Summer vacation will be here in a week, allowing my teen, my tween, and me to sleep in a bit. Teachers and students are allowed some decompression time, so we're going to take it.
Then, it's on to the real business of summer, like not getting sunburned, keeping the house clean (because there really is no excuse when I'm not at work), and catching up on all of the projects that I have put off throughout the year.
The boys are still playing and I'm still coaching baseball, so that will take up many of our afternoons and some of our evenings and weekends. But there's a lot of time in between that we need to make the most of.
Here's what I could do (followed by what I expect will happen):
■ Clean the garage
Two cars fit in there now, but a little extra effort and rearranging could reduce our reliance on a storage unit. (I'll pick straighten up the various pairs of cleats, recycle some old newspapers, and sweep the floor. Then write a $50 monthly check for the storage unit.)
■ Hit the gym
This is a constant battle for me, as I love to sit on the couch during my free time. I'm paying a monthly fee at the gym, which is about two blocks from my home. (I will hit the gym on my first Monday of vacation. By the end of the week, I will find an excuse not to go - sunburn, perhaps. Then I will feel guilty and go back. This pattern will repeat through August.)
■ Work on a book
All writers have to try it at least once. It'd be cool just to say I was working on a book. That's like those people on reality shows who are "aspiring designers." I'm an aspiring millionaire, but I'm nowhere near that goal. (Just like I do with this column, I will stare at the computer monitor hoping that inspiration will strike. Frustrated, I will read someone else's book and wish I could write that well.)
■ Do some gardening
The flowers are blooming and plants need watering. (My oldest son will ask if he can go somewhere with one of his friends, and I will make mowing the lawn the price. I encourage my younger son to make plans with friends so I can have him pull weeds.)
■ Watch the movies I have recorded
I shelled out money for pay-per-view movies as soon as they came out; recorded them; and have let them sit there. (I will continue to procrastinate on watching these movies, because "it's too nice outside" - even though I'm inside. I have already found out what happens at the end of them anyway, and a sequel will probably hit theaters soon.)
■ Clean out my closet
Inspired by my efforts in the garage, I could finally get rid of my old clothes from way back in the 20th century. "What do you mean my grunge is dead? My plaid shirt doesn't have any holes or stains!" (I will continue to groan each time I open the closet, but since I'm on vacation, my attention will turn to the dozens of T-shirts that I own, diverting my attention from my aging work wardrobe. Fully 70 percent of the shorts I wear will continue to be fastened by a safety pin because sewing a button back on would be way too easy, I guess.)
■ Stop looking at the calendar
Teachers check the calendar after spring break and start doing the vacation countdown. I need to take my break one day at a time and not look ahead to August, which will be here sooner than I think. (Trying to outsmart myself, I will list chores on my calendar, like gardening, cleaning out my garage and closet, etc., which will help me avoid looking ahead in time.)
Wow, I've got a busy summer in front of me. I can't wait to get started. (I can't wait to sit around and do nothing.)
Adam Breen Adam Breen teaches journalism at San Benito High School. He is former editor of The Free Lance.
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