My forehead moves!

This economy has just got to improve. This morning while I was shaving my face, I noticed that my forehead moves. I hate that. I am past due for a visit with Dr. Enzer, but until the economy recovers, Brad says that paralyzing and fluffing my face is the worst kind of extravagance. So, I guess my face is just going to have to suffer. I suppose if I have to get ugly in any town, Boston is the best place to do it. Btw, I beg you to discredit my theory if you truly believe that we as Bostonians make a huge effort to be sexy. (brushing your hair and putting on a clean oxford doesn't count). Also, this is the first time in my life that I have been concerned with how often I wear my favorite smell. I'm really going to have to make an effort to make this bottle last. Being conservative has never been one of my strengths, but I have to tell you, Brad rubs off on me more and more every day. If I have to endure a depression, I'm so happy that I'm doing it with Brad. I know that with him, I won't have to boil an old boot for dinner.

I went to the usual today for lunch. The girls were happy to see me and reminded me how empty the dinning room has been over the past few months. They work so hard and only receive a small portion of the money that we leave behind for a gratuity. I think that it's a shame because they're doing all the work by pushing those little hot carts around and wearing a much less attractive uniform than does the waiter. The waiter only seems to bring you tea and maybe a Diet Coke. I asked them if they were optimistic that things would change when Obama is installed. They didn't seem enthusiastic, but when I asked if they would have preferred McCain, they all burst out laughing and the carts began to move again, leaving me behind at my table.

I'm writing today from the Athenaeum. I arrived late, so I'm so happy that there is a place for me in the fifth floor reading room with a view of the Granary. Usually these spaces are already occupied by expired authors. Is it at all ironic that they're sitting with a view of a burial ground? Don't bite! I'm just asking. I'm usually the youngest person here and that isn't saying much as I'm 36.

I'm about to take a break and fetch a coffee or something with my friend Hunter. He's wandering around downtown somewhere right now. I asked him if he'd like to come inside, but he replied that he's too loud for the Athenaeum. It's okay though, I have a new book that I'm eager to explore just as soon as I return. It's called "Yankee Humor". I spent a small fortune on obtaining it for my collection. The Rare Books Department at the Brattle Bookshop is one of my favorite pastimes. I make a visit nearly every week. Taking into account that this book was most likely printed sometime in the 1870's, it's really not in great shape. I have older books that are in far better condition. But, I admire it's faded gilding and cracked leather. The type is small, but it has all of it's pages. So, I'm looking forward to spending the rest of my time here today reading a few chapters.

-R