Today I worked hard on marketing my book. I mostly sent out emails and made phone calls, but I think it is a big step forward for me. I always feel so uncomfortable talking on the phone to strangers, so much so that I no longer order delivery food. I'm getting better with the phone though, so if I weren't on my eating healthy kick, perhaps I would start ordering in food from time to time.

This evening I went to a fundraiser for the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Family-to-Family classes. For those who are unfamiliar with Family-to-Family, it is an educational program run by NAMI where family members of those with mental illness help teach other family members about mental illness and how to help their ill relative. My parents attended a Family-to-Family class several years ago, and I speak annually at Family-to-Family classes. I will be speaking this fall at the classes either two or three times. The fundraiser was good, but there were too many people there for me to be too comfortable. I hate large crowds of people, especially when I have to interact with the people. I feel so awkward making small talk. I told some awkward jokes, and although people commented on how healthy I am, it was probably clear that something was not quite right with my brain. It didn't matter though, for everyone there is very compassionate and understanding when it comes to these sorts of problems. Believe it or not, I actually feel much more comfortable when I'm giving a prepared speech then when I'm making small talk with people. I suppose that means I should rehearse social situations more.

Rehearsing, for those unfamiliar, is when someone with schizophrenia talks to himself, and in doing so, is rehearsing for future social interactions with people. I used to do this quite frequently, but I rarely do it nowadays. I did catch myself rehearsing the other day though. I always make sure I'm alone when I'm doing this. Oftentimes, someone rehearsing is misconstrued as talking to the voices. That happens too, but that is not what I'm referring to here.

To unwind tonight after the fundraiser, I decided to go to a local bar and restaurant for a drink. Yes, I know I shouldn't drink alcohol on my meds—I keep it under control, so no worries. I had sold a book to a person there some time last week, and he told me he was really enjoying it. That is good news, and it brightened an already good day.

I'm at home now, and I will probably just relax a bit before going to bed. I don't think I will do any more work, but maybe I will blog once more if something comes to mind.