lamp post – The Diary of The Deranged Writer

Song of the Moment CII: Piano Project’s “Hurt” (A Johnny Cash/Nine Inch Nails Cover)

Last November 19, at night, after enjoying a refreshingly hot Earl Grey tea while sitting in Oversight, I walked around the nearby business district, and I saw all the buildings and lamp posts decorated with Christmas lights. For the first time in years, I felt the Christmas spirit early. It must be because I have had a long streak of happy moments lately, and seeing those bright Christmas decorations and feeling the holiday cheer early is another win for me. At that moment, I felt like I had won 21 straight wins at WrestleMania like The Undertaker did.

Then, as I continued walking, I decided to listen to something I discovered on Spotify two weeks ago: Piano Project’s cover of “Hurt” (Johnny Cash’s cover of the Nine Inch Nails song).

Side note: Two mentions of the word “cover” in one sentence. Damn.

Piano Project’s cover of “Hurt”.

Anyway, I may have had many happy memories lately, but I admit there are still a few demons and ghosts left. But I decided to listen to the hauntingly beautiful piano cover of “Hurt” during my late-night stroll, not out of pain; I need to listen to “Hurt” to be calm and grounded.

I have experienced so many joyful moments lately, and it’s been a total pleasure looking back at them… but I don’t want to get stuck on cloud nine. If I do that, I might lose sight of reality, and if that happens, I wouldn’t be able to achieve my goals (long-term or short-term, present and future) and create more happy moments. Thanks to Piano Project’s cover of “Hurt”, that calmness was achieved, and I feel grounded on earth again. I walked around the district with “Hurt” on repeat, clearer eyes, a refueled soul, and a gleeful heart, and then I ended the hour of wandering with these words:

Onto the next mission.

And that is why Piano Project’s cover of Johnny Cash’s version of “Hurt” is my Song of the Moment.

See you in the next post.

A part of 14 Days of The Deranged Writer (2025).

Header image: Jonathan Meyer of Pexels. Edited in Adobe Photoshop 2025.

Updated on November 25, 2025.

10-Minute Warning CXLII

All right. After 2 weeks of physical weakness and depression, I have gained the energy to finish work on time and now I want to walk and jog tonight. The energy may not be 100%, but it’s a start. I thank that cold brew this morning, my family, and my “lamp posts” for giving me the energy and hope today.

I learned a few years ago that whenever I’m in a depressive state, I should not rush to bounce back. I should rest and dwell in the darkness for a while. And then when I find my lamp posts and gain enough energy, that’s when I start to bounce back. And The Diary, I will let you know when I truly keep fighting.

That’s all I can share for today.

Written on September 26, 2024, 7:53pm. Published on September 27, 2024, 9:39pm. Minor edits were made at 11:25pm.

Header image: Marta Dzedyshko of Pexels. Edited in Adobe Photoshop 2024.

10-Minute Warning CXLI

So, what can I tell here under 10 minutes?

I’m not going to lie. I have felt physically and mentally tired for the past 2 weeks. That’s why I have not followed my blogging schedule again. That’s why it was a struggle for me to do my daily routine.

But what keeps me going are my recent “lamp posts”. The 1st lamp post: My Father bought ice cream for me last Monday afternoon. I don’t know why you did that, Father, but thank you. I appreciate it very much. And my 2nd lamp post: my weekly affogato at Satchmi. Now my week is complete, and it’s only Tuesday. To my favorite cafe, thank you once again.

Another lamp post: the half-shell Deadpool mask that I ordered last August. I think I will get it by October or November, so I should wait and keep going. I’m so excited to wear it soon; I call it an early birthday gift to myself.

And time’s up.

Header image: Aron Yigin of Unsplash. Edited in Adobe Photoshop 2024.