Network

Sunday was a casualty in this war against pneumonia. I'm afraid I slept straight through it. I do have vague memories of getting up for water--along with vague memories of spilling water on the kitchen floor--but I can't say it happened for sure. I woke up dehydrated anyway, and the kitchen was clean.

Yes, I said kitchen. I'm staying at the house of a friend of a friend friend. I have the whole place to myself. At first, I thought it'd be torturous difficult to adjust to it, but I've been puttering around for a few hours now and I'm recalling all manner of fond, indoorsy memories. And I can definitely see the appeal of owning your own bathroom.

My fever hasn't quite broken. I'm still a bit fuzzy. I probably should go back to the couch. Still not hungry, yet. But I have access to a computer and Valarnet. Just wanted to check in with a few people to reassure them that I haven't shuffled off this mortal coil. That's Shakespeare, you know!

Don't believe me? ( Here's webcam proof! )

First day I woke up and didn't want to down every pain pill in southern California. That's progress, right there.

I need to go find something to do, clearly. Kind of noticing for the first time my life is pretty boring.

I was injured a few years ago and I've had recurring migraines ever since. I'd welcome any suggestions to reduce my reliance on pills when a particularly bad migraine hits.

I know, I know. I've been terrible about checking in, but given what's coming up, I doubt that anybody here is going to walk up to me and go "You're a horrible person, Mr. Abernathy, post more" or things along those lines. One way or the other, I'm going to have time again in the break between Kentucky and Maryland, so there's a start.

Right, that's all provided I don't succumb to the temptation and get my ass plastered on my connecting flight after the stopover I'm still on. They won't let me back on if I show up reeling, but if I end up reeling on the plane...

So it's the week of all weeks that I can't fuck up and do that and I've got my usual AA generated list of pithy shit to get me through, but HELL, I don't remember it being this tense when I was in this spot last. I'm not going to say I doubt my horse, who's flying here on the same flight as me, and I can't say I doubt my jockey, hotshot little shit he is, he makes you believe before he's even gotten on, And then his hands are MAGIC, but...

Those little moments when you realize how much you've got staked on something, and how bad you want it. I told myself this time I wasn't going to get my hopes up, even when I knew that she was something special, even when we got nominated and all the official shit done, and as far as loading The Girl up this morning. I was calm, I was composed, and then I realized just how many shots I've blown, how damn much I can't screw up now.

I want this win the way I haven't wanted anything in a long time. I want it because, fuck, I care about Girl, and our operation, and possibly reviving this industry that shot itself in the foot years ago. I actually don't know if I can hold it all together until the finish on Saturday.

It isn't her I don't have faith in. It's myself.

It appears that June Gloom has arrived early this year. Such a pity!

Come on then, speak up one and all. I'd like to know whose out and about.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAm61Kgw0qM&feature=related

...Oh how I want this to be mine...

It never ceases to fascinate me how the last weeks before finals everyone seems to take an interest in all of the work they've failed to turn in up until this point.

It also never ceases to amuse me how many attempt to somehow make this my issue rather than theirs.

» Finnick!
» Finnick, I need you.

Talk about the day getting away from you! Started grading papers and now the day is gone and my stomach is woefully empty.

Okay, network friends, I am in desperate need of your help. Suggestions regarding good food, open late, around UC Irvine?

Have at it!