Growing up

I have always found that the 4^th of July is the peak of summer. Afterwards, the downhill journey to school begins. The anticipation of summer dwindles, perhaps boredom sets in, and thoughts about a new semester come into focus. I have found myself starting to think forwards now. My surgery date is starting to loom in my mind. And I think that the reality of that situation is starting to sink in.

Meanwhile, I am still tryin

g to live in the present and make the most of my final 3 weeks on the coast here. I have finally settled into a routine. Each

day comes and goes more quickly. But my life is in a continuum here. I have watched as the weekly cycle of families come and go. The same process: the large SUV rolls in, the kids run to the condo, the beach stuff is unloaded by the parents, kids sporting their new purchases from wings, the endless grocery bags with popsicles, watermelons, and beer. A new tent is built down on the beach. And so a new territory is claimed by the family. Fishing trips, putt putt, ice cream, souvenir shopping. And there I sit in the same chair week by week watching the show around me. Watching America in action. Observing the ways families interact. Taking notes on a future that I am now seeing coming closer and closer.

The irony is that my job

is far from continuous. Our lab is seemingly the most active and intensive lab in the Institute. This week was a perfect example of work’s chaotic uncertainty. I worked 3 days this week. Tuesday we spent rummaging around the lab, tidying up business and preparing for Wednesday. Slow slow slow….but then, the boat trailer lights wouldn’t work. Note: Nothing is ever easy at work. So we had to d

elay – cancel – no just delay our tr

ip. Wednesday we set out f

or Jones Island again. We spent the day counting plants. Yep. It’s about as bad as it sounds. But I am going to remain optimistic for those of you who are aspiring botanists. We worked through the heat of the day and miraculously finished work by 5. Definitely treated myself to DQ after that one. Thursday we were about to leave for a new location. Rachel calls and says don’t come. Great! Nothing better than having your mind set to do one thing and then having to switch gears 180 degrees. But I made it happen. I cleaned all of our gear. Organized everything for our new sampling trips, mended our nets, and finally finished entering all of our data. How’s that for a productive day. Then we got Friday off. For the first time in weeks I am enjoying a peaceful and quiet beach house. Just me, some new tunes, Stones for Schools, and leftover lasagna. I ventured out to Eclipse last night and was disappointed with the film. Too much focus on the romance, a bit cheesy, and way too much beating around the bush. Not to mention it was a bad choice of a movie when what you are watching mirrors a similar situation in your life. Brilliant D.

But the ocean’s healing powers are helping. Or rather they are simply burring my feelings under a new layer of sand. The ocean is always in motion, always changing, presenting opportunities, and then moving forward whether or not you keep up. It’s an example I need to follow at this point. Just keep going. Keep moving. Don’t get stuck in the past.

Saturday the marathon begins again. Ready or not…..