Panic attack in Astoria

Had the worst. Day. Ever.

OK, probably not. But it was not good.

Had a scheduled appointment with Precinct 114 Community Affairs Officer at 10 am. Actually spoke to him at noon. Got very little new info - a few contacts, maybe, but nothing groundbreaking.

Hit the beat immediately after, hoping to make up for lost time.

At 2 pm, still no sources. Slightly worried.

Same at 3 pm. After many "I'm sorry, I can't help you"s, a few rude rejections, and one free slice of pizza from a compassionate vendor, start to think I might not get any sources at all. Panic attack.

Breakthrough came a 4 pm. By 6:30, had enough to write a decent, though not fabulous, story. Got home (to messy room and kitchen piled with dirty dishes) by 7:30.

Realized how much depends on sources, and luck.

Also realized will get very fat if continue to be fed by sources. Today's tally: 1 slice cheese pizza, 4 taralli (Italian fennel breadsticks), 1 lemonade.

One education story: priceless.