Things learned last night and this morning:

1. It's that time of year when the humidity and temperature conspire to make every possible clothing choice wrong.


2. And my allergies cause incessant postnasal drip.


3. And anything whatever touching my face causes a frenzy of itching.


4. However, watching a stretch limo execute a 3-point turn opposite the Ritz while oncoming traffic honks in fury can do wonders for my mood.


5. As can the bronze cow they just put outside the Musee des Beaux-Arts, which I happened on unexpectedly.


6. Also, exercise is still good for crabbiness.


7. Do not leave things simmering on the stove while you go shower.


8. Dummy.


9. Fortunately, even slightly singed lamb biryani tastes pretty darn good.


10. I've been unexpectedly seduced by Sloan's The Rest of My Life.

but before I go...

from today's pepysdiary:

From thence with Sir William to Whitehall by water (old Mr. Smith with us) intending to speak with Secretary Nicholas about the augmentation of our salaries, but being forth we went to the Three Tuns tavern, where we drank awhile, and then came in Col. Slingsby and another gentleman and sat with us.

This is the sort of thing that's ALWAYS happening when one goes to ask for a raise.