AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 30, 2005 — I'd be lying if I told you: (1) that I didn't occasionally surf to other people's journals and see what was going on with them; (2) that I didn't riffle through the Sunday paper ad inserts even though I rarely go seeking the bargains therein; (3) that I didn't enjoy watching a big tennis match in my bathrobe; (4) that I didn't get some kick out of washing a few dishes or running the coffee machines clean out cycle; (5) that I didn't enjoy working on FFP's WEB-based newsletters even though sometimes it's a pain. (6) that I didn't like watching some mindless TV and an underrated movie on a cold night.

Yeah, I stumbled out of bed and into my bathrobe. FFP offered to help make the bed. "No, I'll do it." Said I. "Don't tell me who won the tennis!" I let the dog out and made the bed and settled in with the DVR remote and my copy of the Australian Open Men's Final. Coffee, newspaper ads, trips to run the coffee clean cycle, a trip to the kitchen for a bowl of cereal with yogurt. Watching Hewitt lose it.

FFP went to the gym. About the time I thought, "He can't be at the gym all this time," he showed up. I figured he'd been to the grocery store and he had, returning with a rotisserie chicken, slaw, rolls, catfish fillets, bananas, apple sauce, chili, coffee, a jar of mayo, prepared pimento cheese, green onions and bread. I'd be lying if I said I didn't like it when he goes to the store and when he cooks fish and we have it leftover as a food choice.

After the tennis and putting away groceries, I eat the three leftover deviled egg halves that are taking up space in their large container in the frig. I help FFP with some of his WEB newsletter stuff. And I surf to a few favorite sites to read what is happening with other people.

A little after noon it is time to go to the gym. I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy knowing I could go over there and ride the exercise bike and read for forty-five minutes. But I'd also be lying if I said it wasn't a pain sometimes to do it. Especially to do situps and weight work as well as some cardio.

At the gym I actually do fifty-two minutes on the bike and then a few upper body exercises. Not enough, probably, but something. I read the Grass book.

After the gym, I go home. I figure it's time to eat again. FFP heats up the rotisserie chicken and I have a roll and cole slaw with it. He has some things he want me to work on for him (scanning pictures, proofreading, figuring out some HTML) and I do them. I'd be lying if I said I didn't like him forcing me into doing these things since I am so bad at volunteering myself.

We snacked again. I had some raw vegies, cheese, I don't know what. (I know longer keep a food diary but I do like to pay attention. We watched part of a movie (The Human Stain) and some TV and got dressed and went to east Austin for a play reading. Unfortunately, the venue was locked up tight. The group decided to move even further east to an unfinished theater. Given the cold, the rain, the time fleeing, we elected to bail. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't relieved to go home on a cold and wet night and

At home, we watch some bad TV and do a little reading. We also finish watching The Human Stain. I liked this 2003 flick better than Million Dollar Baby, better than Sideways. No Oscar nominations for it, though. In fact, it's a bit like MDB. Damaged goods meets damaged goods meets damaged goods. Better though. And it even has a quick knockout. Only one, though. Wasn't that a little tiresome in MDB. Today I read that MDB is being trashed over the 'controversial' ending. Yeah, well.

I start watching a documentary I taped from the cable on gays who are orthodox Jews. Boy these people have a rough time of it.

I get sleepy earlier than usual and I have tennis at eight tomorrow, assuming it isn't too wet.