As an official college freshman now that high school is over, I’m enjoying the summer. My favorite time of the year is around this time actually; I love the shorter clothing, the “sundress season”, the spontaneity in the possibility of endless road trips with friends, being lakeside on Memorial Day and even the Fourth of July, especially the added smell of charcoal and grilling… I love it all. Here are a few of the items on my bucket list for the summer before I leave for college, because although the summertime should be a fun experience, it will have its bittersweet moments!

1. Go to the beach

I just want to enjoy the sand between my toes and the sound of the ocean... and the time to relax before reality sets in.

2. Get a new tattoo/piercing

I actually finished this one! I got matching tattoos with my mom and little brother, it makes me feel closer to them even though I'll be a little distance from them in the fall. I think this is a great idea.

3. Put a dent in my large reading list (before it becomes a chore)

I'm a huge procrastinator and I have been staring at these titles since the middle of senior year.

4. Dye my hair

I want to go lighter! I've started on this one though, a good idea for those who want to reinvent themselves before the fall semester.

5. Go on a lunch date with a family member

And pay! I've been meaning to do this; it'll make you feel more "adultier" and I'm sure they'll appreciate the quality time without a dent in their pocket!

6. Go to an amusement park I’ve never been to

This is basically all of them; I've only been to Carowinds and Kings Dominion so I have a large variety to pick from. I want to venture to Busch Gardens.

7. Spend a day in my pajamas watching Disney Princess movies

I don't think I can express the importance of this one... I'm pretty sure I could be cast as Princess Tiana any day now.

8. Learn how to budget MY money

The sad, horrible truth is that I have no idea how to budget and very often splurge... which is definitely not a good idea if I'm about to be a "broke college student".

9. Get in shape/learn how to eat “right”

LOL, how good does this sound?

10. Take a ton of pictures

Because one day, when I'm sitting in one of my Cracker Barrel rocking chairs on my front porch surrounded by rowdy grandchildren, I'm going to want to remember how wonderful the Summer of 2016 treated me.