January 1, 2014 (first dream of the new year)

I'm in a nondescript room looking in a mirror. Several large blisters are clustered on my left cheek; six large abscesses are aligned in two neat rows on my right cheek. Other people are with me--I do not recognize them, but they are there to comfort me and prepare me for the public (for the day). I apply a white ointment to my face and the people in the room with me reassure me everything will be fine.