Heat exhaustion

Summertime and me don't always exactly go well together. This summer, in particular, is serving up big doses of a few of my least favorite things. From unyielding heat to bickering children, I've found myself complaining a lot lately.

I know living in Wisconsin, it is practically blasphemy to complain about this beloved season, but I don't do well in heat, especially the merciless kind we've been experiencing. It's put a damper on everything from my outdoor exercise plans - trying to run in this weather just saps all my energy - to my days with the kids.

The parks are a no because there isn't enough shade at most, and the equipment ends up dangerously hot to the touch. Really, the only practical outdoor activity has been swimming. Our little backyard pool is nice, but I'm still not brave enough to take all three kids, plus the inevitable friend or two, to the pool or beach myself. These 90-degree days, I'm sorry to say, we're spending a lot of time staying in the house, tethered to the AC.

Part of me really struggles with the lack of structure of these warm months. Spending the summer trying to keep three boys occupied feels like staring out at a yawning chasm filled with cries of, "I'm bored!" Ben will just read the day away, but Paul and Gus run out of ways to keep themselves entertained, and pretty soon they're B-O-R-E-D. And boredom inevitably leads to fighting. So, you see, it becomes my problem pretty quickly.

The other day illustrates a perfect example of a typical day for me. Paul and Gus needed something to do, so we got some paper and crayons, sprawled out on the living room floor and did some coloring. Not long after we started, Gus wandered away. I heard him open the fridge and then a dull thud. He returned holding a yogurt tube, though I've told him umpteen million times to ask when he wants food rather than trying to get it himself. "What happened, Gus?" I said. "It's the pineapple!" he said. No, actually it was the cut of watermelon I'd just purchased, lying smashed on the floor. Immediately my mind flashed to the large sum of money I'd spent at the grocery store. Yes, this melon cost less than $3, but suddenly I was livid.

Next, I took in the splattered, sticky fruit that had spread far and wide and thought of the sugar ant infestation that's been plaguing us all season thanks to, we learned from the exterminator we've had to call, the extremely hot and dry summer we've been having. I felt completely defeated and exhausted, and it wasn't even lunch time yet. What can you do but take a deep breath and try to move on? I do a lot of that ...

Sometimes I'll catch my inner monologue and think, gosh I complain a lot. This was confirmed when I came across some journaling I'd done about five years ago. I was struck by how negative it was. This cannot be good for me.

In the spirit of trying to introduce some positivity into my life, here are a couple things I love about summer. Taking the boys to the library to pick out books and do the summer reading program is one of my favorites, even if it can be a headache-inducing experience. Watching Gus's face light up as he pulls out his little prize with the goldfish net makes it all worth it. I love summer nights. Mark and I took a walk on the Lawrence campus after our dinner out a few weeks ago. It was blissful - still warm but starting to cool. I adored every minute of it. I love Ben's baseball games, watching the boys splash in the water and ride their bikes. One more thing I'd love? Maybe a couple 75-degree days ...