To: Kevin, et al.

Subject: Melted?

This morning brought about a stunning realization. We woke up way too early -- as is the norm here -- and went downstairs to catch a shuttle bus, as we had every other morning. But then, nothing. There would be no visit to the Water Cube, our home and work station for nine straight days.

While we knew this moment was coming, it was still a bit of a shock to realize that swimming was over and -- gasp! -- there are actually other sports taking place. I'm serious, Kevin. Turns out, this entire time you've been hypnotized by the ripples in the pool water, there have been other athletes competing in other sports -- right here in Beijing! I'm determined to find them and appreciate their endeavors these next few days. But I will miss the Cube.

And I'm not the only one. Swimmers have been singing praises of the Water Cube since the Games began, most recently Michael Phelps. This morning, he said it was the best pool in which he'd ever swum. Not a bad compliment. I can't comment on the water, but I feel comfortable saying it is the freakiest-looking building in which I've ever worked.

I'm not sure what I'll miss most. Her sharp angles. Her supple bubbles. Or the sweltering thick air inside that made me sweat in areas I didn't even know I had sweat glands.

Let us pause now for a moment of remembrance. Cube, you'll be missed.