Are you doing you?!

Back in May, I issued a challenge to all of you. It was THE Summer "Do U" Challenge! Remember? I asked you to try something new or find a different way to do a favorite summer activity. Ohhhh yeah - well, now that summer is in full swing it is time to check-in!

So consider this a sort-of mid-term exam.

Enjoying it - Are you enjoying it? Really? How many vacation days do you have left? Have you found the time to relax in the sun and sip on something cold? Have you splashed around with friends or gone to any cookouts? I hope that you have not used your body as an excuse to skip out on opportunities. This is the easiest one to check off the list - - if u haven't... (cue dramatic music...)

Going solo - Did you check out the movie yet? What did you see? How about that new restaurant? How was the food? Maybe you booked that trip... well... did you? For many, doing things completely on your own can be difficult, so if you have not done so yet, don't get down on yourself! There is still time and you can do it!

Give back - Now's the perfect time! The hot days are a great time to make sure our senior family and friends are cool and pets are cared for properly. Host a house party or happy hour and allow an organization to give out some information and take donations. Did you beat me to the punch? How did u give back?

Break a rule - This might be the hardest to try, but actually it's the most fun! If you have done it already you know what I mean. We/You don't need a lot of specifics here (cough) you can just let me know if you have or have not broken a rule...or three. If you wish to share and it's appropriate for public space, please by all means - share away!

This challenge wasn't just for you - I needed to step up my summer game too! How can I ask more from you and not hold myself to the same standard? How have I done so far? Well, I have been enjoying being outside and kickin' it with friends, eating at outdoor spots, going to BBQ's, hosting gatherings at my house and even lying out under the sun (yes I lay out!). I did go see Transformers solo (liked it, did not love it... but I am a comic geek so don't mind me). I also had an opportunity to give back while hosting a party. A yearly festival held in my neighborhood has been hit hard by the bad economy, so I decided to turn my annual companion party into a fundraiser. Lots of fun and helped a good organization. Now, I'm still working on breaking a rule or three this summer and getting to that tropical locale, but like I said - - there is still time and we can do it!