So tell me - is it still considered drinking alone if you go out to a bar by yourself, but are surrounded with other people? People that came, met, and left with friends? People who already have their lives established and friendships created who really have no intention or desire to recruit a lonely, desperate wanderer into their ranks?

I thought I had told myself I'd stop doing this long ago. No more going out alone. No more filling my head with false hope only to end up slouching over the bar with a look of dejection and aura of discontent about me. I don't know how it happens, but every now and again I see that newpaper with the matrix of daily events on it for every week and psyche myself up over some college or whatever night event.

It was karaoke night at this bar. I fucking love karaoke. I would have been up there had in been in high spirits with friends. Eric Pope! I know you love the karaoke! We have never karaoked together, but one day we will. Mark my words. One day, when I escape all of this ...