I am not a pretty girl

I try dreadfully hard to be a productive member of society and family. I have been profoundly blessed in my life, and I consider it something of a responsibility to give back to the world that has given so much to me. I see my wonderful husband, my friends, my family, even the very fact that I am alive all as gifts.

However, when one considers reciprocity an important and personal obligation, one tends to find it especially frustrating when things do not go well. It's only lunchtime, and already this is a bad day. I've been at the orphanage all morning, and it seems to be one catastrophe after another with no end in sight. Most of them are comparatively small catastrophes, but enough little catastrophes start to feel like one very large catastrophe. I know my efforts aren't all in vain, but on days like these I begin to feel like a very small drop in a very deep bucket. If anyone has anything to contribute that might restore a bit of my faith in humanity so I will survive the afternoon, it would be most welcome.

Usually I don't mind street performers. In fact, I often quite like them. I make a point of giving a few sickles whenever I pass the pan-piping fellow at the northwest corner of Diagon and Euphoria.

However, I do not care for mimes. I couldn't exactly say why. However, something about them sits very ill with me. I cannot help but eye them with suspicion. Perhaps it's the make-up; I've never been especially fond of clowns, either. I just hope the mime who took up residence on our Lane today does not remain for long. He makes me uneasy, especially when he walks down the invisible staircase when there is clearly no invisible staircase present.

[Warded to Ron]
Ronald. USE A BOOKMARK. Don't just set the poor book face down! It cracks the spine and makes them fall apart more quickly.
[end ward]

I think I'm ready for a pet again. For the longest time after Crookshanks shuffled off this mortal coil, I didn't really want another cat. It felt too much like replacing him, and he had been too close and constant a companion to ever replace. However, having had time to adequately mourn his passing, I find that I miss having a cat in the house. I think I'll visit the MSPCA's shelter and see if there's anyone there who would suit us.