My, how time has flown.

It seems like it was only yesterday that we all packed our stuff into our cars and headed home from college, vowing to keep in touch with friends and have a great summer. However, with the reality of problems such as student loans, college classes, car insurance, and more, many of our summers have instead been dedicated to working as much as we possibly can to make as much money as we possibly can.

I don't know about you, but I'd like to change that.

With that in mind, I took the past two days (my two days off, by the way - woo!) to do some thinking. I know that I've been incredibly busy with working and summer classes; I'm sure that you all are also feeling overexerted to some extent. So, with that in mind, I decided to come up with a list of things that we can do for the rest of the summer:

1. Go Camping:

I love camping. Since I was a kid, I always loved the thrill of the outdoors, the peacefulness of sitting around an open fire, the intimacy of sleeping in a tent for a few days. I don't know about you, but I think that we should all take a few days and go out, shut our electronics off, and just let the peacefulness of nature encase us.

2. If Not Camping, Go Hiking:

I know, I know. Some people don't like camping. However, you don't have to spend the night out in the wilderness to enjoy it. Go to your local State or National Park and do some exploring. Who knows? Maybe you'll find some beautiful wildlife or run into an eagle's nest - trust me, that is a cool sight to see.

3. Go See a Baseball Game:

For any of you who don't like the wilderness in general, here's an activity you can do to still enjoy the weather (and it's a great way to meet up with friends) - Take Me Out To The Ballgame...or, Take You Out To The Ballgame...You get my point. Now, I know that you're worried about expenses, but you don't have to. You don't necessarily need to go to your Major League Baseball team. There are plenty of Minor League or Independent League teams that you can watch for less than $10 a ticket! Who knows? Maybe you'll catch a foul ball?

4. ROAD TRIP:

I love road trips. The feel of the wind, blowing through my hair as I have all of the windows down, cruising down the highway is amazing. If you have any pets (particularly dogs) take them along. I have not yet met a dog who doesn't appreciate a good road trip.

5. See a Play:

This kind of falls under the same idea as the baseball game...in a way. You don't necessarily need to go get tickets to a show on Broadway. There are plenty of small theatre companies to go watch, and oftentimes their talent levels are actually pretty decent. (PS: If you don't have a local theatre company, follow Idea #4 and come to Mantorville, MN on the weekends. Their theatre company, the Mantorville Theatre Company, is always hilarious to watch, and tickets are super cheap - $10 or less per person!)

6. Celebrate the Fourth of July:

Because I have been working so much lately, I haven't been able to do this for the past few years - which sucks, because I love kicking back and relaxing with my friends and family while watching fireworks. Plus, who doesn't like the huge colorful explosions?

7. Read a Book:

I know, I know, compared to all of the adventures I've listed, this seems boring. However, books are amazing - and I'm sure I don't need to convince you all. They open doors to worlds that will have you stuck reading for hours, always needing to get to 'that next part' - one of the things about reading that I, as an English major, absolutely adore about reading. Go to your local public library or bookstore, grab a cup of coffee or tea (best thing to read a book with) and dive right in.

8. Have a Bonfire:

Coming form a fellow college student, I understand the struggles of catching up with friends from both High School and college. However, one of the best ways to do so is with a bonfire. Having the chance to sit back, relax, and talk over a soothing bonfire is one of the most peaceful ways to hang out with friends, and it doesn't take a bunch of money or anything either: Just find a place, find some firewood, light it up, and voila! You're in for a great night.

9. Go Stargazing:

Unfortunately, this one is harder for those in the city. However, if you can make it out to a field or the country in general, do it. Bring a blanket with you, too. When you get there, lay out the blanket, lie down, and look up. The heavens above are absolutely gorgeous to look at during a cloudless night in the summer.

10. On July 18th, Have Something for Me:

My birthday is July 18th. I know that this request is a little strange, but I want you to, in a way, celebrate with me - even if we aren't together. Grab something to drink (if you're under 21, keep it legal!) and join me at 9:00pm for a toast...cuz why not?

I know that there are many other ways to celebrate summer out there. My challenge for you is to find as many as you can and make this summer the best you've had yet, my friends.