Coffee – then adulting.

It’s that time of year again that I dread while also welcome. While it’s sad to see summer go, it’s also comforting to get back to routines.

I look back on summer and think of the fun things we did as a family. I also regret some things we didn’t get to do.

Every year right as school lets out, I think about making a summer “bucket list.” Keyword being “think.” There are about 10 weeks of summer vacation. How are we supposed to fill the 1,680 hours without school, sports, and activities?? By the time summer arrives I’m exhausted from the planning.

It’s not that I’m not thankful for summer break (though it’s not so much a break for year-round working parents). It’s just that expectations are high. And it feels like no matter what you try and do, you can never meet them.

So no, I didn’t make a summer bucket list this year – more like a summer “fuck it” list. Here’s how that list went:

• F-this! How my 2 kids felt about their last camp. So much for outdoor fun in a heat wave.

• F-ing broke: Our bank accounts after camp, pool memberships, and trips.

• F-ing really? My response to seeing my kids’ screen time totals in one day. Or when they watch K-Pop Demon Hunters for the 10th time.

• F-ing finally! When it feels like fall for one day.

• F-ing damn it! When the next day is back to 90 degrees.

• F-it! When I should do yard work but do anything else instead.

• F-ing come on! Back-to-school shopping costs as much as summer camp.

• F-ing win! You realize BOGO sales are going to get you through the back to school shopping and tariffs.

You know what I’ve figured out? Summer’s filled with a bunch of should-haves, could-haves, and would-haves. Let’s be real, we shouldn’t be too hard on ourselves when things don’t pan out like we hoped.

So, fuck it, let’s plan for next summer.

Share Your Experience

What are your reflections on summer? I’d love to hear your “list” whatever it is!