No, he's not dead. Not yet.

Hmmm, it's been a ridiculously long time since my last update. Well, what's to report? Had a fine time last night with friends old (Flux), newish (d23), and (one hopes) many newer still.

In other news, the work situation has in many ways improved, due to some key departures and one key promotion - my own. Does this mean more work? Yes. But now I'm able to focus on the R&D side of things, instead of the virtual cat-herding and maintenance that was occupying my time before. So that's a plus.

The downside is that everything else - most particularly the writing and house renovation - will be in a holding pattern for a while. Come to think of it, I need to get back to work now.

I've nothing of real consequence to report, but overall things are good. No, I haven't switched jobs yet, for the moment I've decided it's better to gain what experience I can. Besides, the hours have become more flexible of late, and I'd rather be picky. But there are a few other irons in the fire right now: I've been talking to my old game development team about a new project, very hush-hush need-to-know and all that, but it's got potential. Also, Rain is (finally) pulling the trigger on her own site, which I'll be designing.

In other news, we'll be heading to New Orleans on Oct 13th to the 17th for my brother's wedding. Not sure how much time we'll have beyond family events, but I hope to see some of my NOLA folks peoples at some point.

Lastly, if you haven't seen We Are the 99 Percent, do so. Yes, yes, I know, you're not political. This isn't about politicians, or a particular party line - it's about people, and the consequences of shuffling unpleasant decisions under the rug. Heartbreaking.

On a lighter note, remember:

I have returned from my all-too-brief excursion to Los Angeles, having seen many old friends, and I find myself generally refreshed. Let's see how long I can hold onto that feeling.

Things are things. Yes, I'm still looking for something new and better, but I'm being a bit picky, I'll admit. As I see it, there's no point in jumping ship unless I know there's a habitable island nearby, with better shipmates, er, Island mates, er, this analogy is broken. Anyway, I've managed to break through the wall of despair and panic at the current job, so I'm in no immediate danger of a nervous breakdown. Although I suspect my brain needs to be defragmented.

I think the remedy is a few quality vacations, so we've planned some. Rain and I will be visiting LA in early August, then heading back to PA at the end of the month, and finally heading down to New Orleans for my brother's wedding in October. I originalyl wanted to fit SDCC in there somewhere, but after seeing shots of the vast lines, I don't feel so broken up about it. I think I still need a year or two to nurture the nostalgia.

Last night, in the midst of fucking around with a laptop for major demo, I came to a revelation. My new job sort of sucks.

Today, out of the blue yonder, I was contacted by a headhunter. Thank you, PTBs.

In other news, the winning question at trivia tonight was this: how many grams of fat do British children consume in candy, over the course of Easter weekend?

Whatever you'e thinking, it's too low.

We won, and I still can't quite believe it.

Thanks all! I have returned from PA, and I'm happy to report that my mom is recovering steadily. I spent much of the time cooking and fixing things around the house... which is, ya know, pretty standard for me these days, anyway. While I wouldn't call this past week and a half a "vacation", by any definition, it did seem to recharge my brain a bit; or, to put it more cynically, it made me realize how the new job has turned me into a cranky stress monkey.

Didn't want to post this until we were sure, but it looks like my mother will need surgery to repair or replace her mitral valve. As these things go, this is not as grave as say, a triple bypass, but yes, it's still heart surgery.

Spoke with my siblings, and it looks like I will be heading east to be there for the recuperation process. Mom insists there is no point in coming earlier, to "sit in a waiting room the whole time." True enough, but its times like this when the geographical distance hits home.

Well I was going to Wondercon today. But now I'm working. Well, actually I'm on SG when I should be working, but fuckit, the site was down so long I forgot what it looked like.

Besides which, I've already purchased by body weight in graphic novels this weekend, I have to stop sometime.

Some days, I feel like I know what I'm doing in the new position. Other days, I wonder when they will all turn to me and say, "Wait, you don't know what the fuck you're talking about, do you?" Compared to all this, working on the house is pure bliss.

I have nothing of significance to say, really, I'm just tired of looking at the old post.