Thanks times a million or two for all the internet birthday wishes — you guys are wonderful, and I appreciate it tremendously. I must say, thirty-three doesn’t feel much different from thirty-two, except that today I have a belly full of Ellen’s cookies and Moon Pies (duly nuked and eaten with a fork).

Likewise I’m a little out of breath and wound up from spending the afternoon talking with Clarion workshop students, who are absolutely wonderful. They’re a welcoming, friendly bunch who let me babble at them for nearly two hours about life, the universe, and everything; and in the back of the room Chuck Palahnuik observed the proceedings. In fact, he seemed very nice, and he did not roll his eyes at me or anything, even though I was totally acting like an over-excited goober. I become so very goofy when I get to talk about writing stuff, because, well, it’s what I do and it’s what I’m most proud of, and I like to share. And when I get excited, I talk about 90 miles an hour and trip over my own exposition.

But everyone was really cool, and bonus thanks go to Maggie, who is apparently my biggest fan. She was ultra-enthusiastic and very informed, and she asked a lot of great questions. She saved me when I flailed, and she is awesome. Meeting such a fan — AND getting to talk to a room full of writers who didn’t seem inclined to throw anything at me — was just a wonderful birthday present from the universe, I swear.

Tonight, I’m not sure what’s on the agenda. There’s a giant bag o’ goodies from my husband on the table, and I’m trying not to open it until he gets home; though I confess that I cracked and read the card. It made me laugh. I will smooch him for it when he returns from work.

And for now, I have an errand or two to run before Aric arrives, so I shall log off — but not before leaving you with two links:

(1). Because I might’ve gushed at length about these cookies to the Clarion crew, here’s the recipe for Margarita Cookies (which I mistakenly identified as Tequila Cookies).

(2). Because it’s making the rounds and it’s deeply hilarious, Mom, Dad,
I’m Into Steampunk.

And that’s all I’ve got for now. More to come.
:)