Theft by Finding - David Sedaris

May 17, 1979
Raleigh
Gas in four states is now selling for over $1 a gallon. I’d love to work in a service station just so I
could hear people complain. Apartment life is good. I’m using my ironing board as a kitchen table.
May 21, 1979
Raleigh
Nell Styron is the hostess of the Upstairs Restaurant, and today was the first time I’d seen her
without a bow in her hair. Ronnie and I ate there this afternoon. We had taken some acid, so we had
borscht for the pretty color. I’m so afraid lately that she’ll get hurt or killed. What would I do without
her?
May 24, 1979
Raleigh
Something cruel:
Yesterday I caught a wasp and put him in a jar in the living room. Later I threw in a dead bee, and
the wasp chewed it up. Last night I poured Canada Dry and Comet into the jar. The wasp rolled over
on his back, kicked up his legs, and died in a matter of minutes. I felt really bad about it. Lots of
people kill wasps, but I made it suffer. He was large, though, so I figured it was either him or me.
I really try to refrain from marijuana until at least ten thirty at night, but when it’s put in front of me, I
forget how miserable it makes me feel. I get nauseated and don’t move around as much. At night,
though, I take a bath and listen to the radio. At night, it’s great.
June 1, 1979
Raleigh
Conversation at work:
Me: Are you Italian?
Italian guy: Just do your job and minda you own business.
June 3, 1979
Raleigh