Since the first week of June signals the official start of summer for a lot of people--except our Down Under blogger friends Karisma, Peter and Wendy--our Fun Monday assignment is all about summer plans. Our host is Sayre over at Sayre Smiles and she would like us to share how we'll be spending our summer.For me there's two things that need mentioning on this topic. One, there's not much that I like about the lazy, hazy days of summer. I don't enjoy water sports or other outdoor activities, nor do I care that much about yardwork, or being sealed up in an air conditioned house. Two, I'm retired so the summer months are not that different from any other time of the year.
One thing that remains constant though is that there's a master plan for the season. When I was working, I used one of those torturous planners like a Franklin Covey which would indeed have a supplement for "Summer Plans" like the one you see above. On a quarterly, monthly and weekly basis I mapped out my life under categories like strategic planning, conference development, training, organizational priorities, personal time, homekeeping. Now things are a lot simpler. My summer plans fit handily on one page of a steno pad. And I just need four categories: Inside, Outside, Creative, Organize. Here's my actual plan for June-August:
As you can see, things are going to be pretty low key on Summit Court. There will be some maintenance work to keep the house from falling down around my ears, a bit of decorating to make the place more welcoming, and sprucing up the outside so the neighborhood association--if we had one--won't complain. There's some business and financial issues that I need to sort out over the next few months, including planning for some travel in 2011--my passport is getting itchy. Mostly though, I'll be hunkered under the air conditioning working on my creative to do list--reading, writing, e-chatting with all of you, learning to use the right side of my brain to draw and paint. Oh, and I'll watch all seasons of "Lost" along with many, many other movies.
So, if summer is your season, I hope it's a great one. Will be around in the next day or so to see what you have planned.
16 comments:
Wow Faye...you are so organized...I think your summer list is going to keep you very busy. My Hubs makes a list like that every year for our home here n our winter place...there is always work to be done. I like your creative list..now thats the fun stuff! I am having FM burnout..need to take a break from it for a while!
You are a woman after my own heart! I love that you have Creative on your list - I need to make up a list similar to yours. There are lots of things I need to get done, but there are some I WANT to get done too!
I am a list maker too, Faye! By the looks of your list, you will be kept pretty busy this summer! I like how you divided your list into categories. I will have to try that. No FM for me this week.
:0(
In fact you are right, summer or winter is the same for us retired people. I don't travel during July/August because everywhere they are school holidays, therefore high prices and less good service. I just put my yearly travel plan.
Your list is nice !
I love your lists Faye and I'm in awe of your organizational skills.
I think your summer plans are great and I bet Willie will be most content to bask in the air con whilst you fulfil your creative desires and watch Lost. Far better than panting outside.
Summer is definitely my season but our summers are typically meek and mild so outdoor meandering is usually pleasurable.
Glad to see Morning Pages on your list too:-)
Wow. Maybe I should make a list. Either it will spur me to work harder, or I'll realize how much I have already done and take a break! Hope you enjoy your summer!
I have lists, but not one organized list, so maybe I should write one.
My calendar seems full of people visiting, me going away (twice), starting my new job (tomorrow, eek), remembering flights here and away for children, parties, birthdays, etc. It always seems so busy, but fun.
Summer hols don't begin until the 3rd week in July when school term ends.
Luckily being retired means am on 'holiday' all the time.
Having spent my working life organising my time doing work related stuff...I enjoy the freedom to have another day(s) untouched
Faye, I am very impressed with your organizational skills. No wonder, you have accomplished many things in your lifetime. I hope that you have a chance to finish all of the items on the list.
Wow Faye, when I grow up I just want to be like you! I need to make a list too
There's an award for you over at mine. x
Interesting that no one commented on the "change funeral plans."
janis--I suspect Jer's list might emphasize different tasks. Enjoyed your Monday photography post.
sayre--the creative list makes me happy, the "need" list is just that.
church lady--even grocery lists are by category--produce, staples, etc. Helps get through the dreaded shopping a lot faster.
gattina--I also enjoy travel in the off season. A bonus for we retired types, right?
lane--Willie likes taking it easy under AC except for his daily walks. I've been writing Morning pages first thing for past two months. Excellent habit for many reasons.
jill--I suspect the Skin Baby determines your list.
debs--I think you're a lot more social than I, hence your list involved a lot of people. Hope the first day at new job was not stressful. And thanks for the award! I'll do a reveal later this week.
joangee--"days untouched"--love that expression and it's always a goal around here.
molly--that organizational gene is a teacher thing. You have it too, I'm sure.
gracie--let's hope neither of us grow up--what would be the fun in that? :-)
kittyhawk--"change funeral plans" is probably not common on a to do list, but it was on mine so I left it. Beth did send me an e-mail about that item--she's wondering if she's wasting time pumping iron so she can climb that hill when the time comes. :-)
plant crawler ? ? ? ? what the heck?
ha ha.
I need to write lists. My memory does some weird things as I get older. Like it shorts out or something.
Change funeral plans?? Well, I don't care WHAT changes you make I am NOT hauling your asses-oops, ashes-up that hill. My place is in the parlor comforting Aunt Draxie drinking a little sweet tea.
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