I never go to parties but I’m going to two parties this weekend. Who ordered that? Whenever I say “Who ordered that” I am quoting the physicist I.I. Rabi. That was his reaction when the muon was discovered. There was no place for it in the physics of the day. I used to see Rabi regularly when I was a member of the New York Academy of Sciences. Lauren and I were regulars at their physics section lectures and so was Rabi. We got to hear great lectures, eat rubber chicken, and hobnob with Nobel Prize winners. Not that I ever actually spoke to I.I. I am clearly on a first initials basis with him.
Yesterday I had my once every 8 weeks infusion. I posted pictures of me hooked up to the IV because I find it amusing. People don’t get that when I post the pictures. They got hugs emoticons. The only problem I have with the infusions is how much time they take. The process is nothing. I sit in a very comfy chair, listen to music or podcasts, and play on my phone. Often, I nap. Yesterday I did the WaPo crossword. The staff there is great, and I enjoy their company. It’s even good for my psyche as I can always elicit laughs and smiles. Most people there have cancer and so are not quite as vivacious as me. For the second time in a row, I had commute issues and got there a little late. Yesterday that cost me as I then had a long wait for my treatment. The actual infusion takes only 32 minutes. It’s a biologic so they make it fresh for me and I have to wait for them to make it. With all that and the wait to get a chair I was out in two hours. The biggest time killer is the hour commute each way. Part of me enjoys the experience as it lets me go to the bagel store across the street and stock up. It’s also by Stop & Shop so I get shopping out of the way.
The best part of course is the therapeutic effect. I get Entyvio for my Crohn’s disease. When I get tested, they used to find little or no inflammation, yet I’d have attacks and my TMI digestive system was never normal. That’s been true for my entire adult life. Now it is! This is a great improvement in my quality of life. Not only that but I can eat popcorn and poutine again. Maybe I’ll get brave [or is that stupid] and try corn on the cob this summer. That’s one of my favorite foods and I have had to do without it for years. All this improvement is from my infusions so don’t feel bad for me if I talk about them or post pictures. They are a good thing.
After I got home, I put peanut butter on one of the bagels I bought. Then I went for my Monday COVID-19 test. A new mobile testing van popped up in front of the hospital I usually have it done. It’s not the one that used to be there that I loved. I always get the results the next day and because I was registered it took no time. I registered for the new one. My rapid came back negative. I’m awaiting the PCR. I’m a bit surprised none of my friends follow my routine. I go out more than many of them, but I also get tested more often than others that go out. It’s the best way to live and enjoy my life while being socially responsible. I of course always wear a mask when I’m indoors.
A friend asked me “Why do so many people not wear masks?” If I go to a concert very few of the people are masked. I think I know why. The people that are most careful are not going out rarely if at all. The segment of the population we see at concerts and events is not a random sample. It’s depleted in careful people.
After the testing I continued walking up Kossuth Avenue till I got to Dunkin’ Donuts. It no longer goes by that name, it’s simply Dunkin’ or DD. They consider themselves more of a coffee and beverage bar. I go every Monday because I get 100 extra bonus points. 200 points earns me a free drink, I always get the frozen mocha signature latte. That means every two weeks I get two donuts and one large mocha signature latte for $3.50 cents. Am I using DD or are they using me? They do have me as a regular customer but are they making or losing money on me? Perhaps we are in Nash Equilibrium yielding the maximal possible benefit for us combined. That’s name after the mathematician John Nash not me. He’s the one A Beautiful Mind is About.
Today’s plan is to go to the New York Botanical Garden after brunch. It’s time to have a hameggandcheese on a bagel sandwich.
Wise Madness 