Summertime Blues

Summer has officially arrived in SoCal and none too soon with a three day weekend coming up. So why the bluesy title? This week has been blue skies and warm weather and I can't help but be reminded of lazy summer vacations between school years, where the biggest problems I was facing were not getting everyone to sign my yearbook and dance team troubles.

Nothing really prepares you for the working world and absence of summer. Besides teachers, not many other professional occupations offer the 1-3 months of pure, uninterrupted holiday. This, by far, has been the hardest adjustment of working in the 9-5 world. Weekends are certainly prized beyond belief, as is my time between 6-11 p.m., but nothing beats sleeping in, staying in pajamas until noon, and then hitting the beach, followed by lengthy phone conversations with girlfriends and possibly dance practice later in the day.

I was lucky enough not to have to work while in high school during my summers. I certainly didn't lounge all day-as I have mentioned, I was dedicated to dance, ASB, and various other commitments that related to school but certainly weren't academic and classroom-bound in nature. Like many moments in life, hindsight is 20/20. I wish I had appreciated those lengthy summers where I know I cried a good handful of times "I'm bored" when I would give my left arm for a break these days.

One thing I hope to instill in future children is the wonderful gift of vacation that comes with childhood. As with age, we certainly have a greater appreciation for it later in life, but it can't hurt to remind those enjoying it just how good they have it.