It was hot, and I definitely got sunburned, but it was worth it to be back outside with pride. I haven’t been around this many people since the start of COVID and it did feel a bit weird. It almost felt like nothing had happened in the past two years. I’m a pretty avid mask wearer still, but I normally don’t wear one when I’m outside. Mostly because I don’t get close to strangers while I’m walking Benji, but this was very different and I do regret not wearing it more than I did.

I also didn’t think I would want to stick around at the park for too long after the parade, because we were so tired, but the music was fabulous and great company all around. I did partake in the overpriced, under poured adult beverages. I had two and didn’t feel a thing, but didn’t want to tempt fate with any additional drinks. With my luck, I would’ve gotten super shitty, and it would have been an even more miserable evening between the sunburn and tired body.