Cole Learns Her Lesson

I’m no fool. I know that I burn. I know my white skin doesn’t tan, not really. I know that I should wear sunblock and, in fact, I did on Saturday, which I spent all day at the pool. I diligently checked my skin for any signs of mistreatment from the sun, even though it was cloudy most of the day. I saw nothing and.. then I guess I forgot all about it–until, that is, I realized I was bright red, but only in splotches. I’d burned one shoulder, one leg, one half of my chest and all my upper back. Even though I had the tub of sunblock in my bag, it didn’t go to any good use. I saw every one reapplying, but thought nothing of it.

Obviously, burns happens when you least expect it, and you need to reapply product before you see them. I don’t know why that didn’t occur to me. I guess it’s because I never spend that much time out in the sun? Luckily, it looks worse than it is. It’s a little uncomfortable but not itchy. There’s no blistering and I don’t think it will even peel. The red has quickly faded, at least to me.

In the end, was it worth it? Absolutely! I’ll be more diligent next time, but I had fun with old friends and making new ones. I dipped my feet and waded into the lake. I played with others’ kids and enjoyed some grillin’ food. I felt so normal and stress-free! I needed that. Even though I’d only had an hour of sleep, I enjoyed  relaxing under the best-placed tree I’ve ever met! And looking at this:

Mission Lake