4th of July 2008: What to Do on Your 3-Day Weekend

Ah, the 4^th of July 3-day holiday weekend is coming soon. What to do, what to do? Should you do a home project? What about finally getting some rest and relaxation, like getting to that novel you've been wanting to read? Oh, I know, you could have a 4^th of July party! But, how do you decide? What about doing all three? With a little bit of pre-planning, you can complete a home project, get a good start on that novel, and throw that 4^th of July party on the fast-approaching 3-day weekend.

The Project--Day 1

First, start thinking about which one of those household projects you would like to complete. Maybe you want to clean out that hall closet. Or perhaps you want to paint your bedroom. If you decide now which project you want to do on Day 1 of the 4^th of July 3-day weekend, you can begin to put the plans into motion so you'll be ready to start when the weekend arrives.

The next step is generating a list of everything you need to complete the project. Let's say you decide to clean out the hall closet. On your list, you might include cardboard boxes, garbage bags, and plastic bins or a shoe-holder for shoes. Basically, you want to make the list of everything you'll need to get the project done. Next, gather these items and put them in one place so that when the three-day weekend arrives, you are all set to begin. Decide in advance how you will go about it: all clothes that need mending go in a box, those that don't fit or are out of style go in a bag for the local charity. Old shoes will be tossed out. A project like cleaning a closet is definitely possible to complete in one day or less.

Rest and Relaxation--Day 2

Obviously, there is not much pre-planning needed to have a little fun and relaxation, like reading a novel! Of course, you might want to decide in advance which novel you want to read and have it available before the three-day weekend commences. You could even start reading the book the night before your weekend starts.

Begin to think about when/how during the 4^th of July 3-day weekend you can fit in reading. If you clean the closet the morning and early afternoon of the first day, that leaves the rest of Day 1 to start reading your novel. Plus, you can spend much of Day 2 reading if you like. What a great way to rest and re-charge after getting your project done!

July 4^th Bash-Day 3

It is also wise to begin planning for your July 4^th party in advance to relieve stress and pressure as the time to have the party approaches. As with your house project, get out that pen and paper and begin making your list. What kind of party do you want to have? A barbecue? A potluck? What will you need? Plan your menu, your store list, and what activities you will do at the party. Do you want to just hang out and listen to music? Swim in your pool? Or play games? Put that down and list what you will need to do it.

Since you have begun your planning in advance, you have time now to do any shopping necessary so that when the weekend arrives, you've already got everything you need. The potluck is probably the easiest way to go as it relieves you from planning, shopping for, and preparing all the food for your guests.

Hopefully, you are getting the picture here. Plan ahead, plan ahead, plan ahead. This way, once the 4^th of July 3-day weekend arrives, you've already done all the footwork in advance and are ready to tackle your project, your book, and your party! Celebrate Independence Day by spending your 4^th of July 3-day weekend doing all the tasks and activities you want to do. Enjoy your holiday weekend!