The Ultimate Summer Bucket List!

 De-Stressing, Melon-Smashing, and Cult-Making!

It's Lev here, seventeen and surviving (barely), counting the minutes until summer break, and simultaneously trying not to sweat profusely over the approaching finals. I mean, they’re just a set of super important tests that may affect my future… no biggie, right? Anyway, to keep myself from curling into a ball of academic anxiety, I’ve decided to dream a little about the summer that’s almost here. So here, behold, my masterfully crafted, drumroll please... SUMMER BUCKET LIST!

1. Curate a Perfect Summer Playlist

Okay, first on the agenda is cooking up the ultimate summer soundtrack. Something that screams "free from homework" in the catchiest way possible. It's a scientifically proven fact (probably) that sunny weather is 100% more enjoyable with background tunes that make you feel like you're starring in a coming-of-age indie flick. Trust me on this, I'm almost a graduate. I'm thinking of sappy but fun love songs, like THIS is a must-in my summer playlist.

2. Watermelon Whack-a-thon

Ever thought of smashing watermelons with a bat? Me too. I reckon it's my friends and me, a bunch of watermelons, a baseball bat, and a whole lot of sticky, juicy chaos. It’s a metaphor for smashing the stress away… or maybe I just really wanna smash things. And hey, if I can get a decent amount of splatter, I might just call it abstract art and stick it in my portfolio. A plus, right?

3.Cult Creation with Besties

Because what else do you do when your best friends live a million miles away? Start a cult, of course! Think book clubs, but with more rituals and maybe some weird hats.

4. Movie marathons

I'm looking at you, 'Blues Brothers' and 'Clueless'. My watchlist has been growing faster than my ability to procrastinate, so it’s high time for some lighthearted comedy films. Because who doesn’t need laughter-induced abs during the summer?

5. Gather Resources for My Zine, 'Mindscapes

You might know I run this little thing called 'Mindscapes'. This summer, I'm going to delve into the heart of the city, snapping photos, scribbling notes, gathering inspiration, all to create new zines that will blow your minds...or at least, that's the plan. Fresh content is a must and this summer I'm determined to churn out more issues than ever before.

6. Finish up my translation gigs

Freelance translating has been my cash cow and it's time for a shopping spree. The fashion scene here is a bit of a desert, and I'm craving an oasis. Depop, here I come! Maybe I'll even get the hang of this import thing.

7. Dance Like No One's Watching

I'll have the whole house to myself. You can bet I'll be vibing to "I just threw out the love of my dreams". And before you ask, yes, it is a classic. And yes, I will be dancing in complete silence because, apparently, the walls have ears (AKA neighbors).

So, there you have it! My hopefully-not-too-ambitious summer bucket list. Just writing it out makes me feel better about the finals avalanche headed my way. If you've got any wild summer plans, drop them in the comments, or if you just wanna listen to a summer playlist w/me. I would love some more inspiration!

Until then, remember: Finals are just the gatekeepers to freedom. And we've got this! (I think?)

Yours in the shared trauma of exams.