And lo! the writer emerges from his day job!

In a sudden collision of events, I magically found that yesterday I had--get this--TIME TO WRITE! Not just an hour here or there, which is what I've been doing lately, but a solid chunk of actual uninterrupted time in which to beat the keyboard senseless.

I partook generously.

See, I managed to get all of the grading of papers done Friday morning, before the horrible class that forces me to stay at work on Friday when normally I'd be free all day Friday to write. The professor that's supposed to be teaching this class is supposed to be arriving this coming week sometime to take over. This is the class that I agreed to sub for when I was told that I'd only be doing it for 2 weeks. It's now been 6 weeks, going on 7. That is 6 entire Fridays I have missed writing, which is why the third book is not yet finished.

But enough bitching. Yesterday, I got to write, and I managed to get about 15 pages written. So chapter 14 is almost done. I figure 5 more pages on it max. And it's the top of the rollercoaster ride to the end, so no more new plot, no more new characters, all action and emotional resolutions to the end. *hee hee!*

Then of course I have to revise it, but still . . . SO CLOSE TO A FINISHED BOOK! And with the department teasing me about getting my Friday's back too! Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!

I'll post a wordage update as soon as chapter 14 is finished, probably later this week.

And for those of you following the painting drama . . .

Last weekend I managed to finish the last of the edging on the walls, so the walls are finished! Also, there was a slight confrontation between me and the partner where he asked (after I'd been painting all day while he was downstairs "listening to music") if anything was wrong, I looked angry. I told him I wasn't angry (I was) but that I wasn't thrilled that I had to paint the entire fourth floor myself. He responded that he was going to do the bathroom. My expression must have said that this excuse was not sufficient because then he threw in the kitchen cabinets. My angry (but I'm not angry) frown must have deepened because then he said how was he supposed to help when we only had one ladder?

He said this with a serious face.

I was less than thrilled. More not thrilled than I was before the conversation started.

But anyway, this weekend (meaning today) I managed to prime the fire sprinkler piping that hangs down from the ceiling. This was required because someone at some time had the bright idea to paint these things red. I decided to paint them yellow (a very very light yellow) to match the walls. So I primed them. I also painted the inside of the front door yellow; painted, not primed, so that's done. I painted the big pipe that runs up one wall yellow. In a fit of productivity, I decided I could also prime the kitchen cupboards that my partner said he'd paint but I know I'll end up painting anyway. I took all the doors off, primed them, taped the counter and wall and primed the cupboards.

By the way, the kitchen cupboards were also painted red, I assume by the same person who painted the pipes.

During the kitchen cupboard priming, my partner showed up and worked on the bathroom, which I am leaving to him. I have to admit that while I was working on the pipes and the door, he was doing laundry and working on other things, so I felt no need to harass him about not helping me. It's when I'm working and he's lounging that it gets to me.

So a very productive day regarding the 4th floor. It's beginning to look like its close to finished, rather than just a total disaster. Next weekend, I hope to get the paint for the stuff I primed today, and I want to add some built in bookcases, so need to get the wood and stain for that. And of course I need to paint the pipes yellow. After THAT I want to put some stone mosaic tile stuff in the kitchen area.

But, to leave you smiling, the best (read worst) part of the day: I spent the entire day being extremely careful not to get paint on the pants I was wearing. My shirt was worthless and could be splattered all I wanted, but not the pants. So I finished with the priming, everything's done, and my pants are PERFECT. No splatters, no random spots, nothing. So I take the paintbrush and paint tray to the kitchen sink to clean them, humming along nicely, everything's cleaned, lean back. . . .

And discover that I'm stuck--by my pants--to the kitchen cabinet below the sink. Yes, after just priming them, I leaned up against them to clean stuff up. *head desk*

I scrubbed the pants thoroughly once I'd pried myself free and everything seems to be fine. Wet, but fine.