Naomie wrote a post this week how she is in the process of decompressing and I could not relate more to her post. I, too, always have these grand plans for the summer, being a teacher and off in the summer. But then I always, always stress over how not to waste that time. Should I take up a new hobby? Exercise every day? Take a class? Learn new dishes? Make desserts? Volunteer? All of the above? I usually do not do well with a lot of unstructured, free time.
As the kids get older and possibly want to spend less time with me, I will probably end up getting a part time gig in the summer that is not related to education.
Summer planning post from 2023
Our summer looks like this:
~ Camping at Mongaub pond for two nights in June! Slowly getting ready.
~ L is in STEM/nature camp at the reservation for three weeks; I am excited because it’s at the reservation that we go to, and it’s nature- and science-based. I am concerned about ticks, so I’ll make sure to use tick spray and check her skin every evening before bath.
~ R is with me those three weeks. We have a beach pass and will be exploring the playgrounds.
~ Italy trip: two weeks. Amalfi (staying in Menori) and Calabria, with one week in each location. T is coming with us for the first week, then he has to get back for work. I will stay in Calabria with the kids for another week. Nancy, my colleague at the school who teaches Italian, hooked us up with information/accommodation in Capo Vaticano, where she was born.
~ at the end of August is my mom’s weekend away. A brief solo trip. Will probably get an Airbnb somewhere or a hotel room not too far. Heck, even Princeton, which is about an hour away from where we live. This summer I am not visiting my friend in Poland, as I did in 2022 and 2023, maybe next summer.
When I honestly ask myself about this summer, I would like to have a nice balance of activity and rest, routine and spontaneity, togetherness and solo time. I want to continue exploring with my family and exploring who I am, by reading, writing, and getting out of my head, and into my body.
And you?
Mom of Children 