I think our campus must have been hit hard. At first I thought it was just me experiencing some typical end of the semester burn-out, but I realize I am in the company of many after meeting with student appointments and talking to colleagues. I must have caught it from one of them. I really need to use disinfectant spray more often. After all, I am in very close quarters with potential spring fever carriers all day and I have no window in my office for the germs to escape.
Based on my extensive research, I believe if the newspaper included a public service announcement on how to handle spring fever it would read something like this:.
While not deadly but very serious, spring fever is the result of the wearing of extremely heavy clothes on the body for an extended period of time. Spring fever is also caused by frequent snow storms and below freezing temperatures. This ailment may be made worse by faux spring days that appear to be sunny but still require the wearing of heavy clothes. While there is only one cure for spring fever, you can take a couple of steps to improve your condition. Sufferers should avert focus to a list of the sufferer's choosing of enjoyable summer activities they plan to partake in. The sufferer should then plan, daydream, and talk about these activities at least three times per day for a period of two weeks to see an ease in symptoms. One may find listening to tropical inspired music such as Buffett or Marley while drinking frozen drinks eases pain. However, spring fever is usually only cured by a long vacation on the beach and actually doing the items on the summer wish list.
Being one to definitely follow doctor's orders, I am made my list that I will read three times per day. And of course I created my list while listening to my fellow Golden Eagle, Jimmy's margarita inspired tunes. I am already feeling a little better! My list includes but not limited to the following activities that will fill my summer:
Becoming a Certified Pool Girl
Note: certified pool girl is NOT the same thing as certified life guard. Life guarding takes energy which is not something I wish to use at the pool. Why work at the pool when you can play? So yes, I plan on obtaining my certification as a pool girl. Not a tanned one (unless tan in a bottle counts). I am a faithful sunblock pool girl which means I actually like to play in the pool....on a float so too much energy is not expended. The idea is pool relaxation with friends and good music. Oh and don't forget the frozen drink. What??? I am just following doctor's orders.
I'm on a BOAT!
Yeah, I know that song is so two years ago but two years ago I developed my new found love for my boyfriend's boat. I think he may have created an over-enthusiast because with each summer I fall more and more for the feeling of being on the boat in the Reservoir. I am learning to drive it and plan on becoming a very skilled driver this year! Yep, just call me Casey the Certified Boat Driver. I am going to be quite productive this season with all these certifications!
Beach Bumming It
Apparently one of the symptoms of the worst strand of spring fever like I have is a fixation with beaches. Lately my procrastination habit revolves around looking up beach vacations. I want to lay on a beach somewhere for about a week and do nothing but sit beside my cooler while listening to Marley and Buffett. Luckily, I am going with the family in May which should cure me of my spring fever.
LOU Sunset Concert Series
I have had the best of intentions to sit in The Grove on a summer Sunday afternoon for the concert series but have yet to do so. However, this activity is definitely on my to do list this summer after the fabulous experience I had at the Goo Goo Dolls concert in The Grove a couple of weeks ago. We packed a cooler full of yummy treats (both solid and liquid form) and attended the outdoor concert. Even though the Goo Goo Dolls won't be performing every Sunday in the Grove, I could definitely get use to spending my Sundays this summer relaxing to some great music in the shade.
The 3rd Annual 4th of July Sidewalk Party
Two years ago, my mother and I wanted to do something for the 4th of July. We thought everyone headed out of town for the holiday but we found a friend or two that would be around and invited them over for a dinner party. Then we got to talking and realized a lot of people were in town with no plans for the summer holiday. All of a sudden that small little party grew from four to 15. We had so much fun. Obviously our guests did too because when the winter blues settled in that January so did the discussion about the next Fourth of July party.
This past summer our party grew a reputation and grew in size. Our sidewalk was filled with 40 of our friends, co-workers, and family. I definitely look forward to our new family tradition, which will be our third annual Fourth of July sidewalk party. If we double it again, we may have to move out into the parking lot! But the more people the more fun to be had!
Some pics from the 2010 4th of July party
Wine Daiquiris
I love my patio. This year it is especially festive with patio lights, happy colored flowers, and bright throw pillows. Yes, I have throw pillows on my patio. Jealous? No worries. You can come to the Fourth of July party with the rest of the town.
To have a fulfilling patio experience, one needs a good drink to enjoy while relaxing. I am not a big liquor drinker so traditional daiquiris are not my usual choice but I love the idea of something fruity and frozen. I am, however, an avid wine enthusiast. In my case, being a wine enthusiast means I don't know much about a lot of different wines but I know what I like which is all that matters, right?
So what do you get when you have creative people + wine + fruit? Yes, the wine daiquiri is created! They are delicious but be careful because they are very easy to drink so sip slowly! You can make them anyway you would like but I included a recipe to get you started. My measurements are not exact but who is ever exact when working or cooking with wine?
- I just keep adding the below ingredients until my mixer is full. Usually makes enough for three regular sized drinks or two big ones.
- About 1/2 cup of good 100% orange juice.
- About 1/2 to 3/4 cup of no-sugar added canned pineapple chunks and generously use some of the juice from the can as well.
- A bunch of frozen strawberries still frozen. This acts as flavorful ice. Don't use ice because this will dilute the flavor of the drink.
- About 1/2 cup of the Sam's Choice Peach Carbonated Water (this is the secret to a good wine daiquiri).
- Cold, white wine (we use chardonnay). How much? As much as you like!
I am feeling better already. What about you? What is on your list? Go ahead and follow doctor's orders by making your own in my comments box below. I would love to hear others' must do's of Summer 2011!
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