It's the first week of July, Internet! I refuse to think of how quickly the summer is flying by. We do have ALL of July and part of August to bask in summerness, which I plan to embrace wholeheartedly.
My original plan for summer was Reduce the Activities, which would, in turn, Reduce the Driving. Since I was in the car a minimum of two hours a day during the school year – sometimes three – I think you understand why I was interested in Reducing. So far, I have achieved decent success. Carla has daily summer camp, one activity that takes place directly after camp in the exact same camp location, and one activity that takes place on the weekends at a location ten minutes from our house. PERFECT. I am in the car for 45 minutes a day at most and I LOVE IT.
We have also been soaking up time by the pool as often as possible. This has looked like two or three days a week, which isn't ENOUGH, but it's something. Room to improve.
A friend (whose kid is in camp with Carla) and I were complaining to each other about how frazzled we both feel this summer. I cannot keep the camp schedule straight, for one thing, and she is having similar trouble. We've already had FIVE WEEKS of summer, and I've been working really hard to be as slothful and pool-centered as possible, but we haven't really settled into a rhythm yet. I think that's partly because the five weeks have all been different; there's no routine. Sure, camp is in its third week, but I think three weeks isn't enough to develop a structure. Especially when those three weeks include three days off for holidays.
Lest I lean too heavily on July for developing a routine, whatever semblance of a rhythm we've managed to cobble together will be undergoing a shake-up this month. Not an UNPLEASANT shake-up, you understand, but a shake-up nonetheless. Should shakeup be one word? Yes, I think I prefer that.
One of my out-of-town friends has a summer home here and arrives this week to stay until Septemberish. Also, my in-laws will be here for at least July, and are leaving and then returning at some point later in the summer; I'm unclear on the details. I am pretty sure they are staying with us this week… but, again, unclear on the details.
So I think my Reduced Driving and Afternoons by the Pool plans will undergo a shift as I add friends and family to the day-to-day. Obviously, I will try to encourage friends and family to JOIN ME by the pool as often as possible.
I do hope that this week isn't a harbinger of July's rhythm. This week is WACKADOO, let me tell you. Meetings and events and parties and get-togethers out the wazoo. Plus, houseguests. Plus, it's the Fourth of July holiday here in the US, so we have a long weekend of parades and barbecues ahead of us. None of this is bad, in any way. Just busy. (And believe me, I know it's not as busy as SOME PEOPLE'S schedules, cough cough Sarah; I am in utter awe of your ability to juggle all the things.)
Dinners may be a little haphazard this week, is what I'm saying. I've got a plan, just in case, but I think we'll need to be flexible.
Dinners for the Week of July 1-7
- Panang Curry: My husband thinks his parents would like this. The last time I made it on the stove, rather than in the Instant Pot like the recipe calls for… Hmmm… maybe my oven/stove ban will be the thing that spurs me to use the Instant Pot again. We'll see.
- Hamburgers and Hot Dogs: This is our classic Fourth of July meal. Not sure what I'll make alongside it. Maybe a couscous and grilled veggie salad? Cucumber and quinoa salad? Maybe I will just buy some pre-made potato salad and call it good? Probably I should come up with something for dessert, too. Maybe leftover birthday cake?
- Caprese Salad with Balsamic Chicken and Balsamic Dressing: Why yes we DID have this just last week but it was SO GOOD I want it again. Plus, it's really easy. Diane suggested I add some corn kernels to the salad and I did and it was such an excellent addition, I plan to make it a regular feature of this salad.
That seems like enough plans for now. We can always add tacos or takeout to the list, depending on moods.
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