Day -5: We're Crossing the Rubicon People

You know how I’ve been sleeping on the couch at my office? Well, my co-worker found an eviction notice in the mail today that was postmarked July 9th and alluded to an impending eviction “in the next few days”… so I’m thinking its time for me to find a new place to crash before all my stuff gets caught up in the impending legal drama. It’s OK though… my workplace has become less and less hospitable to the “overnight employee”… The maid woke me up again this morning. She cleans WAY louder than she needs to for 6 in the morning. She turns on every light in the office and runs the washer/dryer/dishwasher/(singing) at the same time… I seriously think she’s annoyed by my presence and trying to get me to leave. You win Columbian-Cleaning-Lady. You’ve beaten me. I’m leaving! (but seriously…. My boss is the coolest for putting up with Fort Slovacek being stationed in our tiny office these past two weeks)

Those who know me well know that I have a ridiculously addictive personality… and those who know me even a little know that I drink a ridiculous amount of Diet Coke. So, it is with great trepidation that I make this announcement:

Ahem… “I am going to give up Caffeine and Artificial Sweetener”

It’s been 5 days and I am doing pretty well. I spent the first three days with an intense headache, and was forced to take 6 hour naps in the middle of the day… but I think I’m through the worst of it. On Day 2, I ended up pacing back and forth outside the McDonalds on 6th Ave at 2am, enviously eyeing the soda fountain and debating whether it was all worth it. It feels a bit melodramatic to be stressing out over a caffeine addiction… but these things happen.

I’m going to the store today to purchase my bicycle. To give you a little back-story… this is the same bike shop where I signed up for that bike repair class that I quit after 2 lessons. I never announced that I was quitting, and never emailed to inform the instructor of my departure; in typical Steve fashion… I just stopped showing up. I’m pretty nervous about the awkward exchange that I’m sure will happen as soon as I walk through the door. I’ll let you know how it goes…
…AND…. I’m back. It went great. The Bike shop guy didn’t seem to recognize me, and everyone was EXTREMELY helpful. I can’t recommend Bicycle Habitat enough. I’ve never had a bad experience in that shop. By Saturday, I will have my bike all set up and all my things packed and loaded on the bike. I think at that point it will all become a lot more concrete and I will be less nervous. I’m pretty sure it’s the nebulousness of it all that makes it seem so intimidating. This really is a strange time in my life… I vacillate between enjoying the hell out of it, and freaking out about it. Once the trip starts, I should calm down. I only have 5 days left in New York, and a lot left to do…
Where should I send my mail? Any volunteers?

- Steve