Ahhh…the first day of summer vacation.  Sleeping in, playing in the creek, a fresh stack of library books and a new mess on the laundry room floor.  Oh yeah, those shorts and t-shirts may make for smaller loads, but I forgot that the kids go through two or three outfits a day.  Today’s laundry room dump came complete with wet creek clothes, one Croc (The other one is where?  Bottom of the creek?  Under the deck?  In the garage?), and the prize of the expedition: a waterlogged baseball.  Why is it in the laundry room?

My expectations for summer are low.  Well, I mean as far as writing anything worthy of publications, except on this blog, or meeting any goals, except for those scored in the front yard, or finishing a house project, except the one completed by a professional.  Every year I have to remind myself that my summer-calling is remarkably different than my winter job description.  But it always takes me a few weeks to get into the role.

 I’m not the most laid back person.  In our family that title goes to my husband.  But summer tries to win me over to her bright, mellow side.  She sneaks up on me and whispers, “Forget the stupid list.  Sit on the deck and read a book.  Isn’t there iced coffee in the fridge?”  Oh, I so like the way summer thinks.  My Type A personality secretly pines to fall in love with summer, but I resist.

This morning I asked each of the kids to come up with a country to study for the summer.

“That sounds too educational,” JP replied.

“Yes, but we’ll get to go to restaurants and find pen-pals; it will be a fun way to learn.”

All the rolled-eyes told me that no one was impressed with my desire to dres summer in business-casual, making her something she wasn’t.

So I’m going to spend this first week of vacation getting to know summer on her terms.  My inability to control her late afternoon thunderstorms, her Popsicle inducing heat, or her lazy-lay-around attitude, may help her win my affections earlier this year.  And if I mention making a plan one more time, I hope my kids will run after summer, embrace her and yell, “Quick, help mom chill out!”

Note:  Thanks to all of you who entered the first Wednesday Wash Wisdom.  I loved hearing all your suggestions and so many of you made me feel like I was not alone in my inept laundry skills!  The winner of the contest was randomly drawn and it is: D over at My Slice of Life.  Congrats.  See you all tomorrow for a bit more Wisdom.