Finally managed to get out of dodge this weekend. I made it to the gate with my laptop, then changed my mind and walked back to my room to leave it. Walked back to the gate without my laptop, then changed my mind again and returned for it. Went through it one more time before I eventually left without it. I�ve been tethered to my computer for six weeks.

Motored to the island on a banquito, a small boat. Rainclouds gathered on the low in the sky and soothed the world into a glorious gunmetal gray. The greens and reds of our banquito were bright in the dull light and I felt we were the only spot of colour on the vast ocean.

I let my mind wander without guilt for what felt like the first time in weeks. A sea monster chased an elephant through palm trees in the clouds. The prow of the boat cut through gentle swells of mercury. I stuffed kleenex into my ears to block the deafening roar of the engine and dozed.

7:33 p.m. - 2008-05-12