A couple weeks before my high school production of Arsenic and Old Lace, I got into a batch of poison ivy at a mandatory class retreat. I was playing the lead, and there were a couple of stage kisses, so rehearsals were quite awkward with my bandaged hands.

A couple days ago I (finally) mowed the lawn and saw some little baby weeds along the side of the house. Not poison ivy, because I know to recognize and avoid that. But it still did a number on my hands. This is as much of my hand as you want to see — trust me.

I’m on a prescription, so there’s nothing else I can do (besides soaking my hands in warm water and baking soda) but wait. Once I find my missing headphones, I’ll listen to various books and articles.