It started out as an ideas day, big time. I heard from my friend Christopher – we exchanged two emails. This was serendipitous because I entertained the thought of him editing Shelf Life in two previous dispatches. He’s on for doing the editing and says he will come up here, maybe. I seriously doubt that he will do this. Well then, if I am serious about his giving me an assist, I am going to have to find another way of doing this – either go to South Carolina or Zoom with him.

Some people look good on Zoom. I do not.

I next worked for little over an hour on Shelf Life. I filled in the gaps on my ruminating about doing a Ted Talk. Then I had this idea as I was looking at the website, which was why not do one? I noticed that I fit all the criteria. I need to have someone nominate me.

It is right now so very strange. The project is so up and down. There is board dissension right now. We need staff support, and I need a volunteer coordinator. I got discouraged tonight when I noticed that the Palmer Library is receiving funding from the Mat Su Health Foundation and the Rasmuson Foundation to the tune of $11 million.

I said to Pete that the completion of this library will be the end of us, and he said he thinks not.

In the meantime, I continue having grandiose ideas about getting a Ted Talk acceptance – and owning the Eagle Hotel. As is said in the secret life of Walter Mitty, ta pocketa ta pocketa.

And, coincidently, today I had a chance meeting with Logan Dillinger, the videographer at Bleeding Heart Brewery. He likes the idea of my doing a TED Talk.

I also hopped in the pool today – I got a whole lane to myself, which was nice. I was able to stretch out some – I did five laps, I swam underwater, did the crawl, and did the backstroke. I also did pull ups on the bars under the diving board. And I hopped into the hot tub three times.

The hot tub experience is always anticlimactic. It feels good for a few minutes then it is not warm enough. I wonder if fat people think similarly.

I noticed that I’m unable to relax, either while floating on my back or in the hot tub. I just feel like doing something, be it kicking my feet or, ahem, kicking my feet.

Nevertheless, I was feeling very tight in the hips before I got into the pool. This evening I felt loose enough to take Hrimmi for a ride. So I must, whenever possible, go for a swim.

My artist friend Cathy noticed in the locker room that my swimming suit is wearing out. This means that I must either purchase a new one from L.L. Bean or find one at a thrift store. This is going to mean a slight change in focus for a bit.

I watched a woman in the pool area, by the mirror, putting on lipstick. I thought, wow, she’s really slowing down, taking the time to do this. She was unattractive and attempting to make up for it. And I thought, I wouldn’t have the time to do what she’s doing.

Next: 205. 7/30/25: 8.8