Summer Manifesto, 2014

I've been playing around with a rough list for my summer "to-dos" this year. When Kimberly posted her's last week I figured I should just stick to what I have and make it the final manifesto list. Oddly enough, Kimberly and I have one of two similar things on our list this year. Here are my goals for this summer:

- Take advantage of Chicago's outdoor offerings
This one is oddly phrased, but let me explain. I've recently started biking to work via the Lakefront Path and I realized just how much Chicago has available to experience for free. I'd never been to Promontory Point until one day after work and was surprised to find large firepits with round seating encircling them scattered throughout the park. The lakefront itself is dotted with beaches, which all residents know, but there are also odd parks and nice seating areas that are not as well known. I want to spend more of my time outdoors finding these little nooks in the city.

- Swim/get in water/stop being a baby about water
Also a bit of an oddy. As I stated in last year's manifesto, I haven't swam in about 10 years. This all goes back to one summer when I was pulled under by a rip tide; I've been hesitant to go swimming since then. Swimming was on my list last year and never got struck out, but I'm more earnest about it this year, so let us see.

- Go camping
A variation of this was on my list last year where I said I'd either hike twice OR go camping. I accomplished the hiking bit of it, so it was crossed off the list. This year, C and I are talking about driving to Texas to visit my grandparents and I thought it would be a great trip to stretch out to see the sights and camp. Last year we got a used Prius and I discovered that there is this tent attachment that goes on the open hatchback of the Prius so you can camp in your car. It is significantly cheaper than a regular tent and I like the idea of being elevated off the ground. We haven't purchased the tent attachment yet, but it is on our list. I'll let you know how this car camping goes if we accomplish it.

- Spend more time outdoors with friends
This is kind of linked in with all the other goals on the list, but whereas last year I had a goal to spend more time outdoors by myself, I really want to share that time with friends this year. From having a beer on Donovan's patio to playing bocce in the park, I just want to enjoy fresh air and friendship.

The list is a bit short these year, which is why it was in draft mode for a few weeks. I kept thinking of things I wanted to add and came-up with nothing. I'm fine with the handful of goals for this year; if I accomplish them I will certainly be happy with the way I spent my summer. What are your goals for this summer?