A few months ago I wrote a post on the ABCs of Marriage, and I liked writing it so much that I thought I’d do it again in honor of summer! So, here’s my list of things that I absolutely love and adore about these few short summer months in Chicago.
Adventures. I love riding my bike around the city or taking boat rides or trying restaurants in a different part of town. In the winter everyone seems to stay much closer to their apartments, but in summer everyone is up for an adventure!
Bike riding around the streets of Chicago, or along the lakefront path. Free transportation is the best kind of transportation – plus it’s healthy, too. I always feel restricted when I have to figure out public transportation routes to get somewhere, but in summer I feel the ultimate freedom.
Cute shoes. No more clunky boots for this lady! These months I’m wearing flip flops and flats and pumps and wedges… I love the shoes (or even lack thereof) of summer!
Dancing at weddings! Yep, it’s that season and I am taking full advantage.
Exercising outdoors. Running, bike riding, walking the dog… Exercising outdoors is so much more fun when it’s warm out! I also tend to walk our little Monster more, because I can’t use the ‘I’m too cold!’ or ‘It’s already dark out!’ excuses during this time of year.
Frozen yogurt with a million different toppings.
Gross feet after coming home from a park or outdoor festival. Dirty feet always mean that a good time was had by all. (That’s my theory, and I’m sticking to it!) But just to clarify, I’m totally not a feet person and other people’s feet really aren’t my thing at all.
Heat. Yeah, sometimes it’s too hot, but in general, I love the heat that comes with Midwest summers. Even when it gets stupid hot out, all I have to do is think about a negative 30 degree windchill day and that perks me right up.
Ice cream cones.
Jumping on trampolines. One is never too old for this sort of summer goodness. (As the Husband and my cousin demonstrate in this picture below).
Keynote speakers at graduations. This year we celebrated my mother-in-law’s graduation!
Lime-er-itas or straw-ber-itas. These things are fantastic and they are at every single Chicago festival this summer. It was love at first sip and I have a feeling this is just the beginning of a long and fulfilling relationship.
Movies in the park. Chicago sponsors movies on big screens in their public parks and the Husband and I absolutely love going to watch them with friends.
Neighborhood farmers markets.
Outdoor concerts/festivals. One of the great things about living in Chicago is that we always have fairly big musical acts at our festivals. This year I’ve seen Sixteen Candles (an 80’s cover band), Sister Hazel, and Glen Hansard.
Patios. There is nothing better than eating or drinking outdoors on a restaurant’s patio. This alone makes me want to move to a warm-weather place so I can eat tacos outdoors all year long!
Quiet time. Because the weather is so nice out, I spend more time riding my bike and reading and doing things that allow me to think more and distract myself less.
Reading on our deck.
Summer Shandy will always be my favorite beer, I do believe.
Tanned skin. I know it’s not healthy, but I just look better tan, darnit!
Underwear… or the lack of underwear. Did you know I’m going bra-less this summer (as often as possible)? Well, now you do. Free and easy is the way to be, people.
Vitamin D. This sunshine thing puts me in a great mood.
Walking our dog without freezing my booty off. Oh, you want to sniff every blade of grass in Chicago? That’s totally fine – I have my sunscreen on and am just enjoying the day, little Monster.
X-tra vacations to see friends and family around the country. This summer we’ve been to Cincinnati and in a month we’re going to Tennessee, and Massachusetts/New Hampshire/Maine. We live a hard life, we know.
Yellow flowers. *Hint hint, husband!*
Zero excuses to not be having a great time outdoors with friends! Even though sometimes I like to enjoy the air conditioning in the comfort of my apartment, I find it’s impossible to be truly bored over the summer. There’s just too much freakin’ stuff to do and places to go and people to hang out with!
So tell me, what are your favorite things about the summer?!
Cheers to absolutely everything in this beautiful season!
