2020

So I’ve begun stocking up for the coronavirus panic, spending $150 at Food Maxx this morning. I needed groceries anyway, and so might have spent $100, but I doubled up on some things, like getting three dozen eggs...

Diary, 2/16 to 2/22/20

N came to the Hemlock Club today and we talked for four hours. I told him about “the friendly voice” idea and that I thought I might give it a try. The idea is that you publish an ad saying “A friendly voice” and your phone number, hoping to encourage lost souls to call you to talk, hopefully thus relieving some suffering in the world. I used to worry that this would become a burden, and that indeed could happen; but I am not required to answer every call, necessarily, and I can limit calls to fifteen minutes. I originally wanted to have a separate phone number for this, and perhaps I’ll do that, though it would be some expense. Possibly Craigslist...

Diary 2/1 to 2/8/2020

Culled from the Bullet Journal: 2/4: I can’t take my ‘depression’ seriously because it’s not justified by my life, because it doesn’t last, and because I don’t deserve any better. I don’t deserve joy. 2/6: I’m carrying a fuckton of well-earned guilt. What to do?

Diary, 1/16 to 1/22/2020

So, the Women’s March yesterday was a much bigger event than I had anticipated, given that my expectations were for a slightly larger Kavanaugh protest, the last (and first) such event I attended. It turned out that there were many vendors set up in this park on 21st Street. The hours from 10:00 to noon were devoted to speakers who were always wanting the crowd to chant or make noise, so that was pretty tiresome...

Diary, 1/5 to 1/15/2020

I see here “Lisa Simpson observing the conjunction of the moon and Venus.” I have subsequently realized that the moon is facing the wrong direction; that is, instead of “C” it should be “Ɔ”. This “spooky” coincidence is the most surprising and remarkable I’ve ever experienced, I believe. I see or assign no particular meaning to this “synchronicity.”

Diary 12/29 to 1/4/2020

There is no perfect solution that involves no pain. Having five full bookcases is a pain only when I contemplate moving; but I am no longer content to remain where I am. Alas, alas, I cannot expect to find “the perfect apartment for me.” No bugs, no noisy neighbors, suitable furniture, good location…

Diary, 12/21 to 12/28/19

Watching many episodes of The Simpsons in a marathon show on FX, laughing like a loon because they can do so much with so little—for example, naming an Army colonel Hap Hapablap. I’ve been laughing for two days over that silly name.

Diary, 12/12 to 12/20/19

Everywhere I turn today, it’s horrifying. I mean the news, Twitter, and Z Magazine. I’m finding it difficult to be specific, but the sense of dread regarding the 2020 election is pretty overwhelming, and the recent new projections of global warming are devastating. The ignorance and befuddlement of the American people, fueled by religion, Russia, Trump repuglikkkans, corporate media...

Diary, 12/1 to 12/11/19

A bleak morning, thinking of the role the United States has taken in the world throughout my lifetime and before. Thinking of the role the greedy rich have taken in the United States throughout my lifetime. Thinking of the ineffectual Democratic Presidents, the hope-betrayers...