The Summer Solstice is upon us! Break out the key lime pie and flip flops.
Okay, living in the “Sunshine State” means that it’s pretty much summer for forty-eight weeks out of the year. It gets to a nice New England autumn in certain parts of central and north Florida the other four weeks of the year (certainly not back to back!). Basically, it’s never a bad time to have an ice cream cone or plan a beach day.
For all that I talk of wanting fall colors and snow days, I’m discovering a certain appreciation for the summery weather. The stickiness of the Florida humidity is something I can do without, but I won’t pretend that there aren’t any positives! Here’s another round of This or That for the mid-year season of sun.
1. Dip in the pool or swim in the ocean? Swim. In. The. Ocean. The saltwater has an effect on me that has lasted my life! I love a good dip on a meltworthy day, but if I go to a beachside resort, I’ll be giving you my best Ariel impersonation from the waves. Literally. Singing in a tranquil sea is my go-to mental rehabilitation.
2. Amusement park or water park? Water park! I love slides and wave pools. Don’t even get me started on a lazy river! Like the average theme park, water parks are best when attended on a weekday, NOT surrounded by youths, but then you risk loud field trips with a summer camp. Crowds aside, on a hot summer day, I’d rather be submerged (and then get myself a tray of overpriced cheese fries)!
3. Sunburn or a mosquito bite? I would prefer to get neither, but my nerves manifest in a funny way. Translation: I pick at mosquito bites, and get deep scars as a result! It’s a gross habit, but at least if you sunburn in a GOOD way, you just look sunkissed. In addition, green color corrector can balance out a bad burn on the face!
4. Fourth of July Fireworks or Fourth of July Parade? FIREWORKS! Every time. Parades are fun, but I can’t resist a good sparkling sky! Sparklers just add to the fun.
5. Fresh watermelon or a ripe peach? Watermelon! A good peach cobbler is not to be missed, but watermelon is an ideal snack on a hot day. It’s also less sticky, making for a less sticky day in general!
6. Picnic or outdoor concert? Outdoor concert! I miss live music so much. I’ve been to two summer outdoor concerts. Yes, it’s sticky and sweaty, but I’m going to dance regardless!
7. Flip flops or sandals? Aaron hates flip-flops. He shouldn’t have moved to Florida! Sandals have their place: paired with a sundress for date night. However, on the average day, I need to let my toes breathe, hold the blisters!
8. Popsicles or frozen lemonade? I don’t know why, but freezing drinks make beverages I wouldn’t normally indulge in worth it. A regular margarita? No, thank you. However, a frozen marg? Absolutely! Similarly, I am a fan of the frozen lemonade. Frozen lemonades can be enjoyed from a straw. Popsicles melt all over your hand. Can you tell I don’t like summer stickiness?
9. Camping or hiking? Camping! Hiking is super fun, but can you make s’mores and stargaze during a hike? Not really.
10. Canoe ride or kayaking? Kayaking. Give me a solo kayak. I’m actually fairly decent with an oar, but in a canoe, there’s too many cooks. At least with a kayak, I know that I’M in control.
I’m hoping that I can get myself in a kayak or on the beach at some point this summer. The closest beach is about an hour away, and Aaron’s not a big fan of the beach. However, he shouldn’t be the one calling ALL the shots, right? I can certainly go on my own!
That’s the story of how I got caught in a riptide. The song makes it out to be more romantic!