A snappy recappy

It's been about two weeks since I have had a chance to muse in the key of blog. It's been work, and nothing but work. In case you were wondering what I do for a living, I make computers talk to each other. Psychotherapy for technology, if you will. For example, if there is a Windows computer that can not or will not talk to an UNIX computer, I figure how to get a dialog established. As with people, you establish a environment of security and trust for the computers, and let nature take its course. Often, the computers end up making sweet, sweet love and producing iPods and offspring of that nature. Whether the gender of a computers is male, female, or hermaphroditic, I leave for others to determine.

Work, work, work, like a jerk. That has been my chant for the past two weeks. Big projects coming to a close, backing up vacationing colleagues, resolving one problem after the other, and closing out the "Whippy" project. So called because the project manager on it loves cracking her whip (not in the kinky, fun way) over me and all the other minions involved in it. Normally, I'd sink in emotional ruination, but Whippy has been kind about the project, made it fun, and in the end, we will have accomplished something of significance. Surprisingly, I'll remain unpromoted, and no raises, but I may get a winking "atta boy" from the boss who thinks I am there to stock the candy machines.

Speaking of candy, SpinePuncher mocked my love of "Nut Logs" recently (they are more correctly called Pearson's Nut Roll, but I call them Nut Logs). This is a weird candy bar I discovered in a hospital vending machine. It has a soft , sweet, creamy inside surrounded by salty nuts, no sexual innuendo intended. SpinePuncher suggested that since I loved them so much (I only have one or two about every 8 weeks, but she acts like I eat them on a 24 hour basis), why didn't I marry them, and have babies with them? You know what, SpinePuncher? I'll address your smartaleck suggestion in a future entry.

Next week, SpinePuncher and I are going to be in San Diego, home of...of...some zoo, and oh yeah, the comic con. I am totally spazzed about it because Ray Bradbury, one of my favorite authors, is going to there. No one, and I mean, no one, can write a perfect short story like Bradbury. They are just wonderful, no matter the theme is. They can leave you elated, sad, thoughtful, hating, all within a few short pages. "Rocket Man" (not to be confused with crap film) and the loosely connected stories in "The Martian Chronicles" are my favorites.

Also, Dean Koontz, to whom I will say, if chance permits, "stop the freaking the Odd Thomas series NOW!" I hate his Odd Thomas character, apparently patterned after Edward Scissorhands, minus the blades, black leather, and um, charm. Odd Thomas serves as a voice for Koontz' s rants against big government, passing judgment on the modern morals of society, pushing the slightly Christian, Book of Counted Sorrows tome he created and quotes in his books, and saccharine messages of tolerance for those different from the norm. Screw you, Koontz!! Why don't you shut up about your "occult-powered fry cook" Odd Thomas, and go back to writing about psychotic carny folk and hyper-intelligent dogs? I know, being a bit "odd" myself, I should feel a kinship and empathy for Odd Thomas, but I simply hate that preachy, smug little bastard. Die already, Odd Thomas!! The latest book in this series, Forever Odd, seems like a curse.

Sorry about the Odd Thomas rant. It reminds me too much of when Peter Straub ruined his writing career with his Koko story arc. Julia, Ghost Story, and Shadowland, all wonderful stories...until Koko. Better change back to the San Diego trip.

Anyhoo, authors, celebrities, comic books, films, and other stuff...all under one roof for 4 days. SpinePuncher has the agenda mapped, and plans to move mountains to meet of some of "her" people. As for me...I am shooting for the authors, and the books, perhaps assisting SpinePuncher in hunting and trapping her celebrities.

Definitely, we'll take pictures and put them up on the blog when we get back.

Until then, have a great time!! I know we will.