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Lately, I've been counting down the days until summer vacation. Our last day of school is June 13th, and we hope to fly back to the states the very next day. Don't get me wrong, I love our life here in China... but there's something magical about a summer in Wisconsin. Here are my top 5 things that I'm looking forward to (other than of course spending time with my dear sweet family and friends!)
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Holding doors open. Waiting for your turn in line. Waving other drivers or walkers to cross the street. The friendly driver "wave." Strangers that ask you how you are and say hello.
It's the little things. They go a long way. It's funny whenever I return to the states, I find myself in my "China mode," trying to beat someone in line, looking 2839283 times before I cross a street, etc. It is a happy surprise when strangers are courteous. It honestly brightens my day (what "bucketfillers" as I would say to my 2nd graders).
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Need I say more? Ok really though... I can make all of the recipes that I miss while living in China with ease and for a fraction of the price. I mean it costs almost $8.00 for a bag of chocolate chips here, about $7.00 for a bag of shredded cheese, which by the way is imported from guess where? Wisconsin, go figure. Also, I can get everything I need for groceries in 1 glorious trip instead of 5+ trips a week to different stores to find ingredients. There are a few restaurants that I can't wait to visit as well. My husband might be living at Chipotle. If you ever want to know what to get him for a gift? There ya go. My husband is easy to please.
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3. target.
Does it really surprise you that this makes #3? Let's be honest, Target rocks, seriously. All of life's problems seem to melt away as soon as you walk through the door (until your husband asks what you bought and all you have to show for it are 1-2 puny bags $100.00+ later, whoops.)Target, until we meet again, I'll be dreaming of your shiny, red carts and your aisles upon aisles filled with goodies that I clearly NEED to have in my life.
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2. driving.I haven't driven a car since summer 2012...it's been a while. There's something liberating about driving in the summertime, windows down, radio turned up playing catchy songs. Maybe I'm painting an unrealistic picture now in my head now that we have a baby.
Reality: Probably trying to turn the radio louder than our crying baby in the backseat. A baby who is not used to riding in car seats since they are pretty much non-existent in China...oh this should be a treat.
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1. our soon to be cabin.
So many plans, so little time. Here's a bucket list that I've started.
-plant sunflowers.
-swim everyday.
-take walks.
-explore with Sawyer. (leaves, squirrels, rocks, worms, everything!)
-bonfires. (at least 3x a week)
-s'mores. (what kind of bonfire is it without gooey, yummy s'mores?!)
-waterskiing. (Maybe try to slalom successfully this summer? )
-stargaze. (we can actually see a clear sky...something I do not take for granted anymore living in China)
-picnic in our yard.
-bbq.
-host sawyer's first birthday party.
-outdoor movies.
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
