Ahh, a day off. I really needed it. Much as I love my job, sometimes one just wants to spend a day in their pajamas. Even if it does involve eating grilled cheese sandwiches for breakfast while listening to your fellow diners talk about grilled cheese sandwiches.
Though I should be fair -- Tim actually made something DIFFERENT for supper! Just a salad, but still -- something other than bread and cheese! Now I know how Alice must have felt when one of her fellow patients spontaneously decided to serve ice cream instead of the wretched sandwiches. I don't think I'll ever eat one again after I leave this place.
I can't say I did anything particularly interesting with my day off -- in hopes of getting myself out of here before next spring comes, I've been devoting myself to my studies of various skills. And really, there's just something about the fresh fall air that helps one concentrate. I felt like my knowledge was growing by leaps and bounds today.
I've been working particularly hard on my speech-making skills. If those doctors show up just as I decide to leave, I don't want to stutter and stammer in front of them. A good, firm voice should help show that I've earned the right to live outside of the asylum's walls.
Though I confess to also practicing -- other things in front of the mirror. My date with Alice went very well, but there's always room for improvement. Especially with me and my rather awkward way of 'charming the ladies.'
Chris took to the piano while I was rehearsing -- having musical accompaniment rather helped put me in the proper mood, I think.
Which was then destroyed when we had another kitchen fire. Mike promptly put it out, but still. . .that's another thing I will not be missing when I'm out and on my own. I've had enough moments of fearing for my life. I want to actually live it.
And now I think I will go outside and take advantage of the lovely stargazing weather. It's rather fun, searching for constellations, stars, and planets. And the more I learn, the more I can say I've mastered "logic." (Yes, that's what the doctors labeled this sort of thing. I don't like to argue.) Maybe I'll discover something new! Either way, I say good night.
You know, someone will really have to explain to me at some point why the bathroom pipes always break in unison. I had to fix both the shower and the sink today because they were spitting water everywhere. I'm just fortunate the toilet didn't decide to stop working as well.
I suppose it did lend a little excitement to my day, at least. There hasn't been a lot to report. I'm continuing to work very hard on my various skill sets, particularly my speaking skills. I want to be able to impress anyone who might show up suddenly to give me a test.
I have to say, I think I enjoy working on what the doctors called "Creativity" and "Logic" best. The piano is still my favorite source of entertainment and peace, and I don't think I'll ever get over the thrill of peering through the lens of the telescope and seeing stars and galaxies swirling through the ether. It's really something.
It's certainly better than concentrating on my home life. We're getting along well here, but it's hard sometimes not to let my fellow patient's habits get on my nerves. Like covering their diaries if I'm sitting anywhere near them. Shouldn't it be obvious that if I'm reading, I don't care what they're doing? It's a little thing to complain about, like the neverending grilled cheese sandwiches, but these things wear on you over time.
Ah well. I shall comfort myself with the knowledge that I'm working toward a much brighter tomorrow for myself. And for Alice as well, with any luck. I really hope she takes to my idea that we should live together after release. Perhaps people would think us improper, living together without being married, but -- after so long in the company of lunatics, I'd rather be in the company of someone I love.
Besides, it's not as like we'd never get married. . .
Besides, it's not as like we'd never get married. . .
I swear, there is no sight sadder than the one of a man passed out next to an available bed. It truly is depressing seeing someone come so close, and yet so far. But it's an unfortunately common sight in this home. Left to our own devices, we're struggling mightily with things that should be easy.
I confess that my sympathy for my fellow inmates is a bit limited, though. I've been the recipient of a few jokes about my desire to "max out all my skills." "You'd have to be a wizard to do that, and I don't see you putting on a pointy hat anytime soon," Danny told me with a smirk over breakfast this morning. I was tempted to reply along the lines of "at least I'm TRYING to get out of here," but decided it was better to hold my tongue. The last thing I need in this place are enemies.
Besides, I think my efforts to improve myself are going swimmingly. My piano skills are sharper than ever -- practice has honed them to a fine point. For all my complaining about how poorly this home is run, I can at least be grateful they had my favored instrument on-hand!
Looking at the heavens remains intensely rewarding as well. The vast cosmos seems to inspire my creative side. I've been working on pieces inspired by the stars and planets in what little free time I have. I don't know if any of them will rival what Beethoven or Mozart did, but I enjoy them nevertheless.
I think physical fitness is the area in which I've most improved. Alice's book on yoga has been an inspiration like none other in this regard. For the first time in my life, I can do a handstand without falling over! I'm working on the one-handed position -- wouldn't that be something if I could master THAT?
We also had some fuzzy visitors today -- after work, I came home to find a dog and a cat playing together outside the fence. At first I thought they were fighting, but then the cat started chasing the dog and I realized it was just a game of tag.
Oh, it was wonderful to see two creatures so happy and full of life! I watched them for at least a good hour from the game as they barked and mewed and chased each other all over. Really lifted my spirits after a long day in the lab.
I'm not sure what breed the cat was, but the dog was a husky, I can tell you that much. Big fellow, but friendly as could be. Once I got up the nerve to interrupt their play, he was happy enough to greet me and accept a few pets. Ahhh, I've missed having a dog. Poor Scraps seems so far in the past these days. . . And you know, I think we have the materials for a simple lean-to doghouse around here. . . I wonder. . .