jouska n. a hypothetical conversation that you compulsively play out in your head—a crisp analysis, a devastating comeback, a cathartic heart-to-heart—which serves as a kind of psychological batting cage that feels far more satisfying than the small-ball strategies of everyday life. French jusqu’à, until. In baseball, “small ball” is a cautious offensive strategy devoted to getting on base via walks, bunts, and steals, forgoing the big home run moments that fans tend to enjoy. Pronounced “zhoos-ka.”

My phone woke me with an alert to shelter in place. I looked out the window and it seems fine. But it isn't what it seems. I'm reading the dictionary to get back to sleep. And deciding that I ain't unblogging jackshit.