See Ya Next Year

A few days ago, one of the kids asked me if I was going to cry when camp ended. I told her that I would be sad because I would miss the kids and the staff and all the fun, but no, I wouldn't cry. There were several years in the 11 summers that I have spent August and September totally hysterical. You're only together 3 months, but the relationships you build with the staff are so intense. That, combined with exhaustion of having to be so energetic all summer, make for some emotional goodbyes.

Since this became my full time job, it's a little less emotional to say goodbye. I know that in approximately 310 days (but who's counting?), camp will begin again. It will include both new and old faces, and there will be new adventures (and challenges), but it will be essentially the same. So, no, I won't cry, but I am sad to see it end.

Last night, after the last staff had checked out and driven away, my dad and I went out to dinner. We ordered shrimp cocktail, steak and I drank a big margarita. Afterwards, I sat on the couch for several hours- content to do absolutely NOTHING and be responsible for NO ONE!

Camp is clean, organized, packed and mostly ready for the winter. I have 27 lists of things to do in the fall, but for the next week, I am on vacation! Today, I will lay in the sun and tan myself until I look like a football. At some point I will pack my room and my office, clean the house and walk around and touch every building one last time.

Tomorrow I will load 100 pounds of baby bulldog in my car and make the trek back to the city. I am excited to see my boyfriend regularly, hang out with my roommates, get my hair cut, and jump in to planning for summer 2011. Summer is over, bring on the fall!!