formerly Diane's Addled Ramblings... the ramblings are still addled, just like before, and the URL is still the same...
it's just the title at the top of the page that's new

Monday, May 25, 2009

Gimme an S! Gimme a U! Gimme an M, M, E, R!

So, today marks the first official day of SUMMER! And yes, I know that's not what it says on the calendar. I don't care (I don't have a calendar, remember?). Memorial Day is, and forever will be (in the US, anyway), the first day of summer. Whoo hoo!!

I've got plans, too, baby! It will not be a lazy, hazy summer for us, no siree.

Ryan has begged me not to put her in a summer program this year. Pigsknuckle offers what are effectively summer daycare programs, disguised as 'day-camps'. She went for a few years but she hated them. The kids are scheduled pretty aggressively and they have no say in what activities they do. And while Ryan doesn't mind schedules in general, she tends to be more productive (and happier) when she feels she has some control over what she does. Like most kids, if she's not interested, she doesn't want to participate. I told her she doesn't have to go this year (as I hate to hear her whine every day when I pick her up and I don't mind saving the money I'd be shelling out only to hear her whine every day when I pick her up) but my willingness to allow her to stay home is conditional. Staying home does not mean she can sit on the computer or in front of the television all day, every day. So... she has a list of things she'll be doing (and a few incentives to keep her interested and whine-free)...

First, we've got swim team, which runs from the first of June to the end of July... that's 5 practices a week and 6 meets. It keeps us busy.

Second, she's got tennis lessons this year, as she wanted (and got) a tennis racquet for Christmas and now needs to learn how to use it.

Third, I've told her she has to 'train' with me for the Breast Cancer walk in October. I've set a goal for us to walk 350 miles together during the time she's out of school (about 70 days). It's attainable but it'll take some work (which is what goals should do), and if we reach it, I've promised her a trip to the water park (which is expensive and not something I'd normally splurge on). She picked the prize (it's one of her favorite places ever), so I know she'll be willing to work to achieve it. 5 miles a day isn't that much, really, and I'll continue walk more on my own to get ready, but I know Ryan and I know it's not something she'd do willingly otherwise (because walking is boring you know). I've clocked the mileage for various trips around town, as one of my summer goals is to use the car as little as possible, so I'm sure the miles will add up quickly.

Fourth, she's got a reading list. She's picked a load of books from her shelves and she's piling them up to plow through this summer. Though reading is not something I generally have to bribe her to do, as it's one of her favorite things, I figured I'd sweeten the pot a little to keep the momentum going (and the TV off). I've assigned each book a monetary value, from 50 cents to $1.50, so she'll make a little money for each one she finishes and for which she turns in a one-page written report. The idea of a little extra pocket money really floats her boat. I'm just hoping I don't live to regret this one...

Last, she's got a summer-long project to work on. This school year, her Challenge group did an architecture project, where they designed, built, and wired for light, a house. She totally got into every aspect of the project and even built little pieces of furniture on her own to fill the house. Last year, I got her a 3-D architecture kit for Christmas (it makes a house about 2x2 feet), so her summer project (which she picked herself), is to design, build, decorate, and landscape a house. She's really excited about it, as am I, truth be told, and I expect we'll be spending a lot of time at Lowe's during the sweltering days to come.

Of course we've got other, fun stuff to do, too, like several camping trips, day-trips to DC and local sights, and a few lazy days by my brother's pool. But overall, I expect Ryan's summer to be full and interesting.

I've got a few plans for myself, too...

I'm turning off the TV completely this summer and delving into my unread book pile. I've picked 20 books to get through between now and September 1st (anyone want to pay me for reading? I'll happily turn in written reports!). I've also got a couple of big work projects to get done, the BC walk to get ready for, and some decorating projects to see to (I'm hoping to re-do both my bedroom and Ryan's, as that's what she's asked for for her 10th birthday). I've also just finished sorting our our week-long camping trip to Assateague/Chincoteague Islands. And finally, I've got some writing projects I want to accomplish.

As I say, no lazy, hazy summer for us!

What about you? What's on your summer agenda? And for those of you in the southern hemisphere, what will winter bring your way? Do tell...

16 comments:

hooray said...

AWESOME! I wish someone would pay me for the books I'm reading too! But I have NO desire to write any written reports! ;-)

It looks like you two will be having a blast!

We have school until June 12th

Anonymous said...

Although I'm not giving tv up completely I had already knocked it down to 2 hours a day. We're getting my nieces and nephews for summer and will be visiting home (New Orleans). I also have 7 books I want to have completed by the time school opens up for Charlie.

blognut said...

You scared me for a second with that whole cheerleading thing. I'm huddling in a corner right now trying to get over it.

As for your summer, it sounds like a great plan. I won't pay you, but if you read anything good, let me know. You haven't steered me wrong, yet.

Also, for the walks around town, you can use a website called "Log Your Run" (I think it's just www.logyourrun.com), and you can actually map out your walk/run right down to the sidewalks and trails near you. It's free to join it, and it's easy to use.

You can walk to my house this summer if you want, but you better get started as soon as school gets out. It's kinda far. :)

sherri said...

WIth all this business, how are you going to schedule a trip to So. Illinois?

I'm telling you, all you have to pay for is your trip here and baclk. Big AL and I will cover the rest! I'm a great cook, there are tons of hiking and camping places, lakes, indoor swimming, museums and we have books here too! I have a Jacuzzi on the deck you can lounge in while I make you drinks and fan you.

You can watch Big AL do yard work (he looks HOTT when he works in the yard!)

The guest room awaits the two of you.

WHat will I be doing all summer?

Working ;(

But I'm going to Florida on June 11 and am planning to meet a bunch of blog pals in August!

Evenings will be spent with Big Al in the jacuzzi just trying to keep cool and connected.

Zuzana said...

Wow, those are some ambitious summer plans! You are putting me to shame, as I have none.;)) I have a trip planned in 2 weeks, but the rest of my summer is wide open and that is how I like it.;)) Even tough I am a control freak, I do like to be spontaneous from time to time.;))

Wishing you a wonderful first summer day!
xo
Z

Dave said...

Sounds like a plan. I find when I do NOTHING, the time goes by just as quickly, but without any sense of satisfaction. That begin said, you don't have to bribe me to be lazy.

Sheila said...

Share your book list with us~
It would be fun to have a virtual book club. You already read and liked one of my faves: Traveler's Gift. I just finished The Heretic's Daughter...let me know what you think.

Chris said...

Going on a cruise to Cabo, and reading lots of books. I'm working through the catalogues of Tim Dorsey and Carl Hiaasen, two guys who are absolutely hilarious. Only a few days till the students and staff leave, and then a couple more weeks till my vacation starts. Woo hoo!

Unknown said...

sounds like you have it all planned diane- we are just heading into winter here, and reading your post made me realize how much i dread the return of summer- i am not a girl for hot weather, so i figure i can enjoy YOUR summer while i bask in MY WINTER and that i feel may be the compromise of my year.........xx

Michelle said...

Terrific plans Diane!

Ryan is a lucky girlie!!

Me? I have no clue YET!!!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!!

hebba said...

WOW! You got a busy summer planned! I'm working on my list tonite!

Debbie said...

You gave me some great ideas...our summer is full! I teach swim in the mornings and evenings and preschool in the afternoons! My kids will be at grandparents 2 weeks..different day camps 3 weeks.. we have 1 vacation to the beach..I have an 'alone' vacation and we have an end of summer 'mini' vacation to the nickolodeon hotel ! All that is fun..its the afternoons that my son will be home , while I work! (girls can come w/me!) so, now I ahve some great ideas to keep him busy!!! as for TV..we have TV BUT I bought gilligans island, silvers spoons, cosby show and family ties..and fun ways to watch as a family without some of the 'cr*p' on TV!!:)

SSP said...

yowza...i think i'd rather go to "camp" LOL...kidding..it does all sound good, if exhausting. tennis AND swim lessons plus 5 miles a day? my summer vacation will be spent house sitting in hawaii.....

dianne said...

Sounds fantastic to me, I would find that architecture and the landscaping project very interesting.
You're a great Mum, Diane...I'm sure both you and Ryan will have lots of fun and healthy exercise.

Nothing so exciting for me in the southern hemisphere,though the weather will be pleasant; its almost winter and the temperature today was 73degrees,very mild. ♡

zipbagofbones said...

THANK GOD SUMMER IS HERE.

Heather said...

Sounds like y'all are going to have an AWESOME summer! I'm jealous. How bout I quit work for the summer and come stay with you? I'll train with you and read all the books you assign. And I'm totally in for the water park day.
Gah. I miss being a kid!!!

For my summer vacation... oh wait... I don't get one of those anymore. I'll be sitting here. At my desk. Monday-Friday. 7:30-4:30. Just like normal. Blah...