As the humidity begins to wane and the days shorten, I find myself reflecting on the challenges of summer. While the season brings joy in its own right, certain aspects can become exhausting. If you’re feeling a twinge of sadness as we transition into fall, here are ten reasons I’m grateful that summer is almost over.
- Sunscreen Struggles: With three children, applying sunscreen can feel like a full-time job. The debate over which type to use is endless. Natural sunscreens can take ages to apply, leaving me to wonder where to find funds for it. Meanwhile, conventional options raise concerns about long-term health effects on my kids’ delicate skin.
- Sand Everywhere: I adore the beach, but the sand that clings to us is another story. It infiltrates our car, home, bags, and even our snacks. No matter how often we clean, it seems to linger in our children’s hair and belongings.
- Mosquito Mayhem: For those of us in the Midwest, mosquitoes can be a real nuisance. Summer evenings become less enjoyable as these pestering insects dive-bomb us, seemingly immune to citronella candles and even biting through our clothing!
- Bee Anxiety: My kids go into full panic mode at the sight of any buzzing insect, even if it’s just a housefly. Despite never having been stung, their fear is palpable, and while wasps can be intimidating, I felt victorious after dealing with one in our bathroom this summer.
- Injury Band-aids: Summer seems to amplify my children’s clumsiness. Skinned knees, splinters, and bicycle accidents lead to a constant need for Band-aids. I’m convinced that Band-aid manufacturers thrive on summer mishaps.
- Unstructured Days: At the start of summer, the freedom from schedules is liberating. But as the season drags on, the chaos of unstructured time can become overwhelming. I find myself eagerly awaiting the return of our well-organized school calendar.
- Pedicure Fatigue: In June, giving myself a pedicure feels delightful. By August, I’m ready to hide my feet until next summer, as the upkeep becomes less appealing.
- Shaving Struggles: The necessity of shaving in summer can be burdensome. I’m not one to skip it, but as fall approaches, I look forward to the reprieve of cooler weather when I can let my legs breathe without judgment.
- Laundry Overload: Summer laundry seems to multiply at an alarming rate, despite the lighter clothing. Between beach towels, dirt from park play, and other summer activities, the piles seem never-ending.
- Sweat and Humidity: I’ve never been a fan of sweat—mine or anyone else’s. While a little perspiration is acceptable during exercise, the constant discomfort of summer heat is less than enjoyable. Ideally, temperatures should hover around 75 degrees with minimal humidity, unless we’re at the beach.
As summer concludes, I find solace in the thought of cooler weather and the promise of cozy indoor activities. It’s a relief to bid farewell to the challenges of summer and embrace the structure and comfort that autumn brings. For those interested in enriching their journey toward parenthood, be sure to check out resources like this one and this authority on home insemination for insightful guidance. Additionally, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine provides valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, while summer can be full of fun and adventure, it also presents unique challenges that can wear us down. As we transition to fall, let’s embrace the structure and comfort it offers.