SPI (Scout Press Int'l), 12.19.07: The darkness surrounded Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood this morning as Scout awoke in the swanky manse of long-time friend, Donkee. She awoke at her usual time, around 6:30am, wishing for more daylight. These winter-ish mornings always left her feeling groggy.

Ms. Scout, age 41, realized that she is no longer strictly a morning person. Nor is she strictly any more organized or tidy than she was when she was five years old. Her clothes, school items and massage supplies were strewn about Donkee's TV room and left on his dining room table.

Donkee enjoyed a short but much-needed massage this morning. Homework parameters were completed, but more pressure could have been used on his lower back. Feedback was thorough. Paperwork is completed and now Scout will turn her attentions to her quiz studies. Two quizzes today have left her in a tizzy since she hasn't actually studied. Anatomy and Physiology class is not of concern; Kinesiology, as always, remains challenging. Scout is beginning to think that more active study is required for that subject. Perhaps, dare she think it, tutoring might be a possibility. It's not about intellect, it's about discipline. She has always been used to learning easily, under low-stakes conditions. This seems different somehow. Important. Real.

Day is in full swing at Noah's Bagels on Capitol Hill, where Scout has chosen to eat her breakfast and purchase lunch for later. The time approaches for our Scout to take her medicines, homeopathic and allopathic, and to drink her tea. (Readers will note that JS doesn't recognize the word allopathic.) In a few minutes, or perhaps an hour or two, our heroine will head toward Fife and school and home. For now, there are enticing people to be watched and tea to be drunk.