The Host; Stephanie Meyer

Again, go read the book before reading further here. I know it’s a big book. that’s part of its appeal. It’s good. I’m telling you it’s good. Go read it. Just don’t drop it on a cat. ‘Cause, you know, OUCH.

Just so you know…

I didn’t really start this whole blogging thing back up with the intention of dropping it again. This has just been a rough couple of weeks. I’ve started training on the “accounting assistant” part of my job which is a) during the daytime, b) a confusing mix of things I know by heart and things I’ve never actually had to deal with before and c) being conducted by an Egyptian who mumbles in a Russian accent. I swear to you. It’s fun, but I’ve been spending way too much time either at work or completely exhausted.

Also, least reassuring sentence ever uttered to me while training:

“Come on, you have to get this, so I can quit without feeling guilty.”

Granted, this did come up after he had mentioned how much he would like to work at one of the local accounting firms, and I had joked about not minding taking his job. But, like, six MONTHS from now, you know? Yeesh. ‘Cause we all KNOW how well I deal with, like PRESSURE.

But I’m feeling victorious, even right now, when I’m mostly feeling tired. I’m dealing with the sleep schedule flopping just fine. I’m handling night audit during the hotel’s busiest season without a hitch. I’m mostly getting the new stuff, and the stuff that’s floating past me I’m mashing into my head by rote. (It’s crude, but with math it works until you get the chance to work your mind around all the angles. It’s one of the beauties of math.) I’m dealing with stress without nicotene, and mostly not missing it. Mostly. I’m recognising the insane thoughts as being “insane thoughts,” even when I’m not quite in a state to remember why they’re insane. I’m coping. I’m succeeding.

But enough bragging. It’s Tuesday, and thus a cat picture is in order. Or at least as much of a picture as a five foot tall woman can take of a cat atop a six foot high wardrobe. Say “hi” to Marmel guys. She is the cuteness.

Terry Bisson Pass Along

Short story posted at tor.com. It’s funny. Go read it.