It's about darn time

Now that I'm finished with the sixth Harry Potter book (again) and have done the necessary research into the release dates of the seventh book (unknown, though there is speculation about 7/7/2007) and fifth movie (7/13/2007), I can get on with life.

Meaning I can blog.

So, somewhere I mentioned that I might apply to the University of Illinois at Springfield Online English Program. I looked into that a bit more yesterday, and I am very sad to report that they do not accept students for the Spring semester, which is when I was hoping to start. They only accept new students in the Fall semester. Their application deadline is in January, and the lady said she encourages applicants to get started in October, so I guess, accidentally and for the first time in my life, I am running ahead of schedule. I'm still very bummed, because I was really hoping (and looking forward) to take classes this Spring, and I won't be able to start for a whole year--a whole year!! But I'm certainly not deterred. I really feel this is the best option for me (and, trust me, there aren't that many higher education options for someone who lives in Waco and can't afford Baylor.) I was a little concerned that the program doesn't offer classes specifically geared toward editing, but the lady said the program is extremely writing-intensive, and that lends itself to better editing skills, which I totally agree with. And as much as I enjoy writing, I'm also okay with that kind of a program.

In the nearer future (nearer than January or next Fall), I will be using my dubious writing skills to create a 50,000-word novel. If you haven't already, check out the NaNoWriMo site, or my own NaNoWriMo site. I'm currently polling for name ideas. Also, for those who are keeping track, and those who aren't, I have changed what I am going to write. More about that on my NaNo site.

And, finally, some pictures from our spectacular San Antonio trip. You can click on any of the pictures to view them larger.

The Riverwalk, near the Landing, I think, where we heard live jazz. Thanks, mom.


Near the fountains of the Paseo del Rio, leading to the Alamo from the Riverwalk.

The Alamo (as if you didn't already know).













The view from our hotel.


















More views of the Riverwalk, and the Landing (blue umbrellas). We went inside on Friday night and heard the Jim Cullum Jazz Band, and we sat outside for a little while on Saturday for the free jazz.