I’m wrestling with my second ear infection of the winter. My doctor has been on my case about this for some time. Because of the number of infections I had since being a smaller version of my present self, there’s quite a bit of permanent damage to my middle ear. Combined with tinnitus, I’m down to about 60 percent of my hearing. Where this condition is going is unknown. The doctor told me about some surgical options, but I’m holding out for something less invasive.

Here’s 4 things good about losing some of my hearing:
1) I get to stare at people’s lips when they’re talking and have an excuse for it. Some of you out there need to try some chapstick. Please.
2) Rap music is pleasant now. The ringing filters out words like mutha***** and b**** and c***, not to mention s*** and w****. Another plus : Die, Whitey Die! – rolls right by.
3) I can sleep through my cat snoring.
4) I can sleep through my own snoring.

You know what? So far I’m ahead on this deal.

I’m back on track with the official charter on the blog, working towards getting a book deal. Here’s the latest stats towards that end:

1)The Ridge Runner – Editor person just gave me their drop dead word on the phone, we’re meeting Wednesday evening. The incredible crisis has passed at their day job, and they’ve cleared their evening schedule to make this happen. Thank you editor person, I appreciate it.

2)Book # 2 – Untitled – The goal was for 15 pages by the end of this week. I came in at 12 pages. I’ll have to try harder at focusing my energies during the time alloted for writing.

3)samhilliard.com. – samhilliard.com just crossed the two week mark of official operations. I’m thinking about refining the mailing list options. For instance, offering the option of mail when I blog, mail when there’s news, etc. Right now it’s just a state of the union address, and the first one hasn’t gone out yet.

Anyway – thanks to all for your support. You guys rule! And hey, if you like what you see here, email someone a link to samhilliard.com. It’s just good karma.

I had a pretty good day at the PC. I’ve got about six pages for the next book so far. Of the last three writing sessions, I’ve yet to have a single heads down writing day for book two. Heads down writing means no phone and I eat lunch at my desk, and no web surfing.

But the Internet is always calling. And I do so very much need to know about the latest and greatest on cnn.com and elsewhere. Right.

Over the last few days, there were distractions with the web site, because tech guy wanted my input on a bunch of things while he interfaced with Spike on the graphics. That’s tech guy’s phrasing not mine. I don’t ask why. I just want it to work.

It’s going to be fun to see how many balls I can keep in the air before dropping one.