On the road again . . .

So, it's that time of year once again! Comic-Con in San Diego! Woot!

I've been so looking forward to this for quite awhile now, you have no idea. But the last couple of weeks I have been especially anxious, because this is the first time in a long time that I will actually be staying in San Diego for nearly the whole convention. (Ah, to be in San Diego again. It's been too long.)

It's gonna be epic, it's gonna be . . . (wait for it) . . . legendary!

So it begins, and ends, tonight

Well, tonight is the night. At the stroke of midnight this evening as Friday, the 20th of July turns into the 21st, the seventh and final book of the Harry Potter series goes on sale. This is probably not news to anybody, as the approaching date and hour have been mentioned ad nauseum by all media outlets.

And where will I be at the appointed hour? I'll be waiting in line at my local Borders bookstore, as part of a worldwide mob of Muggles, eager to plunk down some coinage for our own little copies of history in the making.

It's not that I'm a Harry Potter fanatic like some others, really I'm not. (This isn't denial, by the way.) In fact I haven't even read a single one of the prior six books, not a one. Okay, so I listened to every one of the CD audio books from local public library. (In my opinion, Jim Dale is just perfect as the narrator, don't you agree?) And I have seen everyone of the movies made thus far, multiple times. And I do have the occasional Harry Potter desktop wallpaper here and there on my laptop. But that does not make a nutter.

What I am is a person who enjoys good stories and storytelling, and that is what the Harry Potter series is to me -- a cracking good tale full of adventure, emotions, and life lessons. J.K. Rowling has outdone herself with the wonderful characters and stories she has spun over the years.

It's been fun, I've had a great time, and I know I'm not alone. Millions of others across the globe have shared and enjoyed it too. Which is why unlike the previous times, I'm gonna take part in the frenzy and fun of a Harry Potter book release.

Even if you haven't reserved your own copy of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" for tonight's release, why not just head on down to your local bookstore and take part in the festivities? If this is going to be the last book, then why not have a blast? And why not share the experience with others? Collective experiences of this nature are rare enough as it is.

Years later, at least you can honestly say you were there too when history was made.

Down the rabbit hole . . .

So, I went to see the doctor today about my lower back. Had my first back adjustment done -- very interesting. A little disturbing having a full grown adult grapple you and wrench you this way and that all the while pressing down on you with their weight. Despite the unnerving sounds of various spinal joints cracking and popping, I felt fine afterward.

Actually, even before my appointment my back was a lot better than it was a couple of days ago. I've been resting and taking ibuprofen, and I've also been careful not to injure it again. This means I've been sitting or walking around as if I'm in charm school balancing a book on my head -- ramrod-straight upper body, bending only at the knees, and slowly pirouetting when I want to turn. Awkward, but effective.

Anyway, until the x-rays come back and indicate something more sinister, it looks like everything will be fine in about six weeks, which is the norm for back injuries. So just more taking it easy, and more drugs.

Ah, pharmacological candy . . . my enemy, my friend. The daily prescribed regimen includes ridiculous amounts of ibuprofen, a twice-daily muscle relaxant, and a short course of corticosteroids. Mmmmmm. Personally, I prefer avoiding medicine as much as possible. Small to moderate pain can be managed. But if it helps promote healing, and possibly prevents reinjury, then I'll grudging take the stuff.

Oh, well. Guess the best way to avoid the need for drugs, is to avoid the need for drugs. Genius!

Vancouver's finest dining, and wit

In case you didn't know (and how would you) . . . I'm into science fiction. Have been since I was a wee little lad. I've read my fair share of sci-fi novels and short stories, and seen more than my fair share of movies and television shows. In fact, one of my favorite channels is the Sci-Fi cable network which airs Stargate: SG-1, Stargate: Atlantis, and Battlestar Galactica, which are some of my favorite shows on TV.

So imagine my delight in stumbling upon the blog of Stargate writer and producer, Joseph Mallozzi, "Thoughts and Tirades, Rants and Ruminations" on Blogger. Now, while I have never met Mr. Mallozzi, I feel a special connection with him, as if we are kindred spirits . . . can I call him Joseph? Joe? Joey. See, not only do we both share a love of science fiction in general, and Stargate in particular, but we also share a common, heartfelt love of food -- I eat it at least once a day, if not more, just as he does.

(Now granted, I don't post blogs and photos about the gastronomical delights I consume on a near daily basis, but that may have more to do with not living in Vancouver, one of the most livable cities in the world and home to some of the best places to eat. But it is assuring to know that the next time I visit, I can use Joey's postings as a food guide. Yum-o!)

Lest you think the above mere coincidence, I assure you the eerie similarities continue. He currently lives in Vancouver, and for the longest time I have wished to live there myself. He loves chocolate, as do I. He seems witty, I enjoy his wit. I could go on, but I have given myself the chills.

I suggest you check out his blog, even if you aren't a Stargate fan or food gourmand. A regular feature of his postings is the fun he has responding to email scammers, which is always good for a few laughs. (Also check out his posting while on vacation last November in Hong Kong. Swedish massage anyone?)

Relax my back

For the past few days, I've been dealing with a bum back -- lower back to be precise. It doesn't hurt so long as I don't move the lower portion of my back. No leaning forward or backward, side to side seems okay if limited in range.

No one thing set it off, it was probably a combination of factors. The more I think about it, it was probably a long time in coming. There were warning signs. So now it's just rest, time, and a little tiny pill now and again (say every 4-6 hours as needed.)

While I can't unscramble the egg that is my back, at least I can prevent it from happening again. I'm gonna reevaluate the ergonomics of my life and daily routine. Maybe it's time I invested in a kneeling chair for the time I spend typing at the computer. Perhaps I'll have to rethink my wheels and chuck the sports car for something with more headroom and an easier entry and exit profile. I should definitely stop eating meals in front of the TV sitting on the floor at the tea table, definitely.

And may a little more yoga in my life would do me good. I used to be quite limber in my day, Gumby they used to call me. But alas, those days are past. Maybe I can reclaim them?

An Apple a day

So, I've made the switch recently to a MacBook as my primary computer, and thus far I'm really loving it.

Granted, there are a few quirks that keep the experience from being entirely smooth sailing -- different keyboard layout, unfamiliar keystroke combinations, and the intractable stupidity of the one-button trackpad. However, despite those inconveniences, the combination of hardware, design, and innovative OS and applications has made a believer out of me.

It's not that Macs are inherently better. They're just better now for what I need and want.

A journey of a thousand pages . . .

begins with a single word.

And so it goes with this blog, except for the really long gap between entries.