Paper Book

Friday had an early dinner under twinkle lit patios in the neighborhood. Told Puhg about the coincidences I've been having lately. The same Broadway actress showing up in my TikTok, then my thoughts, then getting an invite from her executive for a meeting, then a friend knows that exec, then this person is national news. Or how I keep seeing ads for banana-flavored treats. I hunted Spotify for a Greenday song Thursday morning only to hear it on the radio on my way to the girl group sleepover, where RC mentioned it unprompted. We watched Jawbreaker and listened to Alanis Morrisette.

After falafel I mentioned I needed to stop by the bookstore for a pick up. The streets were buzzing. I slipped in, said my name, and the worker gave me a paper-wrapped package. I honestly forgot what the book was. I read a review in the middle of the night and ordered it half-conscious. Some little surprise for later. I rarely buy books. On the sidewalk I had the thought, "I should finish Danse Macabre. I always forget because it's on my Kindle." Puhg turned to me and asked, "Have you heard of the book Danse Macabre?"

Although there was no reason for celebration the night was too fall perfect and the street buzz too inviting, so I stopped at the Midwestern ice cream chain for a pint of banana.

Weekend, mid-twenties

First I grade papers at 5 AM. A dance work-out and racing out the door. New camel-colored coat. Square Potbelly sandwich and the creamiest Dunkin coffee. Class begins at 8 AM. Today's to-dos are grammar and style review on the second in-class essay followed by brainstorming and peer-editing on the persuasive issue assignment. The happy chef plans an essay about why churches need to pay taxes. Lots of teen programs for the South Side. Russian exchange student has decided to write a persuasive essay about why there should be a washer and dryer in her apartment.

AStanSr and I walk Maggie Daley Park. The bop around the city slopping through time. Eventually I must go home. I must write a letter of recommendation and recap with Bisque over crackers and cheese. I walk a mile and a half on Friday night holding a giant comforter and pillow because it is girl's night. TQ and I gossip dipping pretzels into frosting. Gala arrives, Puppy Chow. We put on glitter tattoos and watch Coyote Ugly from the hardwood floor. It is misogynistic. You can't fight the moonlight.

My alarm goes off at 6:30. I catch the bus home, run three miles at the gym (glitter tatt dissolves), and throw my junk together for a long day. Another Dunkin coffee praise allah and Lyfts. I rehearse four hours for the Halloween sketch show. I really like comedy. Korean lunch. I like how the hard eggs looks, chopped in two. I take an unfamiliar bus to David's Bridal. Hell is David's Bridal on a Saturday. Nothing is there, everyone is busy, no one is helpful, everyone is happy and spending disgusting amounts of money. This is not the point. I leave angry rushing to the downtown theatre. I show up late to the solo show with a new friend. A simple and wide-eyed friend. "I like you," I think, "but I also am not in this place right now." Bisque heard my bits over pizza. I did an open mic. So far, so good. It's late, and I feel it.

Running on the lake. Raspberry scones from a terrible waitress. I feel frustrated. The city rage is strong. In improv class I play a woman so in love with life she ventriloquists a dead body at a wake. I buy ear warmers. I meet Kam at my favorite woody bar. The posse, we are called, byt someone I admire. Kam and Nep and me, all watching subpar improve from the back row. Back to Kam's apartment to pump Nep up. She has to quit her job, we all have to feel confident about ourselves. Yes, I have lots to do, but I'm done done, honey bun.