Let me pop in again to advise Benadryl ointment. Won't put you to sleep, but I've found it a great help with insect bites (mosquitos seem to think I'm seriously yummy).

My face currently has the texture of an alligator skin purse.

Yikes, your poor little face!

My new job is still with the same government, but in a new Department and a new building several miles away from current office. Commute remains the same time, just a different location.

Since I'm a municipal employee, yesterday I had the day off for Election Day. The weather was gorgeous. I voted, and then I walked over the Manhattan Bridge to pick up my film negatives, and had lunch. While I was eating lunch I learned that Yo La Tengo released a new EP, and I listened to that on the way home.

Tonight I'm going to Pub Quiz with my team, which is near the comic book shop, where I'll pick up the new issue of Love & Rockets.

Tomorrow I'm seeing The Marvels, and I'll get home with plenty of time to watch the Loki finale. Marvel isn't quite the deal that it once was, but it's still fun for me.

And Friday I have yet another day off for Veterans Day.

I posted all this to remind myself that I am getting out and doing stuff, and things aren't as bad as they seem, or feel for me sometimes.

It still feels like a magic trick I learned in college. "So if I like somebody and think they're interesting, I can make plans with them and talk about stuff and be curious about them, and support them and they support me and it's fun? And then we're friends?"

I never learned how to do this. It's so fucking hard for me. I am just so afraid of rejection, and a lot of the time I have a hard time understanding why people would want to hang out with me. And I am so lonely it feels like physical pain sometimes. But it is so easy for me to come up with excuses not to meet up with people. And it's gotten so much worse since COVID.

But it is so easy for me to come up with excuses not to meet up with people. And it's gotten so much worse since COVID.

Same here. If I didn't have more extroverted friends in my apartment complex, I'd have a lot of trouble connecting with anyone. But proximity is proving very helpful.

I posted all this to remind myself that I am getting out and doing stuff, and things aren't as bad as they seem, or feel for me sometimes.

That sounds like a really good day. I picked up the new L&R yesterday!

I never learned how to do this. It's so fucking hard for me.

Just think of all the people being deprived of your Scola-ness!

I enjoy your company. And frequently I'll be walking around the City taking in some architectural detail and making a mental note to point you and your camera at it the next time you come through.

And I am so lonely it feels like physical pain sometimes. But it is so easy for me to come up with excuses not to meet up with people. And it's gotten so much worse since COVID.

Your neighborhood bar used to be such a good option for you. Some regular contact and people who knew you.

I'm sorry it's been so hard. You deserve friendship and intimacy.

But proximity is proving very helpful.

Proximity is the most underrated thing affecting quality of life!

Seeing the doctor today at 11. My face is itchy and burning and bumpy again this morning, but Benadryl and Ibuprofen got me through the night and I expect they'll start to work soon.

My face is itchy and burning and bumpy again this morning

Cool washcloth? Ice pack? Rip your face off much like the 1997 American science fiction action thriller film directed by John Woo?

I'm glad you're seeing the doctor today, because that sounds unbearable.

David, what lotion did your doctor recommend? Because in addition to cool washcloths, you may want to pick up some Aquaphor lotion. (Beloved of my tattoo artist!)

Proximity is very underrated and something that sucks about being an adult.

But it is so easy for me to come up with excuses not to meet up with people. And it's gotten so much worse since COVID.

Even I, your local extrovert who knows everyone, have been having a hard time since COVID. There’s less going on, people are less willing to go out/do things/meet up. I am lonely a lot. Doing stuff like dancing (where I can just show up and see people every week) is helpful, but not the same as good friendships.