Pool Time!

Probably the best and most vulnerable of the "Pool Time" Trilogy, as we'll call it, join AJ from when she leaves the safety of her hotel room clad only in her bikini and thin, wispy coverup, then has to navigate the non-ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant elevator, a VERY public hall, and another non-accessible door to the pool. When she finally makes it in, she gets all set up, then -- rather shyly -- sheds her coverup for the *ACTUAL* first time in front of a camera! It would've been her golden moment...if only...

...Well, we don't want to give away the WHOLE story, but let's just say it was one Real-Life accessibility disaster after another! Yet AJ was, in her words, "intrepid and determined!" And determined she was! When faced with one disaster, she simply changed courses, even though it meant more pain and discomfort for our Little Mermaid. Although, unlike Ariel, AJ can't swim...and she explains why (and it's a LOT more pedestrian than you think!) unabashedly.

She also briefly discusses her tribulations -- from a surprising diagnosis of MS, to a tragically broken neck that had to be reconstructed in the past several years...all while doing her prescribed physiotherapy in water. Even though there were some OBVIOUSLY difficult parts (she was in so much pain she turned red getting into the pool at one point), she was pleasantly shocked to find the water mitigated much of her discomfort.

Now, if our Little Mermaid could only swim! (She seems EVER so close, though!)