Monthly Archives: May 2011

Green fever

One of the nicest things about working on a non-fiction project is the freedom to read novels without neuroticizing (should be a word) about the unfair talent allotted to writers other than me.

Right now, I have a stack of John Green novels waiting for me. I read An Abundance of Katherines before, and loved it. Now, because my friend Rachelle is a super-fan (sorry, Rachelle, hope I didn’t just out you), I’ve gathered up Paper Towns and Will Grayson, with a side serving of Libba Bray’s Going Bovine.

So far, I’ve read the first chapter of Paper Towns, which was highly entertaining, and the acknowledgements of Going Bovine, which was almost equally entertaining. Here’s my favourite line of thanks from Libba Bray:

“Clive Owen for continuing to have an imaginary affair with me.”

I, too, thank Clive Owen. I wonder if she’s seen him in the BMW short films…

Thank goodness for escapist literature

I have no scintillating blog topics today, because:

1. I have fallen into clinical depression over the election results.

2. I am considering a move to Scandinavia, land of my forefathers, where they have progressive governments AND potato pancakes. (Although, there are the pickled herring to also consider.)

3. I am reading Philippa Gregory‘s The White Queen and little Edward has just been born in sanctuary. Who can concentrate at such a time?

How to file an HST payment: writer’s version

Print finances for 3-month period, which look like a spreadsheet, but are really a table, because who the heck understands spreadsheets.
Read blogs.
Using thumb and forefinger, pick up financials from printer, and place on desk. Squint and tilt head from side to side, to see numbers swirl.
Check Facebook, new Twitter account, real estate listings.
Look for adding machine. Remember it broke during tax receipt round-up.
Add up numbers on computer calculator.
Add up numbers again.
Realize that despite high school cashier experience, you can no longer input numbers without looking.
Add up numbers again, while looking.
Consider submitting resume to CRA, as perhaps they need someone who can write forms in English.
Remember time at Forest Practices Board, and ensuing electroshock therapy. Rethink resume sending.
Log onto on-line banking.
Wonder what the heck is the difference between lines 106 and 107.
Decide to go with 106, because even numbers are more friendly.
Send.