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.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Pat Rothfuss Rocks
Our friend Pat Rothfuss just had his debut book, The Name of the Wind, named as the best book of 2007 by The Onion’s AV Club. (http://www.avclub.com/content/feature/the_best_books_we_read_in_2007). That’s Best Book, not best SF Book. I highly recommend it. Pat was able to take all of the genre conventions of Epic Fantasy and somehow made them fresh again. His prose is also exquisite.
This goes along with his Quill Award. I suspect that more awards are coming.
This goes along with his Quill Award. I suspect that more awards are coming.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
I'm Resting
It’s been a while since I blogged, but not for bad reasons. I have actually been taking a break. I can’t remember the last time that Lynne, Caitlin, and I did this. We’ve just been luxuriating at home, watching TV, listening to music, and reading. I’m beginning to feel recharged.
Christmas was nice. The family got together in low-key fashion. Prezzies were exchanged, and all was well in the world.
Boxing day was spent with our friends Eric and Stephanie enjoying Bond films and the RiffTrax http://www.rifftrax.com/ version of Glitter. Much fun was had.
Fluid Links work was busy with many discussions between the writers and editor. I’ve also been doing a serious rethink of the last third of the novel. I think that I have fixed some problems, and I now have a solid outline for the last four chapters.
The Bears played well today, not that it matters.
The Cubs first spring training game is February 29.
Go Cubs!!!
Fukudome Fever, Catch It!!!
Just Finished Reading: Small Gods by Terry Pratchett
Currently Reading: Dragon Champion by E. E. Knight
Christmas was nice. The family got together in low-key fashion. Prezzies were exchanged, and all was well in the world.
Boxing day was spent with our friends Eric and Stephanie enjoying Bond films and the RiffTrax http://www.rifftrax.com/ version of Glitter. Much fun was had.
Fluid Links work was busy with many discussions between the writers and editor. I’ve also been doing a serious rethink of the last third of the novel. I think that I have fixed some problems, and I now have a solid outline for the last four chapters.
The Bears played well today, not that it matters.
The Cubs first spring training game is February 29.
Go Cubs!!!
Fukudome Fever, Catch It!!!
Just Finished Reading: Small Gods by Terry Pratchett
Currently Reading: Dragon Champion by E. E. Knight
Monday, December 24, 2007
Merry Christmas, Or Not
I just wanted to wish all of our friends a very Merry Christmas, unless you don’t celebrate Christmas or it offends you. Then just have a nice few days with friends and family, unless you hate your friends and family. Umm...Peace on Earth. Yeah, who can’t get behind that? May there be Peace on Earth.
I do want to thank all of you for being such good friends to us this year. There was a point in our lives when it seemed like certain issues would make it impossible to socialize and meet people. Lynne and I feel so lucky that our lives remain full and rich. We are the richest family in Bedford Falls.
I do want to thank all of you for being such good friends to us this year. There was a point in our lives when it seemed like certain issues would make it impossible to socialize and meet people. Lynne and I feel so lucky that our lives remain full and rich. We are the richest family in Bedford Falls.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
The Six Greatest Christmas TV Episodes for Geeks
6- The Venture Brothers- “A Very Venture Christmas”
Eleven minutes of brilliance. Like the series, it somehow mashes up everything pop culture while never feeling like a mere parody show.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Very_Venture_Christmas
5- Xena: Warrior Princess- “A Solstice Carol”
It’s just a lot of cheeky Xena fun as all of our modern tropes are transported into Xena’s mythic Greece.
http://www.whoosh.org/epguide/solstice.html
4- The Avengers- “Too Many Christmas Trees”
Rarely in cult television is the Christmas episode one of the best episodes of the series (note the lack of Buffy and Angel on this list). This is one of the greatest Avengers episodes ever. It’s fun and creepy. Steed gets great lines, and Emma gets to beat people up. There’s even a great Honor Blackman joke.
http://theavengers.tv/forever/peel1-13.htm
3- “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
It’s still smart, cynical, funny, and topical. We always dance to “Linus and Lucy.” Lynne and I still know every line.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Charlie_Brown_Christmas
2- Doctor Who- “The Christmas Invasion”
Brilliant. One of the strongest introductory episodes for a Doctor ever. David Tennant is marvelous, and Billie Piper is exquisite. It’s funny, exciting, and full of Christmassy goodness.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/episodes/2005/christmasinvasion.shtml
1- “A Muppet Family Christmas”
This is Christmas. Everything Jim Henson brought together in one fantastic special. Kermit and Robin meet the Fraggles! Big Bird meets the Swedish Chef! Christmas music and laughs throughout. It is a perfect special. I dare you not to tear up when Jim Henson shows up at the end.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Muppet_Family_Christmas
Eleven minutes of brilliance. Like the series, it somehow mashes up everything pop culture while never feeling like a mere parody show.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Very_Venture_Christmas
5- Xena: Warrior Princess- “A Solstice Carol”
It’s just a lot of cheeky Xena fun as all of our modern tropes are transported into Xena’s mythic Greece.
http://www.whoosh.org/epguide/solstice.html
4- The Avengers- “Too Many Christmas Trees”
Rarely in cult television is the Christmas episode one of the best episodes of the series (note the lack of Buffy and Angel on this list). This is one of the greatest Avengers episodes ever. It’s fun and creepy. Steed gets great lines, and Emma gets to beat people up. There’s even a great Honor Blackman joke.
http://theavengers.tv/forever/peel1-13.htm
3- “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
It’s still smart, cynical, funny, and topical. We always dance to “Linus and Lucy.” Lynne and I still know every line.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Charlie_Brown_Christmas
2- Doctor Who- “The Christmas Invasion”
Brilliant. One of the strongest introductory episodes for a Doctor ever. David Tennant is marvelous, and Billie Piper is exquisite. It’s funny, exciting, and full of Christmassy goodness.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/episodes/2005/christmasinvasion.shtml
1- “A Muppet Family Christmas”
This is Christmas. Everything Jim Henson brought together in one fantastic special. Kermit and Robin meet the Fraggles! Big Bird meets the Swedish Chef! Christmas music and laughs throughout. It is a perfect special. I dare you not to tear up when Jim Henson shows up at the end.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Muppet_Family_Christmas
Caitlin's Week Before Christmas
It’s been a challenging parenting week. Much of this is in Lynne’s blog. It started with Caitlin developing blisters on her left foot. This is, of course, not a good thing. This meant that Cait and I had to run out to her orthotic shop to get some alterations done to her Ankle Foot Orthotics (they’re like braces). So, Thursday night we ran out to the joint, which is just south of Fox Valley Mall on Route 59 during the peak of holiday shopping. It was not fun.
The worst part, however, was the massive fog that has been blanketing our area as the snow melts on the corn/soy fields. It is never fun driving at night on a rural expressway with 30 feet of visibility. The important thing is that Caitlin’s foot should be fine now.
Yesterday Caitlin finally had a big seizure. I still see this as a big win. She was almost two months seizure free. Considering that she was having two massive spasms a day during the summer, this is still a good thing. Of course, giving your five-year-old child rectal valium because she won’t stop seizing is never fun.
Caitlin is also cutting some rear molars. This has given her some bouts of crying all week. Lynne is off to get more Tylenol suppositories for her, which should help. Unfortunately, it’s all she can take.
On the plus side, she is very excited by the whole Santa thing. We’ve also had a relaxing week together as a family. The shopping was pretty much done days ago. It’s really just been a few days of hanging out watching TV.
The worst part, however, was the massive fog that has been blanketing our area as the snow melts on the corn/soy fields. It is never fun driving at night on a rural expressway with 30 feet of visibility. The important thing is that Caitlin’s foot should be fine now.
Yesterday Caitlin finally had a big seizure. I still see this as a big win. She was almost two months seizure free. Considering that she was having two massive spasms a day during the summer, this is still a good thing. Of course, giving your five-year-old child rectal valium because she won’t stop seizing is never fun.
Caitlin is also cutting some rear molars. This has given her some bouts of crying all week. Lynne is off to get more Tylenol suppositories for her, which should help. Unfortunately, it’s all she can take.
On the plus side, she is very excited by the whole Santa thing. We’ve also had a relaxing week together as a family. The shopping was pretty much done days ago. It’s really just been a few days of hanging out watching TV.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Argentus Is Out
Steven H Silver’s Argentus Issue 7 is out. My article on Doctor Who continuity, 1963 and All That: A Look at Doctor Who Continuity, is in there. There’s a lot of good stuff in this fanzine. It’s worth reading if only for Mike Resnick’s piece about his friendship with Anton LaVey.
http://efanzines.com/Argentus/Ag07.pdf
Writers:
Matthew Appleton
Georges Dodds
Richard Horton
Howard Andrew Jones
Fred Lerner
James D. Nicoll
John O’Neill
Mike Resnick
Peter Sands
Steven H Silver
Allen Steele
Michael D. Thomas
Artists:
Sheryl Birkhead
Brad Foster
Deb Kosiba
Rotsler
Taral Wayne
http://efanzines.com/Argentus/Ag07.pdf
Writers:
Matthew Appleton
Georges Dodds
Richard Horton
Howard Andrew Jones
Fred Lerner
James D. Nicoll
John O’Neill
Mike Resnick
Peter Sands
Steven H Silver
Allen Steele
Michael D. Thomas
Artists:
Sheryl Birkhead
Brad Foster
Deb Kosiba
Rotsler
Taral Wayne
Friday, December 14, 2007
Friday!
Life at thirty-three is not all that different from life at thirty-two. Things more or less returned to normal by the middle of the week. Now it’s just cold with no rain, ice storms, or school closings.
Caitlin had a good week. She went “wandering” at school on Thursday and visited the office with her aide. The highlight was Caitlin standing at the main counter for a few minutes while blowing kisses to the staff. Her standing is really improving. Now she just needs to become more consistent with her walking.
I got some writing done this week, but less than I would have liked. I’ve been wrestling with a character. I just don’t get him yet. He plays some vital functions in the plot, but his motivations are still murky to me. It’s a good thing that writing becomes a piece of cake with experience (“Hah!” laughs all of my pro friends). I’m not sure if it helps or not to know that the self-doubt and difficulties never end.
The holidays are on schedule for a change. The decorations have been up for a couple of weeks, the cards were mailed yesterday, and Santa is finished. Lynne and I are even done shopping for each other. Hopefully all of our Internet purchases will make it on time. All that’s left is buying for my family.
We’ve started watching Flight of the Conchords (one of my birthday gifts). It’s as good as the hype. I can’t remember laughing that hard at a television show.
Our copy of Jackie Kessler’s Hell’s Belles finally arrived from Amazon. Lynne got first dibs. I’m still reading Goblin Quest by Jim Hines. It’s wonderful. I’ve decided that I want to play in a D&D game that Jim DMs.
Caitlin had a good week. She went “wandering” at school on Thursday and visited the office with her aide. The highlight was Caitlin standing at the main counter for a few minutes while blowing kisses to the staff. Her standing is really improving. Now she just needs to become more consistent with her walking.
I got some writing done this week, but less than I would have liked. I’ve been wrestling with a character. I just don’t get him yet. He plays some vital functions in the plot, but his motivations are still murky to me. It’s a good thing that writing becomes a piece of cake with experience (“Hah!” laughs all of my pro friends). I’m not sure if it helps or not to know that the self-doubt and difficulties never end.
The holidays are on schedule for a change. The decorations have been up for a couple of weeks, the cards were mailed yesterday, and Santa is finished. Lynne and I are even done shopping for each other. Hopefully all of our Internet purchases will make it on time. All that’s left is buying for my family.
We’ve started watching Flight of the Conchords (one of my birthday gifts). It’s as good as the hype. I can’t remember laughing that hard at a television show.
Our copy of Jackie Kessler’s Hell’s Belles finally arrived from Amazon. Lynne got first dibs. I’m still reading Goblin Quest by Jim Hines. It’s wonderful. I’ve decided that I want to play in a D&D game that Jim DMs.
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