Crime Scene

On the way to work this morning, just a few blocks south of my building, I passed what appeared to be a major crime scene that was right out of an episode of Law & Order. I initially thought, Okay, they must be shooting a scene for a TV show or a movie, but I didn't see the tell-tale signs of a television or film production. No lights, no crew members, no trailers, no wires running this way and that. The whole area was crawling with cops. Then I noticed an NYPD Crime Scene Unit van, followed by a vehicle full of detectives. The signature yellow tape stretched across the street, closing off the entire block. Once I'd gotten to my office, I found an article online and read that two men were shot in the head and killed inside an SUV early this morning.

If It's Not One Thing, It's Another.

As a few of you already know, I was diagnosed with writer's cramp, which is a form of dystonia, not quite a year ago. It's a neurological disorder that prevents me from writing normally, causing great pain and discomfort. Essentially, something is off with the circuitry that runs from my brain to my right hand and forearm. My treatment for this disorder is three shots of Botox in my right arm every three to four months, which relieves the pain and relaxes the muscles in my arm so that I can write. Then a few weeks ago, I began to feel tingling and numbness in my left hand. I went to the doctor, and it appears that I now have carpal tunnel syndrome in that hand. As my dad would say, I can't win for losing.

Not-So-Good News

There was a chance, albeit a very slight chance, that this matter wouldn't move forward; however, I received word from my attorney a few days ago that the case is proceeding. He's put in a call to the DA and has assured me that all of this is standard and unsurprising, and no cause for concern. I'll know more come October 25, but I seriously doubt that it'll be resolved at that point. More time, more money, more headache.

I Love a Rainy Night

Two nights ago, a lull in the storm permitted me a leisurely walk through the neighborhood. I wandered up a deserted Berry Street and past the park toward Greenpoint. The trees were dark and mysterious. The street stretched before me, moonlit with a wet, hazy glow. A hush had fallen over the city, and I found that rare quiet moment when the only noise is the sound of a car's tires against wet asphalt. I love nights like that.

Sunday Night Blues

Yesterday was a dreary day, yet it suited my mood. I stared out my bedroom window at a gray, overcast sky. I had slept late and wasn't really sure what to do with myself. As the afternoon crept into evening, I felt listless. The Sunday night blues had set in. I hadn't really done much of anything but still dreaded going to work today. I woke up to a dreary, rainy Monday. I sometimes like a day like that, but today I could've used a little sunshine.

Uncertainty

A big question mark looms in the distance. My court date is thirty days away. I'm not sure what's going to happen on that day, and I don't know how many times I may have to appear in court. My attorney told me that I'd have at least two or three court appearances. Two months will have passed before my first appearance, and I have no idea how much time will fall between any future appearances. Months? I just don't know, but it seems likely, given that I've had to wait two months for my first one.

A friend of mine once found himself in a similar predicament, and he told me that he spent hours at court that first day to only have his date pushed back a month due to an overloaded docket. When he showed up a second time, it was delayed again. It took months for him to resolve the matter; however, in the end, he prevailed and was exonerated. I hope to do the same.

Last Day of Summer

It's a beautiful autumn day, and I am feeling rather optimistic. I'm not sure why, because I have no particular reason for feeling that way, but there's something in the air. Maybe it's because I've finally been able to get a decent night's sleep. You see, for weeks now I have suffered from insomnia, and since my fast, I've slept soundly for three nights in a row. It's the first time I have felt well rested since this ordeal began. I look forward to the day when my mind is again at ease and a good night's sleep is no longer the exception.