Dayton's Blog: A pimple on the ass of the Internet.

They're tough to clean, and cooking them properly is a bitch.



Just sayin'.

Earlier today, my editor at Pocket Books sent for my review a set of documents containing the cover copy which will appear inside and outside the front and back covers of Counterstrike. I made a few suggestions for minor tweaks and sent them back this evening, then paused to ponder her one other request:

"Also, I’ll need an author photo with credit in the next couple of weeks."

Apparently, the pic will also go inside the back cover. First time for everything, I guess!

So, I'm pondering getting a "real" publicity photo done up. I figure it's time I did that. I've been skating by on various pics taken by Michi or friends, but nothing approaching the quality of a professional photographer. Add in the fact that I pretty much hate having my picture taken, and we're talking a real fun time for me coming up soon.

I suppose I couldn't just get by using one of these?

Digging around in the picture directories, and happened across this pic, taken at Star Trek: The Experience late in 2006:



All hail the nerdity!

....a leftover pic from our recent jaunt to San Diego. Fellow nerds will appreciate this:

"Meanwhile, at the...."

...feel like posting a full-blown Shore Leave after-action report just yet, I instead offer a couple of pics from the sight-seeing we did the day after the con wrapped.

First, we have proof that Indiana Jones shoulda just dialed up the Smithsonian:



Next, we have a rare photo of an Easter Island statue out of its natural habitat:



(Psst. I'm the one on the right.)

And finally, this one is for our friend jmswallow, who traveled from the UK to attend Shore Leave (and make a hysterical observation about American beer along the way), and while in DC making with his own tourist action, was unfortunately unable to find this wondrous artifact.



Sorry, dude!

Now I just delegate the material to my trusted assistant....

"A fork? For cake? Fork that noise!"

Shameless promotion of a different sort....




For those wondering, Addy's shirt reads "Captain! My diaper can't take any more!"

...insufferably pleased with themselves as they finalize their fiendish plot to rule the universe.

Just me and the Salt Vampire, hanging out for some quality time....

Oh, that's gonna leave a mark.

Almost forgot to post this, but look who's one month old today:



Now, tell me: Doesn't that expression just scream, "Why, yes, Father, I do so want to watch The Day the Earth Stood Still with you." ???


I thought so.

Michi's doctor gave her the okay to leave the hospital this morning, and the doctor minding the babies in the nursery cleared Erin soon after. I had everybody home just after lunch, and now we're settling in to life with the new family dynamic. The dogs are curious as to the strange little human in their midst, and Addy is fascinated by this tiny version of her. Check out the resemblance:

The first pic is Addy, the day after her birth, compared to Erin just a few hours after she showed up:



Weird, huh?

Erin Haley Ward

Born February 22, 11:58 am
8 lbs, 2.5 oz.
20.5 inches long

Mom and baby are doing just fine!

Thanks to everyone who's sent well-wishes! It's very much appreciated.

She's ready to kick all kinds of Sith Lord ass.




That's right, Anakin. Run, like the punk you are.

Look who's a big "1" today:

Don't worry; I've already got money set aside for therapy.

"This is Empress Addy. Prepare to receive instructions."

In honor of Addy's 8-month "birthday" today: 

 

Addy started making other sounds yesterday. Not just grunts and stuff, but actual syllables.



What's she saying?

"Da da da da da."

I know it's typically one of the first "real" sounds babies make, but I only care about my own kid. Besides, you just know I'm having fun with this, despite the looks o' death I'm receiving from the Mom....

Guess who's six months old today?