What is a springtime bucket list? No, I’m not planning on kicking the bucket before summer. My springtime bucket list is just a way to push me into doing things I’ve been waiting on and living life a little more intentionally.
I like the idea of creating a bucket list, but I have found that my bucket list grows and grows and I never do anything on it. Perhaps it’s because I’m procrastinating, thinking I’ll do it “someday.” Maybe it’s because several of my items require a bigger budget than I currently have. Or possibly it’s because life has a way of rushing forward, running right over you if you do’t have a plan for things.
I’ve hit upon a possible solution to this problem. Create smaller lists and set a time limit on them. 10 things to do before summer, 21 things to do over summer vacation. 17 Things to finish by the end of 2017. Thus, I created my springtime bucket list. Here are 10 things I want to do before spring is gone. Yes, I know it’s still winter, but a girl can look forward to warm weather and spring blossoms, can’t she?
10 Things To Do Before Summer
Plant a Garden
My grandfather had an amazing garden. I loved going out and picking green beans and sugar snap peas and pulling up fresh carrots. Now that I’m an adult and Grandpa is no longer with us, I often miss that garden. I don’t have near the space or the time that Grandpa had. Sure, I’ve tried my hand at growing a few things. My husband loves fresh tomatoes, and I almost always get a few of them planted. But last year, I didn’t plant a thing. So this year, I will plant a garden in my limited space. Tomatoes, green beans, and maybe some summer squash to start off. We’ll see how it goes from there. Maybe I’ll get really crazy and plant some watermelons.
Go to Disneyland
It’s been years since I went to Disneyland and my family has a goal to go this spring. I haven’t finalized the arrangements yet, but we’re hoping for a trip in April. We haven’t been in about 5 or 6 years. My youngest child doesn’t really remember his one and only trip to the Happiest Place on Earth. So it’s time to go again. Splash Mountain, here we come! And don’t even get me thinking about those churros.
Build up my Instagram
I’m fairly new to Instagram, but I really enjoy it. My Instagram page was started along with this blog last year and I try to add to it several days per week. I used to love photography, but in recent years I haven’t made the time. Instagram has been an encouragement for me to take more pictures. Springtime is the perfect time to start upping my photo game. It is such a beautiful time of year. I want to document it better. I’d also like to get more followers. Check out the buttons in my sidebar or go to https://www.instagram.com/mycupofcocoa/?hl=en.
Spend More Time in Nature
This one will go nicely with planting a garden and taking more photos. Although I was really thinking about the beach when I wrote it, Can you believe I live less than an hour from the Pacific Ocean and I haven’t been to visit it in almost 3 months? A friend once told me that the simple act of putting your toes in the sand and hearing the waves crash is a kind of therapy and I agree with her. When I can’t get to the beach (life rushing by, crazy-long to do lists) then I’ll go for a walk and breathe in the natural beauty in my own neighborhood. Check out this photo I took last week on a walk. It started to rain, but it was beautiful anyway.
Take a Trip with my Daughter
My middle child is graduating from high school in May. We are planning a trip to visit Oregon and Washington soon. She is considering two colleges and we need to check them out in person before she makes any final plans. She’s not really sure she wants to go north, but that’s what the trip is all about. Figuring out if the Pacific Northwest is the best place for her. That and spending some mother-daughter time. She’s a great travelling companion and I’m really looking forward to our time together.
A Fun Birthday Outing
My birthday is in the late spring. For the past few years, I have planned outings instead of asking for gifts. While my kids are still around, I like to make family memories together. Time flies and I know I won’t always have them close by. Last year, we went to Universal Studios in Hollywood so I could see Harry Potter World. Yes, that is what I wanted. I love Harry Potter books. We had so much fun! I almost want to go again this year, but since we’re already planning on Disney, I think I’d be pushing my luck (and my budget). Two years ago, we spent the day in San Francisco and rode the Rocket Boat around the bay. What a blast! I haven’t come up with the exact plan yet, but I’m working on it. If you’ve got an idea, share it in the comments below.
Visit the Municipal Rose Garden
I have always wanted to visit the San Jose Municipal rose Garden. There are no excuses as to why I haven’t made it there. I live 30 minutes away and have for 18 years. It’s on the list, so I’m doing it. The garden has over 4,000 bushes over 5 1/2 acres. The best time to see it is supposed to be early May. Maybe I’ll take a picnic and a friend or two.
Get Myself a Bike
I haven’t had a bike since I was a kid. The saddest thing about this is I live 4 doors away from an amazing bike trail and have never ridden a bike on it. It’s always been on my “some day” list. Well, some day is coming this spring. And then I’ll go for regular rides with my hubby (he has a bike already). The kids can fend for themselves a little while.
Plan A Summer Vacation (or two)
This summer will mark my husband’s and my 25 wedding anniversary. I think this calls for something extra special. Not just a dinner in town, but a trip some where. And I should probably plan a trip for the whole family while I’m at it or I’ll never hear the end of it from the kids. Any ideas to share?
Buy Some Sidewalk Chalk and Use it
When my kids were small, we always had sidewalk chalk on hand. They loved coloring the driveway and the patio and everything else (including themselves, at times) in pastel chalk. I bet if I got some chalk and started my own drawing, someone would join me and then another would, and so on. Think of the fun we could have!
So that’s my springtime bucket list. What’s on yours? I’ll let you know in a few months how my list went. Hopefully, I’ll accomplish it all. Now that I’ve shared it, I feel I have to follow through.
Thanks for reading and please share!
