When Summer Boredom Strikes

When you're too old to be falling asleep at 10:00 pm and too young to go bar-hopping, what's there to do? Try some of these suggestions and you may just have a few hours worth of entertainment ahead of you.

Read
I don't necessarily mean a book, either. Old journal entries, articles on the internet, blogs, short stories, anything. Even if you've read it before, you may just find yourself entranced by it again. I've lost days to The Catcher in The Rye. Magazines also help. "National Geographic" is a gold mine.

Find Something Humorous
As I write this article, I can hear announcements from American Gladiators coming from the other room over the music I'm playing. Even though it truly is a display of athleticism, it's impossible not to find Laser, Gemini, Ice, Gold, and the rest of those guys funny in some way. Even if it's just for half an hour, that small distraction from the boredom or the 100+ degree heat outside helps.

Music
Even if you can't play, finding a program on the internet somewhere that allows you to compose music yourself shouldn't be too hard to find. Creating a unique piece of music feels good and allows you to explore your creative side. Try listening to some music too and zoning out. I'll write out a Top # list of some sort of music in the future.

Fiction
Stories. Fake stories. If you can't be chasing down the no-good dirty sonuva... that stole your bank robbery loot, create someone who can. Imagination is important. I think that the adults that are happy are still in touch with their "inner child" and don't necessarily let go of their dreams. Honestly, if it's okay to have an imaginary friend as a kid but get recommended to a ward the moment you turn 18, I can see why some people stop believing.

Play
If you can't get to a pool or if it's literally like an oven outside, it's not a dishonorable thing to stay inside. Everyone likes games. Video games can bring back memories of earlier days and can keep you busy for longer than you think--not too long though, or you may end up losing your entire vacation.

Aquatics
Sure, not everyone has access to a river, but going canoeing/kayaking is fun. If you can convince some of your pals to go with you, then it's all the better. Take the long route and pack a lunch. The longer you can stay outside, the better. But being sunburned is no fun. Remember that. Really.

Drive
With the gas prices as high as they are in some regions, this one may seem a little tough. But, if you've got some time and a little pocket change, take a drive to somewhere near the highway and find something interesting. A few good friends of mine found a random mall up north and an arcade that they spent the day inside of.

That should encompass most of the things that I think of doing when going out to lunch or to a friend's house isn't quite enough.