Checking in to do a little catch-up.
First, the Infamous Kate W., by virtue of being the only one to take a guess on the FOF Game, has won. 
She guessed well, too, getting only one wrong. Stories 1 and 4 are false; Stories 2, 3, and 5 are true. She says not to worry about the paperback, but I shall hunt her down anyway. I can’t buy books for myself until I get through the TBR pile, so I feel the need to buy for others. The bookstore is my refuge. I have to slowly back off the habit, I think, lest I break out into hives. Not that I’ve ever actually broken into hives, mind you, but I believe them to be very red and very itchy.
Next, since we’re speaking of the TBR pile, I must confess to having “discovered” four more books when rearranging my apartment with my mother this weekend. Well, four or six, I can’t remember which, but I do know I cheered and panicked all at the same time. Interesting sensation, that. I’ll update the list when I get the chance. I’m fiddling with the idea of adding a temporary widget on one of the sidebars so I don’t cheat. But that, of course, requires more time.
With the moral support of the fabulous Ms. Jenna and the divine Ms. Jane, I’ll soon be renewing the search for an agent. I haven’t been able to devote as much time to research as I’d like, but I’m hoping that’s soon to change. I’ve decided not to pass judgment on CAROLINA NORTH, as I’ve come to the conclusion that the two of us are likely to have a love/hate relationship for the rest of our lives, and I should just learn to accept it for what it is.
Due to budget constraints, I will be unable to attend the RWA National Conference this year. I’m bummed not to be going, but it’s a relief not to have to worry about overstraining the finances. As this seems to be The Year of the Location Wedding, my priorities are naturally elsewhere. If you’re going, be sure to check out the workshop that’ll be presented by my local chapter’s Madam President and Vice-President about creating a web presence. Our chapter was lucky enough to be their guinea pigs, and it’s a wonderful, informative presentation.
After having read the Smart Bitches’s posts about the Romantic Times Convention, especially this one, I’ve decided that I most definitely need to go one day. And, speaking of RT, look who’s on the home page for the ”Ask the Author” feature. Yea Sherry!
And finally, a list of Things I Learned this Weekend:
♥ When buying pre-built bookcases, don’t forget to measure not only the width and length of the backseat of the car that’ll be transporting them, but the door.
♥ When flying, do not check in anything packed in a Frito Lay box. It’s confusing for the luggage handlers.
♥ An old German wedding tradition is for the bride and groom to saw a log together. And I’m not talking about a symbolic twig-size log, but a log-log that requires bracing of the feet, a wedge and sledgehammer, and sweat.
♥ The arrival of a large, blue parrot is similar to the arrival of a small celebrity even after a log-sawing ceremony. Lots of picture-taking commences, and if at any point you’re the one on who’s shoulder said bird perches, be prepared to have your picture taken by strangers no matter how terrible you think you look.
♥ It’s possible in this day and age for a hotel to confuse rooms and accidentally offer one that is already occupied.
♥ People are slightly horrified when you reveal that you’ve been inadvertantly eating mayo that expired in February 2007 no matter how often you explained that it always looked/smelled/tasted fine.
That’s it for now!
