The minutes are counting down to the school year, and you know by now that once summer kicks into high gear everything is going to fly by. If you're anything like me, you get that tension between your shoulders and tightness in your chest that lets you know the clock is ticking.

Time to go do something, okay?

Over the past few years I've found that I like to have a theme to my summer. One year's was "Let's get Megan Ready for College" another was "Let's Paint Canvases to Decorate My Dorm Rooms So It Looks Like I Put a Little Effort into My Life." They don't have to be super intensive themes (example: a painting themed summer), but they help me look back on the important parts of a summer that would otherwise mesh together and be forgotten.

You don't have to have a theme per say, but a major goal is always a motivating factor. You could decide that you want to take up knitting, or decide this is the summer you're finally going to get fit (HA).

Or you could take my path and brainstorm ideas for a fun final farewell to the city you grew up in.

First thing's first: make a list.

Settle down with the homies at your restaurant of your choice and brainstorm things that you've always wanted to do, but were too lazy to get your lives together to actually go do. Things might start out slow at first, but once ideas start coming, those picturesque activities that are all over your Instagram feed will definitely end up on your list. This will take a long time after you eventually get going, and the most random things will appear on this list – just roll with it.

Second thing's second: Actually go do the thing, ok?

The theme of this summer isn't "We Made a List and then Didn't Follow Through." Every time you get a text that says, "Hey wanna get dinner tonight?" Whip out that list and throw some things back to your friends as after dinner ideas. Not only will you look like your life is put together, but in a group of indecisive people, your suggestion will be a godsend.

Don't let this summer melt into all the other ones. Have it stand out as something to remember. Make it your purpose to accomplish something big this summer by making a list and actually doing it!

Here are some of the things on my list if you need some inspiration:

• Outlet mall shopping
• Running bases at the old Rosenblatt stadium
• Railyard (for the Instagram opportunities)
• Car safari
• Cooking class