It's finally that time of year again... Summer! While I'm not looking forward to being outside in the scorching heat, there are some things I am excited about.

1. Being with my family

I've always been a family girl. After spending four months away from my family when I studied abroad last fall, I was disappointed to have less than two weeks with them before the spring semester started. I look forward to some quality time with my amazing parents. It'll also be nice to visit my grandparents. I do have a brother, but we shared an apartment this semester so we've seen plenty of each other.

2. Cuddling my dog

If I could have brought my 15-year-old Shih-Tzu to school with me, then I would have snatched her up a long time ago. Unfortunately for me, she spends the school year at home with my parents. Summer is my chance to soak up as much puppy loving as I can, especially since this puppy is getting pretty old.

3. Writing

Not only is writing my major, it's also my passion! I've written two books, one of which I'm in the (long) process of editing so I can try to publish it on Amazon. I've also got a third one in the works that I haven't done much work on in the past year. Summer is when I get the bulk of my writing done, so I'm looking forward to having some time to catch up!

4. Going on Vacation

Every summer, my family is blessed with a week or so of rest and relaxation. We also go on vacation. This year's line-up includes a stop in Branson on the way to my dad's class reunion in Iowa. Then it's off to Chicago to visit some family we haven't seen in ages. I know my dad is going to drag the rest of us down memory lane in both Iowa and Chicago, but I'm still somewhat curious to see where he grew up and spent some of his adult life before moving his wife and young children to good old Oklahoma.

5. Swimming

Living in Traditions West this semester, I've had access to a pool since shortly after Spring Break. I've only actually used it once. I wish I had more time to take a dip in the clear, refreshing water, but that's what summer is for. The pool I used to go to as a kid has since been shut down, so now my options are limited, especially when I'm usually the only one who wants to go. Here's to hoping my family will come with me to the occasional family day at the nearby waterpark.

6. Going to church

I've missed my church back home. I've only been a handful of times since I left to study abroad. I found a church in Norman that I went to every once in a while, but it's just not the same as the church I've been going to for about six years. I've gotten to know lots of people there, and the pastor is the best I've ever known! It's such a wonderful place and I can't wait to spend some time there this summer.

7. Working

Most people shudder at the thought of summer jobs, but I happen to know I'm going to enjoy mine. I'll be working at the same place I worked last summer. It's a cupcake shop that my mom's friend owns (yeah, yeah, nepotism, I know). It's a quaint little place with a great atmosphere. The work is easy and fun, not to mention tasty! I just hope I have good coworkers again.

8. Having free time

Free time was a foreign concept to me this semester, which is why I look forward to having some over the summer. There's a good chance I'll spend most of it watching Netflix, napping, and cuddling with my dog, but that's what it's for!

9. Staying up and sleeping in

Sleep is very important to me. I take my eight hours a night very seriously. I also like to nap quite regularly, just ask my brother. It drives him crazy. This summer, I look forward to not needing a strict sleep schedule. I'll obviously still want to get plenty of sleep, but I won't always have to get it between 10:30 PM and 7:30 AM.

10. Literally just doing nothing

One of the beauties of not having school is having less responsibilities. Without constantly having places to be or things to do, I'll be able to literally just do nothing. It can be hard for me sometimes because I know there's technically always something to be done. But I'd like to take advantage of it while I still can.

I may not have big plans for this summer, but I have lots of plans. If I play my cards right, it'll be a summer for the books.