Norwescon, Day the Last

Well, this weekend wasn't what I expected. I thought, oh sure, I'll commute to the hotel, get things done, see friends, and be responsible all at the same time. Nope, no chance of that happening.

Mainly, this year for the first time I can remember, there was another convention going on in the neighborhood at the same time as Norwescon. That meant that parking was an unprecedented nightmare. I ultimately took a room at the hotel, purely out of self-preservation. In the end, of course, this was a wise choice, but at base it became the most expensive parking cost I've ever incurred.

At this point, on Sunday morning, I can't possibly recount everything that's happened this weekend. I've seen most of the usual suspects, spent a great deal of time at parties, and got to attend several panels that I wasn't on for once. I took the time to do a couple of things I haven't done at this convention before, including going to the StarDance which I enjoyed the hell out of, and which was notable in that a) many of the SLGC folk were there and they can dance like nobody's business, and b) I witnessed the, um, presence and performance of someone who became known as half-naked balloon guy. Really, that's all that need be said there. Spent some time with new people (another thing I rarely do) which was a breath of fresh air. I read at TALEBONES LIVE!, immediately concluding that I'd read entirely the wrong pieces even though one had been specifically requested.

I also got some pleasant news, which is that subject to some revision, it looks like I've sold a story to Orson Scott Card's Intergalactic Medicine Show, an especially nice thing to happen a) during a convention weekend and b) after a 9-month response time. Good things come to those who submit stories . . . and wait.

I have one more program item to participate in, and then I'll be heading back to Seattle. It's been a fine weekend, but I'm ready to be home again.

Special Note: The weekend ends, however, in a way I'm not terribly happy about. It looks as though my laptop has suffered some sort of damage (but then the damn thing has never proven especially sturdy when it comes to travel). The screen is not working and the power light isn't working. At this writing, I'm seated at a hotel computer to catch up on LJ and e-mail. After this, however, I have no idea when I'll be online again. Should anyone need to reach me, the telephone is the best bet. I'll be making an appointment with the Apple Store Genius Bar and hoping like hell the repair cost won't be outrageous. I am concerned, however, about the time reapirs will take, given that I've got story revisions to do. Everything is backed up, but this is a helluva time for the machine to crap out on me.

And the word from the Geniuses is...

...that my logic board has gone the way of all hardware. The machine is 5 years old (which surprised the guy behind the counter). I'm having all my data backed up to a remote harddrive and trying to make a decision about whether I should just get a new logic board with only a three-month warranty, or just bite the bullet and get a new machine.

I hate these decisions. Just sayin'.

I'm here after all

Thanks to oldmangrumpus, I'm online and able to work while the computer situation gets resolved. He's loaned me a PowerBook that will do nicely, bless him. And yes, the decision is to get a new machine. Made the decision after I made my last post but before I got all the horrified responses urging me to run screaming for the cash register. :-)

This evening after dinner, I received a call from the Apple Store saying that my old machine is now backed up and ready to be picked up tomorrow morning. I need to do a little financial juggling and a little research, but I hope to have a new machine by Wednesday latest.

And now that I'm over the irritation and anger about this unexpected development, I'm looking forward to making the new investment. I'm inclined to go with the low-end MacBook Pro 15" because a) I want the new functionality that's available, b) I don't want a smaller screen than I already have, and c) I don't want to spend more than I absolutely have to. oldmangrumpus made an argument for the 13" MacBook based on image quality on the smaller screen and financial considerations, and though I see his point, I'm still edging toward the larger screen and the functionality issues. Anyone who has informed opinions on these issues, opinions would be appreciated.

Other brief news on the writing front

The Writers of the Future people say on their blog that they're about a week away from announcing which Finalists will be published Finalists for the 2006 anthology. I continue to wait, skeptical about the estimated timeframe but patient for news. They've also posted a complete list of the 2006 Finalists which, yes, includes me. Cool to see all the names and, I admit, neat to see myself in that company. Upon quick review, I notice that of the eighteen 2006 Finalists, seven live in the Pacific Northwest, both Oregon and Washington. We in the region already know that the area is a hotbed of spec-fic and literary talent, but it's nice to see such validation. Go us!