So here we are; it’s the 30th of July, and if you’re anything like me, you’re already wondering what the hell happened to your summer.

The feeling sets in about the same time every year like clockwork. Following the Fourth of July, you shrug off the nagging feeling.

Fast forward a month or so, and the wake-up call smacks you in the face — less than a month to go until your summer hiatus wraps up. It doesn’t matter whether you enrolled in summer school — summer is, was and always will be a release from the grips of the academic school year.

Before you know it, images of 8 a.m. classes, homework and minimum-wage jobs, followed by subzero temperatures and runny noses, turn into a reality.

OK, so a number of positives accompany the return of fall semester as well, but may I offer a few suggestions for the priceless time before the air turns crisp and the courseloads make you crazy.

In light of the 25-day countdown to the onset of classes, here’s to making the most of your dwindling summer days. Why don’t you:

• Get creative.

Shell out a few bucks for art supplies and try your hand at painting. Or start up a journal to write down all your thoughts, dreams and vents. It makes you feel better and provides a good laugh after a few years.

If domestic activity is your thing, redecorate your house, apartment or dorm room. And prepare a wholesome, four-course dinner whenever possible before reverting back to the ever-cheap and convenient fast-food/macaroni and cheese lifestyle.

• Travel.

You don’t have to buy round-trip airfare to Europe or Mexico (on behalf of the financially challenged; we envy you if world travel is in your budget). To save a few bucks, wander off to Chicago or Kansas City for a little more urban excitement, or enjoy a fresh look at countryside somewhere else. Just scurry out of Iowa.

• Throw a theme party.

This is particularly applicable if you’ve just moved into a new dwelling. Invite all your friends and their friends, and tell them admission calls for a dress code of disco-era attire or their favorite ’80s TV character (I like “Charlie’s Angels” meets “The Dukes of Hazzard”).

• Take up a new hobby or sport.

I believe I’m destined to someday hustle pool or play tennis. It’s just a matter of time and patience. I also recommend taking up beach volleyball — even if you make a fool of yourself, at least you can check out hotties and soak up some sun.

• Be charitable.

Pat yourself on the back for acts of kindness that will help others and make you feel good about yourself. Volunteer at the AIDS Coalition of Story County, the Ames Boys and Girls Club or at McFarland Clinic. Donate blood. And remember those clothes you haven’t worn for five years and keep meaning to pitch out? Pack ’em up and drop them at Salvation Army or Goodwill stores.

• Touch base with your old friends and loved ones.

It doesn’t matter whether you stop in for a visit, pick up the phone or write a letter. Tell your friends all the cool things you’ve done this summer (or exaggerate, if you must). If you drop by Aunt Martha’s, be sure to dig up the vest she knitted expressly for you and present yourself in it.

• Fire up your brain.

Read, read, read. I can’t stress it enough. And hurry, because leisure reading is the last thing on your mind when you have 120 pages of psych to cover. Another idea is to become more computer literate.

• Spend some hard-earned $$$.

Unless you’re a compulsive spender/shopper/gambler, pamper yourself with new clothes, CDs, furniture, etc. If you don’t overdo it, shopping is a definite end-of-summer blues remedy.

There you have it; knock yourself out. You don’t have to do it all in these last 25 days, but do something exciting before you end up kicking yourself for wasting away in work or boredom. Fall semester is waiting to pounce on us, so save your sanity while you can.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

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Staci Hupp is a junior in journalism and mass communication from Grimes. She is the editor in chief of the Daily.