Summer is just about to begin and what do you do? Everyone has lately been asking me, "What are you doing over the summer? And my reply is sadly working, taking classes and going to conferences and meetings. However, I am doing more than that! I am going to go on adventures, catch up on my shows and more. People, it's summer! Yes, you will burn through cash and resources, but summer is a time to relax and have fun!

The Do's

1. Hang out with long-lost friends.

I come back home from college and I haven't seen my friends from middle school and high school for the whole school year. It is time to reunite and get back together. I really miss the inside jokes, the crazy laughs and the adventures that we used to go on. Even if it's just for lunch, a hike or a trip to the zoo. It's always nice to catch up.

2. Learn something new.

This summer I am trying to learn ASL, American Sign Language. I find that between work and summer classes, it is always good to have something else to try new. Some of my friends are going to learn how to ride horseback, swim, blog, cook, bake, and the list goes on.

3. Try new foods.

I had friends come visit me in the City (San Francisco) and they've never been exposed to foods I am used to eating. Those include Thai food, Vietnamese food and boba. Who has not had boba? However, living in the city I fall victim of not trying certain foods. I never had Sushiritto, fusion food of sushi in burrito form, until last summer. The city always has new food places popping up. So go try new foods! Happy eating!

4. Go on a mini vacation.

Going to Disneyland, Universal Studios, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, Reno, camping, or on a road trip are all awesome ways to relieve yourself from life's stresses and challenges and bond with family or friends.

5. Prepare for fall at the end of summer.

Buying new supplies, clothes, and books are a hassle before the school year. For people not in school, it is still a hassle right before autumn comes to finish shopping at the sales and catching movies in the theaters before they are gone. I'm saving things right before the end of summer change. You could have grown so the clothes won't fit you anymore. You could have a new class schedule, which has happened to me, so the books you buy are useless. Your roommate could have bought a new TV that is better than yours and the list goes on. Trust me, wait until the end of summer to prepare for the school year.

The Don'ts

1. Mess your sleep schedule up.

I am so guilty of this. I often just take naps after work and classes, but then at night I can't fall asleep and don't go to bed until 3 or 4 a.m. I'm not saying don't take naps, but make them short. Set alarms and actually get up.

2. Spend your money on things you don't need.

I am guilty of going on Amazon and shopping until my heart's content or going through malls with friends buying a lot of random stuff. I make excuses to myself,
"Oh I could use this for this event or I could get this for my friend," but honestly I'll keep it for myself. Stop! As much as you might be helping the economy, you could be spending that money on food or rent that is necessary. Make a budget and make sure you are only spending as much as you make.

3. Drink mysterious beverages and eat uncooked foods.

At my friends' parties and barbecues, I often don't know what is being served so I just start eating and drinking what is being served to everyone. However one time I ate uncooked pizza and the next few days weren't so fun.

4. Procrastinate.

Do not procrastinate on getting summer jobs, internships, classes or planning a vacation. Trust me, the good summer jobs, internships, and classes get taken pretty quick. Also summer vacations are always expensive so better get planning!

5. Lastly, don't be bored!

There is so much to do in a summer, why waste your time laying around saying, "I'm bored." Go and do the Do's! Fill your summer with fun! Go out to the beach, to the zoo, get a cool job or find summer love. Either way get out and make this summer your best summer!