After work tonight I had my first martini in about two weeks and wow, it hit me hard. It was pleasant at first, but now it just feels like a fog in my head. Not that that’s a bad thing. But it’s not so welcome if you had previously been thinking about accomplishing something after dinner. I feel like all I can accomplish right now is maybe type a few words and listen to some Ahmad Jamal. “Poinciana” always refreshes me.

I’m reading that book of Steve Martin plays that Andy gave me for Xmas. They’re pretty enjoyable. I wonder what they’d be like onstage. Speaking of which, it’s enormously satisfying that Tracy Letts won a Pulitzer today. I haven’t seen or read the play (though I had many chances to when it was at the Steppenwolf, dammit) but I have seen some of his other stuff, and I admire him. Seems like a pretty interesting guy. Intense. Visceral. Even if I go for a visit to NYC like I’m pondering, I know tickets to the show will be very pricey, a hundred bucks probably. Not really a possibility. But good for Mr. Letts.

Thinking about reading The Long Goodbye, since it’s the current title for “One Book, One Chicago.” I’ve read some Chandler stories but none of his novels. Good excuse to.

The weather this weekend was gorgeous but it played mind games with me. Definitely couldn’t stay focused. I just kept leaving the apartment, going on a series of long walks to nowhere. Then coming back for naps.

Work was wearying today.