Summer has always been my least favorite season. I know you’re probably all thinking I’m crazy, but don’t throw beach balls at me yet, I have reasons.
Growing up in hot, humid, small town, Mississippi, I was a day student at a boarding military school where half my friends (and boyfriend) left when school wasn’t in session. Port Gibson was a sleepy town where there wasn’t much to do, so when I went off to college, I took summer school classes because it kept me busy.
I’m not one to stay still for long, which leads into, I’m not a beach person. I burn easily due to my pale skin and I’m not a huge fan of sand in everything. My husband and I prefer vacations where we are sightseeing and learning new things. One day every other year or so at a beach is plenty for me: otherwise, it’s torture, because I can’t relax and read under the shade of a giant umbrella. I have kids that either need something or until recently I’ve been terrified of them drowning.
Once I was working, summer didn’t have the draw of time off and for the last several years, it has meant my four kids are off from school and chaos reigns at home. Have I mentioned, I’m one of those people that thrive in a structured environment, which is not possible when on top of your kids, the rest of the neighborhood seems to be at your house as well.
Last year, we did something different and it was amazing! We made plans for all the kids to be in different locations long enough for my husband and I to take a vacation together. We are going to do it again, so I feel there is something to look forward to, because we rarely get time alone. Our younger kids are up at six and the older ones go to bed after us.
This year we celebrate Memorial Day weekend in our usual way.
- Watching the hundreds of motorcycles ride into Washington DC from Fairfax, Virginia for Rolling Thunder which is an inspiring event
- Attending the fair in our town called Viva Vienna where the kids rode on rides and we saw some pretty interesting things
- Cooking out and having pool time
I’m not dreading the endless days of heat and keeping kids happy while keeping the house clean. I get a break with my husband and will be able to get some writing done. Having my writing has given me a purpose that is mine alone I’ve lacked for the last fifteen years as a stay-at-home mom.
Tomorrow is Memorial Day. A day to remember those that have given their lives to keep us free and I’m so grateful to them and all the men and women who serve and keep us safe so that Memorial Day can also be the official start of summer.
What do you love about summer?
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