At the beginning of every summer, Bossy and her daughter make lists of ten things they hope to do during the summer and three things they hope to eat during the summer and five ways they hope to be during the summer.
Bossy’s list always contains lots of references to reading more books, eating more crabs, yelling less, reading crabs, eating books, and not yelling at crabs or books.
Bossy’s daughter’s list always contains lots of references to sleepovers.
With less than two weeks remaining until Bossy’s daughter heads off to Middle School, Bossy and her daughter sat down with their summer lists to evaluate how many things they were able to achieve so far.
Let’s put it this way: over the next twelve days, Bossy and her daughter are going to need to break a sweat relaxing if they’re ever going to consider this summer a success.
Which is what today’s Ten-Word challenge is all about: in exactly ten words, can you tell Bossy about the things you wish you could have achieved this summer?
And check back later today for the best disappointments on the web.
jodi says
August 19, 2008 at 10:20 amclean the attic-a-palooza followed by the yard sale o’the century.
And? Am I really FIRST?
Jo says
August 19, 2008 at 10:24 amshould have achieved weight loss, but food was too good.
Oh well.
~Monkey says
August 19, 2008 at 10:26 amA chapter of my dissertation. I have Lame-atoid arthritis, apparently.
BOSSY says
August 19, 2008 at 10:28 amDidn’t read books, didn’t write books. Wasted a pool membership.
BOSSY says
August 19, 2008 at 10:29 amAnd so much for Less Television. But Bravo! And Olympics!
Jacquie says
August 19, 2008 at 10:30 amThe hall closets mock me with their unsorted bullshit messes.
http://meandyouandellie.blogspot.com/2008/08/thanks-for-coming-have-some-crap.html
Dharmamama says
August 19, 2008 at 10:33 amFinancial security, or at least a budget. Too much resistance.
Laura says
August 19, 2008 at 10:34 amDidn’t start a blog, should have won the lottery instead.
Cathy D. says
August 19, 2008 at 10:38 amNo worries: summer comes, summer goes, summer will come again.
karen Liles says
August 19, 2008 at 10:41 amWHOA! The summer is over??? Did I oversleep? Oh crap.
Bellamomma says
August 19, 2008 at 10:43 amSpent more time with family, and at beach, need sleep
Glass Dragonfly says
August 19, 2008 at 10:49 amMaking exercise and meditation a habit. Going vegetarian. Stained glass.
Hallie says
August 19, 2008 at 10:55 amSAT ON MY ASS AND NOT GONE INTO WORK…EVER.
Hallie
http://wonderfulworldofweiners.blogspot.com/
mommymae says
August 19, 2008 at 10:55 ami did it…i had my baby before school started.
Howard says
August 19, 2008 at 10:56 amI kicked cancer squarely in its ugly, malicious, stupid ass.
Little Miss Sunshine State says
August 19, 2008 at 10:56 amDidn’t finish unpacking boxes from moving here 2 years ago.
Amanda says
August 19, 2008 at 10:58 amDidn’t get to gardening, cleaning, sun-ing, yard saling, or learning.
sonrie says
August 19, 2008 at 11:01 amSurgery, recovery, class, boyfriend, work, pack, move, unpack, move again.
Ginny says
August 19, 2008 at 11:02 amSailing more…swimming more…entertaining more…enjoying summertime. This summer went the fastest. My daughter is also entering middle school and the older she gets the less time she spends with me (us). Sad. Love your list idea. Have to remember that for next summer…maybe I’ll do a back to school one!
Ginny says
August 19, 2008 at 11:03 amoops…10 words! This one hit home! Can’t read either…
Ariel says
August 19, 2008 at 11:05 amCustody battle with ex husband. Summer was not very fun.
Raz says
August 19, 2008 at 11:06 amI should have done more work for school.
[8 words, and it’s the boring, boring truth.]
Melinda says
August 19, 2008 at 11:06 amWorked hard earning money for trip to Jamaica, Ya Mon!
Tuli says
August 19, 2008 at 11:14 amWanted to learn to knit – discovered that’s a winter activity.
(So I’ll be learning when it’s cold out!)
Adorable Girlfriend says
August 19, 2008 at 11:16 amFound summer boyfriend and fell madly deeply truly in love.
granolamom says
August 19, 2008 at 11:20 amhave my children complete their math packets before school starts
Lisa says
August 19, 2008 at 11:21 amSold beachhouse so kids could eat and me sleep..
lisa
coastal nest
Stephanie says
August 19, 2008 at 11:21 amTo have risen above a trying situation with more dignity.
vuboq says
August 19, 2008 at 11:21 amfinding a new job would have been nice.
Undomestic Diva says
August 19, 2008 at 11:24 amHoping to earn a gold medal in the Olympics. Didn’t.
Undomestic Diva says
August 19, 2008 at 11:25 amBut I did watch other people earn gold medals.
Undomestic Diva says
August 19, 2008 at 11:25 amSo I guess, indirectly, I helped earn gold medals!!
merrymishaps says
August 19, 2008 at 11:26 amCould have organized house. Instead trained for triathlon and napped.
Kris says
August 19, 2008 at 11:26 amGarden weedy. Still fat. Bathroom unpainted. No vacation. Broke. Fuck.
kirsten says
August 19, 2008 at 11:27 amThe basement is still full of steep mountains of crap.
Michelle says
August 19, 2008 at 11:28 amDo workbooks/educational stuff with the kids 4-5 days/week…NOT!
Read with the kids….NOT!
Yell less at the kids….NOT
Lose 5 lbs and work out consistently…NOT!
Karen (Submommy) says
August 19, 2008 at 11:28 amCombing through, getting rid of a bazillion toys in here.
Julianne says
August 19, 2008 at 11:29 amStill too much clutter. And no roller coasters were ridden.
blackbird says
August 19, 2008 at 11:33 amI could have cleaned the basement but I’m too lazy.
Dara says
August 19, 2008 at 11:38 amI don’t need no stinkin’ lists!! Summer was relaxing/lazy!!
merlotmom says
August 19, 2008 at 11:39 amread. organize. write. bike. swim. play with kids. ha. ha.
Issa says
August 19, 2008 at 11:41 amNo vacations, baby room still not ready, needed more swimming.
mommybrain says
August 19, 2008 at 11:41 amAbs of jello, pasty skin
Tsk,the shape I’m in.
Domestic Extraordinaire says
August 19, 2008 at 11:42 amCamping with the family would have been great, oh well.
LizP says
August 19, 2008 at 11:43 ambig boy bed
little girl crib
still not done yet
Kyddryn says
August 19, 2008 at 11:43 amWrite query letters. Lose twenty pounds. Did neither.
Shade and Sweetwater,
K
Denise says
August 19, 2008 at 11:45 amNot engaging in securing relationships by strenuous effort in vain.
Tootsie Farklepants says
August 19, 2008 at 11:47 amLive in California not enough trips to beach is criminal.
David says
August 19, 2008 at 11:48 amMore beach, more theater, more Central Park, more Coney Island.
Avitable says
August 19, 2008 at 11:56 amBuilt a time machine and bought a lottery ticket. Repeat.
Liz says
August 19, 2008 at 11:56 amMove into a house that DID NOT have leaking roof.
dexter says
August 19, 2008 at 11:59 amSpent summer dating a super model….. Then I woke up
Kim says
August 19, 2008 at 12:02 pmLess pain. More running. Less stress. More sun. Happier me.
Diana says
August 19, 2008 at 12:03 pmmore time holding, playing with and loving on my kids
Becky Mochaface says
August 19, 2008 at 12:06 pmShould have practiced windsurfing more, relaxed at the pool too
Debby says
August 19, 2008 at 12:06 pmThose PILES of paper in the office? Still there today.
Liz says
August 19, 2008 at 12:08 pmHaven’t been published unless you count commenting on this blog.
Stuffanie says
August 19, 2008 at 12:09 pmDropping pounds would be nice instead pounded drops of beer.
Chantel says
August 19, 2008 at 12:15 pmFinished school but,
I moved to San Francisco.
Get employed.
MADNESS says
August 19, 2008 at 12:17 pmMove home to Florida, Lose 50 pounds or even FIVE!
MADNESS says
August 19, 2008 at 12:18 pmNeverfear..Madness will cure CRAZY FATTY with ONE WORD … Depakote.
'Chelle Parmele says
August 19, 2008 at 12:18 pmCatch a train to nowhere, bring back lots of toys.
The Modern Gal says
August 19, 2008 at 12:19 pmEarned employee of the year award; Don’t think it’s happening.
Bossy's Friend Martha's Sister says
August 19, 2008 at 12:23 pmsee my hallway, stop leak, rid 10 lbs, meet Mr. Right (your cousin!)
Jennifer says
August 19, 2008 at 12:25 pmOh for a clean, shiny house
Jennifer says
August 19, 2008 at 12:26 pmWas supposed to start working out, could be fit now.
biddy says
August 19, 2008 at 12:26 pmsewed more. swam more. get nasty house organized. failed.
Michelle says
August 19, 2008 at 12:39 pmWanted to travel…had plans to travel, but my son’s 13-year-old all-star baseball team would not lose and so we were stuck near home for practices and games. It’s not very motherly to hope for something other than victory!
Katie says
August 19, 2008 at 12:46 pmput away toys, clean the bathroom, put away the laundry
liza says
August 19, 2008 at 12:46 pmWeded the overgrown garden more than once. Maybe staked tomatoes?
liza says
August 19, 2008 at 12:46 pm…because they are currently molding and taking over the joint.
ms picket to you says
August 19, 2008 at 12:49 pmMore garden, less rain; more lobster, less donuts; and surfboards!
jp says
August 19, 2008 at 12:50 pmMore Sox Games
More Tucket Time
More Sex
Less Beer!!!
Jeri says
August 19, 2008 at 12:56 pmMore time with my Mom, she died on June 18.
Alana says
August 19, 2008 at 1:07 pmstudied all summer, didn’t clean clutter, exercise, or lose weight
uncommonblonde says
August 19, 2008 at 1:11 pmDidn’t save enough to have a baby. or afford life.
Maryjo says
August 19, 2008 at 1:13 pmAs long as its not snowing there is still time.
Helen says
August 19, 2008 at 1:21 pmWinter my corner of the planet ~ summer still to come!!
Mama Bear says
August 19, 2008 at 1:23 pmNo disappointments.
Worked summer school.
Bought my Canon Rebel XSi.
Backpacking Dad says
August 19, 2008 at 1:30 pmGone to the gym more than three times in July.
In the Trenches of Mommyhood says
August 19, 2008 at 1:34 pmWanted to rock a bikini and look fabulous. Didn’t happen.
Colette says
August 19, 2008 at 1:36 pmGoal: Lose last 7 pregnancy pounds
Reality: Gained 3 lbs
Claire in CA, USA says
August 19, 2008 at 1:38 pmTravel to my heart’s content, and NOT on a budget.
MommyTime says
August 19, 2008 at 1:42 pmShould’ve: written two chapters, organized photos & office
Did: relax
Amy says
August 19, 2008 at 1:49 pmI failed to lose weight, again. Had high hopes. Blah.
dgm says
August 19, 2008 at 1:50 pmI didn’t manage to make summer last all year long.
Chesapeake Bay Woman says
August 19, 2008 at 1:52 pmI only wish I had purchased a winning lottery ticket.
penny says
August 19, 2008 at 1:53 pmOrganize bedroom and office and kitchen. Have a life. BREATHE.
chocolatechic says
August 19, 2008 at 2:03 pmGetting more exercise, but Tuesday’s With Dorie is a killer.
aj says
August 19, 2008 at 2:18 pmMake serious to-do list and tackle. Cross stuff off. Didn’t.
Karen in DE says
August 19, 2008 at 2:19 pmWanted a vegetable garden, got the flower beds mulched instead.
MamaMo says
August 19, 2008 at 2:25 pmFirst, list summer stuff I should get done – ignore list.
Terri says
August 19, 2008 at 2:32 pmShould have gardened more, fed the hummingbirds, gone to California.
toyfoto says
August 19, 2008 at 2:35 pmJune, July and August lost their whimsy in adulthood. Shame.
Black Hockey Jesus says
August 19, 2008 at 2:47 pmBlack Hockey Jesus failed to rid the city of crime.
Stephanie says
August 19, 2008 at 2:56 pmInstalled hardwood flooring which resides in piles in our garage.
Sheryl W says
August 19, 2008 at 2:59 pmSelling this darn house and bought & into a new one.
p.j. says
August 19, 2008 at 3:04 pmA real vacation, preferably on a quiet beach; more tomatoes.
Manic Mommy says
August 19, 2008 at 3:21 pmEmbrace yoga, enter The Zone, wear a bikini – before 40!
Tempered Woman says
August 19, 2008 at 3:22 pmWell it sure wasn’t getting knocked-up and living with mom!
It’s amazing to me sometimes how I manage to over-achieve… I honestly wish I had done a lot less things this summer. Just sayin.
Heather says
August 19, 2008 at 3:44 pmWanted to study economics before grad school…laughing too hard to write remaining three words.
Kate says
August 19, 2008 at 3:51 pmWalk, have more energy, take kids on vacation – didn’t happen.
Mindy says
August 19, 2008 at 3:52 pmBasement clutter – The Matterhorn – is still unconquered. Deadline just passed.
Aimee says
August 19, 2008 at 4:00 pmClean my house is three words and I did not.
Cathy says
August 19, 2008 at 4:04 pmWell we did make it to the Drive in movie once., only once. That was the night we were having taco and G had a great plan to take them with us so we made walking tacos.. Only problem was I was in such a hurry to get everything together when I browned the beef I forgot to put the taco seasoning in.. I open up the container and we had hamburger, plain ole hamburger. They ain’t them anyways after a a few,, this doesn’t taste the same… My reply:”Oh, that’s cause we are at the drive in..”
Have the T-Shirt says
August 19, 2008 at 4:04 pmShould have cleaned my closets and drawers but they’ll wait.
Middle-Aged-Woman says
August 19, 2008 at 4:05 pmSorry I didn’t exercise more. Glad of new blog.
Pamela says
August 19, 2008 at 4:06 pmDidn’t clean.
No organization in my house.
Chaos still rules.
Les~ says
August 19, 2008 at 4:24 pmGet this cast off my left foot!
All Adither says
August 19, 2008 at 4:25 pmFinished my novel. But I still technically have a month.
Say What? says
August 19, 2008 at 4:41 pmWTG Howard!!
Finish desks, clean basement, paint bedroom, organize crap (craft) room.
zenmomma says
August 19, 2008 at 4:51 pmForget losing weight. I should have at least stopped gaining.
Cindy Z says
August 19, 2008 at 4:56 pmNever cleaned out kids room, more like a storage shed.
Ellie says
August 19, 2008 at 5:00 pmAm I still this fat? Am I still a drunk?
Nichol says
August 19, 2008 at 5:39 pmdid not hook up with boy who likes me/vice-versa.
Okay, that might not count, but it has to be one of the saddest!!!
rockle says
August 19, 2008 at 5:44 pmDidn’t finalize adoption. But there is still hope before Christmas.
dlyn says
August 19, 2008 at 6:02 pmhmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
can’t think of anything
I’ll get to it all
and I am borrowing a word from next Tuesday:
eventually
note to self: next Tuesday, you only get 9 words.
Reeb says
August 19, 2008 at 6:09 pmWake up to seal snort noises on Cheeto, our boat.
(Our FIRST boat overnight on Puget Sound is this coming Friday, the middle of August!? Better late than never.)
Dodi says
August 19, 2008 at 6:40 pmI wish I had actually lost those twenty five pounds.
Jen says
August 19, 2008 at 6:44 pmMore photos, more sightseeing, more relaxing, more summer!
Cheri @ Blog This Mom! says
August 19, 2008 at 6:57 pmFinding one more ladybug while happily rolling in the grass.
Stimey says
August 19, 2008 at 6:59 pmI never did lose that 50 pounds I intended to.
charmie says
August 19, 2008 at 6:59 pmI wish I could have seen more of my friends.
Lo says
August 19, 2008 at 7:05 pmSpent more time with busy 19 year old whose leavin’.
Mr Farty says
August 19, 2008 at 7:06 pmWould a tan have been too much to ask for?
Mrs. B. says
August 19, 2008 at 7:27 pmDidn’t do anything. Had lots of fun!
Steph says
August 19, 2008 at 7:57 pm1. Convince in-laws to raise my children.
2. Convince in-laws to at least take my children for the duration of summer vacation.
3. Convince in-laws to take my children for several weeks during summer vacation.
4. Convince in-laws that between the tax break and readily-available manual labor, my children practically pay for themselves so really, living with grandma and grandpa isn’t such a bad idea.
5. Persuade in-laws that while setting the couch on fire does, technically, constitute a hazard, my children are typically quite peaceable.
6. No really, very peaceable.
7. File motion in court to have my children removed from my care and placed in the protective custody of my in-laws.
8. Throw myself on the mercy of the court.
9. Settle for sticking my kids in a locked room while I remain on a tequila IV until September.
10. Oh yeah, and finish my first triathlon.
I finished the triathlon and the IV ran out in June.
Nora says
August 19, 2008 at 8:10 pmAll I wanted was to swim in the ocean!
rusalina says
August 19, 2008 at 8:15 pmstudied, graduated, lived three months with in-laws; was hell!
Alice says
August 19, 2008 at 8:18 pmThe beach is calling but I can’t go, no money
kym b says
August 19, 2008 at 8:19 pmmore time playing with and not yelling at my kids
Ree (the Other one) says
August 19, 2008 at 8:20 pmGardening and running – except weeds, broken foot got in the way
operagal says
August 19, 2008 at 8:48 pmDid not go to:
outdoor BBQ in my way cute dress I bought at the beginning of the summer
the Bossy round-up
swimming pool/beach
all I did was work.
this summer sucked.
jodi says
August 19, 2008 at 8:56 pmno baseball game
no trip to Victoria
two weeks left
Arli says
August 19, 2008 at 8:59 pmSpent less time reading BLOGS and enjoyed the summer outdoors!
Half Step from Crazy says
August 19, 2008 at 9:02 pmScrapbooked the b’jillion existing photos instead of taking 500 more.
Cathy says
August 19, 2008 at 9:06 pmMade a list – did all the fun stuff – nothing else. =)
Caroline says
August 19, 2008 at 9:40 pmDID NOT FINISH WRITING MY BOOK arrghhh arrghhh arrghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh arrghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
kate says
August 19, 2008 at 10:06 pminner peace, fewer dents in my car, complete novel.
Janet says
August 19, 2008 at 10:20 pmClosets, drawers and attic still full of unneeded clutter. Grrrrr.
Amy says
August 19, 2008 at 10:21 pmBenefit of low expectations: did everything planned. Still, summer too short.
xoxo, SG
whall says
August 19, 2008 at 10:21 pmI should have started the debt management plan LAST year.
Jen says
August 19, 2008 at 10:41 pmWas SUPPOSED to teach Kindergartner how to tie his shoes.
Martie says
August 19, 2008 at 10:44 pmSeperated. Divorced. Almost engaged. Still cuss. Still fuss. Lost weight.
Martie of
http://uncontainedchaos.blogspot.com
Jen says
August 19, 2008 at 11:15 pmWish I had eaten more fried food at the fair.
apathy lounge says
August 19, 2008 at 11:17 pmNot back to 10K running status. I am so ashamed.
Cara says
August 19, 2008 at 11:28 pmMust sell historic home and lose weight. Still time yet!
madmom says
August 19, 2008 at 11:41 pmShould have weeded the garden that never did get planted.
madmom says
August 19, 2008 at 11:43 pmBut did entirely re-landscape the front foundation border of house.
Beth says
August 20, 2008 at 12:20 amTeach the kiddo “given” things: ride a bike, tie shoes.
Leaf, probably... says
August 20, 2008 at 12:30 amWinter wonderland, where are you? What’s with all the rain?
Lotta says
August 20, 2008 at 12:54 amGet thee to a pool. Floating in water is at least 20 relaxing points. 30 if nobody pees.
Amy says
August 20, 2008 at 1:40 amSpent more time with family as husband going to Afghanistan.
Patti in NJ says
August 20, 2008 at 2:10 amSon “finding himself.” Will I get past his dropping out?
Lisa says
August 20, 2008 at 2:40 amlose weight lose weight lose weight lose weight lose weight
Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommy says
August 20, 2008 at 4:22 amFind a way to make money staying at home.
lea says
August 20, 2008 at 4:45 amWinter is Down Under now, writing, ignoring lists are for summer.
sassy says
August 20, 2008 at 7:05 amremodeled house new floors ceilings kitchen camp no money camping
Sewmouse says
August 20, 2008 at 8:16 amHouse Clean Enough For Visit from House Beautiful Photographer
marissa says
August 20, 2008 at 8:23 ami finished my masters, kids played outside, drank wine daily.
hulagirlatheart says
August 20, 2008 at 8:53 amConvince in-laws to move to another state by October.
TanyaK says
August 20, 2008 at 9:28 amDeath in family, nothing got done, don’t really even mind.
Tonggu Momma says
August 20, 2008 at 10:25 amWait for China adoption referral. Hope. Hope crushed. Repeat.
Jenn @ Juggling Life says
August 20, 2008 at 10:41 amDid most everything else, but not enough beach; Had fun.
Katie says
August 20, 2008 at 1:15 pmI just found your blog. Katie wishes she referred to herself in third person more this summer. Also, Katie wishes she ate more salad rather than throwing away slimy lettuce every week. Thanks!
Sharri says
August 20, 2008 at 1:42 pmOh, Bossy, I was just fretting about this today. On the top of my list was get a divorce. Seriously. And then the other things like trim branches on trees, fix shocks on car, move some bushes are still not crossed off.
Things I have done: relaxed in hammock, played with child, gone to beach, relaxed in hammock, ate a lot, relaxed in hammock.
I think I did the fun things.
smr33 says
August 20, 2008 at 3:51 pmAte, drank, made merry. Woke up with a wicked headache.
noelia says
August 20, 2008 at 7:29 pmlose weight, read a whole book while NOT riding in a bus, go to TX, update my ipod, reply letters, redesign my blog, etc.
Clair says
August 20, 2008 at 7:42 pmSummer in San Francisco hasn’t started yet. Still wearing scarf.
Cynzim says
August 20, 2008 at 11:16 pmA bell-clear mind,
a body hour-glass strong,
the book done.
Meg says
August 21, 2008 at 12:03 pmI wish I could’ve achieved
more relaxin’ and less drivin’.
Martha says
August 21, 2008 at 11:13 pmHouse still a mess – didn’t exercise but had some fun
megachick says
August 22, 2008 at 3:37 pmdid more than last summer, yippee. not ready for school.
judy says
August 24, 2008 at 1:03 amI wish you would stop having disappointing contests forever. Please.
Sandy C says
August 24, 2008 at 11:06 amlose weight – didn’t. Read books – didn’t. Have fun – did!! Yeah!!
Dragonwing says
August 24, 2008 at 5:38 pmClean house and weave wall-to-wall carpet with pethair thus collected.
dr. Bray says
August 25, 2008 at 11:52 pmNOT have my water brake and be stranded in Orlando.
Deejay says
May 5, 2011 at 12:34 pmDidn?t know the forum rules allowed such blrilanit posts.
xcroqeqoco says
May 6, 2011 at 1:45 amUItdEX wyhpoldonbsw