Now that a month has passed and Early Crew is over, I wanted to check in here and give an update on what I’ve been up to these last few weeks. I’ve never been a part of Early Crew at Silver Bay before, but I’m so happy I came early and spent an extra month here. Because there were so few of us on campus, I’ve developed incredible relationships with some people that I would have (probably) never known otherwise. If you are reading this, thank you for all the love you have shared with me over the last few weeks. You are all amazing people and I’m grateful to have spent such meaningful time with you. (Especially that trip to divers – that was bomb)

 

Another debatably great part about Early Crew is the range of jobs you may experience over those first few weeks. I’ve worn many hats and while I have enjoyed some jobs more than others, I have certainly learned from each opportunity. That time also reminded me that it’s not necessarily the job you are doing, but the people you are working with that make it fun. (Am I right, Rebecca Lynn??) Here are some of my totally awesome (and sometimes wtf-worthy) jobs/tasks during early crew:

I spent a lot of time at housekeeping, making beds and cleaning:

And sitting on some beds, like the Princess and the Flea (lets be real, a flea is more likely than a pea)

And that time I cleaned a urinal:

 

Those few times at the boathouse:

Painting and scraping paint:

I taught my first (and second) yoga class:

Planted lots of gardens:

Played Katniss at Archery:

And I even stripped bark off of cedar logs for new railings at the boathouse:

 

Not pictured: Facilitating/belaying at the climbing wall.

Surprisingly, I thoroughly enjoyed stripping bark. It was very strange, however, because when the bark came off, the wood underneath is warm and wet, slimy even. It almost made me feel guilty for tearing the tree’s “skin” off its “body”. 

I digress. The real magic here is inside the amazing people, my only friends for those few weeks. They supported me, included me, laughed and cried with me, and I will forever be grateful for our time together and I know I can’t look back at those memories in any way but fondly. Cheers to our weird little family of misfits!

A few days ago the remaining EMPs arrived, and this weekend we officially kick off summer alongside the largest wedding we’ve possibly ever had, as well as the solstice. As more people arrived, I was contemplating some things. First, holy shit I leave the country in two months. Second, enjoy every second you have on this campus because it’s already flying by; and third, it feels like the right time and space to spread my father’s ashes. Yes, I’m still FREAKING OUT at the fact that in two short months the next year of my life will begin in Asia, but Silver Bay helps to remind me of my strengths as well as my faults, and I know that when I leave here I will leave prepared. But DAMN did the last four plus weeks go fast. 

On Father’s Day I spread some of my Dad’s ashes at Slim Point. It wasn’t easy to do, but I did it alone and I am so proud of myself.

 

I always knew he was here with me, but now it’s like I can take a deeper breath, like the air is lighter. Like he’s happier. I’m happier. It never feels better, but being loving and gracious makes it easier to deal with. Miss you, old man.

And lastly, while I am freaking out about my year in Korea somewhat regularly, I am so excited. I am anxious for another new beginning, but it is going to be the start of something great and I’m AMPED. I should find out in the next few days where I am going and when I need to arrive. I’m sure all of you are waiting with baited breath like me. Don’t worry, I’ll keep you posted. (Get it? Posted. Post-ed. This is a blog post. No? Yes? Cool.)