On Sunday I ended my hiatus from the pool. It had been a year since I two-point entered from the deck and propelled myself from the wall. A year since the smell of chlorine stuck to my skin long after my shower. A year since I had black eyes not from punches but from goggles. And for the past three days I’ve been back every day. The tan circle on my back has returned and I’m anxiously awaiting the cap tanline. I even bought a bright pink cap like the one coach Tyler bought me for my first meet. And when I leaped into the water today, I was home. And when I came home from the pool and fell asleep on the couch, I knew I was doing it right. Nothing compares to the feeling after a swim. Nothing makes me feel more alive or happy or happy with myself. Maybe the chlorine is getting to my head, but the pool is my happy place.
When I was leaving the pool today I watched as one of our new tour guides gave his first solo tour. And I got butterflies in my stomach and my heart was overflowing and I wanted to yell so many things at him but instead I just made some sassy comment and went on my way. But I was so taken aback by this feeling of pride that I imagine is what it feels like to see your baby take its first steps. WHAT. MATERNAL INSTINCT IS GOING CRAZY. But really, you guys, I walked home the rest of the way beaming because I was so damn proud. And I am so excited to share this thing I love so much with our new members.
Side note, what a difference good food makes in your day.
I left for WOW training tonight with flowers braided into my hair. I felt like sunshine. I felt like I was going to go sit on the floor for three hours but it was going to be worth it. And tonight I was reminded of why WOW is so near and dear to my heart. And why I’m going back for more.
I read part of Andy Warhol’s “The Philosophy of Andy Warhol: From A to B and back again” for class tonight and I don’t know why but it made me really happy. He writes in such a matter of fact way and he sounds so young and pure of heart. “The world fascinates me,” he said, and it’s refreshing that someone else was as enamored by the world as I often feel I am.
We doodled in class today. I wish I could call it art.
I am more than ready for this spring to sneak up on me and steal all my weekends. I’m going to love every second of it.
“I think everybody should like everybody.” -Andy Warhol
Love.