3.8.2004 (22:30:00)

I just read this story, breaking the news that Spalding Gray had indeed killed himself. A few years ago I was introduced to his genius by a co-worker and have been captivated ever since. I feel as though there is a very small number of people in existence that I understand. By understand, I mean that I know what they are thinking, despite what they say. It's how you say it. Expression and (e)motion tell the story. The words merely present it in a form easier to decipher. Spalding was someone who I identified with. His suicide leaves me with many questions...

DC has been incredibly warm lately. However today was a bit chilly, and I was almost blown of the 7th Street bridge onto I-395 while walking to work this morning. Living in an actual city has been really great for me. I'm learning much about society, the world and myself. This was definately a good decision.

My sinuses have been killing me. I've taken some medication, and now I'm numb and ready to sleep. I hope.

3.22.2004 (23:50:00)

Last night Shayne and I returned from Maine where we went to my friends' wedding. Alex and Maura had a wonderful wedding, and being with the gang again was so great. I really miss them, and I wish we could have stayed longer.

I finally filed my federal taxes! I bought TurboTax 2003 and it is so easy to use. My return is 5 times what it has normally been, and I didn't even have to use the Dave West method of questionable deductions!!

3.29.2004 (22:00:00)

Earlier I went to the Taco Bell down here in SW DC to get my munchies on. As usual, their outstanding service was causing a very long line at the drive-thru. Ok that's a lie. Laquisha the braintrust with her 5 inch nails fell asleep while manning the window. Never have they served a drive-thru order correctly. Or even close to correctly. Sometimes they even give you food from other chains. Yet like the sheep we are we return over and over. Because where else can you get a taco at midnight.

Driving back up South Capitol Drive I found a religious station on the AM dial. Now, most of you know I'm about as religious as a big bag of little donuts. However, this was very moving stuff. It was two ministers bouncing back and forth about our spiritual selves and our existing selves. With little mention of who they worship and showing a rare restraint for religious leaders in not trying to sell their religion, their words were quite powerful. And they were so happy with life. Because they found a spiritual happiness. It was beautiful. I drove by a drug deal, a car being dismantled and a van offering health & medical services to the homeless, all on the way back to my apartment, with these words floating in the background. You couldn't even imagine how I felt. Moving here has tought me so much. The only problem is I have just as many new questions as that which was solved. I don't believe my soul will ever rest.

3.31.2004 (00:42:00)

This morning as I walked to work down G St. SW I passed by some Cherry Blossoms blooming. It's nice living by the waterfront in DC in late March/April. It is such a sight to see them all begin to open along the river. Although I enjoy spring, it's no winter - and I got really ripped off this year. Barely any snow. That's one thing I miss dearly about Maine. However fall will be here before long and all will be perfect.

Taking the Metro back from Germantown (Shady Grove) this evening was interesting. A man wheeled on in his handi-scooter and stopped next to me, opening a newspaper. His jacket was tattered, hair disheveled and sneakers like new - obviously used very seldom. He buried his head in the newspaper so nobody could see his face. Seven stops later, he pulls his head out, and wiped a tear as he prepared to exit the same stop as me. I'm guessing he had either a bad day or a bad life. People kept boarding the subway without regard for his exit, like he didn't exist. I stayed behind him, and when the doors began to shut I had to jump in front of him, yell at those inconsiderate bastards, push the doors open and help him out. It's odd because the other day I was on the subway sitting down and had to endure the chattering of a 30-something snob with her teenage daughter as she expressed her displeasure with my not getting up to offer her a seat. At the time I ignored her, but I was very close to telling her "I'm sitting because I have a pacemaker controlled condition, and if I stand for more than 8 minutes there is a 70% chance that I will suffer a stroke, however your heels must be killing you so please, have my seat!" I'm always thinking, if they could see that I'm not well they'd understand. But today, they saw this man was disabled and didn't care. What is wrong with people.