I dig Nathan.

Allyson, it's your first book, your first go round at all this stuff. Some self-promoters are born, and some people are startled to find it's suddenly required--the fact that it is is mega cool. By book five, you'll be a seasoned pro.

Saw Black Snake Moan tonight. I'm somewhat appalled that I recognised Justin Timberlake (I'd forgotten he was in the movie) by his cross tattoo on his shoulder.

That story is so awesome. Did they actually leave with the halves?

Yes, of course. The race is on.

I found it to be a pretty good desciption of what happens in Drive, too.

Is that that Samuel Jackson/Christina Ricci movie? It looks kinda pulpy, kinda Flannery O'Connor. Was it any good?

I suppose it's not going to be too hard to find a guy whos got a new book out at a SF convention.

One of us is confused.

Allyson, I'm glad you liked the cards.

I am so sorry about the shitiness that greeted you upon your arrival. I hope that once you are rested you contact your landlord again. If you haven't cleaned it all up yet, maybe take pictures to show them how bad it was?

Is that that Samuel Jackson/Christina Ricci movie? It looks kinda pulpy, kinda Flannery O'Connor. Was it any good?

It was partially quite pulpy, but also much more emotional than I was expecting. I liked it.

TAR: Once again, I'm admiring what good racers Rob and Amber are -- doing their best to make good judgments (it's not for nothing that Amber is shown paging through multiple guidebooks in the backseat) and on their game at all times.

I had to laugh at some of the racers' reactions to the tank of flounder, which is a fish with a tiny tiny mouth and a great deal of body far removed from that mouth. You'd really have to work to get nipped. And what were the racers thinking, anyway -- you drive up to a fish farm, you get told you're going to do a task that's slippery -- more proof that you have to slow down, take a deep breath, and think about a task before you commit to it. Notice that when Amber volunteered, she could see what they were doing, and noted that Danielle was doing it, so that it was plain she could.

And if I were in a hurry, I'd at least try the forty-foot rock climb rather than a 2.5 mile class 3 & 4 rafting. (Of course, in my pre-race training, I'd already have done some climbing courses. And sky-diving. It's easy to plan a fantasy race!)

Good lord, Allyson, that's a hell of a sight to come home to. Your landlord is so bad, it makes me angry.

I am not a good self-promoter, but will get better.

This was your first time out promoting the book, right? It will get easier.