Yesterday felt like the most productive day I’ve had at this job, even as what was done had nothing to do with the job. I hesitate mightily in doing anything of my own interests while here. Conflict of interest rules are strict and even if they weren’t I don’t want the content of my computer screens giving away too much about the fact that I have a life outside of this job.
The project involved mapping not just the remains of NYC payphones but also the spots where detritus of a payphone past remains. I’m talking concrete smears on the sidewalk where a clamshell payphone used to be, or holes in a wall where a payphone once was mounted. I consider it putting all that Otaku-like knkowledge and information to some kind of artistic and potentially useful end.
I’m OK with doing this at the job because, for one thing, there are consecutive hours here when absolutely nothing happens. But also, as far as conspicuity, having a map with dots on it on my screen is perfectly within a reasonable day’s work, at least to most observers who do not stop and contemplate my doings.
The map is a personal success because, with limited exceptions, every single point on it was personally discovered by me. I added a few that have been in the rumor mill for a long time. Apparently there is an immaculate old Bell Atlantic phone at the Village Vanguard. But there, again, I’m leaning more toward locations that are publicly accessible to all. I can’t afford the ticket price of anything at the Vanguard just to see if there’s a dead payphone in there. I’m also not listing phones located in hospitals, rehab centers, police stations, etc.
I have 5 days off after today’s corporate exertions. I will probably waste those days as I do so frequently and routinely. Or maybe greatness awaits. Freed of these shackles I will soar to something new and tremendous. Or just drink beer and masturbate all day. I’ve become adept at sitting in the shower for hours and hours on my days off. I don’t run water the whole time. I’m careful about water waste. But I just sit in there and read andwaste time, waste seed. I should stop with that. It is not productive or useful, really.