You might be wondering why I'm even talking about winter. I mean, it is June now, and officially summer, but it got me thinking a lot about when it isn't summer. For those of us in Ohio, we get a good three months of summer, and that's if we're lucky. The majority of our 12-month year is filled with cold, wet or cloudy days. I am someone who lives for those sunny 80 degree days that go by way too fast. It may have something to do with my last name literally being "Summers..." but for arguments sake, I just love the season. So, back to winter, why must you be on my mind? I have to deal with you basically nine months a year, so stay away now.

You, winter, are on my mind because although it is only June, I'm thinking about how in a few short months I'll be putting the boots back on and hiking to class in four feet of snow. Or how when I walk outside I'm going to dread breathing in your piercing cold air. I don't want to even think about brushing the snow off my car and scraping ice off of my windows until my fingers are numb. I should be worried about getting sun burnt, or not drinking enough water, or where my tan lines are. Yet winter lingers on in my mind.

I'm all for Christmas, but have you ever celebrated "Christmas in July?" It's mainly a camper's holiday celebrated just like Christmas on July 25. I must say, I could happily celebrate that from now on. It's like a half birthday, Jesus... JK, we can have Christmas, but you get my point. I'm no Scrooge when it comes to the holidays, but cold weather... that's another story. Plus, my nana totally had a palm tree as her Christmas tree one year and it was just as festive...

Summer is also more carefree... like, a lot more carefree. Although I'm at the point where 80 percent of my summer is spent working, it's a lot less stressful than classes, holidays, traveling and dealing with harsh winter weather. Also, vitamin D literally comes from the sun, which we don't get very much of in the winter. It's proven that people are generally happier if they spend more time outside. I for one am not going outside in Ohio winters if I can choose not to.

Again, winter, why must you be so harsh, so long and still lingering on in my mind? Please just let summer last a little longer this year. I'm actually going to push it as well by asking for a fall, or maybe a spring after you leave us. I know in Ohio you like to be the center of attention, but Miss Summers is asking for that all to end. I'm kicking you out for now, out of my brain, my climate and my world.

C-ya never!

Love, Summer(s)