Fatigue

That impersonal insensitive friendliness which takes the place of ceremony in that land of waifs and strays.
-- Evelyn Waugh

Wednesday, November 18, 1998
One year ago: Publicity

I feel so tired tonight. I'd just about made up my mind not to go dancing. But I want to! I'm totally torn and frustrated. Ah! I looked at the schedule, and I see my favorite DJ, Hep Jen, is working tonight at the Century Ballroom, so that means I do want to go.

I ran the dishwasher tonight, for the first time in I don't know how long! Now to take that last step and actually put the clean dishes away. At first I typed "clean clothes" here, a freudian slip! I went down to the basement and brought up the dresses and skirts that I had hung up to dry on Monday. All the prints and colors together do make a pleasing sight! Like artificial flowers or piles of fabric and yarn, the abundance adds to the effect.

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Back from dancing. I am glad I went! A lot of familiar faces were there, and I got my fill of lindy hop. My usual practice is to buy one Talking Rain sparkling water (to support the Ballroom and keep myself hydrated) but tonight I bought a Diet Coke as well. I needed the caffeine!

Dance buddies -- I don't really know any of them very well, except physically! I know what it's like to dance with them, and I know a few bits and pieces about their lives and personalities. I do feel well acquainted with some of them, and I enjoy the sociability of seeing the regular group. But we don't often have deep conversations. They are more like coworkers or workout buddies.

One friend arrived midway through the evening, and I said to him, "How are you doing, Mike?" I tapped him on the chest, not coincidentally tapping him on the nametag he had left on from the dance class he was at previously. He thanked me for pointing it out to him, but I proposed that next week we all wear them. It would really help with learning folks' names!