Experiencing four inches of snow while traveling in Pennsylvania last week has had me pining for sunshine and swimming pools a bit early this year, which always brings this favorite no-take-back to mind. Enjoy!

I can’t pinpoint exactly which summer it was, but it was summer and we were definitely in high school. Because all ridiculously mortifying experiences happen in those awkward years.

We were at my grandmother’s pool. We were playing monkey in the middle or keep away or whatever you want to call it. Darewood was in the middle with his crazy monkey arms that could basically get anything thrown within a ten foot radius (and I think Eric may have been there, too). Chelle was my partner in crime on the other side of the pool. Whatever we were throwing, it was in my hands.

Monkey in the middle.

Across the way, all 4 feet 11 inches of my bestie was jumping up and down trying to get my attention.  I could barely see her between Darewood’s height, huge head and crazy monkey arms. Finally I caught Chelle’s eye as Darewood moved to the side.

She was still jumping, but she looked kind of funny to me. Was it because she was so far away? Was it her height? Her hair? I couldn’t quite pinpoint what was off, but something was amiss. I heard her screaming, “I’m open! I’m open!” Right. I needed to throw it to her. And just as I’m about to toss the object her way, it clicks. Continue reading