I was much too sick last week to post a blog. I had a combination of a sinus infection and stomach virus that kept me down and out for a week, missing 2 days of school. Fortunately, this was a short week and so I only had to teach 2 days out of 11, giving some much needed time to get better.

Several projects are coming to an end at the same time, so it’s a wonderful feeling. I’ve been taking classes at a local college for teaching and they end shortly. Also some deadlines are passing and I’ve got my work done for those. All of these total out at over $20,000 for me this year. Not a bad investment in me, if I do say so myself. By Christmas, I’ll be taking a deep breath and relaxing from the pressure. And that should give me time to put the biography in high gear.

Even though I am feeling better, there’s no way that I was going out this morning to shop. We tried that 2 years ago, when we went out at 4am for flat screen TV. We split up, stood in lines and burst into the store fighting to get to the TVs. I guess I’m meaner, because I made my way through the crowd and picked one up first. It was worth it, but I don’t like being out that early, especially in the cold.

I’ve spent the day organizing my materials for the biography. I have so many short stories to read in the next few weeks. I am getting close to being done with the chapter on pulp magazines. I’ll be sorry to leave it, because the works are fun and the pace is intense.

I think I’ve decided on updating my computer system for Christmas. I am getting a back-up system and a netbook, if I am a good boy. What all are on your want lists for this year?