Things to Celebrate/ Enjoy This Summer

(photo credit: Adam Biggs)

• Pool parties. Pool parties happen every summer but this summer I am actually comfortable in my bathing suit. I don't know what happened because the bathing suit is the same and my body is the same, if not heavier so it must be my mindset and confidence. It also helps that my boyfriend looks at me like I'm the most beautiful person he has ever seen.

• Summer slams. The poetry community is one of the most accepting places I've been. Rockland Poets celebrates more than just poetry. It celebrates individualism while also celebrating supporting each other no matter who wins or how often. All you need is respect for those around you and a love for words/ performing those words and you will be welcomed with open arms. Still curious about Rockland Poets? Shoot me a message.

• Dinners with my boyfriend. My boyfriend and I get alot of time together on weekends during the summer. Instead of going out to dinner or ordering in, we hit the supermarket, hunting off an ingredients list. We make the hour drive from my house to his and when we get there he starts cooking me a dinner that is delicious but also somewhat healthy to accommodate my diet. My boyfriend's dad was a chef and I think that definitely rubbed off on him because he delivers meal after meal fresh off the recipe card. We enjoy the meal seated around the dining room table, the dogs begging for a bite.

• I tell literally everybody about this because I'm so excited about it. My sobriety date is coming up on July 4th and this will be eight years. Eight whole years. The thing is now that I'm sober, I can't really ever imagine me drinking again. Certainly not getting drunk. Why did I find losing control so much fun? The idea kind of scares me now. And why did I put my poor body through it? I would have mornings where I would wake up having tremors from withdrawal. Never again.

• My book launch has been pushed to September. I just thought it would be easier rather than coordinating around everyone's vacations. So stay tuned because I will definitely be leaving more information on this.

• My astrology project is still accepting surveys if you're interested. Just shoot me a message and I will send you your star sign survey (every sign gets a slightly different one). I will be working on it for the entire summer as a break from all my literary pursuits so there isn't much of a deadline. Every survey is appreciated.