Solstice

N- an astronomical event that occurs twice each year, when the tilt of the Earth's axis is most inclined toward or away from the Sun, causing the Sun's apparent position in the sky to reach its northernmost or southernmost extreme.





Schoooooooool's Out. For. Summer. **duhnduhduhnnnduhnn**

So finally my beloved summer is here. This warrants both a big Whoppeee!! and also a vow to post far more regular on this here blog. I'm also going to try and get some more readers. I think having a semi-interested audience will be a much better motivator :)

I thought it might be fitting to discuss the wonderful season that is summer....

What is it about summer that evokes such happiness? As Spring comes to a close, the air is filled not only with the songs of crickets and birds, but with the chattering of excited, happy people eager to experience the adventures of the summer season. Summer is magical. There is this sense of a greater unknowing, a seemingly endless time period devoted to work and projects in one sense, but also friends, fun, and relaxation. I find myself listening to more upbeat music, with an extra bounce in my step, and smiling so often my face hurts as summer approaches. I have a theory that we are conditioned to love summer, simply because as children it is often when we have the most fun.

Not to say summer is my favorite season, because it is not. I love autumn most of all. But summer evokes this nostalgic feelings that I can't help but love. So what are some of my favorite parts about summer?

Bonfires/campfires: I love sitting outside at night with a group of friends, facing a hot fire with a cool, summer breeze at my back. Laughing, singing, and just talking about any old topic, what an awesome time :)

Roadtrips: There's nothing that lends itself to summer adventures more than a car, a group of friends, a tank of gas, and not a freaking clue of where your going. There's a reason so many comedies are based on a roadtrip of sorts, the situation just screams for mishaps and mayhem. I remember on Senior Skip Day back in high school when we all drove to Lake Geneva. What a ridiculously awesome day!! We hit the beach, junky little sovenior shops, a delicious lunch and a million memories along the way.

Working: I love working, I really do. Particuarly when its a job I love, with people I love. When I worked at the Cougars in high school, I worked as often as I could because I had so much fun there. I enjoy being busy and havign things to do, feeling productive. That's the one thing that drives me the most crazy about school is that I so often find myself working for something as ambigous, disheartening, and pointless as a grade, when I could be DOING things, helping people, and making a difference.

Being in the sun: Hello skin cancer. I love sitting in the sun, but my skin does not. I burn fairly easily, at least until July, and I'm not very good at applying sunscreen as often as I should. But stll there's something so relaxing as feeling the sun warm your skin. I love taking a nap in the afternoon, by a window and waking up all warm and toasty because of the sun. It's a warmth that seems to just penetrate all the way through you. I also like being tan, vain? Perhaps, but oh well... we all have our petty loves.

Sunglasses: I love a big ole pair of sunglasses. And aviatars. I feel like a rock star wearing them. And I don't like havign the sun in my eyes.

Grass: One of the worst parts about cities is how there is no grass. I lvoe walking around barefoot, particularly on a plush green lawn, but those are tough to come by here in Milwaukee. Laying in the grass, staring at the clouds is truly a spiritual experience, with the power to heal most problems.

Bugs, but not the icky kind: I like to watch bugs. They have the craziest lives. Don't believe me? Watch ants sometime... their society is fascinating.

WAYYY more daytime: I like being able to go out at 7 PM and it's still light out. Makes me feel like I have more time to do fun things.

The list goes on and on, but I think you get the point. I love summer and I'm soooo looking forward to the enxt few months :)