So I’m sitting at the Jeep dealer waiting for my car, and I’m trying to look on the bright side of life. Yes, I could do without this maintenance expense, but the vehicle is more than 15 years old, and it hasn’t been troublesome. In fact, it has been pretty wonderful, so I will not curse the results of age now (though I will continue to do that when I look in the mirror). 

In keeping with this attempt to think happy-ish thoughts, I decided to make a short list of all the things I’m looking forward to in the next month. Ready?

1. The return of Breaking Bad
I’m not sure this requires explanation. If you’ve seen it, you know how amazing every aspect of the production is. It’s back on Sunday, and I’ve checked my DVR twice to make sure it is scheduled to record.

2. The return of random road trips
I’m getting ready to start hitting the road again. Remember when I struck out for San Diego for no reason? Same idea, but this time I will be headed north. I have no idea how far north, or even how long I’ll be gone (and I’m not wedded to a departure time). Weird, right? I used to have every second of every day planned, and now I just have a vague compass heading. 

3. Expanding “My Letter to Fear”
The success of the reading has really motivated me to keep the piece evolving. I’m hoping to get it to a publishable place so you can all read it soon (or ever, if soon eludes me).

4. Summer concerts
All the museums seem to have free (or nearly free) summer concerts. Classical, Jazz, Blues– you name it, and you can find it. We do sunsets particularly well out here, and when you add some groovy tunes, it’s a pretty great (and cheap) night out. 

5. A little beach time
I live pretty close to the ocean, but I’ve spent nearly zero time at the beach this summer. This needs to change quickly…maybe tomorrow.

These things are exciting me about the next few weeks. Is there something you are really forward to doing before fall? Sound off in the comments.

Happy Friday!