Summer Love

The final days of school. Year long stress boiling down to nothingness. The smell of sunscreen filling the air. Flip flops come out like there is no other shoe style available. Summer is here. And all the joys that come with Summer have arrived as well: pretty girls in halter tops, pools and water parks open for business, Slurpees by the gallon, and too many wonderful amenities to list in a three minute essay. I believe in Summer, and all the amazing and magical things that come with it.

Living in sunny Northern California, I grew accustomed to the nice weather almost year round. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that even in 95 degree heat, I wouldn’t want it any other way. I seriously can’t see myself living anywhere else other than California. It took the ten Summers in my schooling life time for me to realize that it is my all time favorite season of the year.

When preparing for Summer, it is crucial to have a checklist of sorts for everyday life: the convertible, the tan, the shades, the look. Showing them off at the beach any chance you get is important too, and as most Californian’s know, the only beach good enough is past Highway 17, the infamous windy mountain road that leads to a stretch of heaven called the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

For me, though, it isn’t about the cool cars and beautiful women (although that is a big factor). It’s about slowing down, relaxing a little. The hustle and bustle of the school year has most kids ready to explode, then Summer arrives just in time to save them from a meltdown. A nice walk to the park to just lie on the grass and watch the clouds go by is considered a good day for me. Sitting in my front yard with friends because we are broke and don’t have anything to do is also one of my favorite parts. Walking downstairs in my house and sweating from it because it is so hot doesn’t bother me. I welcome the heat. My backyard pool becomes a regular spot for me and my friends. Really, any house with a pool is a popular area for people of all ages.

And that’s one of the best parts of Summer: you don’t have to be in school to enjoy it. Dads bust out the grill and Barbeque every weekend. Moms take days off from work to relax and tan in the backyard. Older brothers and sisters come back from college to visit. Families enjoy the weather together (Partially because it’s nice outside, and half because it’s too damn hot to argue!).

So when August rolls around again, kids start getting school supplies, and get their list of classes from school, and do the Summer reading assignment they were supposed to do weeks ago, I just sit and remember: Only nine more months to go until it all starts again.