When we last saw our heroes . . .

[truepenny]

So, yes, I'm still here. Just not on the internets hardly at all.

My new dayjob as a database thrall, which I quite like, is eating a lot of my energy, and The Goblin Emperor is eating the rest--I have been discovering that I just don't have any left over for the internet. I'm hoping that that will change, as I adjust to having a dayjob, as--hopefully--my body continues to make up the horrific sleep deficit it accrued during the first half of this year, and as--HOPEFULLY--I actually FINISH THE BOOK. I have a monstrous backlog of short stories that need to be written, including at least six Booth stories, a story about a voiceless siren, and a story about how much it sucks to be a werewolf at 65. And I desperately want to blog Season 4 of Due South.

Also, however, and unfortunately, more health problems have been cropping up this autumn. I have a Morton's neuroma in my right foot, which is probably related to the Great Ankle Debacle of 2010. Walking barefoot is right out (if you know me, you understand how appalling this is: I hate shoes), and walking long distances is contraindicated--and bang goes my most reliable and consistent source of exercise, walking and hiking with mirrorthaw. I'm investigating physical therapy options before committing to surgery, since it is almost certain that the neuroma is exacerbated, if not caused, by my stiff Achilles tendon and Peronaei muscles; the physical therapist, whom I saw for the first time today, is optimistic that they can do things to help.

And then there's the irritable bowel syndrome, also a new development, about which the less said the better.

So I'm probably just not going to be blogging very much for a while. As I said, I hope this will change.

But while I'm here, I should mention that matociquala and I will be doing a signing (which I just mistyped "singing," and honestly? that's not impossible) as part of Pandemonium Books' 22nd anniversary celebration on November 19th (their website says the 18th, but that's the Friday and the signing is on Saturday). If you happen to be in the Boston area, you should totally come out for it.

Comments

[mrissa.livejournal.com]

Since I'm almost done with S2 of Due South and reading your back commentary, I would also like S4.

General sympathies on the bits that want sympathies and happiness for the bits that deserve happiness (catching up on sleep! this is far better than falling behind! also new job!).

[matociquala.livejournal.com]

The internets will likely still be here when you get back, and you should email me a copy of your itinerary.

[oracne.livejournal.com]

It is lovely to hear from you. So sorry you've been having all those health issues. But money from job is awesome!

[sovay]

including at least six Booth stories, a story about a voiceless siren, and a story about how much it sucks to be a werewolf at 65.

I look forward to those when you get to them.

Till then, feel better!

[fidelioscabinet.livejournal.com]

We have missed you!

I'm glad some of what's been going on is Nice Stuff; my sympathies on the parts that are Not Nice.

I have lived with a Morton's neuroma for over twenty years now; it's mostly quiet now because I was lucky enough to figure out what set the little $&#%*^^¥£€€•~<<>!! off and avoid doing those things. I wish you similar luck because there frequent steroid/novocaine injections in the foot get old fast and surgery isn't all that much fun, either. (My two Big Bads are shoes which are too narrow and also shoes with thin soles. Your mileage will surely vary, as everyone I know with this problem has a different reason for suffering.)

[heresluck]

Is it wrong that, while I am genuinely sympathetic about the latest meatfails, I am also shaking my head and chuckling just a little? Because honestly, you are so predictable. :p

Here's hoping all goes well on all fronts. And hurrah for catching up on much-needed sleep!

[uilos.livejournal.com]

I apparently having Pall Gross withdrawal after finishing off Due South because right now I'm plowing through Slings and Arrows. About half the time all I can think is 'what the hell did they do to Fraser's hair?' in this sad, waily, mental voice.

[uilos.livejournal.com]

Also, I apparently can't spell or have sentence construction this morning. Time for more tea.

[magentamn.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear about the health problems. Any chance you can find someplace to swim or do water exercise? I have had so many ankle and knee problems that it limits walking, and I'd be in lousy shape if it weren't for water exercise classes at the YWCA.

Getting your book finished is more important than your fans getting to hear about your life, though occasional updates like this are a goodness, so we know you are still hanging in there.

[clhollandwriter]

You probably already know this, but peppermint tea is a godsend for IBS. Ginger also (especially in chunks in cookies). :)

[buymeaclue.livejournal.com]

I was just thinking about you yesterday and meant to email and ask how you are. I'm glad about what's been going well and hope the rest improves ASAP. Alas, I will be out of town when you are in my town. :(

[cassandraterra.livejournal.com]

As a fellow IBS sufferer, I completely understand the TMI. There are some good teas out there, but that is only for people who have a really light easy case of IBS. I've been put on anti-spasmatic pills and lots of fiber and it helps...ish. Also, you need to find your triggers. Mine are beef, gluten, wheat, high fatty foods, etc. Once you know what foods are off limits it really helps. Also, Imodium is your best friend and it's good to have on hand at all times.

I hope your leg/foot/ankle heals up and feels better and lets you be you. Don't push yourself!

Congrats on the job!

[dichroic.livejournal.com]

Yes, that exactly. Giving up drinking coffee helped me a ton, and it was hard to figure I'd have one cup in the morning and the effects hit after lunch. But I didn't have more than a one-cup coffee habit to start with, so it wasn't hard for me. Unfortunately, given your ankle issues, the other thing that seems to have helped both for me and for my mom (who has ulcerative colitis rather than IBS) is lots of exercise.

But every case seems to be different, so your triggers could be something else entirely.

[cheloya.livejournal.com]

+1 to these posts. Keep detailed track of what you're eating and what helps and hinders the IBS, and attempt to adjust accordingly. I know my mother had luck by starting with an elimination diet. She ended up cutting out dairy, gluten, a number of nuts, and a number of specific preservatives. Good luck sorting it out. <3

Glad you are enjoying life as a database thrall, and looking forward to Goblin Emperor and any and all of the Booth stories. :)

[kitgordon.livejournal.com]

Hope the job continues to be tolerable and the health issues improve; I've missed your voice, but will survive. I very much enjoyed The Tempering of Men, which I read recently. Congrats, and onward!

[after-nightfall.livejournal.com]

I just started a reread of the Doctrine of labyrinths the other day, and I remembered you, and wondered how the Goblin emperor was doing.

Wishing you all the best, writing-wise, health-wise and job-wise. And again, thank you for having written those four splendid books. They've given me many hours of enjoyment.

[http://users.livejournal.com/la_marquise_de_/]

Ouch. I hope that the health issues go away very soon.

[pameladean]

It's really good to see this entry.

We have mystery mammals in our yard, and I thought they might be moles. When I looked moles up in a guide to American mammals, however, it became very clear that if one sees a mole, there is just no doubt at all. Moles are like pileated woodpeckers: umistakeable. And that made me think of you and wonder how you were.

I'm very sorry to hear about the health problems but so glad about the progress of the book.

P.

[pameladean]

*sigh* Unmistakeable.

P.

[kate_nepveu]

Commiserations on the health issues, but glad to hear you like the job.

[etrix.livejournal.com]

Why is it health problems spontaneously appear as we get older, but never seem to magically disappear? We need to change the Universal Laws of Aging and how they're applied! (It hasn't worked so far but I keep trying.)

At least you're getting some sleep now...

[elisem.livejournal.com]

Well, dang.

I am thinking of you and sending good wishes. And I hope to see you some time in the not terribly distant future, if all the meat cooperates.

[girlpunksamurai.livejournal.com]

Sorry about the health issues

I'm just glad you're still alive. The last author I kept track of that was silent for this long turned up dead so I was starting to feel a little twitchy about your over all health.

Reading what I wrote, I realize that just sounds wrong, but I'm just relieved that in this case it was day job and health issues keeping you away. If I had my way all artists, musicians, and writers would live long lives with 0 health issues whatsoever. >.>

[akaten.livejournal.com]

Not that you asked, so tell me to get stuffed if you so desire, but if you can find anyone who does photobiomodulation (cold/low-level laser therapy) nearby, I would suggest looking into that-- my office has had great success doing reinnervation with our unit. Of course, if you were in the Seattle area, I'd offer it to you gratis, but I doubt that's an option, alas.

[anderyn.livejournal.com]

Bummer about the neuroma -- mine is semi-manageable with decent shoes and occasional corisone injections... My friend had surgery for it, but that has its own problems -- now she can't feel her toes. Sigh. It's always something.

Best of luck!

[bghost.livejournal.com]

I'm really sorry to hear about the foot... my left foot is always playing me up, but that's because I've been trampled, variously, by horses and pigs. (And I read your comments about the sheer physicality of horses... YES! I hear you, they are not bicycles!)

Anyway, hopefully physical therapy will help. And as someone who suffers with colitis, I really hope the IBS improves.