Head above the parapet...

[ellenscult]

Thanks for the birthday wishes - I've now hit that magical 35, the theoretical mid-point of my three-score-and-ten. 70 seems a long way away. I'm not sure I want to get there: I'm pretty sure I'd rather be reincarnated, if only it didn't mean all that toilet training and learning to walk and going through the school system yet again. And I'm just as sure that the closer I get to it, the less intimidating it'll seem, as is true for most things.

I'm back in Yorkshire today, heading home again Wednesday teatime. I'm not used to these early starts any more! Well, not early starts that mean I have to get up, get dressed and actually *go* somewhere. In case anyone's interested in saying hi, I'll be in the Hussar between 7-ish and 9.30-ish (19:00 and 21:30) tomorrow evening.

So, the ubiquitous summary: I'm okay mostly, although my ME's been a little wonky due to sitting at my laptop for long hours without taking proper breaks. J's much improved and trying to figure out what he'd like to do, what he can do, and what he can get qualified to do. Planck's now knee-high and a sweet, energetic, inquisitive, good-natured pup. He'll be 5 months old next week.

I'm still working for the same company, still working over the internet (yay!!!) and still proofreading on the side. I knitted a lace scarf for my twin; she knitted me a much fancier one which I'll take a photo of and tweet at some point. I'm knitting a cardigan for my neice's 1st birthday; it's pink and I couldn't bring it with me because I can't find my 3.75mm flight-safe needles, so I've brought larger needles and am knitting yet another pair of socks. One can never have too many pairs of socks!

I've written a few stories, nothing saleable, alas, but I'm happy with the level I'm writing at (as much as I'm ever happy with it) and I really need to get my finger out and write some of the original stories that are poking me with sticks. Inside my head. Poke, poke, poke.

The washing machine was on its last legs, so I had to spring for a new one. I've gone with a Cande AAA rated washer/dryer, since it rains a lot and when it's sunny the washing picks up the scent of muck-spreading from the fields around us.

Apropos of nothing *cough* you should all go and read Lauren Beukes' novel, Moxyland. And her new one, Zoo City, when it's out later this year. She rocks harder than an entire stadium of old-guard rockers *and* all their roadies.

I'm sure there's far more I could mention, but as I'm at work, I really need to get back to that list of things I should be doing. Oh, and go make a cup of tea. Mmm, tea...

Comments

[d-floorlandmine.livejournal.com]

Mmmmm, tea. And cake. Cake is good too. [hugs] Thanks for the update!

[ellenscult]

*hugs* Today I have tea and cake. Gluten free, dairy free Dutch Apple Cake. It's yummy! :D

[kissmeforlonger.livejournal.com]

Glad to hear you're all doing well and that J is recovering.

I'm in London tomorrow evening so won't be around to meet up but hope you have a lovely time, and maybe next time you're in York?

[ellenscult]

Me too! *is very relieved*

I'll be back in York on the 6th of July, at the Hussar between 7 and 9:30pm as per usual, so if you happen to be in the vicinity, it'd be lovely to see you! *big hugs*

[littleangel-103.livejournal.com]

So glad to hear J is doing well and that you are too. Take care of that ME thing - you know as well as I how quickly it can get out of hand! Life sounds much better for you now and that's a good thing. [hugs] If you ever want a break in Oxford let me know - spare room at your disposal.

[ellenscult]

Thank you. I know! It's much, much better than it was, thanks to no commuting; my brain's not turning into cotton wool and I'm not needing to spend two weeks sitting on the sofa staring into space any more. It's just remembering to keep up the good practice that's let me get to this point... *sigh*

Ooh, thank you - I'll get back to you on that one. And likewise, any time you fancy a break in NI, my spare room is yours. :D