Entering summer mode

Figuring out the not-so-fun parts of summer

School is out, the temperature regularly tops 90 degrees, and I feel sticky and sweaty if I am outside for more than five minutes. Summer is here.

Most people I know love summer. They love the beach, the laid-back pace of summer days, the long stretches of daylight, and relaxed evenings. If you have been here long enough, maybe you are not surprised that summer is not my favorite. For this type-A, routine-minded planner, the lack of structure that summer inevitably brings drives me crazy. I do not enjoy being hot. I dislike the pool. I can take or leave cookouts and grilling. So what else remains to commend summer?

I have made Summer Bucket Lists over the years in attempt to be more intentional with how I spend the season. Sometimes it helps to think of events and moments that will happen later to build anticipation. So I dutifully have filled out fancy font bucket list printables that I find on Pinterest with ideas ranging from making homemade ice cream to going to the pool to looking …