Good Morning!

I got up at 6:15 this morning, and Em and I went swimming. It was very nice. I like being up early, provided that I've gotten enough sleep (which I had). I haven't gone swimming in ages, and it was lovely to be in the water again. I must say, however, that this lack of practice showed. The person I am now, this person who starts getting tired after a few laps, is a far cry from the girl I used to be, that girl who spent all summer in the water. But I intend to go again, and perhaps that will improve. And hey, I already knew that I wasn't that girl anymore, and I think that a lot of personal growth is worth a little less facility in the water.

However, it does leave me with the feeling that I washed my face and hair in chlorine, despite the chlorine shampoo (does chlorine shampoo expire? If it can, mine probably has). And if I make a habit of this, I need to invest in a pair of goggles. I'm not sure if it's growing up or the difference between an indoor pool and an outdoor one, but the chlorine was bad enough that I didn't want to open my eyes underwater, and I dislike not being able to see. And my eyelids feel funny. Itchy. I think they would be happier with goggles, too.

And now, a book! ( Thoughts on Gail Carson Levine's _Ever_ (few to no spoilers) )

Another letter from Jaclyn

A young street rat takes this to the barge:


( Rest behind cut. )