Death of an air mattress, NaNoWriMo, and other odds and ends

Sadly, I have to report that the air mattress functioning as my bed has joined my laptop in some sort of cosmic strike. Both have ceased to exist; they are no more. I woke up this morning partially on the floor and surrounded by some pathetic sort of airy parts of the mattress (basically I was surrounded by a partially inflated mattress).

Fortunately, Irene (who has loaned me all other furniture in my apartment) has a camping pad and a feather bed, so.... until I can get some sort of bed replacement, I will truly be camping in the apartment.

Since today is the start of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), and since I will be cranking out a 50,000 word novel in 30 days, I won't have a lot of time to care about where I'm sleeping, when I am actually sleeping and not writing. It will be interesting to do this without a computer of my own. I have been lucky enough to borrow one here and there, so that helps. I may be using the public access computers at the public library, and elsewhere throughout town.

At least I've been lucky enough to be reminded of what's really important in life. Stuff is just stuff. Granted, some stuff makes life much easier and more comfortable (like a bed!), but it's good to know that I can exist without it, if I have to, I guess.

So, the novel I'm working on is set in a small, conservative mining town in Montana, in a library. The main character is a liberal librarian new to the profession. Gee, gosh, any resemblance to any one living or dead is purely a coincidence. I do want the t-shirt Sara once found for me, though. "Careful, or you'll end up in my novel." Not that it would really happen...... or would it? I guess we'll all find out 50,000 words and 29 days from now. Perhaps writers do have the best form of revenge.

In other news, since life is short, and looking even shorter at 50, I have officially decided to apply to PhD programs for fall. I have contacted a Montana university about teaching children's literature online as an part-time, adjunct faculty member. I haven't heard back, but wish me luck. I'll keep you all posted.