As summer draws to a close (Yes, I know that meteorological summer has another 3 weeks, but in the northeastern US, we observe Memorial Day through Labor Day), it's helpful to look back over the summer that just passed and do a little evaluation. What are the positives and negatives?

For me, some things went very well. I finished my first half marathon. I did lots of canning. I spent a lot of time outside and with friends. I visited Busch Gardens and Hersheypark. I visited some places I've always wanted to go. I watched Fourth of July fireworks for the first time in years. I finished my editing and my writing projects early. I watched a movie under the stars.

On the other hand, I didn't keep up with my running after the half marathon. I didn't eat anywhere near enough ice cream or fresh fruit. I didn't have enough time in my hammock. I never properly rotated my seasonal clothes, so I didn't really wear the breadth of my wardrobe. I didn't grill — even once. I didn't do the informal entertaining I wanted to do.

So, what does all that mean? 

An evaluation is useless if it doesn't change how you respond going forward. So, what steps can I take to make sure that next summer is even better?

• I can research farmers' markets that take place on weekday evening so I can pop by on my way home from work. That will help with the fresh fruit eating.
• I can make it a point to do my spring cleaning and clothes shifting before Memorial Day — to have easier access to my summer clothes and to free up time that could be spent in the hammock.
• I will keep at least a few weekends completely free so I won't feel so rushed.
• I will maintain the schedule I started developing at the end of the summer — using the early mornings for chores and exercise so that my evenings are free to enjoy (becuase, let's face it, I'm not going to lie around in my hammock at 6:30 a.m.!).

So how was your summer? What did you enjoy most?