Selections from my journal entries the week of December 12, 2022. What goes through the head of a sixty-something gay man? Read on.

Trouble Sleeping.

Lots of trouble sleeping last night. In fact, I did the thing you’re supposed to do when you find yourself tossing and turning for more than 20 or so minutes, which is to get up and read. Which I did for half an hour, then was able to go to sleep. And you know what, I got a sleep score in the 80s, even though the duration ended up only being like 5.5 hours. It was quality time.

I really think I’m EATING TOO LATE and also that CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM at night is counter-productive. I have to remember that chocolate does contain caffeine even in very small amounts and probably enough of a stimulant to keep me awake, as is digestion of food when I’ve eaten too close to bedtime. 

Trees.

Took pictures of ginkgos. Posted it to Instagram. They’re so pretty. Especially all gold in bright morning sun. 

Checking Travel Plans.

Checking Airbnb Mexico City:

Yes, it does have space for another guest. So I can invite Billy if he wants to come down for a few days. 

I guess I should check the others for similar opportunities. I believe all three are one bedrooms, so that portends well. (note – going to Mexico again April-June 2023)

Neurotic Finance.

It seems like it’s taken forever to get to the middle of this month. And I still have a ton of money to get me through the month. It’s probably connected to the fact that I spent SO much less than usual in November, mainly due to my trip to Mexico and my spending (or lack of it) there. Not only did I not spend anywhere near what I budgeted for day-to-day, I came back with the equivalent of about $225 USD in pesos for the next trip down there in April.

Here’s the thing: if you don’t go much of anywhere and do much of anything, you will save money. I think that has a lot to do with it. It’s been cold since I got back—to me it seems colder than a usual fall or winter here. Maybe that’s because when I left it was warm summery weather, I went to a very hot place (Merida) so when I returned to somewhat seasonal temperatures here, it just seemed colder. 

Angst and Doubt

And so I’ve been hibernating. Working out here at home, only a couple of social engagements, even AA Meetings I’m doing on zoom. (That just makes so much more sense, in a way – why drive a half hour there and back when I can do the same meeting with no commute at all?)

Interestingly, when I can’t write something or can’t figure out where to go from where I am in a story, my head tells me I’m a horrible writer who can’t write anything anyway. Even though always these roadblocks tend to dissipate with enough time and serendipity. Or, the answer will come during a hike. 

Also, I made this. Roasted vegetables and sweet potato in quinoa. For lunches.

And that was the week of December 12, 2022.