The End of the Summer Bucket List...

for now.

My summer is over.

I know, technically summer doesn't end until September.

But for me, once I start back to school, my summer is over.

Ironically, it doesn't even feel like summer right now.  We have had more rain in August than I ever remember having for the whole summer most years.  And the temperatures are not even that warm (or at least not hot).

Anyway, here is the list one last time with the final tally...

My summer bucket list:

• to say "yes" more than I say "no" to my kids. You have NO idea how hard this is for me!  I can honestly say I did this.  I said yes a LOT more than I said no.  And I feel good about that.
• to nap anytime I want (every day if I want to) without feeling guilty about it  I did this as much as was possible with volleyball practices, appointments, and such.  I am already missing those naps...
• to go on a float trip (this one may be happening soon!)  Did that in late June.  Loved it.  I would kind of like to try it with kids.  It is looking like that might be a good possibility with all of the rain we have had!
• to eat lobster and shrimp ravioli and Joe's incredible rolls without an ounce of guilt or regret  I did that in early summer but I think I may have to add that to my fall bucket list. :)  Yum, yum.
• to dance in the rain with my daughter  We did that not long ago (it has been easier with all of the rain).  The funny thing was it was on her bucket list too. So we went outside and once out there, she said, "Now what do we do?" 
• to spend just one day ALL day on my computer whether it is playing games, cleaning out my cache, or organizing my bookmarks  That did not happen.  I did work on cleaning out some e-mails and such but I actually ended up spending LESS time on my computer. Oh well. 
• to read at least one (if not more) book just for fun...not for parenting or teaching!  I did get a couple read.  One of my goals for fall is to do more reading, sometimes fun, sometimes practical.  To do that, I will have to continue to limit my computer time...there just isn't enough time for both!
• to wear eye shadow (a little odd but I just don't do that typically)  I have done that quite a bit this summer.  And I think I will continue to do so though not every day.
• to get a new camera  I got one for my birthday!  I love my new camera though I have a lot to learn with it.  I know it is capable of doing more than I know how to do with it.  So a goal this coming year will be to learn more about it and its capabilities. 
• to go to the farmer's market at least once (if not more)  We did and enjoyed it.  I don't think it will be a regular thing for us but once in a while, it is nice to be out. I did buy a beautiful basil plant that has been thriving in all of this rain.  If I could just find a cilantro plant (my attempts to grow plants failed...), I would be in good shape.
• to slow dance with my husband (love to but it is rare)  Didn't happen.  We have mentioned it a few times but haven't actually done so.  Maybe this fall...
• to make homemade ice cream (no, don't have a maker...)  Didn't happen.  :(  I still want to do this at some point.  Maybe I will just get a maker on clearance or something...
• to do a random act of kindness  We have done a few of these, though it isn't completely random.  One that comes to mind lately involved paying a toll for someone else. They did know about it so it wasn't anonymous but it was random. 
• to find a shark tooth on the beach (but not IN the shark's mouth)  Woohoo!  Did that!
• to watch a meteor shower with my husband...even better, outside of the city limits/lights!  We did watch the meteor shower though it wasn't out of the city limits.  These showers always happen when I am returning to school and of course are late at night, so leaving the city to watch is difficult...
• to see a waterfall that takes my breath away  I am pretty sure Niagara counts for this one.  There really are no words to describe that one!
• to watch the sun rise at least once (I am usually snoozing)  I managed a couple times on our beach trip. Otherwise, I have slept right through them... :)
• to visit some local "swimming holes" with the kids  We did visit a couple.  I had hoped and planned to visit more but our summer has been a little odd. 
• to not set my alarm clock as much as possible  I did this any day possible until this week. And this week, I am NOT liking the sound of that alarm...
• to make smores with the kids   We did this a couple times. I enjoyed each and every bite...
• to visit with friends...you know, the ones we always say we need to get together with but don't!  I did do this with one friend. I am still working on setting up a time meet with another...
• to ride a bike trail  Didn't happen. :( But maybe in the fall...
• to learn how to grill  I am not ready to grill steaks or anything but I can muddle through it...
• to visit a state park I visited two though neither were Arkansas State Parks...
• to pay off something I have wanted paid off for a long time  Didn't happen. :( I am still hoping for a surprise check or to stumble on some cash to get this done.
• to buy a pair of fun summer time pajamas Done. Just wore them last night.
• to eat a Chicago pizza Done and enjoyed EVERY bite. I am already ready for another...
• to feel God's presence in a MIGHTY way, something that can only be experienced, not explained Okay, that didn't happen. But this is God I am talking about. Ultimately He is in charge of those moments. And they won't happen before then, bucket list or not. 
• to go to the zoo 
• 
  

I can also cross off one of my "unspoken ones". :)

I didn't even have visit another country on my list and I can cross that off. :)

All in all, it was a good summer. I enjoyed these moments as well as many more.

More later,
Reba