Pittsboro is overrun with roaming salespeople. I know because one just visited. They're often young, and always talking the talk. But the most notable thing about these salespeople is the items they sell. "How ya doin, sweetheart?" (for real)

He had a light up aquarium complete with fake fish that appear to swim, and a ratchet set, both at "unbelievable" prices.

He said that because of the low cost, "people are picking them up!" But I don't believe him.

All I wanted to do was let him know that I currently live in a house filled with more crap than even the most talented of salespeople could get rid of, as well as no electricity. The fish wouldn't appear to swim, which would be more depressing than any of us could handle.

Today, while driving back from eating Japanese food with my coworkers, I realized with a start that it is hot. I heard a meteorologist say 85 degrees but all I know was when I got into my car after lunch the steering wheel was too hot to touch. Then, while driving down the road I noticed people's windows open like mine, some were holding cigarettes, I could hear their radios. I was reminded of trips to the beach, stopping for cold drinks and feeling the salt water get sticky in my hair and the particles of sand between my toes. Opening the windows and belting out the lyrics to some song we all love. So today I rolled my windows down and played my new Spoon CD as high as I wanted and wore my sunglasses because I needed them and rejoiced in this beautiful North Carolina thing, this hot, sultry state.

You've got to be kidding me. No electricity, day 9.

The first hot day