Aren’t you tired of being cooped up in the crib? Man, I miss the little things—like, seeing folks' facial expressions when we talk. I know that the masses below the Mason Dixon line have already been outside like it’s 2019, but the rest of us have been bored in the house and in the house bored. But I'm super optimistic about the next few months. Here's why. Last June, we didn’t have a clear light at the end of the tunnel and going out was super risky—the fall stats proved that. The difference this summer is that we now have three reputable vaccines available (I lean towards the two shot vaccines myself, but to each their own). The reduced risk changes the game for those (raising my bored hand) who've played by the rules. In my opinion, summer 2020 was stolen from us, and I'm all for taking it back in 2021, safely. Having said all of this, I give you the five things on my summer hit list.

  1. Playing Basketball. Now I’m not quite saying that I cross em’ up like Bubba Chuck, but I enjoy playing basketball outside during the warmer months. It’s a way for me to get a ton of conditioning in without looking at a timer. It’s an amazing way to stay in shape and it helps me to connect with my friends since we’re all busy during the week. There were stretches in this pandemic when it wasn't safe enough to be at the parks, I’m just trying to take full advantage of that freedom.
  2. Concerts/Music Festivals. I always go on a festival tour during the summer. In years past I knew where to find all of the free performances, and over time the business of summer festivals grew. I try to frequent at least one festival and several concerts during the summer. I love live performance, and have been relegated to watching old festivals performances via YouTube. With arenas beginning to allow fans in at moderate capacities these days, one could surmise that festivals will be back sooner than later especially because of its outdoor nature.
  3. Food Events. Now, I love to eat. I love to try things and dig new taste experiences. Food festivals give you all of that in one acre, block or strip of space—I can't wait. Like a music festival, food festivals give you a chance to sample. I have a feeling we will see these events return in a way where social distancing will be encouraged and enforced.
  4. Communing with Friends and Family. Being apart for such lengthy periods just wasn’t normal for me, or anyone else who deems themselves as being family oriented. I take a lot of comfort in knowing that spending time with loved ones more often will be a thing again sooner than later. That will only add to the sense of normalcy we all have been craving.
  5. The Mix/Parties. Believe it or not, for the most part I haven’t succumbed to my urges to party. I attended one FUNCTION where all of the attendees had to be tested to go. Otherwise, I’ve been living vicariously through rebellious southerners and bashment goers. We need the experience of planning out so many summer weekends in advance due to the next Greatest Day Ever, or whatever will replace [REDACTED] Palooza. I miss the sound of a DJ playing the summer’s biggest joints and seeing the people react.

Kahlil is a writer, author, and content creator from Brooklyn, NY. He really thinks that you should be familiar with him by now, but if you aren't, feel free to be. Follow his work on Instagram @Damnitpops and his thoughts and rants on Twitter @Damnpops

hegotapoint