Summer has officially hit the DC area. This week has been so hot that there have been times when I’ve had to say “no, you can’t go outside, it’s just too hot”. And R and I’s running schedule has held fast, meaning two days this week have been runs that feel like they are straight through a big greenhouse. But it’s cool, because I would much rather have heat than cold.

I have a tendency to look ahead and dread what’s coming next instead of living NOW. For instance, I am already dreading the time change in November when I’ll be driving home from work in the dark, in a coat, instead of with sunglasses on and windows down. 45 minute long summer commutes are much more pleasant. But I’m working on it. I’m trying to live in the moment. I’m putting the windows down for the kiddos as long as the “Can I get my window down?” comes followed by a “please”. We’ll be spending lots of time at the pool. On the not-too-hot days we’ll explore trails and go for bike rides, and have picnics. There will be many stops at 7-Eleven for summer time Cherry Icees. And I will probably take the long way back to their house sometimes to ensure everyone falls asleep in the car for a good long summer nap.

R and I have really been soaking up the summer DC weekends too. We’ve ridden bikes all over downtown, visited the Great Falls National Park, and even joined a massive crowd for the Memorial Day Concert on the Capitol Lawn. Living here right now is awesome. There is a lot to see and do, and it’s a two-fer, because most of it is free. Weekends are incredible, and although Mondays come with a bang, I am going to choose to live in the moment of Saturday instead of letting each minute that passes by weigh down on me for the coming Monday. Because really, my Mondays are incredible compared to some people’s. Life is good for now, and I am refusing to look to November with dread. Maybe I can love DC so much in the summer that that love will carry me through the long winter months. But we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.