Where Did Summer Go?

Washingtonians really can't complain. We had a mild 2012 winter.

The temperatures never got super low and we barely saw a snowflake except for
that freak Halloween storm. Despite all that, I was still very much looking
forward to summer.

Summer is my favorite season. I often attribute my love of summer to my August birthday and Mediterranean background. Whatever the case
may be, there's nothing like hot days turning to warm nights with sunlight
that lasts past 9 p.m. And while gathering with friends is always fun, nothing beats an outdoor BBQ or kids splashing around a pool.

Summer makes everyone relax a bit more. There doesn't seem to be as much work to do in offices and families are taking time off to spend vacation together. In short, we all seem to enjoy each other so much more. Isn't that what life is all about?

So here we are already in the first weekend of August. I can't turn on my TV or radio as I'm being bombarded with Back-to-School commercials and the latest in Fall fashions. I know stores need to make money but I want to yell out, "Dear marketers, please let me enjoy the last weeks of summer!"

Where have the months gone by? Winter goes by so slowly, yet spring and summer are over in the blink of an eye. And summer used to be so much more fun when we were kids. I fondly remember the last days of school,  playing in parks, summer vacations that lasted forever and first kisses on the beach.

As an adult, it seems weird getting on the Metro in the morning and having to go to work. Can't we just close offices until September too?! Wishful thinking I know, but still not a bad idea.

Our family has decided to try something new this year just to extend the season a bit. We're taking a few days in August to go to the beach, but have decided to take our long vacation after the Labor Day holiday.

It will still be warm so we can extend those dog days of summer just
a tad longer. The way we see it, the calendar doesn't recognize the end of
summer until September 21st so why should we?

In the meantime, I have vowed to enjoy Washington in August. There is hardly anyone on the Metro, my boss will be on vacation, Restaurant Week is in the middle of the month and traffic is almost non-existent. I will try to relive my childhood by taking my daughter to the park I grew up in and buying her Good Humor ice-creams when we hear the driver ring his bell. I will sit on the beach and allow the sun to beat down on me as I listen to the waves crash against the shore and I will not worry about what's due tomorrow or in September or October.

I will enjoy today because you never know what tomorrow will bring. I suggest you do the same.