Summer Goals

Danielle over at Sometimes Sweet, a frequent read of mine, posited the question of summer goals recently and I decided to participate. I haven't actually sat down and considered my summer goals yet so I feel this is a helpful exercise.

1. Take more pictures. The first summer I got my D60 (2009) Rob got so annoyed because I simply would not stop taking pictures with it. I have folders upon folders in my computer of pictures, covering everything from some daisies we picked for the house to each of the whiskers on my dog's face. Last summer, due to a strenuous work schedule (I was traveling to Houston every week pulling 12-hour days) I didn't do much of anything when I actually was home, and this included taking pictures. Plus I got hired to do several weddings and photography became less of a release and more of a job. This summer I only have two weddings scheduled so I hope to carve out some time to just take some nice photos.

2. Speak more positively about myself. Summer is the time when more of my skin is bared, meaning there are plenty of opportunities for me to engage in one of my favorite activities--obsessing over how I look. But this summer is also the year that I have the most tattoos AND will have been going to the gym regularly for about 6 months. I'm in the best shape of my life and my skin is looking better than ever. Unfortunately the saddlebags are still there, the ass is still huge and the spider veins still appear here and there on my legs. This summer I'm going to try to let the good outweigh the bad and rock what I wear.

3. Walk the dog more often. This is another tough thing for me - my husband usually does ALL of the dog walking whether it is summer, winter, fall or spring. He's just more of an outdoorsman than I. But this summer I will take more responsibility for our beast and spend more time outside with her.

4. Get my thigh tattoo. I've spent a lot of time thinking about this actually. I came up with a design idea in January or February (a matryoshka doll with a banner displaying "From Russia, with Love" in Russian) and I've sat on it ever since. Quick note - I really thought that a matryoshka idea would be original. It's not, there are literally hundreds of them all over the Internet. I thought adding the Cyrillic would help boost the originality of the idea a little more. Since I *just* finished my huge, expensive half-sleeve I figured I'd wait another year so I could enjoy this one; however, we're most likely going to move next spring, and I'd hate to have to push it back even further as I searched for an artist that I could trust. So, since I won't have much time left with Adam (my current artist) I figured I'd share this design idea and experience with him. I'm making myself hold off until June or July before I give him my concept page so that I can get it done in August.

5. Write more. I don't think I'm a good writer. I can write RFP responses and prospecti up the wazoo, but when it comes to writing creatively or writing about myself I just fail. Hence why this blog comes off more as a diary. I'm going to try to develop this skill in between all the work I have to do.

6. WEAR SUNSCREEN. ALL SUMMER. In past summers I have been horrible with this. I start out religiously applying sunscreen but by the end of the summer, when I stop burning, I just stop putting it on altogether. But now that I have a tattoo that is far more exposed I have yet another reason, aside from cancer avoidance, to put more on. SPF30 at the absolute lowest!

7. Read 5 new books. Outside. I'm a huge reader, but unfortunately my ability to read is often curbed by my work schedule and other "distractions." Also, my husband and I do not spend enough time outside on our patio just enjoying each other. I'm going to combine these two issues into this one goal.

8. Enjoy the weather. And the bugs. This may very well be my last summer in Maine (it may also not be, depending on Rob's job situation next year). I want to soak up the Maine summer as much as possible, because I believe that it is one of the best summers in the country. Not too hot (with the exception of last summer), not too chilly, and the bugs really aren't that bad where we live (they're worse downeast). The summer before last year was one of Maine's coldest and rainiest on record, whereas last summer was one of the hottest. Last year, due to the warmer weather, Rob and I were swarmed with deer flies every time we went for a walk and the flowers all bloomed and peaked far too early. I'm hoping after a few years of extremes that this will be the perfect summer to end my summers in Maine (maybe).

9. Go hiking. Rob's job this summer is essentially 80% hiking and he's asked me to come along several times. I really have tried to hike, but I usually hate it every time we go. This is the first year I'm actually in shape with some endurance and muscle tone to my name, so I'd really like to try again.

10. Curb my anxiety. This is an ongoing goal so I figured I'd include it. I'm trying to teach myself other ways of dealing with stress than constant anxiety. I'd also like to stop picking at my lips (a lifelong habit) this summer.

What are your summer goals?