I always love The Girl Next Door annual episode where they design their summers. I just like the thought of “designing” my summer. It sounds so fancy and next- level. I am not just going to let the summer happen! I’m going to DESIGN it!
I’ve realized there are three main points about this summer. The first is, I’m in a very brief, yet beautiful stage of parenting. For all my complaints about my daughter, I’m not looking forward to the empty nest. Not only am I appreciating the fact that she’s still home with us (for one more year) but I’m also loving the fact that her friends and boyfriend are frequently here as well. My husband grumbles about the kids making too much noise sometimes, but I like having them around.
HOWEVER. We’re past the phase where I have to stress about what she’s going to do this summer. There are things I would LIKE to happen, like a job and learning to drive, but I don’t have to arrange it. And whatever she ends up doing, I’ll have to drive her sometimes, but she also has other people to chauffeur her around. What I’m saying is, I can make my own plans instead of revolving my summer around her.
Second point about the summer- I’m shifting my work schedule around. I’ll be working about the same amount of hours, but will have- just for the summer- TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SUNDAYS OFF! Woohoo!!! What will I do with these days? I have some preliminary thoughts- a day of reading? getting back to trail running? More on that coming later.
Third and most important thing. THE WEDDING! My son is getting married on July 25th. While other people are planning trips to Hawaii, Europe, national parks in Utah… my big trip will be to Valparaiso, Indiana for the wedding. And I’m excited! I’ll be going five days early to help with the preparations. This is obviously a milestone event, and I’m going to soak up every second of it.
I’m hoping to sit down this week and work out more details about my summer- what days I’ll do a trail run, when will I go to the gym, what strength program will I do when I finish Iron Series? I guess I could also play it by ear, but I think I’ll have a more satisfying time if I plan it all out.
Are you designing your summer?
Does your work schedule change at all for the summer? Will you be on kid duty?
Top photo by Raphaël Biscaldi on Unsplash
