Whoops . . . I did it again
- By Shawnee Olson
- Published 05/18/2009
Every year at Selah Community Days I will either forget my jacket and umbrella and end up cold and wet, or I will wear uncomfortable (but cute) shoes and forget my sun block. Obviously, this year I have a nasty burn and sore feet.
It all started at the Potato Feed. I volunteered to help out the Chamber of Commerce by working in the hot dog section, but nearly needed help out myself because my feet hurt so bad. I wore the cutest shoes to work that day and forgot to bring more suitable ones for the Potato Feed. About an hour and a half into the event I noticed that my heels ached so I shifted my weight to the balls of my feet. That only worked so long, eventually, the pain started shooting up my legs.
Next blunder I made was at the parade. I wore flip flops and a tank top, but didn’t bring the sun block or a change of shoes – again. I just did this to myself the night before so why did I put myself in misery making the same mistake the very next day?
After the parade my family and I went to the carnival. During this walk I noticed my aching feet again, and I could feel itchiness on my shoulders meaning the sunburn is coming. Internally sighing, I prepared myself for a fun yet physically uncomfortable day.
Being at the carnival wasn’t as painful as I thought it would be. I stood in the shade when I could, sat when it was convenient and I drank plenty of water. That night, however, I stayed up until nearly 1 a.m. wiping down cupboards and going through our canned and boxed food. (I’m saving the story about why I’ve been doing this for a few weeks from now, but feel free to speculate.) My body was tired and sore by the time I drug myself to bed.
Sunday was awesome! I woke up early and met my mother-in-law and little sister-in-law for the Fund Run. I’ve never done anything like it so I was pretty excited. The three of us walked the two mile course. Anyone who knows me also knows how short I am. I had to practically run along side them to keep up. My mother-in-law kept laughing and teasing me about my short little legs. For those of you curious now, I’m just under five feet tall.
When I returned home it was still pretty cool out, so I decided to mow the lawn. Well, I should say part of the lawn, we have a huge area to do – with a push mower. I didn’t put any sun block on but I did have the good sense to wear sneakers. After sweating like a pig and burning myself some more, I gave up and sat in the shade and drank a beer.
Everything I did I had a good time doing, I can’t wait to do it all over again. Now to keep true to form, I’ll say it again . . . next year I will be better prepared and I will bring good shoes, sun block, umbrella and a jacket. Yeah, right.
