School may have already started, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have one last summer hoorah! So, take advantage of this 3-day weekend and do all those things you didn’t get to before classes started.

1. Read that book you’ve been hearing about. The third and final book in the Hunger Games series was just released and people were flocking to snag their own copy to see what happened to Katniss, Peeta and Gale. Whether it’s Mockingjay, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Eat, Pray, Love or The Twilight Saga (for the fifth time), take this chance to read a good book for pleasure before you have to concentrate on textbooks and required reading for school.

2. Have a picnic in the park. It may sound cheesy, but picnics aren’t just for romance and couples. Call up all your friends (or your teammates) and get them to meet you at a local park or beach. Tell everyone to bring a dish or snack and a blanket, and then spend the day enjoying the good weather and good company. For added fun, don’t forget to bring a frisbee, badmittin or a football and split up into groups for a little friendly competition.

Fall in love with Miley Cyrus in "The Last Song"

3. Movie marathon. If you’re living in one of the places that’s being hit by Hurricane Earl, you may have no other choice but to stay inside this weekend. Take advantage of the creepy weather and have some friends over for a scary movie marathon. A few frights and food will bring hours of entertainment. And if scary isn’t your thing, make it a chick-flick day and rent The Notebook, A Walk to Remember and The Last Song.

4. Spend the day with the ‘rents. I know what you’re thinking….ugh! But hanging out with your parents can be fun when you’re in the right environment. Ask your mom or dad to spend the day with you and take turns choosing activities to do together. Pick outings to the mall, going to the movies, making a junk food feast together…whatever you love to do. Just make sure to be open-minded when it’s your parents’ turn to choose!

5. Become the next YouTube sensation. The beauty of YouTube is that anyone can be a star. You don’t have to be an actress to make a short film, or be a singer to make a music video. Take whatever talents you do have (even if it’s just being able to make people laugh or being a kick-butt cheerleading) and make a video you think people will enjoy watching. Meet up with some friends to make it a group effort! You may just become the next “Michael Greyson Sings Paparazzi” or “Charlie Bit My Finger.”

Be Sociable, Share!

•