summer whirlwind

this summer is flying by. my days are filled with work, mostly laughing and coming up with themed days to prevent burnout and drama among our lifeguards. The mustache bash was by far a hit, and most of you know how much I enjoy a great fake mustache :)

Molly and Seth made the trek east and visited over the weekend. It was so incredible to spend time with them, and show them all the fantastic things I love about home. It did make me miss Bellingham though. I sort of fell into the routine of work and schedules and forgot what it was like to have real friends around to encourage spontaneous behavior. It was also an incredible indulgence to take 4 days off of work in a row -- a guilty pleasure almost as good as eating an entire row of Oreos in one sitting, maybe even better. Exploring all that Rapid City and the Black Hills have to offer was even more delightful with their company. We played on life-size concrete dinosaurs, hiked Harney Peak, went to Mt. Rushmore, hiked to the Poet's Table and left a riveting message for future adventurers, went to Crazy Horse (and crashed a Kurtenbacher family reunion that allowed us some VIP access to the very top) and played a few unforgettable rounds of Monopoly. (Not to mention ate delicious meals strategically planned and on a posted menu by my mother that helped Molly and Seth understand where I get my 'domestic-ness' from) It was refreshing to know that friendships can just be picked up where you left off, no awkwardness or blame-game for the lack of contact, just straight up excitement to be reunited. Now I just need to convince more people to make the trip. here's some photos.



Tomorrow morning I'm in charge of the lifeguard in-service. The high for tomorrow is only 60, with a 60% chance of rain. So I'm doubting we'll even be opening the pool. My plan right now is to meet at the pool and then come to our house and make everyone breakfast - chalk one up in the "team building" column. Goodnight for now.