9/28/2009 Update: Okay, chapter twenty-one is still in progress, but underway, which is better than stalling. Current word count now is at 69,112 words. And the latest chapters revised and available for viewing are chapters 4, and 7-15 and 17; most of these changes are small, a word here and there, but still notable in my opinion.

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Well, the summer is over and fall is in my opinion, begun.

There have been a few changes here, most notably my younger sister has moved out and gone off to college. So the house is emptier, but on the plus side, it's also quieter with more food around and I don't have to wait to use the shower anymore.
Somewhat less of a life upheaver is the suspicion that I might need a new bulletin board. My other one that I use to put up cutouts of news comics I particularly like is not only full, but now overlapping so I can only clearly read the most recent additions.

I still have my job as well (considering that we're understaffed at the library, the hiring freeze, and the fact that my job is essential, I'm practically unfirable. :cheer: ), so in light of the economy that's good news, I need the paychecks. But I still reserve my right to complain about idiot patrons, and being overworked when they can't hear me.

I'm still working on chapter twenty-one of my as-of-yet unfinished and untitled novel, and revising stuff I've already written. Currently, the piece is at 68,041 words and counting. I have a vague idea where it's going, though I still don't know the end or how long it will take to get there, it's already a lot more complicated than I originally thought when I wrote the first few chapters on a whim nearly two years ago. Frankly I feel like I'm laying down the rails for a train track, without knowing where my destination is except "over that way", and learning the geography as I go. Still having fun with it though, even the damn revisions. And innummerable thanks to all the people kind enough to read it and give their comments/suggestions/criticisms/ and just plain support. Thank you all so much!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Rules To Live By~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. Read regularly, and as many books as you sanly can.

2. Try to watch a large variety and number of films, particularly ones that seem to be often overlooked.

3. Laziness is not a crime, but an overlooked virtue in small doses.

4. Always research whatever whim picks your brain.

5. Silence is a precious gift of relief for some. Don't ruin the moment by breaking it.

6. There is a beauty in everything, even the tragic, grotesque, macabre, and downright forbidden and obscene. Learn to appreciate it even if you don't approve.

7. Never pretend to be flawless. That is a flaw. By being honest about being defective, no one can accuse you of putting on a facade of perfection.

8. Evil is necessary and even beneficial when in balance with good. Otherwise life would be boring.

9. You don't need a relationship to be loved or to give it.

10. Science doesn't cover everything, nor should it. But don't disregard it, just keep an open mind for other possibilities.

11. Death is not to be feared, don't let others use it as a threat against you.

12. Respect the laws of nature. If you can't get along in harmony with the wild, you won't get along with the civilized.

13. Beware of extremes in thinking.

14. Take joy in life. There's nothing wrong with playing now and then.

15. Listen to your instincts and intuition, 9 times out of 10 they are right.

16. Allow yourself to experience every emotion in every degree. That way you will learn to handle them effectively.

17. Never let others use, possess, or abuse you. You are no one's pet, you are no one's tool, you are no one's plaything. You are a living being with a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

18. Never be afraid. EVER. Someone with nothing to fear is very powerful.

19. You are not better than others. Someone who thinks that is just asking to be taken down several pegs.

20. Kindness is rare and precious, help keep it in existance whenever you can.