favorite summer flavors together.
Sometimes…when I do things that aren’t on my list…I write them on my list just so I can cross them off.
I know. A little sick…
# 10 should go to the top of the list. Two nights ago the fire flies were out, leaving me one of my favorite childhood memories. Catching them in a jar, I never seemed I could keep them long.
Maine has the best lobster, enjoy as many rolls as you can.
Oh my, where to begin?
Rebecca–we have fireflies! Loads of them. Must be that urban jungle you live in.
Dan–Yum. I’ll make it for you as I know this is not the summer that is giving you time for either gardening or cooking.
Becky–I totally do that, too. We should start a support group.
Susan–Amen to all of that. I’ll think of you as I conduct my lobster-rolls-of-Southern-Maine taste test next month!
I don’t know that I could manage 10 things, but one thing that I am going to do this summer is be part of a round robin Moleskine exchange – giving me at least 10 chances to create some art, in some form and send it on and eventually, I will get my Moleskine back, full of art done by others.
I’m excited about it, but I also have a terrible case of stage fright: what if my “art” is horrible? What if it’s the one thing in the book that people say, “Wow, what was SHE thinking?” Ugh. But do it I shall.
Roadchick–That sounds amazing. Is the exchange a blog event, or a real world event? Can you share images of what you’re creating? I understand the stage fright, but what a cool thing to do–keep us posted!