Summer Bucket List: 2017 Edition

At the end of last summer, I made an end-of-summer bucket list. Rather than make me feel bad about not achieving something, it was the kick in the pants I needed to get so much done and end the summer feeling like I had made the most of the season. This year, rather than scramble for last licks, I'm making my summer bucket list now.  Here are my to-dos:

I've only been to Coney Island once, but to me, Coney Island is summer. Who's with me?

I've only been to Coney Island once, but to me, Coney Island is summer. Who's with me?

 

Shakespeare in the Park

Last week I got to see Julius Caesar so I'm checking this off the list! While the cast is phenomenal, I'm honestly not sure what all the "scandal" fuss is about. Yes, Caesar is portrayed as Trump-like but the show goes no further in its mockery than other works I've seen. It seems like everyone has forgotten that Caesar gets killed in the play. This isn't an anti-Trump move. Anyway, Shakespeare in the Park gets a big check.

 

Governor's Island

Every year I say I'm going to go, and every year, I fail to get my behind on that ferry. This year will be different. I hope. From lawns where you can hang out, to art installations, and bikes for rent, I've always heard that Governor's Island makes for a wonderful day. I intend to verify this claim. Anyone want to come? 

 

Finish my most recent book haul

For the past month or so, my me-time/no tech allowed moments have been spent reading. It has become such an enjoyable part of my day and feels like a return to myself. Growing up I was an avid reader, we're talking a book a day at times, but once law school started, I was reading so much for school and so trained to approach written material with a very specific bent, that reading for pleasure was anything but pleasurable. Reclaiming this pastime has been wonderful. On a recent trip to Barnes & Nobel I picked up The Handmaid's Tale (just finished, so good, so eerily prescient, we are maybe screwed), Franny & Zoey (I hated The Catcher in the Rye but want to give Salinger another chance), The Unfortunate Importance of Beauty (sounds lighthearted with a soul), and 1984 (I guess there's maybe a theme emerging). As you can probably tell from my selections, I love classic literature, though do like to sprinkle in a bit of beach reading to cleanse the palate as it were. I'm hoping to get through the remaining three books by the end of July. I'm thinking maybe Ulysses or Anna Karenina next, any thoughts here?

 

Trip

I am desperate to go somewhere. Part wanderlust and part need for a vacation (which I haven't had since December), I'm eager for some time away. At this point I'm not sure if the big trip that was initially in the works will still happen so I'm ok with an extended weekend. If you have suggestions, please send them my way.

 

Baseball game

Summer is baseball season! I don't really follow baseball or watch it on TV, but I always enjoy seeing a game in person. Last year I snuck this in under the gun, making it to one of the Yankee's last home games which was against the Red Sox. I'm a Yankees fan but don't mind seeing the Mets, plus the food at Citi Field is really good so either team, I'm down.

 

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge

Like Governor's Island, I've had walking the Brooklyn Bridge on my list for years. One summer, a friend and I planned to do it but got rained out and our rain date got rained out. Maybe I'm not meant to do it, but I want to so I'm gonna git 'er done. #shepersisted. The only thing I can't decide is if I walk to BK or from. If I walk to, you end up in Brooklyn Bridge Park and have tons of fun stuff to do (like the last item on this list) but if you walk from, you have the great view of the skyline. Decisions, decisions.  

 

Jane's Carousel

Who doesn't love a good carousel, or even a bad carousel for that matter. Every time I see a carousel, however small and dinky, or grand and maybe-it's-just-for-show looking, I feel a mix of nostalgia, summer vibes, childhood memories, and general happiness wash over me. I may be the oldest person on it without a child but so what! 

What do you have planned for the summer?