The Dairy Queen

Tonight was my last night working at Dairy Queen, after almost two years. (I started February 25, 2012, and I leave for my mission the exact same day, two years later.) It is a pretty bitter-sweet moment. I've had my ups and downs with the DQ, but I couldn't have asked for a better first job experience.

I love my co-workers. I love the rush in the summers. I love the slow winters. And I LOVE ICE CREAM.

I'm not going to miss the ice cream machines not working, lines out the door, people telling me we need a bigger parking lot, 3 little league teams coming in at the same time with free cone coupons, people demanding the whip cream be removed from their shakes, blizzard sales, coming home covered in ice cream/chocolate/caramel/Lord knows what, or scrubbing the chili bucket.

But, I am going to miss the calm after the storm of closing on a summer night, people who offer a kind smile and patience when they can see how busy we are, medium chocolate cone guy, the Friday night bowling team (who happen to be my pal Becky's parents!), recognizing my mom in the drive thru because she orders "blizzarts", everyone together on half-off days, Christmas parties, and all of the great friends I have made while working at Dairy Queen.

I am so grateful for my co-workers who are as excited for my mission as I am, but are sad to see me leave. I love them all so much. Working at Dairy Queen was not just a job, it was a family.

And my last night was one for the books.

Someone randomly set off a few fireworks in my honor.

No one from Dairy Queen though.

That would be reckless.

And illegal.