Summer Goals

Isn’t Rachel great? I am so flattered to share a few thoughts on her blog today because she is someone I so look up to. She is someone who makes the world better just by being who she is. I am not sure if I have ever met someone who is SO smart, SO beautiful and SO kind all in one. Tens across the board. I gush about her even more in this post. Love you lots, Raych.

Although I hate to admit it, summer is slipping away from us, both in terms of the weather and in terms of the school year that continues to affect our lives long after we graduate. I am determined to squeeze whatever I can from the remaining few weeks of this lovely season.

Read.

Preferably on the beach or by a river and accompanied by a cool breeze and iced sun tea. I am hoping to read Tuesday Nights and Wednesday Mornings and The Idiot Girl and the Flaming Tantrum of Death (both gifts from my sweet husband) before the fall semester starts. If you are looking for a recommendation, some of my recent favorites are No Impact Man, Room, and The Curious Incident of the Dog at Night-time

Eat.

I love buying local, fresh food. Not only do I feel good about it, the food tastes wonderful. We love our local CSA from Jacob’s Cove. It forces me to learn to cook with whatever ends up in my basket every week (ahem… kale chips). Another great option is your local farmers market. Why not take a morning exploring and picking up colorful produce and then go home and be creative with it. I like to google recipes for a new found vegetable while at the market and then I can grab the rest of the ingredients while I am still there.

Move.
I am the worst worker-outer ever and have a hard time doing mindless exercise. But I can do things like hike and swim or take the puppies for a walk. I am such a night owl and summer is the perfect time to go for a walk and relish the warm nights long after the neighbors are sleeping.

Create.
There is something in each of our souls that longs to turn nothing into something special. I recently made a sign for my kid brother (from another mother) that says, “I love Maddie because….” And then his parents can fill in something new each day. Took about two minutes and five dollars. Pinterest is my latest obsession (thank you Rachel!) and I hope to get a few more projects in this season.

Give.
There is no better feeling in the word than giving of yourself, whether it’s sending a sweet letter or an amazing pair of heels.  I can’t think of any better way to use what is left of my free time than to spend it making other people happy. I plan to combine this with some of my other goals by doing things like baking extra zucchini bread and making personalized gifts for the people I love.

What are your goals and plans to take advantage of the rest of the gorgeous summer?