Tap into that Judy Moody Summer Mindset
By Angelica Ruiz
From the moment I turned in my last assignment (maybe even before that), I was determined to make this summer a whirlwind adventure, especially since my previous two summers were filled with mundane routines and missed opportunities for fun and growth. This summer, however, will be full of adventure, laughter, family, and friends, making it a summer that will go down in history as one of the best summers ever.
As I was devising my master plan to make this my most iconic summer yet, I was struck by a flashback to one of my favorite movies growing up: ‘Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer.’ Based on the popular children’s book series, this movie revolves around Judy Moody coming up with a summer bucket list with her friends to ensure she doesn’t have a “bummer summer.” It’s a fun and inspiring movie that reminds us of the importance of making the most of our summers. With that, a light bulb went off in my head, and I immediately texted two of my closest friends to make summer bucket lists together and have a friend date.
I ran to Michaels and picked out any supplies we might need to make our bucket lists: canvas sketch paper, acrylic paint markers, rhinestone stickers, and literally anything colorful. I felt like a kid in a candy store exploring the endless possibilities in front of me. Not only was this process a fun little project for me and my friends, but it also helped me tap back into my childhood. I haven’t felt this creative in a really long time, and I struggled with it as I’ve always been a creative and artistic person in my own way.
The next step was to write down my summer plans. I thought very carefully about what I wanted to accomplish and do. Of course, the most crucial aspect of my summer is embracing and immersing myself in my Mexican culture even more. It’s a part of me that I hold dear, and I want to celebrate it by experiencing cultural events I have yet to see. My number one goal, which fills me with excitement and anticipation, is to witness the Guelaguetza, a cultural event in Oaxaca that celebrates the diversity and richness of our indigenous cultures. I have dreamed for years of seeing this event in the city of Oaxaca, and I would do anything to make it happen this summer, deepen my connection with my roots, and appreciate the beauty of our cultural heritage.
These past two years of my life have been interesting, to say the least, and during this time, I’ve lost my connection with music. My studies and other major life events created a wedge between me and music. I remember the last time I touched my flute was probably two years ago; within that time, I felt like a piece of me was gone. I used to spend hours practicing, and the sound of my flute was like a lullaby to my soul. But life got busy, and I let my passion slip away. Rekindling my relationship with the flute is one of my top goals for my bucket list and one I am genuinely looking forward to with great anticipation and excitement.
Moving towards the more exciting and adventurous goals on my bucket list are the new experiences I want to share with my friends. Anytime I envision an iconic and memorable summer, flashes of me and my friends driving and blasting music pop through my head. The ultimate goal that holds a special place in my heart is to embark on a road trip with my closest friends. This summer is the summer that marks a new beginning in our lives. We are stepping out of our teenage years and diving into our 20s. Closing out our teenage years with an adventurous road trip would be the best way to transition into this new chapter, celebrating our friendship and the exciting times ahead.
The process of planning and crafting these bucket lists was a joyous experience. As my best friends and I caught up and reflected on the past school year, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of childlike excitement. We laughed and joked about our summer plans, knowing that we would support each other through every goal, no matter how ambitious or silly it might be. We spent our time discussing and debating our choices, and it was a great bonding experience. It was a reminder of how important it is to take the time to plan and dream and how much fun it can be to do it with friends.
This summer is the summer for all of us to tap into that Judy Moody summer mindset and make it one of our best ones yet!
