So it’s almost summer. FINALLY. As I finish up with all my standardized testing/finals/other stressful requirements which make me wish I was as far away from the real world as the characters on LOST, I have to wonder what I’ll do with myself once I actually have spare time in these upcoming months. This year I’ve adapted to a peculiar lifestyle in which I do homework and other have-to’s all day long, throw myself into bed at some ungodly hour at night and lie on the couch in a comatose-like state on the rare obligation-free day. But for the first time this summer, I won’t be participating in any major 9-5 programs, leaving me with amounts of spare time which seem comparable to a year-long pleasure cruise.

This might seem like a totally perfect situation, but unfortunately I’m not one of those people who can spend days alone lounging by the pool and be perfectly content. My tendencies are such that if I’m not somewhat consistently busy with SOMETHING, be it a social engagement or event of other sorts, I’m bored of out my everloving mind. So to have some structure and be productive, I’ve applied to get into Drivers’ Ed and, more substantially (*gulp*) I’ve started filling out applications for a summer job. I’ve never had a job in terms of standing behind a cash register and logging hours, so I decided that it’s time I get some experience. Given, it’ll make scheduling parties and other fun things a little more difficult, but what better time than summer to seize a new opportunity and make some cash?

If you’re anything like me and want a little structure during the lazy days of summer, I’d highly suggest finding a part-time job doing something you enjoy. The job search itself is actually pretty fun and, who knows, you could meet some great people! But if employment isn’t your cup of tea at this point in time and you’re stuck in your town, here are some fun summer ideas to make a vacation at home just as great as a vacation away from home!

Try some of these, with friends or alone: plan a picnic and have everyone bring some snacks, throw a pool/lake/sprinkler in your backyard party, go on a mini roadtrip and spend the day someplace no one’s been before, have a campfire and make s’mores, check local summer concerts or shows (many of which offer free admission, check in your neswpaper!), grab some chalk and spend the day playing hopscotch and drawing on the sidewalk, rent a kayak, rowboat or canoe and hit the nearest body of water, have an ice cream eating contest (no apologies for brainfreeze!), bike, rollerblade or go for a hike, go to the mall at 2 pm on a Wednesday simply because you can, go camping in your backyard, plan a scavenger hunt, make a scrapbook, lie by the pool with a magazine and realize that life is good:)