In some ways I cannot believe that it is August 15th.  We are half-way through August and soon, September and the fall rush will be upon us.  I don't know about you, but every summer about this time of year I think, "Oh gosh.  I was going to do so much this summer and didn't.  Just wait to next year."  With this type of thinking I have already written off the summer when technically we still have almost five weeks left of summer and still two/three weeks before "back to school". 

I have found that procrastination thinking gets me depressed because I know that next year will come and go and I will once again not do all that I wanted.   Or the real crux of the matter, not enjoy all that I wanted.  I have decided to not wait until next year, but do something in the remaining time of this season.   Generally what I want to do involves enjoying the season:  to take advantage of the warm weather,  to continue that unhurried vacation feeling, and to be truly present in whatever the activity.  

Some Ideas:

• Treat yourself like you are on vacation: Pre-arrange dinner (an easy one- cooked rotisserie chicken , salad bar and fruit) so that you don't have to fuss or think about it come dinnertime.  Put aside your electronic devices when you come home from work. 
• Dine al fresco: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• After dinner, sit on the porch (or stoop, patio, deck, yard)  and have a chat with your family, friends or neighbors.  Ask other questions than just "How was your day"? 
  • Suggestions:  What was one thing that you were passionate about as a kid?  How did you envision your adult life?  What was one book that inspired you?  Why?  What is your go-to song to feel upbeat?
• Invite neighbors, friends or family over for some games.  Either outdoor ones- badminton, croquet, bocce, corn hole. water balloon battle.  Or indoor ones: Taboo, Sorry, Settlers of Catan, Chronology, Balderdash, any card game.
• Go star-gazing- either set out a blanket in your yard or go to a park, beach, country- some area outside of the city lights. 
• Take in a drive-in movie  (as a word of caution for those of a certain age- be prepared to be exhausted the next day- those movies go into the night!)
• Visit a local farmers' market or craft fair. 
• Visit local ethnic festivals.  Plan on eating something new to you.
• Check out local outdoor concerts- with many, you can pack a picnic dinner to enjoy during the music.
• Spend a day lulling about just reading books (either outside under a tree or snuggled in chair/bed inside).  Check out goodreads.com for some suggestions.
• Organize that Fibber McGee closet  (you know the one I mean).  It will give you a jump start on the fall.  
• Visit a local or state park. Check online to see what is in your locale and see what special programs, talks or walks that they might be offering.  
• Call and set up that breakfast, lunch or dinner date with the friend that has been on your mind.
• Put impromptu floral arrangements throughout your home (bathroom, bedroom, kitchen). Cut garden flowers, foliage or wildflowers from roadside (mind the poison ivy) and place in glass jars (clean, empty jelly or other recycled ones are fun). 

What about you?  What would you add to the list?  Do you put things off?  If so, why?  Do you resign yourself to waiting to next year?  

Recently I found this pillow.  It is in my office, reminding me each day: