Grade School Dad

Summer vacation is upon us, but the grade school dad has a few obligations to fulfill. First up is a 2 hour stint as a lifeguard at the school pool. During vacation the pool remains open and teachers and parents come together to control the mayhem in the pool. The teacher runs the show, while the parents patrol the pool-side, ready to pounce on rule-breakers and rescue those in need. The good: a glass of well-chilled mugi-cha (what tea) and kudos from the teaching staff. The bad: there"s not much to do and time passes slowly. It's hot and sweaty, but not in a good way. The ugly: as a parent lifeguard you are NOT permitted to swim in the pool. You're child may be cool and refreshed, but you are not.