As I sit here at the computer and think of what to write, I am laughing about how many days this past year I’ve had to ask: “have you done your homework”. It’s 273 days (in case you were wondering)!
I have been seriously slacking. I am in summer mode myself. Is it bad to admit more than once a day I think he is graduating, either way, do I really feel like arguing? She is on the honor roll; one homework missed never hurt. But, they are both so serious about school that thankfully, my summer mode is not wearing off on them. They are full steam ahead.
I drive my kids to school every morning, along with their friend. Since about mid-May, we have had a daily countdown on the ride to school. It goes pretty much like this: “how many more days of school til it’s over?” The kids all proceed to count. See, as most parents would agree, by the time we get to June, everyone is over school: the kids, the parents, the teachers, the Bus drivers, etc. Admittedly, I may be more excited than them all. I have been throwing out papers all week, because another parent fact – they never look back at last year’s stuff (sorry not sorry they just don’t).
I’m done with homework, last minute projects , tests , spirit days where I have to find last-minute themed outfits , searching for lost library books, missing sports equipment that needs to be returned , complaints about gross school lunch (random stories about hairs and maggots that take on lives of their own in school legend ), forgotten homework, changing practice times , game locations , let’s not forget the relentless barrage of rain Mother Nature gave us this spring – this list could go on forever!
Yet, here I sit, and I’m asking myself why you wait to the last minute to do your blogs? My daughter is sitting next to me saying “Mommmmmmm, you tell us not to wait until the last minute.”
I have been schooled by my own kids.
My blogs have been pretty heavy emotionally, and I thought let me share some of my summer fun ideas that we have done in the past.
Sometime last year, my friend’s sister opened a new place called Hidden Realms Wellness. On a whim, I signed up for a night of fun. Some friends and I tried aerial yoga. I never in a million years thought I would do something like that. Hanging from the ceiling doing yoga…yeah NO.
I stepped out of my comfort zone. I was really embarrassed at first but the instructor was so patient with us, and we made it through. What an amazing experience. It is really hard to put into words. There is such a feeling of freedom hanging in the air and making your body do things; frankly, I did not think was possible. We had some great laughs. We left there checking something off of our bucket list.
If you want to try it out; Hidden Realms Wellness; 951 East Boston Post Road, 2nd floor, Mamaroneck, NY 10543. Ask for Delia. They also have an infrared sauna, massage and a salt room along with a variety of other services. www.hiddenrealmswellness.com
We tried out a new place this last staycation. It’s called Spins Hudson; 5 John Walsh Boulevard, Peekskill, NY 10566. They have a package deal for the indoor/outdoor ropes courses (different skills levels), virtual reality and laser tag. There is an arcade there as well. Captain Lawrence River Outpost Brewing is inside the facility. They have small meals and a bar. www.spinshudson.com
We went to Holy Smoke BBQ on our way home; 2016 Old Albany Post Road, Croton- on- Hudson, NY 10520. The owner was our server because we got there when it just opened. He was funny as hell. He was cracking jokes the entire time. The portions were HUGE and one dish was better than the next. I definitely recommend the pastrami or brisket. www.holysmokebbq.net
A new brewery opened in the town over. It is my husband’s newest IPA obsession. The spot is called Decadent Ales; 139 Hoyt Avenue, Suita A, Mamaroneck, NY 10543. It is a small bar with a brewery inside. They brew new flavors almost weekly and can them for sale. They have many on tap as well. I am not a beer drinker but with the level of his obsession, I am going to say it must be amazing. I am obsessed with the art on the cans. www.decadentales.com www.hapafoodtruck.com
The back of the location houses the Hapa Food Truck. They opened a spot within the brewery. They serve what they deem American Street Food x Asian Pacific Cuisine. Whatever you want to call it, it’s delicious. They are vegan-friendly and use locally sourced goods.
My newest obsession is Mexican Street Corn Salad. We all love the street corn (elote) you get from the food truck. Yet, it is super messy. So I have been making this almost every weekend:
ESQUITES
Ingredients:
6 ears of corn or 2 15 oz. cans of corn
6 tablespoons of mayonnaise
Juice of one lime
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ cup cilantro leaves
1 medium red onion diced
1 jalapeno diced
1 red pepper diced
Feta or Cotija cheese ( as much or as little as you want)
Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Remove kernels with a knife or drain the cans of corn
- Stir all of the above ingredients together lightly
- Top with some of the cheese and chili powder
- Refrigerate at least two hours
Can be served hot or cold
I challenge everyone to make a bucket list with at least ten new things to try this summer. They don’t have to be related to spending money. Some ideas we came up with when I talked about this month’s blog with my family:
- Hit the library for a free class ( you would be shocked at what they have to offer)
- Collect seashells ( bet most of us haven’t done that since we were kids)
- Learn a new recipe ( see above)
- Write a note to a soldier ( they wait for any word from home)
- Volunteer to cook a meal at Ronald McDonald House ( I am a huge advocate for them, and it was a fulfilling experience each time we have done this )
- Point out something you appreciate about someone at a random time
- Call that friend you haven’t talked to in a while but keep meaning to call
- We have many beautiful hiking trials here in NY. You can access www.westchester.gov and there is information for varying spots
- Read a book
- Wake up super early and watch the sun rise
Deborah Levine-Powell is a psychotherapist in New York, where she works with teenage girls who are victims of abuse and trafficking. She is a wife and a mom to a tween and teenager. When she is not working, you can find her engaged in PTA activities, a leader at Girl Scouts, having fun with her friends and family, while serving up hot soulful dishes in the kitchen.