This week was one of the worst ones I’ve had in a while—I must be at that point in grad school where I just want to cry / quit—so I’ve decided to find ways to kickstart my creativity (and regroup / clear my head / get some air), starting with a regular artist date¹ every week.

So—today’s artist date², by the numbers:

2 - number of hobos who called me “beaauuutiful!” today. Thank you, kind sirs, I smiled each time, as I backed away slooooowly. (2! Are they my target market?!)

10,887 - number of steps today, according to Moves. I decided to walk over to Booksmith on Haight from my apartment in Lower Nob Hill (okay, okay, Tendernob). Crazy? It wasn’t so bad, but… San Francisco. Hills.

2 - number of books purchased. Mmmm new book smell.

10 - number of Chicken McNuggets consumed. Oh god this is so bad for me but so gooood. A moment of weakness. (See: number of steps today)

3 - number of babies that smiled at me today. One even did a double-take + sly smile combo. You, little one, are going to be a heartbreaker for sure.

3 - number of bus rides eventually taken. I can’t feel my feet. (See: number of steps today)

5 - number of times I accidentally walked into a cloud of weed smoke. (See: Haight)

2 - sweet potato lattes consumed. They were warm and nice and mmmm.

1 - cup of coffee consumed. Only??

Darn. Based on these numbers, I’m not so sure if I’d even date me.