My bags are packed, I'm ready to go...

Well, not quite. I've been packing for school, or rather getting hopelessly lost in piles of more stuff than my brain can handle. It's lots of fun. No, really. That's not a grimace on my face.

As my time has run out, I've realized how many things I need to get done before I leave on Thursday. And how much time I've wasted this summer (but then, I knew that already).

( I haven't been completely preoccupied with doing nothing, however. )

Oh, yes

Deirdre left for school today. I got so upset when she took offense at everything I said (however well- or neutrally-intentioned) on the ride to the train station that I started to cry. "Oh, Jaala, don't take it so seriously," Mum said and I felt a fool of course, but the sentiment was real. I care about my younger sister a great deal but she appears to detest my very presence no matter what I say or do; I don't know how to deal with it. As she was getting on the train, I had to ask for a hug before she the thought even occurred to her, even though I'm the sole member of the family who won't see her until Christmas.

Right. Sulk over. (Short explanation: she's at a professional ballet school in another town. They attend ballet class several times each day, and go to a regular local high school in between.)