I've talked to Carmen. I don't think she's too pleased about me playing elsewhere. I know she wants to work on some songs, and I'd like that myself, but I have other problems.

I've asked her out to dinner Saturday. It'd be nice to get together and talk about music a bit. It would also be nice to strengthen this friendship we have. I like her. She's a kindred spirit. Which may be a little dangerous. But what the hell?

This week will be the first week I can breathe even a little, and I'm going to celebrate. I've been cooped up in this house since I came back from Florida, and especially since I started working at the cafe. I'm tired of it. I want one night. One evening. To breathe. And be alive. I want to set aside thoughts of bills or dreams or losses. I want to relax. And simply be. That's something I haven't done in a very long time. And I think its hightime I repeated the effort.