Weekend

When I was interviewing for this job in November, my only concern was whether I could take time off in July for my best friend's wedding. The Boss said "no problem" and so I've been planning on taking the week off for a long time. When the Boss was fired, my number one concern (even bigger than single handedly running a camp) was taking time off for the wedding. I didn't take the whole week off- I was only gone Wednesday at noon-Sunday night, but it felt like a long time. It's not that I don't trust or believe in my staff, I just know that every single problem or issue is something I will have to handle and so I want to be there as they arise.

Everything went really smoothly and life was good the whole time I was gone. It was CSI week, and so on Monday at dinner, before kids went to the evening activity, the Assistant Program Director got up and started yelling about a crime being committed and every counselor being a suspect. I think kids were a little taken off guard because he seemed mad, but the counselors were smiling, and when he announced that "A RIGGA BAM BOO" had been stolen, kids caught on.

"A RIGGA BAM BOO" is something from a silly camp song. It doesn't actually have a definition, just that it's "red and gold and purple too". One of my staff had made up an elaborate scenario, set up a crime scene and then gave an alibi and several key facts to each staff. Kids were given evidence sheets to record findings on and they had to question suspects. It was wonderfully creative and fun and even the older kids got really into it. I was actually really sad to leave midway through the week because I was really enjoying the whole activity.

But I left, because it's the most important thing in my best friend's life and I wanted to be there to be her sidekick. So I spent Wednesday-Saturday at her side. I helped her finish last minute projects, calmed her down when her mom said things that upset her, made flower arrangements for tables, went to the rehearsal and groom's dinner, and then spent Saturday at the best wedding ever. I probably have to say that as the best friend, but I really mean it, it was picturesque. She was gorgeous, the classic bride. Everything went smoothly. The food and the cake were DELICIOUS. The dance was a blast. The weather was perfect... I could go on... I loved every minute of it.

On Sunday, I went to her parent's house for the gift opening and was planning to drive back to camp from there. I didn't pack my stuff, so after a tearful goodbye (she started to cry when I left and then her parents started to cry, telling me I was a second daughter, and I was thinking, dude, if I start crying, you are never going to get rid of me, I gotta get out of here fast! But it was very sweet. After all the time we've spent planning, I really do feel like part of the family), I went home.

I meant to pack and leave by 1pm. I didn't actually leave until 7:30pm. When I got home, my roommates were laying on the couch watching tivo-ed episodes of Law and Order. I know that doesn't sound exciting, but it looked so relaxing, I was SO jealous. I haven't laid on the couch and watched mindless tv for MONTHS! So I joined them. Then I took a nap. In the middle of the day... it was glorious... then I woke up and we went to our favorite homemade ice cream parlor down the street. And then I watched more tv. And then my brother grilled really good steak... And the whole time I was thinking, UGH! I don't want to go back to dirty camp where there are problems to deal with and no time to rest. I live a double life and while both parts are wonderful, sometimes transitioning between the two can be difficult.

I love living in the city. I love peace-loving, hippie run coffee shops that serve free trade coffee. I love home cooked organic food, chinese delivery, expensive but amazing pizza delivery, cable tv, my comfortable pretty house, quiet and calm, no one needing me.... I enjoyed all of that this weekend and it was difficult to leave it.

But I also love camp. I love living in the woods on the edge of a lake. I love pulling up to the fading sun and having literally my entire staff rush over to me, genuinely excited to see me, saying, "you're back!!!!!!!" and then telling me all of the great things I missed while sincerely asking how the wedding was. I love the nonstop activity and the privilege of being responsible for everything and everyone. I am very blessed, and I am well aware of how much I have. Life is good.