by Eve Mager

Created on: June 10, 2008

Every summer I get the same feeling; a tight-pressure in my chest and a restlessness in my feet that has me anxious to jump out of my chair, throw my desk out the window, and head outdoors. In other words: I just want to get out there and enjoy the summer.

Of course there are some ways that are better for enjoying the summer than others; quitting your job is one of the least enjoyable ways no matter how good it sounds at the moment, but spending time with family and friends is one of the most enjoyable ways to have an unforgettable summer.

In order to maximize the time you have free to spend outside in the sun, swimming in your favourite pool or lake, or sipping beers or margarita's with your favourite friends, you need to be organized. Plan your days accordingly and keep an eye on the weather. Make sure that your plans to sit on your new deck watching the kids jumping through the sprinkler aren't going to be ruined by an afternoon thundershower. And try to time, errand running and cooking to days when the weather isn't going to be so great.

Also schedule your vacation out of city or town, around festivals and events so that you can take part in the best of both worlds for a truly adventurous summer full of delightful experience. Be sure to budget for such things as fairs, outdoor markets, music festivals, food festivals, and cultural festivals of all sorts. Find the ones that interest you the most at the beginning of the summer so that you can be sure to find time to schedule them in around time at family gatherings and those relaxing weekends at home.

One of my favourite ways to enjoy the summer is to simply spend more time in the sun. Take up a new sport such as Frisbee, golf, biking, rollerblading, or swimming - many of which are family friendly and easy on a budget and beneficial to the waistline. Spending more time outdoors in the summer not only means plenty of opportunity to be active, but also the opportunity to barbeque. Cooking on the outdoor grill not only keeps the dishes and kitchen cleanup to a minimum, it also allows you to eat foods that are different from the ones that have been satisfying your palate all winter and the change in flavour will have you drooling for more.

So this summer take your time to enjoy life by taking part, get outdoors, get active, get involved, get organised, and get cooking and have a wonderful summer.

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