I think I have a case of the summer ho-hum’s. You know – sort of like “bah, humbug,” except for summer. And it’s not even officially summer yet! Gone are the days you look forward to summer with bated breath…thinking of the sunshine, the grass tickling your toes, the relaxation of laying by the pool, the freedom from school and schedule! Alas, once you “grow up,” summer, as you have always known it, is over forever.
The only time I get to spend outside in the sunshine is walking to and from my car on my way to work/lunch/home…and sitting in the car sweating until the a/c kicks in, thinking I should have some perfume or something in the car in case I stink from my short venture outside. And, as of late, the only time I’ve gotten to spend out in the grass is when I go outside to yell at the over-protective dog who is barking at the Non-English Speaking Neighbors. There is no pool to relax by, and even if there was, I couldn’t enjoy it. And there is no freedom in summer anymore…work continues and things get even busier with events interspersed at random times during the week.
Most people go on a vacation of some type during the summer. That’s a nice thought, really. But it will never happen for us, I don’t think. There are too many things going on and too many required events, trips, and camps that sort of suck up all the time you thought you had. Summer used to have a sense of accomplishment with it – there was always a fun trip to look forward to, a summer job to be had, money to be saved for the school year, and a general sense of rest and fun; and by the time school started again you felt as though you’d really done something, or nothing, whichever way you prefer it. Now, before you know it, summer is gone and you have nothing to show for it except a couple of new camp T-shirts and a worn out pair of flip flops. What happened to sleeping in and watching old reruns on TV half the day? Or staying up late in the middle of the week just because you didn’t have to get up in the morning? And leisurely lying in a hammock, letting the breeze blow while you read a good book? What happened to staying in your pajamas half the day just because you could, then throwing on your bathing suit and hanging out by the pool for the other half? You grew up, that’s what.
Even as the fall nears, you sort of half grumble/giggle with glee when you see the school buses rolling out again. Sure, they’re slow and in your way, but they signify that summer is over and you don’t have to feel like you’re suffering by going to work since kids have to go back to school.
If someone had explained the “no summer” thing to me, I don’t think I would’ve been in such a hurry to grow up and would’ve found a way to stay a kid a little longer. So kids, hang onto your childhood as long as you can and squeeze every single drop of summer vacation out of life that you can. One day, you’ll miss it.
There's a constant reminder of "summer" at our house. Those folks who are laying by the pool - soakin up the rays ...
ReplyDeleteall use TOWELS!
I washed 6 huge loads of towels today - and after everyone swam and showered there are 2 more loads just waiting for the washer.
Yeah, summer isn't the only thing stolen by adulthood...getting "snowed in" is a thing of the past. Used to, when my kids were "little" and it snowed, we stayed home and did "nothing" for days on end. We worked jigsaw puzzles, drank lots of hot chocolate and watched lots of t.v. When the kids get older - they figure out a way to go anyway...So - Summer, winter - adulthood takes it's toll in lots of areas. You are right - hang onto the moments you have today!