Memorial Day weekend has become widely recognized as the unofficial start of summer. I only kind of agree with this. On one hand, I’m not going to consider it truly summer until I reach that first morning when I wake up knowing I don’t have to go to school to teach anyone or pack anything. On the other hand, any days at school that follow Memorial Day have a very different feel to them since summer break is tantalizingly close.
Each summer break is different from the ones before it, but there are always a few things about the season that are at least similar. I don’t yet know what moments or events will eventually come to define whatever this summer break will be, but I do know there are going to be some things about it that I’ll enjoy, because I do every year. Here’s a list of ten of those things that have me looking forward to finishing off the last two weeks of the school year. As always, in no particular order:
1. Catching up on television
My Netflix account has been all but dormant these past several months, and I know I’m going to more than make up for it when it comes to summer binge-watching. I also have a number of series saved on my DVR that I never found the time to watch during the school year, and I’m seriously thinking about doing a “West Wing” series re-watch this summer as well. And all of this is to say nothing of another summer of “Big Brother,” my summertime guilty pleasure (and I do feel guilty about enjoying it), starting up in a few weeks.
2. Family events
Just as I spend a lot of time with friends during the school year, I always seem to spend more time with my family during the summer. This year we’ve got a high school graduation, two weddings, and the annual trip to the Turtle Lake fair coming up. Plus there’s still the Cousin Movie Night I want to see happen (Paul, we need to get started on the logistics for that!).
3. Home improvements
There are always some jobs around the house that could stand being done, and summer is a perfect time to take care of them. I’m not talking about major construction or anything like that, but more things like organizing, cleaning, or small bits of decorating. I like having a home where I feel comfortable and relaxed, and I don’t mind setting aside some of my summer to put in the time and thought it takes to make it that way.
4. Games
Yes, I play video games (as you probably do as well, even if you want to call them 'apps' on your phone), and yes, I own an Xbox One. I don’t have the stamina to spend marathon amounts of time playing anymore, but when I find a game (or two) that really captures my imagination, gaming can be a great way to fill a lazy afternoon or a sleepless night.
5. Writing time
In summer, I don’t have to schedule in the time to write. I can just do it. I can plan, prewrite, write, revise, edit, proofread, and work on different projects at the same time if I want. If I ever catch a wave of flow state, I can just ride it out as long as I want without having to worry about other commitments. It’s wonderful, and one of the reasons I would happily leaving teaching behind if the opportunity ever came together. Since I can think of at least three different projects I’ll have going, I’m planning on this year being a very productive summer.
6. Afternoon movies
Maybe it’s an introvert thing, but I think the absolute best time to see a movie in the theater is to go on a hot summer afternoon. You don’t have to worry about crowds, or lines, or some knucklehead five rows ahead of you playing Candy Crush, or the people who sat in the seats right behind you even though the theater was only half full talking through the whole stinkin’ movie. If you time things right you can even get the whole place to yourself, and then pretend you’re a billionaire watching a private screening in the full-size movie theater you built in your basement. If anyone wants to tag along sometime and see how great it can be, let's talk!
7. Reading time
What’s a summer reading list without the time to enjoy it? Every year I have at least one day when I set aside everything else and just read. It’s beyond amazing. And even though I already have a fairly extensive reading list, you can bet there will be at least a trip or two to Barnes and Noble in my future.
8. Working on the fridge
This will only be my second year of having a refrigerator door covered with colorful Post-It Notes making up a to-do list of summertime adventures. I love the feeling of accomplishment that comes with checking items off a list, and I learned last year that having the visual prompt of ideas and the motivation of being able to take them down are great ways to keep my days occupied.
9. The procrastination checklist
I’ll admit I procrastinate. It’s not a chronic thing, but if I have a job in front of me that I really don’t want to do, it’s too easy to find different ways to spend my time. After awhile though, those boring-to-unpleasant tasks start to hang over your head. Summer is a great time to take care of at least some of them, which not only gets the stupid job out of the way but also provides a little dopamine charge for the reward of finally getting it over with. Achievement unlocked!!
10. Naps
Maybe not every day, but several times a week. Most are pretty short, but the beauty is they don’t have to be.
So that’s part of my list. How about you? What are your favorite things about summer, whether you get eleven weeks off from your job or not?
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