Beating summer ennui
This June has been a struggle for me. I’m reminded of my school days, where I’d sit in math class, gazing out at the trees and blue sky outside the window, lost in my thoughts — thoughts that had nothing to do with the Pythagorean theorem up on the blackboard. This week I’ve been distracted by the Entwistle murder trial here in Boston, which just, thank God, wrapped up a little over an hour ago. I’m bored with the work on my plate, I don’t have any focus, and I just feel like grabbing a stack of mystery novels and a pitcher of iced tea and hanging out on the hammock for the rest of the summer.
I do have a scheduled vacation in August, so hammock time has to wait. (Besides, I’ll be in Houson. In August. I’ll be searching for air conditioning.) So I put this out there you folks. How do *you* beat summer ennui? [db]
8 Responses to “Beating summer ennui”
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Monica Bhide
Said this on June 25th, 2008 at 5:01pm:Actually, as a writer, I consider sitting and staring outside my window.. work
Jen A. Miller
Said this on June 25th, 2008 at 5:10pm:My suggestion is to contact any corporate clients you have. With summer vacations hitting the office, they might have extra overflow work. I’ve gotten three calls in two days from corporate clients who need the extra help!
Courtney
Said this on June 25th, 2008 at 8:15pm:I’m in Houston, it’s June and it’s absolutely horrible. Just moved here from Colorado where the summers are nice and mild. Oh, and no AC in my car so there’s a lot of 2-fingered driving and lots of nice homeless people come up to my open passenger window to bum a smoke by taking my whole pack…without even asking. I have to say, I’m not so sure Houston would qualify as a vacation for me.
A hammock here isn’t an option, even going to the pool is miserable somehow. Not to mention I sweat 80% more than the average human anyway. So after that long rant I just meant to say that staying in my AC’d office works quite well to keep me working. 
SJS
Said this on June 25th, 2008 at 8:17pm:I’m having a tough time this summer as well. Here’s one thing I’m trying to do to get my rear in gear:
http://www.wasabimon.com/archive/1021-cookbooks-project/
Susan Johnston
Said this on June 25th, 2008 at 10:08pm:I worked on a piece about summer freelancing this morning. I think it’s kind of like dieting. If you completely deny yourself any sunshine or fun, then you’ll feel like you’re being punished. If you allow yourself treats now and then, you’ll feel more balanced and relaxed. Even if it’s not your vacation, you could an hour walk outside after you complete a deadline. Like this morning I walked some packets to the post office and grabbed a quick lunch on my way home. I can further justify it because I need more vitamin D and sunshine is a natural source.
I say we all deserve a little time with iced tea and a hammock!
Charmian Christie
Said this on June 25th, 2008 at 10:15pm:I don’t have air conditioning so the coffee shops and libraries are a good way to work in comfort without many distractions.
I also have a goal buddy. We email each other with our daily goals. Even though there’s no punishment for failing to meet all daily targets, it’s good incentive.
Amanda Nicole
Said this on June 26th, 2008 at 2:03pm:Here in Vancouver, the tempting sunny days are limited. So I don’t have too much trouble staying inside, but I’ve definitely been feeling the procrastination and the work blahs kicking in. I try to get my work done in the early morning and the evening, so I can have the middle of the day free, when banks, grocery stores, parks and beaches are less populated.
Sugar
Said this on July 3rd, 2008 at 1:44am:Ennui? I wish! I feel like ever since the class bell let the kids out, it’s been one project after another. In between work, we go out for bike rides and lunch with friends. Unfortunately, any moments of lingering translate into working late at the computer after the kiddies are out. All the work has been tremendously productive… but it’s definitely not shaping up to be a typical summer.