The Dead Body That Claims It Isn't.

To quote Monty Python:
I don't want to go on the cart.
Oh, don't be such a baby.
I can't take him.
I feel fine.

You may have been wondering if I have succumbed to some sort of plague, zombification or otherwise loathsome and horrible end. The truth is: I haven't.

Two weeks ago work pretty much became this huge black hole of death, originating inside my brain and threatening to throw my universe out of alignment.  This would happen, of course, in the middle of Nano.  On top of that, I fell ill.  Nothing life threatening, I assure you, but on top of stress at work and sickness, I decided to bench nano for the year, much to my displeasure.

Of course, writing should be fun, and it's something I enjoy tremendously.  And I wasn't having fun.  I dreaded the thought that I would have to leave work to do MORE work and just the fact that I was looking at writing as work should tell you how sick I was!

I spent 2 1/2 days on the couch, watching Dr. Who and playing Lego Star Wars.  Then I had to go back to work.  I'm still suffering from some unfortunate sinus congestion.

Anyway, Nano this year just wasn't my year, it seems.  I still plan to continue writing my novel, though.  The story of Rex LaBeau will be told.  It just won't be told in one month.

Work is still stressful, unfortunately, which is why it's taken so long to update you all on my very much alive condition.  Hopefully that will change soon, though.  Very soon.  And of course there's some exciting things in the future -- Europe and others among them.

Oh, and I got a new phone! FINALLY.  The fabulous iPhone 4S. I pretty much love it.  And it's global ready, which is one of the reasons I chose it.  It makes it so much easier to go to Europe now that I don't have to worry what I'll do for a phone and how I'll organize everything that I need. Thank you, Apple.

So, anyway.  I've finished book #53 of 50. Yes, I have continued reading.  I'm over my goal for the year, which is nice. I'm now re-reading the Harry Potter series because... well, it's been a while and I really enjoy the books.

My most recent literary conquest is a book called Deadly Games by Lindsay Buroker.  You can check out her blog here.  The book is #3 of her Emperor's Edge series.  I believe they are only available online right now -- so if any of you have a Kindle you should check them out.  They're a mix of light steampunk, science fiction and fantasy.  The characters are interesting and witty and the story is intriguing and well written.

I think that's about it for the update.  I'm probably going to wait until after the holiday's to continue writing about Rex.  Well perhaps not.  I just need things at work to calm down a bit so that I can realign myself with my writing goals. My department is soon to be down to 1 -- just me.  My closest coworker quit to follow a new opportunity, one coworker is being transferred, another is going on maternity leave any day now, my bosses boss was fired and my boss quit.  So yeah, it's been nuts. But never fear, her story will be told. Little by little, piece by piece. 

And thank you to those of you who stuck around through my rambling (or lack thereof!).  I'll be back to posting more regular updates now, methinks. 

Stay shiny!