Summer's here!

I’m going to blend two of Mama Kat's writing prompts for her Writer’s Workshop this week just because I can and I’m lame at those “list 10 things” lists.  So, how about some things that I’m looking forward to/dreading for summer and five things that every parent (at least this one) needs to survive summer?

I have a bit of a love/hate thing going on with the summer season. 

I love that the kids are almost done with school!  I love that there is no more homework stress or whining about having to go to bed at a decent time.  I love the flowers and the green grass.  I love the cheaper fresh local produce at my grocery store.  I love watching my kids’ soccer games which were cute when they were small and have become so much more exciting in their teens.  I also look forward to all of the festivals we have here in summer starting with June’s F1 race, Jazz Fest, Just for Laughs, Beerfest, etc.  The city truly comes alive. 

I Hate the heat and humidity of our Montreal summers (notice the capital “H” on hate for that one).  I hate sweating and not being able to sleep.  I’d enjoy our summers so much more if we could lose the humidity.  The mosquitos make me nuts too.  I have always been a mosquito magnet so I tend to suffer at dusk when they emerge.  It must be my sweet personality  (*snort*). 

So what does a parent need to survive the summer?

-A barbeque!  The fact that I’ve got two teens who believe that I am responsible for keeping them fed (the nerve!!) does not mean that I want to sweat over a hot stove.  Remember I hate sweating (see above) so this is when the BBQ saves the day.  There’s no dirty, foul smelling charcoal for this lady; I’ve got me a big bad-boy gas grill!  I admit, it’s one of the best things my ex-husband has ever given me.

-A good day camp program.  My ex and I have always both worked so finding a good day camp program that didn’t bust the bank was essential.  Our area of the city has always had a great program that keeps the kids active where they have made many friends.  This year, The Boy won’t be in it since he has expressed a desire to find a part-time job.  He is 15 (16 in September) so I’m good with that.  The Girl, who will be 14 in September, is going to be signed up though.  The teen program is great with plenty of day trips, pool time and sports.  All the things needed to keep a teen occupied for the summer

-When the kids are doing their own thing, every mom needs that one special drink that will make   summer get-togethers something to remember.  Now, I like wine, have a fondness for vodka-cranberry and, when in the mood for a beer, enjoy Bud Light with Lime for a light summer treat but I have found a new love.  Bud Light Lime Straw-ber-rita!  Oh. My. God!  I took it for a test run at the Victoria Day BBQ that I went to and it was a hit.  I see this being my official drink of this summer.  Go try it ladies; you’ll thank me!

-Air conditioning.  As I pointed out above, I hate being sweaty and get so very cranky when my apartment is too hot.  NOBODY likes me when I’m cranky; not even me.  So let’s all be good mommies and daddies and find ways to stay cool so we don’t create big therapy bills for the kiddies when they’re older …..

-The ability to not take life too seriously and a desire to get out there with your kids and make some wonderful summer memories.  Bring your camera to capture those memories.  Those sunny, smiling pictures will bring light to your life when the cold, dark winter descends on us again.

May you all have a wonderful summer!  :)

Kathy