I got a truly amazing gift this year: a netbook! I had been thinking about buying one, so I could write at work or when I'm out and about, but I just couldn't justify the money. Then my uncle and a couple of my friends chipped in and bought it for me! I am so grateful I don't even know what to say.
My netbook, an EeePC S101 named Harry, is my new favorite thing in the entire world. He goes everywhere with me. He's small enough that I can comfortably check my e-mail or catch up on blogs or watch a movie while wrapped in blankets on the couch! (An important consideration this time of year.) Plus, I adore my laptop, but it doesn't have wireless. Harry does.
Last week I had to take my car to the mechanic for a few hours. Normally this would mean a few hours of window-shopping or something else equally unproductive, since my mechanic is pretty far from my house and my work both. But I took Harry with me, and lo and behold, someone had opened up a Jewish deli with free wireless just a few blocks away. I was able to have fried salami and eggs with a bagel, AND get some writing done!
(This Jewish deli is my OTHER new favorite thing in the entire world. Seattle doesn't really have a lot of New York-style delis, and this one is the real thing. I went back yesterday with a friend and got an overstuffed pastrami, swiss cheese, and coleslaw sandwich on rye, aka a "Rachel." It was HEAVEN. With each bite I was amazed anew that the sandwich was really as delicious as I had thought it was. Mmmmmmm. We also split an amazing piece of cheesecake.)
Anyway. Back on topic. Look at Harry! He's so pretty and sleek:
(The sticker is a drawing of a T-Rex saying "Ladies, please, one at a time!" It's from one of my favorite webcomics, Dinosaur Comics.)
I chose Harry because he was light, small, and relatively inexpensive, but an awesome side benefit is that there are rhinestones in his hinges, somewhat inexplicably (my photography skills are not the best, but you can kind of see it's there):
And here he is showing off my lovely website!
Which segues nicely into the other thing I wanted to mention, which is that my amazing web designer Jo recently updated my website with a whole section for In for a Penny!
It's all here and includes the first chapter of the book, deleted scenes, character interviews, and more! It also tells you where you can pre-order the book in the US, Canada, and the UK (and the Book Depository has free shipping to lots and lots of places, if you're somewhere else!). She really did an amazing job, I can't believe how good it looks. Check it out! (And keep your eyes peeled for a contest! Coming soon.)
I hope the new year brings all of you your heart's desire.
