Etc., Etc., Etc.

Well, sorry for the long pause...we've been out of town, I've had loads of stories due and it seems that we're still behind from the birthday parties. Here's a quick run down:

• We just returned from Carly's annual birthday trip to visit her Anqing family and Disneyland. Lots of fodder for the blog. I'll get to it as soon as possible.
• I've had back to back stories due and a couple of stories that were up in the air suddenly materialized with near term due dates. I have so little control over these things. SO-a couple of great back stories to share.
• I found out yesterday that my first essay took second place in a local writing contest. You can find a version of it here. Like all writers, I tweaked it before I submitted it any where. The good news is there were more than 2 entries and the judges didn't laugh when they read it.
  

That's the short version. The long version is yet to come.