I just finished my sophomore year of college and it’s a little surreal. Last week during my four-hour drive home, I started thinking about how summer, while still my favorite season (second only to autumn in New England), is a lot less exciting than it was in high school. Summers during college are supposed to be for internships, jobs and summer classes, right? What happened to lazy, unplanned weekdays and Netflix marathons?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m so fortunate and excited that I do have a job this summer (a pretty good one, too), but my heart breaks a little thinking of the freedom I used to have. Anyone else feel that way? But no more of the negatives. There are still so many things I’m looking forward to this summer.
1. Family time. I cannot wait to be with my family for more than a long weekend. Having family dinners, going on a vacation and just being together in our house. I’m truly happiest when I’m with them no matter what we are doing. Knowing that I don’t have to leave in 48 hours makes me feel so calm and relaxed.
2. Good, nourishing food. This coincides with #1, but having home cooked meals and a fridge full of food makes my heart and stomach so happy. Mom’s cooking >>>>>
3. A new challenge. While my internship (which I started this past Monday!) is in a field I’m familiar with and have experience in, it’s nonetheless a new journey for me. I’m the corporate workplace for the first time and there are so many “unknowns.” But I know leaving my comfort zone is good (or at least that’s what my mother drilled into my brain).
4. A (small) bucket list. While waiting in the doctor’s office last week I made a list of goals for summer. They include trying new recipes, mastering the handstand and starting a blog (check!), among others.
5. Trips to the beach. No explanation needed.
6. Visiting friends at college. Much to my disapproval, most of my best friends decided to stay at their respective schools to take summer classes. I’m hoping I can make the trek up to visit them for a long weekend.
7. Marathon training round 2. Come mid-July I’ll be braving the Florida heat to begin training for my second marathon, THE New York Marathon. I’m beyond excited to run the race in November, even if it means waking up at the crack of dawn to run before work.
8. Blogging. There is so much I need and want to learn! I’m excited to develop this little place on the internet and continue writing.