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| Make a Smilebox postcard |
So, my first summer off since I was 15 comes to an end today (Tuesday, August 25th). Check out some of my favorite photos from the summer on the interactive postcard above. Early this summer, a friend of mine called this "the Summer of Mark." I pretty much adopted that as my mantra and strived to have a good, relaxing nine weeks of freedom.
Before the school year ended, I made a list of fun stuff I would like to do this summer, and a list of responsible things I should probably accomplish, especially if I needed something to occupy myself if I became bored. All but two things on the "fun stuff" list were accomplished. Only one on the "responsible" list happened. I feel pretty good about that. I was able to do a lot with friends that I am normally not able to do, so that was cool. I also had a lot of alone time and quiet time with God which was enjoyable as well. There were days when it would have been nice if friends could come out to play, but they were operating in that alternate universe of my summers past -- the real world. This summer, I also feel like I played the role of the "responsible unemployed friend," the guy you call to give you a ride to the airport, help you move, or any other number of good samaritan acts.
I decided early on to avoid complete slothfulness and irresponsibility. I know enough students and people who do not know what's happening at what time to know that would drive me crazy in my own life. My career skills of organization and structure helped. I used my iCal to keep track of simple things like lunch appointments with friends, events, visitors coming to town, personal reminders. I made sure to get out of the house and do something every day, even if that just meant going to the gym on a few occasions. My only regret -- I was never able to really sleep in. My body clock woke me up early just about every morning. Though, I still used much of the morning time to relax.
I had three great opportunities to spend extended time with former students who are all still pursuing careers in the communications industry. Three visited me at my parents' home in North Carolina. One came to visit me in San Diego, and I visited a former student interning with an ad agency in San Francisco. I'm so proud of all these guys, and it's awesome to spend quality time with them as young adults.
Two other highlights: a trip to spend my birthday week with my parents and my aunts was great. Also, a road trip to visit Monterey, CA, my birthplace, was especially cool. I had not been there since we visited when I was in high school. The trip back on the CA-1 was amazing.
I am going to miss the carefree days of summer. It will be interesting to see how well I transition back into the world of work. Below are a few of the things I learned or rediscovered this summer along the journey.
• An idle mind can be the devil's playground. When you don't have work stuff to worry about, somehow other areas of your life (relationships, social situations) have heightened anxiety.
• My summer breakfast of champions: raisin bran crunch, coffee, ibuprofen. Playing hard hurts.
• Reality check: my life is surprisingly similar to the reality television show Big Brother. I hope I don't get voted out.
• I need hugs -- lots of them. (Plus, a mom's hug -- worth traveling across country for.)
• I often wondered who needed to see the sign on stores that says, "No shirt, no shoes, no service." Now, I know. Sometimes, it's me.
• It's often a lot easier and convenient to enjoy a party when it's at your own house.
• I love the ocean, but sometimes it doesn't love me back!
• Teachers need the summer break as much or more so than students. (Can I hear an Amen?!)
• Asthma sucks, but I refuse to let it ruin the race.
• Sometimes, my life is just moments between meals.
• Random words of encouragement from a stranger -- priceless.
• Freedom is expensive. Must save more money next year for gas, food, and extra festivities.
• When you've moved around most of your life, it's especially awesome to be able to answer "Where are you from?" with "Here." Monterey, CA
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