Summer is here. It’s not quite as exciting when you’re not in college anymore. Unless you become a teacher or professor, you can say goodbye to three month summer vacations after you graduate. Once you get into the real world, summer just means the sun is still out when you leave work, and you can wear shorts if your workplace is casual.
There is one thing that doesn’t change after college though. In fact, no matter what stage of life you’re in, the sun seems to put everyone in a better mood.
The sunny weather finally got to me last week. I bought a grill and threw a barbecue over the weekend. The sun must have gotten to my friends too, because a bunch of them showed up. We enjoyed lots of food, music, drinks, and fun.
We were having so much fun that a couple of our neighbors came over to see what was going on. They’re both college students and just moved into one of the units in our complex. Talking to them about their summer jobs and internships made me feel like a young lad again and, of course, reminded me of what it was like when summer still meant vacation.
Because this first barbecue turned out to be such a success, a few of my friends mentioned making it a weekly event. The crazy thing is that it sounded like a good idea to me, and it still does now. I think my new goal for this summer is to throw as many barbecues as possible.
What are you doing this summer?
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m working this summer at a job that is exactly in my field. I sadly have to wear shoes, pants and blouses. I try to go biking along the Ottawa river/canal paths as much as possible, and take advantage of the pool in my building a lot.
working, summer school, going out. Not in any specific order lol.
What a nice post, Broke Grad, and have fun with your barbeques! The search for a summer job can be pretty intimidating for students right now, with the job market as it is. For any students wanting some tips or advice on interviewing, resume writing, networking or career planning; check out the Office Live Students Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/officelivestudent#/officelivestudent?v=app_7146470109&viewas=7300773.
Cheers,
Kate
MSFT Office Live Outreach Team
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I think I’m coming to your bbq!
Summer’s great because everyone seems revitalized and in better moods in general. I’m going to take some camping trips and definitely have the grill fired up.
I’m a teacher, so I get to just hang out all summer
Haha, just kidding – I am a teacher, but I’m not just hanging out. I’m teaching summer school for extra cash, which is a bummer schedule-wise, but is excellent financially.
I really like your blog! I hope you check mine out, too!
I’m a grad student, and my summer unfortunately will not be “vacation”:) – actually, I’m going to a conference overseas at one point, and I’m going to try to fit in 4-5 days of a “real” vacation in there. That’s all my money will allow at this point. Mostly, I’ll be writing papers and doing my research.
I’m still in exams (they last forever over here), but ONE MORE WEEK and that will lead me into summer vacation. Sort of… except that I have to study for US board exams over the summer, but at least that is on my own time and my own schedule. When you can take a little time for a trip and can sleep in with reckless abandon, that’s when you have some insurance that summer has truly arrived. I can’t bleeping >wait<.
Jerry
I started my own blog for high school students. Just found your site. I love it.
If you want to ramp up these BBQ’s check out this website: http://www.concertsinyourhome.com/
If there is a band in your town they usually need a place to stay before their show, and are more than happy to perform at your house. Just feed them, and pass the hat, and if you have a place for them to sleep all the better.
Dang! I’m pretty sure I missed your BBQ. Oh well- there’s always next year!
Moving in with my fiancee and trying to find a new job; those are my summer plans. Sounds like you had a much more fund summer so far