Challenger

I am sick of wearing long-sleeves, jeans, sweatshirts, jackets, thick socks, and sweaters. Sorry, I just had to get that out in the open and off my chest. I mean, what in the heck is wrong with our weather? Why can’t it be warm, sunny, and pleasant yet? I long for beautiful rays to wake up to in the morning; consistently good weather to rely on for track practice after school. I always purposely forget to bring my sweatshirt and sweatpants to run in just to prove to the weather that it doesn’t bother me and I can take it perfectly fine without having to get all bundled up. Now, that might seem almost stupid, and by the time I’m out on the road trying to endure the freezing wind and iced over puddles on the sidewalk, I’m feeling pretty stupid myself in only my t-shirt and gloveless hands. I’m not an idiot, just unique.

I’ve noticed that this winter, I’ve almost...rebeled. Okay, okay, I’ve tried. You may ask yourself, “How can you rebel against the wintertime?” The answer is wear summer clothes. Or spring clothes. I think they’re the same on many levels. For instance, this past Februrary, I’ve gone to American Eagle and came out with a pair of flip flops,a lime green tank top and two brightly-colored, short-sleeved polos. And I’m surely not saving them for April either! It’s still 32 degrees outside, but does it seem like that really affects me?

This morning when I arrived at the crack of dawn for driver’s ed with Coach Carpenter, I realized both of the other two student drivers in my class were sporting thick, heavy jackets and were looking rather warm amidst the icy, stale air. Coach Carpenter asked me jokingly where mine happened to be when I hopped in the front seat to drive. I wasn’t sure what to respond, so I just told him that I didn’t like wearing them and that I’d rather be cold and be happy. He, uh, laughed at me. Or with me. I’m not exactly sure which one it was, but either way, it was funny all the same. By the way, he also told me I had driven exceptionally well that day in class and had improved a lot. AND it was a hard day too because we were working on switching lanes on the busy Parrish Avenue. That’s pretty funny. It had to my no-jacket, I-love-summer attitude I was having, no doubt in my mind.

Summer’s going to be awesome this year. I can’t wait to wear only flip-flops, bathing suits,even though often times I’llbe working in a one-piece, since I lifeguard. Got to love those one-pieces. By the way everyone, I have the best job ever created; making money while getting a tan at the same time? I mean is that heaven or is that heaven? I will admit though that at times, it’s hard to sit up there hour after hour in thattall, scalding hot, lifeguard chair, watching all of my lovely friends have a great time splashing and swimming in the turquoise water below. But they don’t forget to visit me every once in a while.

When I’m not at work, I’ll be at practice and conditioning for my favorite sport, Volleyball. So, what else could be better, you know? Although our infamous two-a-day practices are always pretty tough to conquer, with the first one beginning at 7 a.m. they’re always something to feel good about afterwards, as long as you make it fun. And who doesn’t have fun with our awesome Coach Hetman, who motivates us with her random, spontaneous remarks about serving? Volleyball girls, you know what I’m talking about.

You know what else?I really do miss my blonde hair. This winter, for some crazy reason, I thought I’d dye my naturally blonde, summery hair a much darker brown to fit the cold, dreary existance of winter. At first, it was a fun change and I enjoyed creating a variety in my looks. But after a couple weeks, some freaky chemical reaction took place, and the rich auburn color faded away to nothing but a dirty-penny, dark blondish tint. So, when summer rolls around, the blonde will come back I hope.

Moreover, this summer, July 12th is going to be the biggest, most spectacular day of the entire summer. Why? Because I will get my license of course. My silver Dodge Neon and I will be cruising the streets all the time and most likely be transporting my friends from place to place as well. I really need to give her a name. Lance named his Georgia. I think I might go for something more...flamboyant. I’m considering naming it after that old , happy LFO song from about 1998, which is called Veronica. The name is fun, different and kind of reminds me of the movie, American Pie. It fits me, I think.