Ode to brave souls who sweat out Phoenix summer

I see you, sticking it out in Phoenix this summer, stocking up on sunglasses and sunscreen, doubling up on deodorant and refilling your reusable insulated water bottle.

I see you, running early, racing the rising sun, icing your morning coffee, turning the hose on young trees and potted plants, and replacing broken sprinkler heads.

I see you, wearing oven mitts in the car, aiming the AC vents at your armpits, and clenching a big soda in a cup between your knees.

I see you, enjoying the lighter commute, circling the parking lot for a spot next to the wisp of a tree, and faithfully putting a sunscreen in the windshield.

I see you, dodging from one shady spot to another between the parking lot and the office, and snapping on a fan under your desk.

I see you, chugging water, eating ice cream for breakfast, and grilling outside in bathing suits, turning chicken breasts between dips in the pool.

I see you, sprawled under the bedroom ceiling fans, never cracking the blinds, programming the thermostat to keep the electric bill under $400, and considering solar panels.

I see you, piling flip flops by the doors, only venturing out at night, buying kiddie pools even if you don’t have kids.

I see you, taking day trips up north, watching monsoon storms from your living room, strapping booties on your dog, laughing at the result, and postponing his w-a-l-k until September.

I see you at movies, taking advantage of specials at resorts, and developing a sudden interest in museums, malls and ice skating.

I see you, wearing cotton, standing in front of the open refrigerator door, with a bottle of aloe vera gel next to the ketchup, and counting down the days to the amazing weather we enjoy the rest of the year.

I see you because I’m here, too