Progress, Of More Than One Kind

Well, there's a spot of good news; for the first time in weeks, tomorrow is payday and my account isn't flat-empty prior to it. The money will be gone soon enough, bills to pay; but it makes for a pleasant change of pace. Yay employment.

In other smashing news, I finished the first draft of issue seven, last night. Late last night. The juices were flowing and I took advantage of 'em. It felt great to hammer home that last page and send it off to Bill, my editor.

I haven't started in on issue eight. I haven't had the time, of course, but also I think a break might be due-- at least insomuch that I can chip away at other writing projects for a little while. A book idea I've had for ages is just sitting in my hard drive, and sketches that need developing are likewise inert without a bit of elbow grease. Well. Elbow grease so far as typing is concerned.

It feels good to be writing, and to have things to write.

* * *

On another completely different note, Pedro rocks. He calls me up about the most random stuff. The other night he called me to let me know about a History Channel special, The History of the Joke. That is totally something I would have enjoyed. If we had cable, that might be possible!

Anyway. Chris rocks. He went on to regale me with a few golden zingers from the special, and let loose with his hyena-like fountain of laughter after each one. What can I say. I love the guy.

So: A priest, a rabbi and a sperm whale walk into a bar...

Happy Birthday, Pedro

Today was a good day. Chris (aka Pedro) deserved nothing less.

His girlfriend Angela smuggled him up here for the day. He thought they were going to Philadelphia. Heh heh. Eeevil.

We went to Union Square, took in a few sights, slipped over to Soho (Dean & Deluca. More on them later.) and then to Times Square. Any day in which you see an animatronic Tyrannosaurus Rex is a good one.

So. On the way back to the apartment, Angela and I slipped away to the Bakery to grab some cupcakes. They were remodeling; and despite the door being unlocked told us they were closed. My jaw gaped just a little bit.

"But... we just wanted cupcakes." They took mercy on us. I pointed out some chocolate cupcakes and said, "Okay, please give us the minimum number of cupcakes for a credit card."

The credit card machine was disconnected. "It's my friend's birthday. How much are cupcakes?" They're $1.75. I had three bucks on me; enough for one. I slapped two bills on the shelf. "One cupcake, please." They asked if we really only wanted one, if it was someone's birthday. I looked to Angela, who shrugged. It wouldn't be much of a party with only one cupcake.

The manager (I'm assuming) told us we could ask for more, and stop by the next day to pay for 'em. I asked for two additional cupcakes, and quickly scribbled on a business card "I owe you for two cupcakes."

So. Now that I've visited an ATM, I can swing by tomorrow to pay for the other two cupcakes. Which, for the record, were delicious.

I do want to say, I've never used the "But we just wanted cupcakes" defense before. It was 100% effective. Perhaps it will have applications in the future...