Summertime Ideas

Summer isn't like it used to be.  I don't quite feel like the camp director figuring out how to balance occupying two children while also allowing them independence and time for boredom and creativity.  Plus meals!  Well, meals are still a daily trial, but the kids mainly know what they want to do; my main job is making sure they do their jobs and limit their screen time. 

But also, for the first time in a long time, it is my summer, too, because I was in class in the spring and will be in class again in the fall.  It's been a long time since my years have been dictated by my own academic schedule; my last classes for my Ph.d. were back in the last millennium!  But as you know, I really enjoyed being in class; well, I think I told you--it was a chaotic semester, with the kids wrapping up middle school and my balancing parenting and school.  I'll have to look back to write up what I thought of my two classes.  Since I haven't been writing much about the kids, who want privacy and are now crafting their own stories (though not on a blog!), perhaps I'll write more about seminary and chaplaincy, both to keep you up to date and to work out my thoughts.

It's summer, now, though, and my thoughts are on relaxation.  We just got back from Texas--that will be its own post!--and we're now engaged in camps and other activities.  It's just me and Bud at home during the day while Sis is a counselor-in-training at a day camp; she loves it.  Mama is busy with her own work and learning some new skills for a position change. 

Still, I like lists and so here is one, mainly for me, for my summer fun:

1.  Summer Tangles Challenge--the Zentangle challenge I made; I'll tangle everyday.
2.  Finish my blue crocheted waffle stitch blanket (for our chaplain)
3.  Finish my Bird Academy raptor class
4.  Finish my embroidery sample
5.  Read at least one theology book this summer (I have a few UU ones.)
6.  Go swimming with the kids (at least a few times.)
7.  See Far From Home
8.  See BTS movie in August
9.  Birthday parties for Sis and Bud
10. July 4th party at a friend's
11.  Purge books (again)
12. Do filing.
13.  Learn new bill system.
14.  Purge knick knacks.
15.  Paint stairs
16.  Go to beach (at least once.)
17.  Attend Taizé service a few times.
18.  Take Ro for check up.
19.  Finish straightening basement
20. Hang photos in bedroom