Livejournal is the winner. I’m tired of double posting. Since nobody ever comments here, I’m now going to only blog on my Livejournal. Please go there if you wish to stay up to date on my antics.
http://michaeldthomas.livejournal.com/
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Super Happy Fun Day
It’s a mixed day. First, the good stuff.
Caitlin finally has her augmentative communication device at school. With some work, Caitlin should soon have some new avenues for communication. It’s pretty exciting. The specialist that the district hired is a friend from LINC, so it was a very pleasant training. Caitlin’s two speech therapists are meeting on Saturday to further discuss the programming. It’s been a long wait with some bumps in the road, but we’re finally here.
The conference planning seems to be under control. That’s a happy thing.
Torchwood Season 1 should be arriving any day now, giving Lynne and me hours of cheestasic entertainment.
Now, the bad. My grandmother has been moved out of ICU, but they’ve discovered an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The doctors also think that there are further problems. I’m getting all of this through the family telephone game, so the details are hazy.
My thoughts go out to Heath Ledger and his loved ones. I understand he was young and a star actor, but I wish the press would move on to something else other than baseless speculation about how he died. I know, how about they talk about the 5.4 million non-famous human beings who have died in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 1998 due to conflict, malnutrition, and disease (http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/01/23/congo/index.html).
Caitlin finally has her augmentative communication device at school. With some work, Caitlin should soon have some new avenues for communication. It’s pretty exciting. The specialist that the district hired is a friend from LINC, so it was a very pleasant training. Caitlin’s two speech therapists are meeting on Saturday to further discuss the programming. It’s been a long wait with some bumps in the road, but we’re finally here.
The conference planning seems to be under control. That’s a happy thing.
Torchwood Season 1 should be arriving any day now, giving Lynne and me hours of cheestasic entertainment.
Now, the bad. My grandmother has been moved out of ICU, but they’ve discovered an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The doctors also think that there are further problems. I’m getting all of this through the family telephone game, so the details are hazy.
My thoughts go out to Heath Ledger and his loved ones. I understand he was young and a star actor, but I wish the press would move on to something else other than baseless speculation about how he died. I know, how about they talk about the 5.4 million non-famous human beings who have died in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 1998 due to conflict, malnutrition, and disease (http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/01/23/congo/index.html).
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Do You Realize?
I’m fairly exhausted today. Yesterday was supposed to be a relaxing day off with the family. No dice. Here is a quick list of things that sucked yesterday:
1- My daughter spent Sunday night vomiting. The details are over in Lynne’s blog. Luckily, Caitlin was well for the rest of the day. This morning she was a bit out of it, but otherwise fine.
2- I went to the dentist, got my teeth cleaned, and they found two small cavities. Not a big deal in the grand scheme.
3- I spent much of my day on the phone doing conference planning. The pressure is increasing with some deadlines approaching.
4- My grandmother went to the ER and was admitted to the ICU. This is hitting harder than I expected. I am very close to my grandparents. They were a large part of what was stable in my childhood. For the past couple of years, my grandmother has been suffering from dementia/Alzheimer’s. She just turned 80, she had a major heart attack a few years ago, and we’ve been expecting health problems since she’s barely eating.
Yesterday, her face was swollen and my family took her to the hospital. They’re still running tests, but she was dehydrated and suffering from a serious bladder infection. Now I’m just waiting for phone updates. She will probably be fine, but it just feels like we’re entering that stage of rapid decline.
Otherwise, thing are well. The work on the gutters has begun, Caitlin should be getting her assistive communication device this week, and Torchwood was good. With some luck, I might even get some more writing done.
1- My daughter spent Sunday night vomiting. The details are over in Lynne’s blog. Luckily, Caitlin was well for the rest of the day. This morning she was a bit out of it, but otherwise fine.
2- I went to the dentist, got my teeth cleaned, and they found two small cavities. Not a big deal in the grand scheme.
3- I spent much of my day on the phone doing conference planning. The pressure is increasing with some deadlines approaching.
4- My grandmother went to the ER and was admitted to the ICU. This is hitting harder than I expected. I am very close to my grandparents. They were a large part of what was stable in my childhood. For the past couple of years, my grandmother has been suffering from dementia/Alzheimer’s. She just turned 80, she had a major heart attack a few years ago, and we’ve been expecting health problems since she’s barely eating.
Yesterday, her face was swollen and my family took her to the hospital. They’re still running tests, but she was dehydrated and suffering from a serious bladder infection. Now I’m just waiting for phone updates. She will probably be fine, but it just feels like we’re entering that stage of rapid decline.
Otherwise, thing are well. The work on the gutters has begun, Caitlin should be getting her assistive communication device this week, and Torchwood was good. With some luck, I might even get some more writing done.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Tropical Heat Wave
A snowman just ran into our house to warm up. Apparently, it’s cold enough to freeze your Winnebago off (a no-prize to anybody who got that reference).
We haven’t left the house in a bit.
The DVD collection is paying off. We spent yesterday watching a ton of Fraggle Rock and then GoldenEye as part of our never-ending Bond film festival. Not a shabby way to spend a Saturday.
Fah, to the cold, I say. Fah!
We haven’t left the house in a bit.
The DVD collection is paying off. We spent yesterday watching a ton of Fraggle Rock and then GoldenEye as part of our never-ending Bond film festival. Not a shabby way to spend a Saturday.
Fah, to the cold, I say. Fah!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Bummer in the Barb City
And so ends another winter week in the Barb City (they invented barbwire in DeKalb dontcha know).
This week featured my City of DeKalb Advisory Commission on Disabilities meeting. It was a bit of a bummer. The city is having financial problems. This is not a shocker. You see, like many cities, DeKalb has had years of growth by giving developers and businesses big tax breaks and no impact fees. As my friend Sarah pointed out, if you play Sim City enough, it should be obvious to you that eventually you will pay the price. We are there. The infrastructure isn’t in place to support a city our size. The general fund was $500,000 short last year, and the city manager is eliminating 20 jobs to compensate.
This is a bad thing. It seems that one of the commission’s biggest allies might be part of the forced retirements. This person was instrumental in us getting anything done for people with disabilities. These financial problems also make the future existence of our commission a bit cloudy. I am not happy about this.
We’ve done some good things while I’ve been a member. The commission was able to get most of the city to change the accessible parking sign fine amounts to reflect the changed state law. Businesses had been ignoring it until we started going business to business. We’ve also been able to make sure that new building plans comply with ADA. Additionally, we started working with the Park District in order to bring more accessibility to the parks and playgrounds. My daughter can now swing during recess because of this.
Hopefully, the commission will evolve and continue to do good works. It would be a real shame if couldn’t because of poor planning. People with disabilities need a voice. My daughter and everybody like her deserve a city that complies with federal, state, and local law.
This week featured my City of DeKalb Advisory Commission on Disabilities meeting. It was a bit of a bummer. The city is having financial problems. This is not a shocker. You see, like many cities, DeKalb has had years of growth by giving developers and businesses big tax breaks and no impact fees. As my friend Sarah pointed out, if you play Sim City enough, it should be obvious to you that eventually you will pay the price. We are there. The infrastructure isn’t in place to support a city our size. The general fund was $500,000 short last year, and the city manager is eliminating 20 jobs to compensate.
This is a bad thing. It seems that one of the commission’s biggest allies might be part of the forced retirements. This person was instrumental in us getting anything done for people with disabilities. These financial problems also make the future existence of our commission a bit cloudy. I am not happy about this.
We’ve done some good things while I’ve been a member. The commission was able to get most of the city to change the accessible parking sign fine amounts to reflect the changed state law. Businesses had been ignoring it until we started going business to business. We’ve also been able to make sure that new building plans comply with ADA. Additionally, we started working with the Park District in order to bring more accessibility to the parks and playgrounds. My daughter can now swing during recess because of this.
Hopefully, the commission will evolve and continue to do good works. It would be a real shame if couldn’t because of poor planning. People with disabilities need a voice. My daughter and everybody like her deserve a city that complies with federal, state, and local law.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Pimpin' Is Easy, Writing...Not So Much
This wasn’t a bad writing week. I finished another big chapter, and I’m now barreling towards the climax. There’s a certain satisfaction in moving past the world building and into the blowing crap up part. Still, the finish line seems miles away. I’m very jealous of quick writers. I get so impatient to finish, but it’s not easy for me to carve out any more time for writing. This is also, of course, my first attempt at a novel. I expect that the process will get a little easier as I learn more about writing.
Writing used to fill me with terror. I enjoyed the end product, but I used to freak about getting everything perfect on the first try. I was hard on myself for not being an original genius who would fart brilliant rainbows of groundbreaking prose and poetry each time I typed. I can’t say that I’m completely cured, but I’ve overcome this garbage enough to actually write regularly.
I am so happy to be in the Internet age. Reading the blogs of brilliant writers has really demystified the process for me. It’s reassuring to know that they also have insecurities, bad drafts, clichéd ideas, and the other writing problems that I have. For the first time in my life, I’m not giving up.
I am still confident that I will reach my goal of having a revised draft of my first novel by WisCon.
Writing used to fill me with terror. I enjoyed the end product, but I used to freak about getting everything perfect on the first try. I was hard on myself for not being an original genius who would fart brilliant rainbows of groundbreaking prose and poetry each time I typed. I can’t say that I’m completely cured, but I’ve overcome this garbage enough to actually write regularly.
I am so happy to be in the Internet age. Reading the blogs of brilliant writers has really demystified the process for me. It’s reassuring to know that they also have insecurities, bad drafts, clichéd ideas, and the other writing problems that I have. For the first time in my life, I’m not giving up.
I am still confident that I will reach my goal of having a revised draft of my first novel by WisCon.
Award Season Already?
Many of my author friends/acquaintances woke up to good news today.
The SFWA Nebula preliminary ballots are out. This is but the first stage. Still, congratulations to Jack McDevitt (Odyssey), Tobias Buckell (Ragamuffin), and Jim Hines (“Sister of the Hedge”) or making through the first hoop.
I would also like to congratulate Sarah Monette for A Companion to Wolves Lambda Award nomination in the SF/F/H category.
The SFWA Nebula preliminary ballots are out. This is but the first stage. Still, congratulations to Jack McDevitt (Odyssey), Tobias Buckell (Ragamuffin), and Jim Hines (“Sister of the Hedge”) or making through the first hoop.
I would also like to congratulate Sarah Monette for A Companion to Wolves Lambda Award nomination in the SF/F/H category.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Parenting Is Glamorous
Today, we earn our pay. It’s a Caitlin sick day!
It’s nothing too serious. It started last night when Caitlin had a manic episode. Now, I love to hear my daughter sing and laugh. There were many years when the drugs and seizures kept her from smiling. From 1:00 am to 2:30 am, however, her laughter is not as heartwarming. She just wouldn’t let herself get calmed down.
So this morning we got up exhausted for school and work. Then Caitlin started coughing. Then she threw up. This is never a happy thing. As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, Caitlin is tube fed because she is a silent aspirator; anything in her throat gets into her lungs. When she vomits, there is a chance that it will get into her lungs and cause an infection. This is a very bad thing. Not to mention, her high-fat Ketogenic formula is noxious under normal circumstances.
We’re all home. It seems that Caitlin just has cold that’s tickling her throat. She isn’t running a fever, and she’s back to singing and laughing. Still, every time she coughs we have to leap across the room.
It’s nothing too serious. It started last night when Caitlin had a manic episode. Now, I love to hear my daughter sing and laugh. There were many years when the drugs and seizures kept her from smiling. From 1:00 am to 2:30 am, however, her laughter is not as heartwarming. She just wouldn’t let herself get calmed down.
So this morning we got up exhausted for school and work. Then Caitlin started coughing. Then she threw up. This is never a happy thing. As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, Caitlin is tube fed because she is a silent aspirator; anything in her throat gets into her lungs. When she vomits, there is a chance that it will get into her lungs and cause an infection. This is a very bad thing. Not to mention, her high-fat Ketogenic formula is noxious under normal circumstances.
We’re all home. It seems that Caitlin just has cold that’s tickling her throat. She isn’t running a fever, and she’s back to singing and laughing. Still, every time she coughs we have to leap across the room.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Back on the Chain Gang
Well, it’s back to work. Lynne, Caitlin, and I had a very relaxing holiday break. The only thing that was really stressful was the problem with the ice dams on the roof. As of this morning, my epic “discussion” with the city is over. It took about 8 months, but the city has finally commissioned a company to replace the gutters, soffit, and fascia. The work should be done in the next two weeks. This hopefully will keep the melting ice and snow on the outside rather than coming into our house through the front door frame. There will even be enough money from the grant to replace about 7 windows. Hooray for being poor enough for HUD grants!
Caitlin is back to school. Today went well, though she was a little grumpy to have to work again. We’re off to Easter Seals in a bit. It’s a 45-minute trip on country back roads, so I’m hoping that the predications of thunderstorms are erroneous.
The writing is going well again. I’m making that final push on the first draft of the novel. I feel very confident that I will get it done in the next few weeks. I’ve also been assigned another essay for Fluid Links. I’m pretty jazzed about this essay. I think that I’ve complied some good notes for it.
The Aicardi Conference planning is in full swing. Everybody seems to be very excited about the process. I hope it lasts.
Just Finished Reading- Dragon Champion by E.E. Knight (It was marvelous)
Elric of Mellnibone by Michael Moorcock
Currently Reading- Crystal Rain by Tobias Buckell
Caitlin is back to school. Today went well, though she was a little grumpy to have to work again. We’re off to Easter Seals in a bit. It’s a 45-minute trip on country back roads, so I’m hoping that the predications of thunderstorms are erroneous.
The writing is going well again. I’m making that final push on the first draft of the novel. I feel very confident that I will get it done in the next few weeks. I’ve also been assigned another essay for Fluid Links. I’m pretty jazzed about this essay. I think that I’ve complied some good notes for it.
The Aicardi Conference planning is in full swing. Everybody seems to be very excited about the process. I hope it lasts.
Just Finished Reading- Dragon Champion by E.E. Knight (It was marvelous)
Elric of Mellnibone by Michael Moorcock
Currently Reading- Crystal Rain by Tobias Buckell
Friday, January 4, 2008
Indiana Jones Legos
How freakin’ cool is this? Where were these when I was 8!!!
http://shop.lego.com/ByTheme/Leaf.aspx?cn=519&d=70
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
New Year's Resolutions
New Year’s resolution time!
1- I will continue to be the best husband, father, and person that I can be.
2- I will finish the rough draft of my 2/3 complete novel. I will polish it, send it to readers, and workshop part of it at WisCon.
3- I will help plan and run the best possible Aicardi Syndrome Family Conference.
4- I will continue to work with my co-authors to make Fluid Links into an amazing guidebook that should be published this year.
5- I will do even better work on the next Mad Norwegian Press Sekrit Project.
6- I will cut back on my advocacy so that it is manageable.
7- I will get Caitlin a top assistive communication device, and I will begin the process of getting her Make-A-Wish trip.
8- I will write, revise, and submit at least three short stories.
9- I will begin writing the next novel.
10- I will read at least 45 books.
1- I will continue to be the best husband, father, and person that I can be.
2- I will finish the rough draft of my 2/3 complete novel. I will polish it, send it to readers, and workshop part of it at WisCon.
3- I will help plan and run the best possible Aicardi Syndrome Family Conference.
4- I will continue to work with my co-authors to make Fluid Links into an amazing guidebook that should be published this year.
5- I will do even better work on the next Mad Norwegian Press Sekrit Project.
6- I will cut back on my advocacy so that it is manageable.
7- I will get Caitlin a top assistive communication device, and I will begin the process of getting her Make-A-Wish trip.
8- I will write, revise, and submit at least three short stories.
9- I will begin writing the next novel.
10- I will read at least 45 books.
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