I am very fortunate to have a career that affords me the opportunity to have a break every summer. Some educators get between 6 and 8 weeks off every summer – I get the month of July (I am not complaining, I am very happy to have it). Yet, I have learned through the years and lots of trial and error that if I do not come up wish some sort of goals or plan, I will completely waste my limited summer time.
I am always so thrilled when summer is approaching and I have the greatest of intentions and the most elaborate plans – most of which never blossom into fruition because I get too distracted doing other “important” summer things – such as staying in my pajamas all day, every day, and sleeping really late and surfing the internet and watching silly old movies.
This summer I am determined to get things done – these are some of the things I would like to accomplish during the month of July:
- Knit 5 baby bonnets (yes, I seem to have an abundance of pregnant staff members at the moment – they keep me busy!)
- Make two twin-sized quilts – one for each of my daughters. I have not done this for a while – their current quilts do not cover their feet when they lay them over their bodies (oops!)
- Clear out the storage room/ office so that I can give my oldest her own room (she desperately wants and needs her own space).
- Make photo albums (I am only two years behind in making albums of yearly photos.
- Get together with friends and family
- Do some work planning for August
- Sleep
- Laugh and play
I realize this list is ambitious, but I do hope I can cross quite a few things off it before the end of July. What do you think? What is on your summer productivity list? Is your list realistic?
Today, 241 days ’til 40, I remind myself that summer can slip away if I do not actively choose to embrace the gift of time it affords me.
~400daystil40
Fortuitous Forty!!! 
walkwiththerabbi
June 25, 2012 at 00:49
Happy Sunday. There is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that you will cross some of your wanna-do’s off your list this summer. It’s about progress – not perfection. My goal for this summer? Get a publishing deal for my book The Walk and sign with a literary agent before July 31. It’s going to happen!
400daystil40
June 25, 2012 at 14:15
I hope so!!! I hope you get a publishing deal this summer – good luck!!!
writerwannabe763
June 25, 2012 at 01:26
To enjoy the summer warmth and sun more.go out in it more…..because the cold and the winter is not that far behind …..Diane
400daystil40
June 25, 2012 at 14:13
Yes, so very true! We can be horrible about remembering to get out and enjoy the sun – we need to do it more!
Katie
June 25, 2012 at 02:22
I’m still trying to figure out the whole vacuum and dust thing. Enjoy your time!
400daystil40
June 25, 2012 at 14:12
Vacuum??? What’s a vacuum??? 😉
mskatykins
June 25, 2012 at 02:24
There’s something in the water right now, there’s something like 6 teachers at my school pregnant – one with twins! 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful summer. Make the most of it! 🙂
400daystil40
June 25, 2012 at 14:12
Wow! Then we have nothing to complain about! It is hard with all the maternity leaves, but so fun to have all the babies around! 🙂
The Quiet Borderline (back in hospital)
June 25, 2012 at 09:15
I think your aims are great!
Enjoy your time off, but like you say, make sure not to waste your time!
400daystil40
June 25, 2012 at 14:11
Thank you!!! I am going to try hard not to waste time!
silverbells2012
June 25, 2012 at 13:56
Good luck with your plans for the summer!
I, too, have got a month off, though it will be in August and touch wood that the weather will be fine enough to do lots of outdoor activities with my daughter. The main thing I want to do indoors is some decorating. Well, lots of decorating, actually 🙂
400daystil40
June 25, 2012 at 14:11
Thank you! I hope your decorating plans go well! 🙂
Debbiemartin
June 25, 2012 at 14:53
Summers are like life – they slip away too quickly without having done all the things you intended to. I made a decision to do ALL the things I intended to – no matter how whacky – a couple of years ago when someone very dear to me suddenly died, far too young. A lot of what I do ends up in my writing. It’s a bumpy ride at times, but worth the bruises. Thanks for liking my blogs 🙂
400daystil40
June 25, 2012 at 23:03
Yes, this is so true and exactly what I am afraid of! You are so correct that sometimes it takes a tragedy, like someone dying much too young, to force us to realize that every moment is precious and sacred.
anotherthousandwords
June 25, 2012 at 15:48
For many years I have lived by this self-created mantra, 400:
Do it now,
Not later!
Done anything today
Procrastinator?
It works well for me….
400daystil40
June 25, 2012 at 23:03
Thanks so very much! I am going to try this – tomorrow!!! (Just kidding, I will NOT procrastinate and I will try it today!!!!) 🙂
kellisamson
June 25, 2012 at 16:30
As a teacher, I am so right there with you. I spend the first five days alternately wandering like a zombie, wondering what to do first; or else flitting like a hummingbird between one unfinished task to the next. I have quite a to-do list and wish you luck!!
400daystil40
June 25, 2012 at 23:04
Yes, I understand that completely! I hope that you accomplish your “to do” list this summer!
narf77
June 26, 2012 at 00:18
Well done on making that list! I know that you might feel like you are frittering away your holidays but look at it from another point of view…are you enjoying staying in your pyjamas, watching cheesy old movies and surfing the net? Is it feeding part of you that wants to remain “slow” for the holidays? So long as you get that office cleared out (make sure that your daughter helps you as its good bonding AND she will learn the value of that bedroom!) and get lots of friend time, family time, me time in and you can’t help but have a great vacation 🙂
400daystil40
June 26, 2012 at 09:28
Yes, you make very good points! To be honest, I am quite happy to stay in pajamas all day every day, it is the guilt afterwards (vs the happiness that I accomplished something) that I need to balance out and contend with! 🙂
A Table in the Sun
June 26, 2012 at 04:13
My summer goal is the opposite of yours. I have always been in a frenzy trying to accomplish everything under the sun, so I have decided to declutter my mind by spending time just being….not doing. Wish me luck. I have 3 weeks left to find sanity before our school year starts up again.
400daystil40
June 26, 2012 at 09:25
Yes, sometimes we need those times too! I hope you find the rest and relaxation you are looking for!