summer should get a speeding ticket.

Fun fact? I like to divide my photo albums on Facebook into seasons. Fall, winter, spring, and summer. This started a few years back. Rather than make a new album for each and every event, like concerts, get togethers, and special events, it made sense to group things together. Some of my friends aren't keen on this. (It can be annoying to wade through 100+ photos to see the new ones.) But for me, it is a fantastic organizational system. At the end of each season, I like to look back on that folder. I can see it all right in front of me...including what I did this summer.

Though the summer flew by, my Facebook album proves that I did a lot. That includes a perfect day at Canada's Wonderland with my family, a Duran Duran concert with my dad, a David Cassidy concert, a couple of mini getaways to Niagara Falls, hang outs with my best friends, a trip to the zoo, and a day at the CNE. And those are only the moments that were photographed! Looking back? It was a pretty great summer. I feel lucky to have spent so much time with the people I love.

I created a mini to do list at the beginning of the summer. Now that it's over? I wanted to look back and track my progress. My list consisted of the following:

• Finish book list (I have an extensive list of books on the go!) 
• Workout on a regular basis
• Make plans with people - and don't be afraid to text first
• Do a friend's makeup as practice 
• Focus on fun and self

So....how did I do? Let's start with the first entry on that list. Finish my book list. It probably goes without saying, but I did not finish my book list. (It is pretty huge.) That doesn't mean it was a failure! I've read more this summer than I have in ages. It is something I am actively making time for. I am focusing on finishing books that are half-started and reading things that enrich my spirit. 

Next up? Working out on a regular basis. This is something else I feel pretty good about. Sure, there were times when I fell off the wagon, so to speak. I got sick a couple of times this summer. That derailed by workout schedule a little bit. But I worked out four to six times per week....and that is pretty cool.

As for making plans with people? I have done a little bit better with this as well. Though it turns out there are not a ton of people I actually want to make plans with (ahh, the life of a slightly anti-social person). I have gotten much better at texting, however. I used to wait until someone else messaged me to reach out. Now, I am making the first move. Go me! 

I did not manage to do a friend's makeup as practice. This makes me a little sad - but it also means I can aim to check this off my list in fall. I guess I am a little afraid that I will do a horrible job. Just because I know how to do my own makeup doesn't mean I am a pro at doing someone else's! It's a little nerve wracking to say the least. Fingers crossed I get up the nerve to do it.

My last goal was to focus on fun and self. Honestly, it makes me really proud to say that I have. There have been nights where I ignored work and writing in favour of a face mask and a Netflix marathon. It has taken me a long time to get to that point! I needed to spend more time focusing on myself, appreciating small moments, and being happy. I am hoping this continues into the fall season and beyond.

Those were a few of my summer goals. What were your summer goals? Did you finish your to do list?

xo Shannon