So, somehow it is about that time. Second semester is wrapping up and all you can think about is how you're going to keep your sanity back at home for summer. Your independence and freedom that exists at school are going to be placed in a little box and left in your college town, only to be opened back up for the following fall semester. Say 'goodbye' to sleeping in till noon after a late night and a crappy diet because 'land-ho' I'm comin' home momma!

Remember that clip from "High School Musical 2" where all of the student's anxiously watched the clocks until the bell rang, announcing the first moments of summer vacation? Imagine the same scenario, all the students staring at the clock. But, instead of expelling bouts of happiness and joy, they are desperately running in the other direction.

Coming home for the summer after your first taste of independence and the real world may seem ruthlessly boring and mind-numbing (sorry mom and dad, I still love you), but it doesn't have to be. I'm so determined to make this summer something I long to come back to once it's over, and here are some of the things I plan to do, and if you're like me, you'd do the same thing too:

1. DIY apartment decorations.

Aside from spending a lot of my time at work and in the sun while I'm home for the summer, I know I'll be dreaming of my first ever apartment waiting for me in Orlando. I'll be living with two of my best friends and will no longer be stuffed into the confinement of a living room-less dorm. I have about fifty things pinned on my 'future apartment' clipboard on Pinterest that I am stoked to make in order to make my future bedroom and kitchen as cozy and comforting as can be.

2. Hit the gym, you have no excuse.

Classes are finally over so let's be honest, you have no excuse as to why you can't work out anymore. There are no assignments due at midnight that'll stop your late night grind, there's no exam to be crammed for, and there's definitely not a paper due next week. So, I'm excited to jump back into a routine that'll get my body feeling strong after two semesters of eating God knows what. Don't get me wrong, the mile walks to class were pretty intense but it's finally time to challenge myself once again.

3. Read 20 books.

I haven't always been a bookworm. In middle school, I cringed at the thought of the summer reading assignments. I spent all the time that I could've used to just get it done trying to find out what excuse I could use as to why I was unable to read that day. However, must I admit, college has turned this leaf for me. I am currently forming a list of books that I've heard through the grapevine are worth the read, and honestly, I am thrilled to start.

4. Inexpensive day trips.

I pretty much live in a vacation spot already back at home, so I'm fortunate enough to be able to hit a beautiful beach on my day's off from work. However, I know that I'll grow tired of my home town pretty fast, so I've started to think of things and places that I can go to and spend my days doing when I feel the need to flee the homeland. There's a couple beautiful springs and rivers near by that'll only take an hour or two to get to, as well as some places along the other coast that will be awaiting my arrival.