Summer Living

Now it's time for an edition of "Practical, Convenient Living by Fauf: the Summer Edition". Now that summer is winding down and there are only a few weeks left, it's time to seize the day and live up those last summer days to their fullest. And that comes when you're living practically and conveniently, which always lends itself to having more fun. So sit back, sip your lemonade, and pick up on these tips for practical/convenient living as you follow a day of Fauf.

9:00am--wake up to sunshine peeping through my windows. Keep in mind that regardless of your wake-up time, you can enjoy sunshine peeping in if you raise your shade about 6 inches, just to let in a little light and air without bombarding you.

9:30am--breakfast. I find that cereal is a good way to start off the day, especially if you're starting later. It gives you energy, but also will have you hungry by lunchtime.

10:00am--the Price is Right. You don't have to dedicate a whole hour to this show, but honestly, watching average people win cars and dollars and saunas and life-size carousal horses really puts you in a great mood.

11:00am--take a walk through my community. Here you get a little exercise while also getting to know your neighbors. And commenting on houses and yards sharpens your critic's eye.

12:00--lunchtime. Tip: you want to eat a lunch that is conducive with the rest of your day, especially your coming dinner. If you know you'll be eating early or eating hearty for dinner, then choose a light lunch like a salad (easy to make if you have lettuce, ranch, bacon bits, parmesan cheese, and croutons.) If you might eat late, then go ahead and indulge in a grilled cheese sandwich.

1:00--I've learned that it's good to dive right into a project right after lunch to avoid the drowsiness that can plague you after eating. Some great activities are ones that engage your creativity (like watercolor painting on the porch) and engage your mind (Scrabble on the porch). In case you haven't picked up on the tip yet, the porch is a great place to engage in activities.

2:00--Judge Judy time. After working hard on an activity, it's time for a little veg time. You may choose any number of shows to watch at this time, but I have found Judge Judy a great form of entertainment. You get to see how ridiculous and petty humanity can be and watch someone see right through it and yell back!

3:00--be sure to turn the TV off fast before Ellen's mug ruins a great afternoon. Instead, read a book or clean your house--anything that makes you feel good and keeps you from finding out what hip song Ellen is dancing to for the next ten minutes.

5:30--time to start thinking of dinner. Tip: jot down a quick menu of the week and keep it on your kitchen counter. That way both your household and yourself know what's for dinner...and don't forget to thaw the meat!

6:30--feel like you need dessert but don't want the extra calorie? I just pour myself a glass of the THE best grape juice (all natural) and satisfy my sweet-craving with nature's best! (Paul Newman's grape juice sold two for the price of one at Cosco).

7:00--depending on what you like to watch on TV, this hour could signify the beginning of your prime time TV watching. Jeopardy kicks it off, and jump-starts your accumulation of great random facts. Next is Wheel of Fortune where you can really put your Scrabble skills to use. After that depends on the evening, but you could let out some aggression with American Gladiators, be entertained by ridiculous humanity being yelled at by judges again in America's Got Talent. Or you may go for the old fashion remedy: pop in a DVD.

10:30--bedtime, or sometime around there. I find a good way to wind down is to lay in bed and read till my eyes get drowsy. You'll find it easier to be tired and fall asleep. Fall asleep in peace, knowing that you had a practical, convenient day. Don't forget to lift the shade a bit!