I have been reading and hearing a lot lately about people's favorite summer memories. To date, this is one of the worst summers that I can remember. Don't get me wrong, I love my boys and have thoroughly enjoyed them. BUT that said, the heat has been oppressively depressing here in South Texas. I know that I am not the only one suffering from this reverse seasonal affective disorder. Too much heat and sun can really drive a person mad. How many 100 degree days can we bear?
I almost think that life would be better without air conditioning? What, crazy lady? But maybe then we would all be outside, like we were after the hurricane. We could find solidarity in our suffering. Instead, we retreat to our air conditioned homes where we become isolated. I find myself even avoiding my car. I don't want to put the boys in their toaster-like car seats. Searing hot metal buckles touching baby skin? I try to avoid it. And who wants the back of their sticky thighs to melt on the hot leather seats? Seriously, you northerners have no idea how bad it is here. Summer here is like a winter of snowstorms up north. You just do not want to be outside - unless you are at the pool, which you can only do so much of with a seven month old.
ANYWAY...
this morning I woke up with a new attitude. I was lying in bed and suddenly began to recall my favorite summertime memories from my own childhood. Playing with neighbors, washing uncle DonnyBob's truck, eating ice cream and Mr. Freeze pops.
I realized that it is my job to create these same kind of memories for my boys. What? Oh that's right... its not about me and my whiny butt anymore. So...I drank iced coffee for breakfast, we put on our swimsuits, got out buckets, sponges, and the hose and went to work on washing my car. We worked in the garden and ate homemade pudding pops. During nap time today, I watched part of a movie in my swimming suit and ate a peanut butter and honey sandwich on white bread. Then I went to work on making a summer music playlist. I am going to embrace summer even if it kills me. Next stop - the pool and a barbeque.
Atta girl, Erin. You're the best. I am convicted. My idea of creating summer memories is making the sure the girls have cleaned up their room before they are allowed to go out to our pool. Lazy.
ReplyDeleteGood for you. The car washing is brilliant. I should really do that more. I am eating fresh peaches and blueberries for lunch and that always reminds me of summer when we were kids too. Kelly
ReplyDeleteyay. Good word sister. I had been taking Warrick to "watch" the kids at the run through fountain park at Riverside park down the street. Was trying to justify why I wasn't letting him in it when he was squirming with excitement. Cause I didn't want to get wet and messy. Lame. Changed my approach a few weeks back when I was with Sarah . . . kind of involutarily, but it made me laugh so much that I've let myself get soaked in my clothes every time since.
ReplyDelete