Do you remember those first day of school activities some teachers used to make you do where you stand up at the front of the class and talk about what you did on your summer vacation?

I hated doing those presentations, because I rarely had anything to brag about. Sometimes my summers included a trip to the beach or Grandma's house, but usually summer was just a lot of afternoons spent riding my bike through the neighborhood, going to the pool or the library and watching cartoons. Summer vacation meant three months of doing almost nothing.

These days, three months of doing almost nothing sounds heavenly. Unfortunately, adulthood does not come with three-month vacations. However, with temperatures already climbing, summer feels like it's not far away, and I've already got a couple ideas for making the most of my few weeks:

• Take a vacation: A real one, where I don't worry about work or check Facebook. Since I graduated college, I've spent most of my vacation time on short jaunts to the beach, long weekends in Atlanta or "staycations." These are great breaks, but they're always so short. This year, I'm taking two weeks vacation all at once and I'm going to spend wisely. I have plans for a trip to Ireland with my youngest sister, as part of a post-graduation celebration for her, but even if that doesn't work out, I still plan on leaving Columbus for at least a week. I've also made a resolution to disconnect from social media for that week. It's hard to feel like you're on vacation if you're constantly checking Facebook and Twitter. Don't worry. I'll post plenty of jealousy-inducing vacation photos when I get back.

• Skip the garden: Every summer I think, wouldn't it be great if I could grow my own vegetables? I've only got a patio, but that's enough for tomato plant or two and some herbs, right? I buy pots, potting soil and plants, and I usually forget to water them or they get bugs, which gives me the creeps. The truth is I don't have the patience for it. I've already killed two basil plants, and it's not even June. I'll leave it to the professional green thumbs and shop local markets for fresh, sustainable vegetables instead.

• Spend more time outside, but wear sunscreen: Even though I've lived in Georgia most of my life, I can be a huge wuss when it to comes hot weather. Once the temperature hits the mid-90s, I lose all my motivation to exercise and end up spending my free time in air-conditioned malls, libraries and movie theaters. Afternoons may still be unbearable, but summer mornings and evenings can be nice for a walk in the park or some time by the pool -- just remember to wear sunscreen, drink lots of water and don't tire yourself out. Luckily, I work a later shift, mornings are my free time now. Pass the sunscreen. I'll be by the pool.

Sara Pauff, 706-320-4469 or spauff@ledger-enquirer.com. For more commentary, read her 20-something blog.