Summer Bucket List 2020

In Oregon, it feels like summer doesn’t start until after the 4^th of July. Right? Yeah? Or, am I just making an excuse for being so late to the Summer Bucket List party? I had a difficult time deciding if I would even make a list this year. I should write down things I want to do before cinnamon makes a comeback when I can’t even go to the grocery store? Can’t? Shouldn’t? Strongly advised not to. Yeah, that feels right.

Hi, my name is Karlee, and I’m immunocompromised. Like, basically half the population so it’s nothing spesh. That thought doesn’t stop me from feeling sorry for myself. See me crying into my quilt and watching Clueless on repeat.

I realized that it’s probably the reason I should make a list. I shouldn’t just think about the things I can’t do but relish in the things I can. Last year’s list was FILLED to the brim with very wonderful things that I all but about 10% completed. This year, I made a list of only 7 things that I want to squeeze out of this-no-good-very-bad-summer.

My friend, Joy started the Summer Bucket list and you should read all of hers for inspiration. So, all of my lists are thanks to her and copied from her and basically stolen from her. However, she invites us all to said party so you should make your own this year too. Tag her, not me, when you do.

1. Love my body, accept my body, thank my body.

           This one goes on the very tippy-top because it’s most important. My body – failed as it ever is, larger than it’s ever been, is a beautiful vessel that has brought me to today. It has fought many battles and it will fight many more. It is not a pawn in diet culture. It is, however, something I am so thankful for. I just need to remember that.

            Might I add that a quarantine body is just as important, beautiful, and needed as a summer body. Are you carrying more weight? Good.

2. New flowers in the house, weekly.

           It’s too easy to forget the little things that bring us the biggest pleasures. Luckily, my farmer’s market is two blocks away. Best $15 spent. They shall grace my kitchen, my dining room, my bedside table thank you very much.

3. Learn how to make Ravioli.

           Look, it just time. Everyone is doing it. I want to learn how to make it perfectly so that I can fill them with pumpkin and toss them in browned butter come the fall. (Did I spell it wrong on the paper? Yes, and that’s my own cross to bear)

4. Wash, moisturize, exfoliate, mask.

           These are the little things that make me happy. I put this here only to make myself feel more accomplished when I do them. Like, “look at me checking things off my list like SQUARE UP WORLD”.

5. Picnic Lunch, on a blanket, in a park.

           There are a lot of things I can’t do but going to a park isn’t one of them. So, I’ll get that quilt, pack a sweet pickle ham sandwich wrapped in wax paper, and munch on some bursting cold grapes. Maybe I’ll even do this with a friend. The possibilities are endless.

6. Make the bed in the AM, empty sink at night.

            I find that doing these two things make me a happier person. Using that logic, I should make sure to do that daily. It was a lot easier when Daniel was still working from home, but I’m a strong, capable woman. I can do this.

7. Train Bruce Wayne on a harness.

           I mean wouldn’t that just be the absolute CUTEST!? This needs to happen. I’ll be lining my pockets with freeze-dried chicken bits and trying to get the world’s cutest cat to be my walking buddy.