Of course, I love summer. My favorite season for so many reasons-the beach, eating outside, flip flops, open windows, guacamole, the color of green everywhere... but mostly, the ease of almost everything; from dressing, to exercising, to entertaining, to eating well. For example, dinner. For so many households, dinner can be stressful- what to put on the table, or the time to make something healthy. But in summertime, I take full advantage of the the weather, and literally throw everything on the grill. We have a charcoal grill, and the time it takes for the coals to get ready is about 30-40 minutes, but if you have a gas grill, it's even easier. I just cover everything in olive oil, salt and pepper, and throw it on, even the bread. If your protein is fish, just place it in foil or a presoaked fish board.
Exercise too, is just more simple- Instead of logging time at a yoga class inside (which makes me crazy in the summer- to be in air conditioning when it's so nice outside), I'll ride my bike or walk to work most days. Since my job is mainly sitting in front of the computer (like right now as I type this) the few extra minutes (walking takes 45) before and after a busy day to let my mind wander is double-y therapeutic. If it's super hot, we'll ride our bikes to the lake after dinner and jump in off the point at Montrose- getting a little swimming in too.
Obviously, what to wear in the summer is so much simpler-what can be easier than a dress? Just one thing to put on, and, if I don't have a meeting, I'll slip on flip flops as I walk out the door. Just that feeling of the fabric swinging around your bare legs is such a relief from the covered up days of winter. For me, there's more to it than just the ease of almost everything, it's the memories that are wrapped up in the season- growing up in California feels like summer year round, at least, you do so much more outside. So to take advantage of all that summer has to offer gives me that wistful feeling of nostalgia, and, I relish in the warmth, as I know it's days are numbered here in Chicago.
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