We’ve been debating this whole pet thing for awhile. Recently, we had an interesting breakthrough. The thought process goes like this:

1. We love where we live. We have an amazing apartment in a great part of the city, and no matter how green the grass looks on the other side, we’re really comfortable here. I would even go so far as to say we’re spoiled. The only thing that is imperfect about our apartment? No dogs.

2. A dog is a pain in the ass. Realistically, if the dog can’t come to work with me most of the days of the week, we’re not getting a dog, even if it was allowed. I won’t keep a dog in a crate all day every day, especially in a building where neighbors could hear barking. Won’t. Of course, training would be done, but what a tough situation if it doesn’t work out the way we hope.

3. Not all cats are assholes. We have first hand experience with some great cats. Some first hand experience with some not-so-great cats. We want a cat that wants to be with us, and cuddle, who doesn’t attack us or ignore us.

4. Hmm, is there like, a lap-cat breed out there?

5. Hm. There is. The Ragdoll keep reading »

tony: have you watched Chuck at all?
alex: no
tony: it’s pretty amusing, the guy from firefly is hilarious in his role, and the girl is hooOOOt, which doesnt hurt at all
alex: it’s chuck himself i can’t stand
tony: haha, what dont you like about him
alex: everything.
tony: so you have watched it then
alex: seen it, not watched. difference. i’ve seen the previews and caught the end while waiting for the next show. there seemed to be a tremendous amount of whining and angst and stupid dude with his stupid hair and stupid face doing most of it.
tony: hm, havent really noticed that
alex: and somehow hot chick is all about it and like, conflicted and shit. how is that a conflict? you’re a secret agent right? shoot the bitch. and by bitch, i refer to chuck. just kill his stupid whiny ass. PROBLEMS SOLVED. keep reading »

My friend Tony runs many sites, one of which is called What is Sexy. Though we may debate semantics, the photos he posts there are undeniably beautiful. While sexiness I feel is a much more subjective term and beauty a more easily universal one, the bottom line is that the pictures he posts showcase the many kinds of beauty women possess. It is absolutely worth a look, and for me, it’s been inspiring. In particular, this photo of Natasha Poly has prompted a great deal of inspiration for the book. keep reading »

Back by popular demand, my adapted recipe for hobo cobbler. You can double this pretty easily if you need to. For two people, this is more than sufficient. I’ve adapted this recipe from the fine people over at Betty Crocker.  keep reading »

A conversation about the book between myself and my friend Blythe, who’s been beta reading draft four for me. I hope it gives you a nice idea of the characters and story without giving too much away.

Blythe: The thing i love the most about Roberts and Cass is that they’re PEOPLE

Alex: yeah, ultimately, everyone in this story is human

Blythe: one is a pirate chasing a dream and the other is a TIME WITCH, but they’re people. They’re not out to save the world and both have relatively selfish (if you want to classify it as that) motivations (personal fulfillment/love) so of course the villain isn’t EVIL but is threatening to them. keep reading »