After being bundled up for the past three months, and trying to get from one place to another without freezing to death, I think we can all agree that it is time for warmer weather. While cuddling up under blankets with hot chocolate and a good movie makes for a classic winter evening, there's truly nothing better than spending a late night at the beach, or relaxing by the pool. Frostbite, dry skin and chattering teeth stand as a continuous reminder that the groundhog was seriously mistaken in his prediction for an early spring. If there was a way to fast forward to warm spring and summer days, I'm sure most of us can agree that might be worth it.
Personally, the best part about summer is spending time at the beach. My family and I spend two weeks at Ocean City, New Jersey, every year and there's nothing that we look forward to more while trying to shake the snow flakes out of our hair. From the beautiful sunshine, the relaxing hum of the crashing waves and the smiles on everyone's faces, there's no place I'd rather be. After a stressful year at school, I can find my happy place on the beach, unwinding with long naps under the sun, or by reading a good book by the water. There are countless possibilities for nighttime enjoyment, from spending some time on the boardwalk, playing a competitive game of mini golf, watching the stars on the beach and so much more. One of our favorite family activities is to sit on the porch and play card games while listening to the waves that never sleep. This has always been my favorite vacation and I cannot wait to kick this cold weather and head to the beach!
There is so much more to do in general when it's warmer in the realm of outdoor activities. With longer days, the possibilities are truly endless. There is nothing better than going for an early morning run, when the air is warm and cool at the same time. Also, relaxing by the pool is a favorite past time for many. You can relax and unwind, and get a nice tan while doing so. The worst feeling is losing your tan when the weather becomes much colder, but warm weather allows for us to change that. You can also call some friends over for a game of volleyball, badminton, or frisbee under the warmth of the summer sun. There's also nothing better than big neighborhood barbecues, where you can all come together and talk about how much nicer it is to not have the cold, crisp air whip your faces everyday.
Let's face it, we're all a tad sick of snow, especially almost 34 inches of it. It's pretty at first, but once is begins to melt, it gets dirty and forgotten on the side of the road. It stops being enjoyable when the snowmen begin the droop, the icicles begin to melt and the sledding becomes progressively less exciting. I'm sure none of us actually enjoy shoveling endless heaps of snow and ice out of the driveway either, which is why it's just about time to kick the cold and welcome the warmth!
Another summer classic is s'mores. The melted chocolate, warm marshmallow and crunchy graham cracker are the perfect summer treat to enjoy by the fire. The sparks from the fire paint the night sky as they burst from the flame, and the hear from the fire warms your face. While you might need to do an extra load of laundry to rid yourself of the smokey smell and spend a few extra minutes at the sink removing marshmallow residue from between your fingers, it's all truly worth it. Additionally, who doesn't love to enjoy summer treats during the day as well. Grab some friends and take a walk to get some ice cream, water ice, or slushies, because there is no better way to cool off that with a delicious, sweet treat!
While we're talking about staying cool, there is nothing that screams "It's finally summer" than a trip to the water park. Riding the water slides can fill an entire day with fun, especially when you bring your closest friends with you. If you're a beach lover like me, there's nothing better than hitting the waves when the heat becomes intense. Who doesn't love it when the waves are just perfect for boogy boarding? If you are not the type of person who enjoys high-energy water sports, there is nothing more relaxing that taking a swim in the pool. Whatever your summer niche is for staying cool, let's hope that we get to enjoy it soon.
Nature puts on a new face when the weather gets warmer. The trees and grass shake off the ice and snow, and everything becomes greener and more alive. The freshly mown grass and newly sprouted flowers let off a sensational aroma, letting the world know that warm weather is here to stay. The trees brighten and grow fuller, and butterflies dance amongst the summer breeze. Watching all aspects of nature come to life with the changing of the seasons is something I look forward to every year, a magnificent way to begin summer.
Finally, I think we can all agree that it is about time to ditch the snowsuits, and break out the shorts and t-shirts. Sure, sweaters are fun to wear for a little while, but we begin to miss being able to walk out of the house in a light jacket, or no source or warmth at all. Wearing winter boots stop being fun after a while, and we begin to miss the pair of flip flops that have been sitting lonely in the back of the closet for several months. The moment we wait for every year is the day when we can finally say goodbye to looking like a marshmallow every time we walk outside, to just feeling free all the time.
I hope I have made you all just a little bit more excited to kick off summer. While we still have a few weeks left of heavy coats, fuzzy blankets and layers of clothing, warmer weather truly is just around the corner. So try not to think about the fact that it is -10 degrees, and stay positive though the random snowstorms mother nature throws our way and see that relief is coming, eventually.
