I think something I'd enjoy doing is greeting strangers with bits of mildly distressing or confusing trivia. For instance, "It's a pleasure to meet you. I enjoy eating mustard by itself, with a spoon." Or "Hello, nice to meet you. I frequently spend Saturdays playing computer games with no pants on." Sadly I lack the requisite poise and self-confidence to pull these things off, though I am very skilled at self-deprecating humor.

I do however sometimes tell people that I do not smoke or drink or enjoy the flames, dear god the flames, which are all true, but I attribute these traits to my being a Muslim. It's fun watching people respond. "Really? Why not?" "Oh, I'm a Muslim." ".........huh."

Something irritating is that I have like ten or fifteen drafts saved for this blog, but I always sort of run out of steam before they reach completeness. Writing doesn't come as easily as it used to do for me. I wish I knew why. My theory: the inexorable grinding force of life, ruining all it touches. Stupid life.