So, it's officially summertime now. We're all preparing to go to various parts of the country (and the world) to take classes or work at summer jobs. This is a time when many people make “bucket lists" that contain what they wish to see and accomplish during the warmer, freer months. I, however, am a pessimist. I prefer to tell people what not to do. Some of these may come from my own repertoire.
1. Do not drink a gigantic Slurpee and then attempt to go on a bicycle tour of Washington D.C.
2. Do not wear valuable sunglasses to any sort of concert, vacation, or activity that includes heavy drinking or lots of physical activity.
3. Do not start a new Netflix series instead of packing to go on a months-long trip somewhere very far away.
4. Do not eat indoors unless it's raining or stiflingly, unbearably hot.
5. Do not forget to wear sunscreen the first time you go to the beach and get a super weird tan-line.
6. Do not go for a hike without water, and always bring someone who has a sense of direction.
7. Do not get stung by a jellyfish. I realize this is out of your control, but listen. It is the worst. Also, if you are trying to treat the jellyfish with toothpaste, remember that cinnamon toothpaste is NOT what they mean.
8. If a jellyfish does sting you, don't have someone pee on you. We've all seen that episode of Friends. Awkward.
9. Do not let your insecurities run your life. Wear that bathing suit/those shorts/that scuba suit. If anyone is mean to you they're not worth it.
10. Do not get arrested. This is good life advice for all things, but summertime sometimes causes people to be a little more, ahem, carefree than usual.
11. Do not lose your shoes and ride home on public transportation barefoot.
12. Do not try to run away from your friends in a club in a European country.
13. Do not go for a casual drive that ends with you being lost for three hours.
14. Do not get so wrapped up in your new job that you forget to enjoy yourself sometimes.
15. Do not forget about your college friends when you embark on your new adventures! Keep in touch.