Hello!

I meant to write this entry much sooner, but I've just been so caught up in getting everything situated and prepared for my move back up to school.  Since I'm leaving tomorrow and my summer is just about at its end, there's no better time than right now to finally make this entry!



When this summer first started, I was worried about whether it would be a good one.  I was out of school and had planned to go work at my old job through the summer.  But as they hadn't gotten back with me yet, it was too late for me to quickly register for summer quarter, plus I really wanted to be home for the summer.  Since it didn't seem like I would be busy with school or have work for the summer, I worried that this summer would feel much too long and I would quickly have nothing to do.  I soon learned that I didn't have to worry about that because I did so much this summer.  This was probably the most fulfilling summer I've had in a long, long time.  Seeing how many fun things I was doing to keep myself busy, it inspired me to write it all down and create this post of The 50 Things I Did This Summer.  It also gave me the idea to show people that, just because you're currently unemployed for the summer, doesn't mean you have to feel down.  So here are the 50 things I did this summer instead of working!:

1. I traveled to Victoria and Nanaimo B.C.
2. I rekindled my love of jam toast.
3. I went on more than a few bike rides.
4. I created a blog <3
5. I plunged into the "no poo" method (it went okay, but I think I'll just stick with sulfate free shampoo instead!)
6. I discovered Swagbucks, an amazing website that provides an awesome and easy way to earn money online and which made me feel a little better about being unemployed this summer.  (I've already earned almost $100 worth of points!)
7. I happily babysat my brother's adorable little beagle for a week.
8. I had the house completely to myself for 9 days, giving me a glimpse of what living on my own will be like.
9. I read SO MANY BOOKS.
10. I finished Season 2 of Orange Is The New Black.
11. I got my permit for a second time!
12. I made the switch to velvet hangers.
13. I went bookshop hopping while I was in Canada and purchased a few little gems.
14. I spent an amazing day in Seattle and got to have quality time with my brother and sister.
15. Part of that day involved finding a beach unexpectedly close to home.
16. I scored some incredible deals on clothes. (1, 2, 3, and more!)
17. And on homeware items! (1, 2)
18. I watched the fireworks  with my parents on our rooftop on the 4th of July.
19. I drove for the first time in two years, and it's actually going pretty well!
20. I made a penpal.
21. I helped host a garage sale that basically tanked... But points for trying!
22. I got creative and made a floral headband out of a dress satch.
23. I tried in vain to connect with my old best friend who I hadn't spoken to in four years.
24. And with that, I'm slowly working towards forgiving myself.
25. I got up the courage to ask for volunteer work (unfortunately there was no work available, but hooray for small social anxiety victories!)
26. I came to the realization that maybe I don't want to do what I thought I wanted as a career after all, and that's okay.
27. I took some impressive pictures of my breakfast.
28. I donated some books to a local lending library box.
29. I found a song to make me feel better.
30. I walked through a wildlife refuge.
31. I watched both Sharknado 1 and its much-anticipated sequel.
32. I picked blackberries.
33. I shamelessly watched Titanic for the umpteempth time.
34. I did some spring (or should I say summer) closet cleaning.
35. I found another beach close to home, and swam for the first time in years.
36. I went to a farmer's market.
37. I ate strawberries like nobody's business.
38. I went to Leavenworth.
39. I went to the largest independent bookstore in the world, Powell's Books.
40. I went vintage store hopping in Portland.
41. I watched "Blackfish," an incredibly important documentary about orca whale captivity within Seaworld.
42. I rode the Sounder train to Seattle.
43. I pretty much planned out my school schedules for the entire year, including backups.  Yay for getting ahead!
44. I found a handy website that lets you exchange unwanted gift cards for Amazon e-gift cards.
45. I went on a ferry to Bainbridge Island.
46. I ate breakfast in a bookstore.
47. I walked A LOT.
48. I learned some rudimentary cooking skills
49. I became my mom's personal cheerleader when, after being unemployed for almost 6 months, she applied for a dream job she desperately wanted (and she got it!).
50. I got to see my extended family again, who I hadn't seen since Christmas.

I'd say that was a pretty good summer, wouldn't you? :)
x Danielle