We’re Having a Heat Wave

When I was little and the summer days were at their hottest–and most humid–my mom would tell me to run my hands under cold water to cool off. I’d do this repeatedly to no avail. I’m still not sure my mom really believed this would work, despite her insistence at the time that it always helped her when she was my age (which was then about four).

I’ve never cared for summer. I don’t like the heat. Now I have air conditioning, which I’m immensely grateful for, although I’m not thrilled with the electric bill that comes with it. About the only good thing I can say for summer these days is that I do like the fact that the sun is up so early. I leave for work between 6:15-6:30 in the morning, and right now, the sun is up before then. That won’t last much longer, but I’m enjoying it for the duration.

I used to get bored during the summertime, although I wasn’t really excited about the thought of school starting again. I still get bored, or maybe frustrated is more like it, on weekends in July and August. I feel like I should be outside but it’s too hot, and I have little to do inside. Yes, I can write, and I do, but even that gets to me after a time. Writing is hard work, and I can only do it for so long before I need a break.

So I’ve decided to be proactive about summer. And productive. I’m not sure exactly what this will entail, since I already know it will need to be done inside, but I’ve had a few thoughts.

–I’ll re-read some favorite books. If I find re-reading isn’t doing it for me, I’ll get some new ones, but somehow, the thought of re-reading some favorites brings a smile to my face. Especially if they’re (don’t laugh at me) my old Peanuts comic books.

–I’ll text or email some friends I’ve been out of contact with. Yes, this is writing, but it’s a much easier form of writing.

–I’ll pull out some of the fabric I bought years ago to make quilts with and make a few for charity. At least, I’ll piece the tops together. Someone else will have to do the actual quilting.

Anyway, those are some ideas to get me started. Hopefully I can come up with others, because we’re having a heat wave right now!

Image Credits: Sunburst (header) © Lemonsoup14-stock.adobe.com; Quill Pen © Amiko–stock.adobe.com