I am the same person with or without my beard, but I look fairy different. It is actually not a huge beard, but everyone seems to acknowledge it as being a drastic change for me. But I'm still me.

The party at Merritt's tonight was fun in most respects, but had a dark edge to it. I remember being so optimistic at the beginning of last summer, but now I don't really know if there is anything of importance for me to do this summer but cave in. I have an idea of what I will do, but it will take more self-control this time around. I will be like an astronaut fragile in the capsule yet in a special place floating gently.