Summer 2016 Goal | Reconnecting with Old Hobbies.

Just like that, we're five months into the year, and I am three hours out of my spring semester. Yep - finals are over, I'm accepted to graduate school, and all there is to do is to (im)patiently wait for my grades.

I'd like to tell you that I'm going to be spending the summer relaxing, unwinding, and enjoying myself before starting the next two crazy years of grad school come August. Unfortunately, I'll be taking neuroanatomy and conceptual physics for the next two months of summer, so any semblance of a break is out the window.

That said, I want to be more intentional with my time this summer. Because I've been so busy, I've dropped a lot of my hobbies by the wayside, and you know what they say: life's too short. Now that I'll be taking classes just two days a week instead of four, I plan to pick a few back up to keep myself productive and sane:

Reading. 

It's been a long time since I've gotten really lost in a good book, and I miss it. I'll admit, I've exchanged the written word for Instagram, and it has to stop. Right now I'm a little more than halfway through The Lovely Bones, and then I want to start Me Before You by Jojo Moyes right after. Any recommendations?

Working out.

This is one hobby that actually hasn't taken a back seat this semester, but I want to keep it up. I plan on intensifying my workouts, eating a little cleaner, and drinking more water.

Blogging.

 I want to put time and thought into more meaningful posts; from setting up mini shoots with my Nikon to finally finding a new Blogger template, I want to give my little corner of the internet the TLC it deserves.

Baking.

 I used to bake all the time, and I think I miss it more than I realize. While it may not be great for my waistline, I love bringing treats to my family and coworkers. I also love eating said treats, so...like I said, not great for my waistline.

DIYing. 

I spent nearly $100 on crates and wood stain way back in September in hopes to make a Pinterest worthy book shelf. Flash forward to now: I have two out of six crates completed. Whoops. I need to get those creative juices flowing again.

Painting.

Speaking of creative outlets, there's nothing more therapeutic for me than painting. I started painting in high school and really fell in love with it, but I hardly do it at all anymore. I even have an easel at home that hasn't been touched in years! No excuses, just laziness/not making it a priority.

Journaling.

I've kept a personal, hand written journal for as long as I can remember. Somewhere deep in my parents attic, I still have my very first diary. It's blue with Garfield the cat plastered across the front...definitely classic. While I love keeping a blog, there are just some thoughts that need to be hand written for yourself and no one else. It keeps me grounded and "in tune" with my feelings.

Anything hobbies you're picking back up over the summer?