sweet summertime

How is it August already? When school comes to an end, I always have many ideas and projects in mind for the upcoming weeks of vacation. In mid-June, summer stretches ahead ... a 10 week break from routine! From that perspective, it seems I have all the time in the world to relax, while still accomplishing those goals that get set aside during the school year.


I am happy to say that some of these summer projects have been completed! For one, I have always wanted to create a space in our home for crafting - a place to store my many supplies in an organized way, as well as a large, but out-of-the-way table for working on projects. Most importantly, I wanted a space that was solely used for crafting, so that I could make a mess and not have to clean it up if I wasn't quite finished. Thankfully, my husband (having now completed the student phase of his life, at least for now) agreed to share what has been his "study" so that I could have a place to do what I love. After just a few stops (a plastic shelving unit and 6 foot long folding table from Lowes, and some decorative storage boxes from Michaels), we had everything I needed to make my goal become a reality. We spent the rest of that afternoon rearranging the room to make space for the new purchases. To top it off, a friend painted a desk chair for me to sit on while crafting. Our second bedroom now has two names - he continues to call it the "study," but I call it the "craft room!" This new space has already been put to good use many times and my craft table is currently covered in both finished projects and those still "in the works."


More to come in future posts about other summer goals that have been achieved! But of course I had other grand ideas in place for the summer that didn't have very grand results. Though 10 weeks sounds like a long time in June, somehow I find things to do every day and then it is August when it is time to think about school again! Though I've had some valid attempts over the last several weeks in these areas, the following goals are still works in progress:


Get caught up in my scrapbooks.
Exercise 3 times a week.
Be faithful with daily devotions.
Read more for pleasure.
Practice with my camera - take pictures, edit them, blog them.


You might be thinking - "You're not working, what's keeping you from doing all of the above?" In the past, I have worked for my dad's business in the summers doing simple data entry, filing, or other odd jobs even if it was just a few mornings a week. But this year, I decided I was sick of it. I didn't want to work this summer.  It's true, I tell people all the time that I'm not working this summer. But the more I think about it, I work all the time. It just doesn't feel like work because I'm doing things I love! In fact, I essentially have 3 jobs this summer!


1. I am working for a photographer a few hours a week - helping with design projects, database management, and more. I always look forward to the time we spend together because I always learn a lot and have a chance to express my creative side! Though I'm making money, it doesn't feel like work!


2. The craft business I run with my friends on the side has been booming this summer! We are working hard toward launching our own website, complete with a new look and logo. Our goal is that people will be able to order from us online in the near future! But even without online ordering this summer, our sales have been constant. When we complete one order, another one comes up. (Thank goodness for the craft room!) Thankfully, no matter how much crafting I do, it is never enough. It is so much fun to design projects for others that you know they are going to cherish.


3. My final summer job is one that most people don't expect. From September to June, I'm a teacher, but in the summer months, I'm a student. I like to take advantage of the time off from school to learn more about becoming a better teacher. This summer, I completed a 3 day course on my school's campus, as well as an online course relating to the new common core standards. I've also made it my goal to read 2 books for credit. 


Don't let me fool you -- this summer has by no means been all work and no play! I have enjoyed many relaxing days at my family's lake house, as well as weekend getaways with family and friends. All of this is just to say that though summer time is oh-so-sweet, it always goes too fast!