My parents are retiring to a house up in Washington State, near Bellingham, and it's lovely. I'm not allowed to move in either! D:

I grew up in the desert, and the parsonage (dad's a pastor) had a pool. It was the only place I could go to get away from that heat and find a little peace. Well, aside from staying indoors and reading a lot of books... but I was a little athlete, and I had to keep active. Did gymnastics. I don't recommend gymnastics by the way! Messes up your joints big time. There's a reason why all the female gymnasts in the Olympics are little girls... bodies just can't sustain that kind of abuse long term.

Swimming however? Freaking awesome thing to do. So good for you!