The showing of Gattaca was yesterday, during the time of day when the dorm rooms are insanely hot (as opposed to merely intolerable.) It's a pretty good flick--visually gorgeous with an evocative soundtrack. It kept my interest all the way to the end in an enjoyable fashion.

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Yes, things be winding down here. My misanthropy is acting up. I love everyone here--they're all wonderful people, but I'm ready to get away from the Group soon. How long can 17 people behave and get along in a high-pressure semi-social setting? Answer: 5 weeks. How long can 17 people grit their teeth and smile and swear not to kill anyone because there isn't all that much time left? Answer: One week (we hope!)

Okay, I know I'm giving the wrong impression again. I really am having the time of my life here. I do not for one second regret coming here, and I have learned and grown more than I ever thought possible. But boy am I ever tired.

Daniel wants to get a t-shirt made that says, "I love you all. Fuck off."

I'm there.

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Well, Carol Emshwiller is thoroughly delightful. 77 years old, but bright and active and full of energy. Very invigorating, which is what we sorely need for this last week. She's focusing in on our actual words, especially use of modifiers. Some of what she's saying seems almost intuitive, but at the same time difficult to grasp.

The number of stories being turned in has definitely tapered off. Two friday, and three today. But the cool thing is that everyone has written at least 6 stories. It looks like Ellen if going to lead the pack with ten stories. And, as much as I hate to say it, it looks like I'm only going to finish up eight. The story that I was working on yesterday (with the hopes of turning it in today) fizzled badly into a severely worn-out trope. Plus I was finishing up the artwork for the front of our t-shirt--which took much longer than I'd expected with trying to get everything arranged and set up to everybody's satisfaction. Then the hassle of trying to get it to print out on Eric's laser printer so that it would be closer to camera-ready artwork. But, I finally reached the point where I had to say, "It's just a fucking t-shirt," and I left the disk with Eric and went back to my writing.

So anyway, to get back from my semi-rant, I will be turning in something on Wednesday, and then I will take the rest of the week off writing-wise.

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And the Totally Coolest Person On This Planet award goes to Lisa Silverthorne. This wonderful woman has sent me cards and notes and small gifts every week I've been here. She's absolutely terrific, and she's going to get a big hug when I see her at Worldcon. (She's rooming with me at Worldcon, so I know she can't escape me!)