Hypnotic Regressions

The evening excursions earlier this week were less than satisfying. However, sitting in the mausoleum in the “old folks home” in Waikiki is even less satisfying. Obviously, that’s yet another source of anxiety. Prior to the “super-duper corona” plan-demic, only about eight hours was spent in the dump per day. The routine was obviously mundane, but at least there was a façade of “freedom.”

Sitting in the mausoleum for hours on end is essentially the same as sitting in a prison cell. How do the masses occupy their time when sequestered at home? Worship the widescreen OLED tube like a shrine? Play with the “smartphone” or computer? Play video games? View pornography and choke da chicken? Consume large quantities of snacks and junk food? Guzzle cheap booze?

Sadly, options at the mausoleum are dwindling. The iPhone 12 is the only multimedia device. The alternative news media and seemingly impartial news aggregators have become tiresome. The “fear porn” and propaganda still manages to leak through. Entertainment venues are a waste of time. Music has been rediscovered though the Deep House Cat podcasts, although the only good mixes appear to be the ones produced by Hypnotic Progressions.

There may be more frequent evening excursions to town. However, shopping or browsing around Walmart®, Ross®, or Longs® is just not that thrilling. The aversion to spending money is obviously an anathema to shopping. So, what’s the point? Also, hanging out in town at night is extremely dangerous right now.

There’s also the option to wander around Waikiki with myriad disillusioned tourists. Most of them have nothing to do since all of the stores close at 7pm. Restaurants and bars are open, but good luck getting in. Even though the allowed indoor capacity was increased, the “social distancing” guidelines negated the latter. Truly pathetic. Tourists are waiting for hours to be seated in restaurants for dinner, if they “make the cut.” The majority are most likely eating take-out fast food in their hotel rooms. Great vacation, huh?

The on-going personal anxiety has also caused the temporary reinstatement of coffee time in town. Coffee is procured at the fast food joint in town, and about 45 minutes is spent enjoying the latter in the limited seating area in Tamarind Park. That’s adding to monthly expenses, though. Coffee or insanity, which will it be?

Update: Shopping malls are now open until 8pm daily (7pm on Sunday). That applies to food courts as well. The corralled dining areas and contact tracing forms have finally been eliminated.