Summary

At the start of 1982, there is not a great deal of change happening in Sedaris’s life. The author remained concerned with his dwindling finances and his increasing pile of phone bills and notices. Rather than shrug off his situation as the result of bad luck, Sedaris is vividly aware of his situation, writing, “I wondered why the rent and bill situation always has to be so desperate. Then I realized I made it desperate. I am desperate” (67).

Sedaris continued to work laboring positions digging ditches and clearing out properties as a means for income. After work one night at the Laundromat, Sedaris meets a slightly older black man named James. Despite recording the odd comments that James made to him, Sedaris still gives him his number. A few days later at one a.m., James called and offered to let Sedaris ride with him...