As June 21st, the 1st day of Summer fast approaches, I think it important to forget the blistering heat and remember what we love about the next 3 months! Summertime is a time of endless light and much fun! Take a look at our Top 10 Reasons you HAVE to love Summer! (Please remember that I reside in North Carolina - not all of these things will apply to all locations!)

1. The weather: Who doesn't love a little bit of heat and sun? Summertime marks the end of the cold and rainy seasons and the beginning of a lighter, warmer day. Time to go to the park, break out the suntan lotion and engage in almost every outdoor activity possible!

2. The food: Hot dogs! Burgers! Fries! Milkshakes! Although now that bikini season is back in, we all have more reason to watch what we eat, however we still ADORE what I like to call: "Summer foods". You know, those drippy, eat out of aluminum foil foods that you get at baseball games, cookouts and family/neighborhood gatherings? What about the numerous flavors of ice cream and snow cones that we will now see? Oooooooo! Just the thought of it gets me excited already!

3. The Barbecues and Cookouts: Summertime is the time to be outside. For those with access to parks and outdoor grilling areas (yes, Camden residents) this can be a very awesome thing. A free way to gather with family and friends, there is no better way to enjoy the nice weather.

4. The pool: Whether salt water or chlorinated, the pool is an amazing place to gather and take off a bit of stress from the heat. On those hot and humid days where you are marinating in your own sweat, the pool is an instant lifesaver. Usually equipped with laying chairs for those that like to take in the rays, this can be a relaxing pastime. Grab a book, some music or even a cold one and a friend - this is easily one of the most anticipated areas of the summer season.

5. The music: Everyone knows that artists strive to create some miracle song that will rock the socks off of everyone as they lay out by the pool. Summer is the time to lookout for new artists, hip beats and the all around free feel of fun in the sun. Get ready to enjoy some new tunes AND take them with you to cookouts, barbecues and the pool!

6. The books: Just like music, authors also introduce their "Summer reading" collections. Page turners designed to help pass the time as you lounge at the pool or grill with friends. This is a nice alternative to listening to music.

7. Daylight that lasts longer: It is nice to be able to enjoy summer even on a workday. With the sun staying out longer, this means for more fun time to enjoy the weather. Getting out of work at 5pm or 6pm will no longer be a "hassle" because the sun is still shining.

8. Exercising Outdoors: As I am sure many people have noticed, the new thing to do this summer is to go on "Runs". Marathons are no longer just the pastime of the experienced runner, but now, adding more fun to the mix is also more appealing to a different audience. With runs like the "Color Me Run" or the "Zombie Run", all hosted outdoors, one can now enjoy the summer weather while getting a workout AND all the while having fun!

9. Time to Move: In our industry, summer seasons represent a time of life changes. College graduations, new employment opportunities and the great move. Whether it be city to city, down a block or state to state, summertime is the ideal time to move!

10. Clothing: Last but not least, we cannot forget the summer fashions. Men are now adorned in shorts and flip flops, short sleeve work shirts and khakis. Women are reaching for the tube tops, shorts, halters and sundresses. Even dressing for work can be fun as we ditch the pantyhose (or stockings as many refer to them now), bring out the bejeweled sandals and open toed pumps and head out in style!

The next time you are hauling a box or sweating with minimal AC, think of all of the amazing things that this means. I wish everyone a wonderful summer and primarily, HAVE FUN!