My favorite things about summer

I'm not really into hot weather. To be more specific, I don't like sweating. But there are things about summer that I really do love, including:

I can afford to buy fruit. Living in the midwest is really great for a lot of things but fresh produce isn't usually one of them, unless you really like corn. I bought a package of strawberries for $2 at Target the other day. I don't even know how much strawberries cost in the winter because I don't look. My neighborhood's farmers' market starts at the end of the month and I can't wait.

Street festivals. Chicago is well known for its street fests and there's one almost every weekend when the weather warms up. This ties in closely with my love of cold beer, cased meats and food items on sticks.

Bright light exposure. That's what my sleep behaviorist calls sitting in the sun. Being outside getting fresh air and allowing some vitamin D to enter my body via my skin cells has done much for my mood. I also get a cute smattering of freckles on my face and arms.

People watching. The best thing ever for me are those first few days of warm weather in the spring, when people frolic about in the new clothes they've been itching to wear. If you're ever in Chicago, find a spot on Michigan Ave. or State St. where you can sit for a few minutes and really watch the people coming and going. It's fascinating.

Not having to wear socks. Something about the the absolute necessity of wearing socks really upsets me. Being able to walk around barefoot at home or in flip flops outside is my #1 favorite thing about summer. I guess I'm easily pleased.

Some honorable mentions: obnoxiously bright toenails, baseball, grilled meats, being sun tired and taking a nap with the air conditioner blasting, the Pride parade, and fireworks.

What do you love about summer?

Comments

[Carla]

I ate some fresh pineapple the other day and it was like a revelation! Yay for fruit! And yes to the socks! :) I bought a pair of Fitflops and have not stopped wearing them because I'm taller now.

I love going on long drives with the windows down and the music cranked up. I put on my sunglasses and love the feel of the wind in my hair. It makes me happy.

[Karen]

My face is very freckly year-round but gets even more so with sun exposure. They come out quickly, too, in just a few hours. So, I love the summer days when I've been in the sun all day and then look in the mirror and hardly recognize myself for all the new freckles that have appeared and darkening of existing ones! There are even a few that I recognize when they return - it's like welcoming old friends back to visit for the season!

[Sabrina Glozeris]

Oh ya, Chicago summer fests are the best. How I miss them! There's so many options in the city and suburbs there's nothing like it in other areas. Sadly. I like not having to wear a coat (I hate wearing coats while driving) and being able to go somewhere without having to wonder how much snow we'll get. I do hate the heat though. I can't stand sweating.

[Bree]

Getting corn from produce stands, flip-flops, sitting outside listening to my iPod, cooking on the grill, and sitting on the beach feeling that ocean breeze...it's so relaxing!

[Twistie]

Sun hats make me delighted with summer, as does people watching.

[Moe]

I hate sweating but even more... I hate sweating and having it be humid. It just makes sweating feel worse. I could not survive without a/c.

Things I love: looking at everyone's yards to see what's blooming, looking at my yard to see what's blooming, cold ice drinks, pedicures with bright polish, the man home for summer (it takes a week or two to get used to it, ok maybe a month), watermelon (I cannot get enough of the stuff), grilling a LOT.

Things I can do without: humidity, the neighbors mowing their lawn every other day, the neighbors using that sucking thing the opposite of a blower to suck up their leaf and tree droppings, that people expect me travel b/c I work at home and the man is off for summer.

[Linda]

Grilled food, not having to wear layers of clothes, way MORE (and cheaper) fruit selections, not taking your life into your hands walking or driving on snow or ice, doing almost everything while the sun is still out. When I lived in the south, the summer was way too hot, but there is nothing more beautiful than a midwestern summer.

[emily]

skirts and bare legs with flip flops! also, it staying light out later and late dinners. and the return of my favorite cable show seasons.

[catgal]

I am an excessive sweater, I sweat in the dead of winter, so the sweating thing is what I hate about summer.

Things I love... Driving with the convertable top down, opening all the windows on warm dry nights, air conditioning, more social activities, SWIMMING POOLS! And I have to admit my #1 favorite thing about summer is NO SOCKS! I hate socks and am always depressed when it's time to put them on again.

[intex air mattress]

I don't like to sweat either, but being out in the hot sun just makes me feel real good.

Swimming and cruising, fresh watermelon on a hot summer day is the best!

[Plus Size Coats]

I'm with Moe, I don't mind the heat, it's the oppressive humidity!
I do love sports cars and convertibles in the summer tho, and cold Sangria wine.

[colleen]

Another topic but I bought the clarasonic (in pink) on your recommendation and i have to say i like the way it works! my face feels smoother and tighter and clean :) good call - i just want it to be worth the 200 bucks and i think it is so far!