Where did the summer go?!

It's like yesterday when I could breathe from finals and unpacked my stuff at home. I was about to work for the summer and looked at the calendar, with three months of summer staring back at me. I remember sleeping in my own bed for the first time in months (which I happily fell on when I got home). The realization the school year was finished was still on my mind. I could have homemade dinners from my parents (no offense to the school food, but I was ready for home).

Fast forward to now, after a full day of work and the August humidity making its presence known. Under two weeks until school starts up and I feel like I need to do more before time's up. What else is there to do?

Here is a list of what I can do (and yes, you can too) before the two weeks come to a close:

1. Sleep in (if time allows).

Now is the time, because you may be up early studying for quizzes and tests once you return. Or the sound of the grounds crew outside your dorm window at an ungodly hour may wake you and keep you awake. Sleep in while there is quiet and less distractions.

2. Go out and see a movie if you haven't done so (or if you want to see another one for the fun of it).

Aren't most people staring at some sort of screen (phone, computer, tv) during the day anyway? Why not go see a movie? I've already seen a few movies in theater this summer, but I still may want to go see another.

3. Spend time with family, because they won't see you for a while.

The most important aspect in my life besides my faith and friends is my family. They mean the world to me and even though I'll see them once a week at church on a Sunday, it is not the same as seeing them everyday. Some of my friends live in different states and parts of Pennsylvania hours away! Spend time with family before saying goodbye.

4. Try to fit in last-minute time with friends as well.

I had a sleepover this past weekend and had many hours with friends over the summer. Life is busy, but not too busy to be with friends.

5. Set aside some personal time.

I don't know about you, but if I skip time for myself, then my brain goes on overload and I get overwhelmed. I usually take an hour or more to myself, to write, read, draw, listen to music, watch tv, etc. Find something you like to do and do it! Nothing like some me-time right?

6. Shopping is a must!

I'm still in the midst of shopping for school clothes and supplies (because waiting until last minute is a bad habit of mine). Make sure to know what you need!

7. Exercise (because how many of us actually did that regularly over the summer?).

This was my number two on my list to do over the summer and guess what? That didn't happen much at all (mostly because of my lack of motivation, I admit). Find time to get back into exercising, so it becomes a good habit during the school year. Better late than never!

8. Attempt to organize your room.

I get the fact that not everyone is a neat-freak. I know I want my room clean so it is that way when I come home from breaks. Even if you despise cleaning, at least try to put things away before leaving home.

9. Have your textbooks yet?

I ordered mine from the school store and Amazon. If you haven't done so yet, make sure to order them. If you have them already, that's awesome! Otherwise, they will be expensive if you wait to get on campus (believe me, don't wait until last minute. Stress stinks!).

10. Contact your roommate and college friends.

I contacted my roommate in early/mid-July and I was so excited when I got an email back! See who you have as your roommate (if you have one). Contact your friends from college and see how they are doing. Most of us do not have the patience to wait until we get to campus to reunite with friends!

Enjoy the last two weeks of summer vacation. I know I will!