It’s been in the upper 90s and we’ll be seeing our first three-digit day here soon, I suspect. Lots of things happened this month, but new words weren’t in there. Mostly the month was consumed with my coming to grips with the new facts of life.

There’s been a lot of good news. I graduated from the diabetes education program. My glucose numbers are slowly coming down. I’ve lost 20 pounds. I’ve just completed my 152nd day in a row of meditation exercise and feel like I’m doing better because of it. I’ve also exercised more–adding evening treadmill walks and strength training to my daily lineup. (Tip: a liter of water ways just over 2 pounds and costs way less than a 2 pound hand weight.) Physically, I’ve changed so much in the last couple of months, I feel like I should have taken a before and after picture.

Mentally, I’m starting this month with a much better outlook than I had going into June.

My goals for the month:
1. Finish the draft for Suicide Run so I can hand it off to the editor in August.
2. Finish updating the file for South Coast’s paperback. It’s been marked up. I just need to make the changes in the file and upload it.
3. Add a second set of resistance exercises to my daily practice.
4. Do the morning walk before 6AM to avoid the heat that’s coming.

Bottom line: I’ve got lots to do and I’m excited about the month to come.

First of the month which means I need to post an update. Last month was a busy one.

Health News:

I’m getting my diabetes under control. Liberal application of exercise and some dietary changes have made a huge difference in my numbers. I’m working on new recipes and meal plans that don’t penalize the family – or sap my will to live.

Book News:

To Fire Called has been a moderate success. Podium has the manuscript for audio production but I don’t have a date for release yet. Yes, I’ll publish a paper version. Probably not this month but soon-ish.

I have to convert Milk Run to paperback as well. I will get it onto Audible. Eventually.

Suicide Run got a great kick in the pants early but has stalled for the moment while I’m distracted by everything else. I really want to finish the first draft this month – which is one reason I’m unlikely to get the paperback of Fire ready.

I have the South Coast proof copy on my side table. It’s marked up and just needs to be updated. I’ll probably take a couple of days and deal with that soon, just to get it off my plate.

Travel News:

I had a great time at BaltiCon. The travel was relatively painless. The Con itself was fun. Dave Robison’s new game – Manifest – turned into my favorite activity. If you like tabletop games, keep an eye open for it. I met a lot of new people and touched base with some old friends.