Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.10, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site.

# The Fantasy Adventure of Aaron Pogue

Author of the Dragonprince's Legacy, the Godlanders War, and the Ghost Targets mysteries

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.aaronpogue.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [News](https://www.aaronpogue.com/news/)
- [Blessing #82](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-82/) - May your feet find the path your heart needs most today, no matter where your thoughts are wandering.
- [Blessing #81](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-81/) - May you take a plunge into some crystal waters and discover there a healing pool. Stay a while. Breathe.
- [Blessing #80](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-80/) - May salvation ever catch you, like a safety net that snatches you from a treacherous fall, even if it knocks the wind out of you every time.
- [Blessing #79](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-79/) - May the dragons fighting overhead overlook you altogether, though they crash and roar like thunderstorms.
- [Blessing #78](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-78/) - May you catch some hopeful glimpse today of the sunlight shining further down this road.
- [Blessing #77](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-77/) - May the Lord of Heaven guide your soul beside still waters.
- [Blessing #76](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-76/) - May your faith offer comfort in times of trial, like a warm bath after a hard day's work.
- [Blessing #75](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-75/) - May forgiveness conspire against you when you aren't looking, and leave you suddenly blinking in the sunlight.
- [Blessing #74](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-74/) - May the fire flare up bright and hot today.
- [Blessing #73](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-73/) - May your life read like a slow chapter in a great book today, while you catch your breath and figure out what's really going on.
- [Blessing #72](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-72/) - May you find some sweet surprise in all your labor today, like a lost twenty in a pile of warm, clean laundry.
- [Blessing #71](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-71/) - May your smile keep showing up on time today, even as your despair gets lost somewhere along the way.
- [Blessing #70](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-70/) - May life and hope and love bring you back from the grave today.
- [Blessing #69](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-69/) - May the clock on the wall tell you all day that you're okay. It's fine. Things are going well today.
- [Blessing #68](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-68/) - May the certain promise of your waiting pillow make all today's toils just a little easier.
- [Blessing #67](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-67/) - May the ones that you love most come crowding into your life today like a pile of happy puppies, jostling and tumbling and leaving you laughing at all the trouble.
- [Blessing #66](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-66/) - May some good decision that you made years ago stretch out its branches to shelter you today. You'll be amazed how it has grown!
- [Blessing #65](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-65/) - May the long, slow, patient pleasure of sunlight on a field of flowers wash over your life today.
- [Blessing #64](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-64/) - May that tension in your belly effervesce, dissolving into playful energy that tingles in your shoulders for the rest of the day.
- [Blessing #63](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-63/) - May your heart soar above the world today like an eagle on the wing, strong and free. And, oh, what a view!
- [Blessing #62](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-62/) - May you feel some measure of that fire and fury your heart so hungers for. May you come away no worse than singed and singing.
- [Blessing #61](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-61/) - May your To Do List do itself today.
- [Blessing #60](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-60/) - May the idle moments that show up in your day bring along little buckets of peace and patience until you're swimming in the stuff.
- [Blessing #59](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-59/) - May words of kind encouragement line your path today like flowers full abloom.
- [Blessing #58](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-58/) - May every door you open today reveal the threshold to an even better version of your life.
- [Blessing #57](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-57/) - May you feel the sunshine on your face and drink from the cup of Peace today.
- [Blessing #56](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-56/) - May the Lord of Heaven bless your life and keep it perfectly secure.
- [Blessing #55](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-55/) - May the summersong start humming in your head today, with promises of warmth and sunny play.
- [Blessing #54](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-54/) - May everyone who loves your name think of it at once today. You'll know it's time when you feel yourself start floating.
- [Blessing #53](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-53/) - May the sunshine after the rain turn all the drips and puddles into shimmering diamonds today.
- [Blessing #52](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-52/) - May today's dumb little tasks appear like charming puzzles, and their solutions like real accomplishments.
- [Blessing #51](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-51/) - May covert agents of happiness overwhelm your defenses while smiles seize key strategic outposts. May you surrender to joy today.
- [Blessing #50](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-50/) - May you feel your spirit soaring like a kite on a string today, anchored securely by your love for the ones below.
- [Blessing #49](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-49/) - May the light of Heaven brighten your eyes and warm your face today.
- [Blessing #48](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-48/) - May some little stream of joy that feeds your heart overflow its banks today and spill out into your life.
- [Blessing #47](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-47/) - May the day provide you some flattering reflection, as you glimpse your life through a lens of kindness.
- [Blessing #46](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-46/) - May you feel the patience of the oak and the goodness of deep, nurturing soil (hidden from sight), even as the winds rage all around you.
- [Blessing #45](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-45/) - May calming Peace lap at the edges of your life today like the little waves that shape the seashore.
- [Blessing #44](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-44/) - May the words arrange themselves for you today, like ducklings in a row. May everything come out right.
- [Blessing #43](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-43/) - May you discover an act of Love wrapped up like a present at your door today, and may you delight in unexpected joy as you dig through layer after layer.
- [Blessing #42](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-42/) - May you feel today the first hot breath of life. May you feel new. May you feel loved.
- [Blessing #41](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-41/) - May some flash of kindness dazzle you today, so bright it leaves you shining sparkle everywhere you go.
- [Blessing #40](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-40/) - May you remember love today, like the blooming of spring.
- [Blessing #39](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-39/) - May you feel all the eyes upon you today and know--heart-deep--that they are full of quiet admiration.
- [Blessing #38](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-38/) - May the laughter in your childish heart drown out all the very important thoughts you were supposed to have today.
- [Blessing #37](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-37/) - May the shadows on your path recede before the rising run and leave you with an easy way.
- [Blessing #36](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-36/) - May all the blessings woven through the fabric of your life give off a gentle warmth today, to remind you they are there.
- [Blessing #32](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-32/) - May the walls inside your spirit grant safe shelter. May your bridges built in love grant liberty.
- [Blessing #35](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-35/) - May your heart's laughter rise to Heaven like a burning incense, fragrant and sweet.
- [Blessing #34](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-34/) - May your spirit swim in sunshine--playing, splashing, all day long.
- [Blessing #33](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-33/) - May Hope share you a smile today and (however shyly) hold your hand a while.
- [Blessing #31](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-31/) - May your passion and your will shake hands in sure agreement on at least one dream today.
- [Blessing #30](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-30/) - May the rainsong sing your name. May the dawnsong call you out to play.
- [Blessing #29](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-29/) - May your slightest stumble send you soaring.
- [Blessing #28](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-28/) - May Creation remember her first role today and offer you a home where you feel like you belong.
- [Blessing #27](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-27/) - May Time untangle its ugly old knots for you today and let slip out some sweet memory of perfect joy.
- [Blessing #25](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-25/) - May your path today provide opportunities for rest: a tasty snack, a quiet nap, a friendly conversation.
- [Blessing #22](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-22/) - May your inner light shine bright today; may you catch its incandescent reflection whichever way you turn.
- [Blessing #24](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-24/) - May you find Wisdom littered through your Past and Hope adorning all your Future. May you feel drawn back home to a Now that weaves the two into a momentary Joy.
- [Blessing #23](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-23/) - May your heart quicken and your pulse pound in sweet anticipation. (May this day bring a reminder that those feelings can be kind.)
- [Blessing #26](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-26/) - May the hopeswell in your heart compel you up above the troubled waters. May you taste fresh air and catch your breath today.
- [May You Find Meaning in Your Life](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/may-you-find-meaning-in-your-life/) - The power and purpose of spoken blessings Lately, I've been thinking a lot about blessings. I don't mean I'm practicing gratitude and feeling #blessed (though, y'know, I'm working on that when I remember to). No, in this case, I'm talking about "blessings" as the counterpart to "curses." I'm talking about a statement of intent and
- [Rethinking the Fall of Man](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/rethinking-the-fall-of-man/) - There are a lot of things we call sin, from theft and murder to gossip and gluttony, but all of them are manifestations of one single impulse six words long.
- [Blessing #21](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-21/) - May the fig trees wither and the axe heads float in service to your will. (May you feel your hidden strength today.)
- [Blessing #20](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-20/) - May you find more success than you ought when you reach farther than you should. (May you feel your hidden strength today.)
- [Blessing #19](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-19/) - May you feel the fortitude of mountains behind you, the stillness of the ancient deeps around you, the unchecked whimsy of the winds above, and the angry passion of the living flame rushing on ahead. (May you feel your hidden strength today.)
- [Blessing #18](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-18/) - May your environment prove pliable, shaping itself to the needs of your body. And may your body do the same on behalf of your soul. (May you feel your hidden strength today.)
- [Blessing #17](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-17/) - May your breath come easy even when it shouldn't. May a pathway open up for you through all the grasping tangles. (May you feel your hidden strength today.)
- [Blessing #16](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-16/) - May your sorrows part like so much mist and all your trials tear like tissue paper. (May you feel your hidden strength today.)
- [Blessing #15](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-15/) - May your footsteps fall like thunder and the weight of your gaze crush stone to rubble. May you feel your hidden strength today.
- [Blessing #12](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-12/) - May Stillness find you at your rest and set your soul sweetly drifting out upon the quiet waters.
- [Blessing #13](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-13/) - May your wishes feel like hopes today, and your hopes like possibilities.
- [Blessing #14](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-14/) - May you find welcome waiting wherever you should roam.
- [Blessing #11](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-11/) - May there be ever words of lovingkindness on your tongue and in your heart.
- [Blessing #10](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-10/) - May you find Peace more vast and deep and powerful than any of the things you fear.
- [Blessing #9](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-9/) - May you see the path you walk today with clarity. May you pursue your goals with confidence.
- [Blessing #8](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-8/) - May your dreams swim in moonlight, and may your days shine in the sun.
- [Blessing #7](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-7/) - May goodness and mercy follow you all the days of your life.
- [Blessing #5](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-5/) - May you find meaning in your life.
- [Blessing #4](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-4/) - May the thresholds of your sanctuary whisper comfort to you today: "You are safe in this place. Breathe easy for a moment."
- [Blessing #3](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-3/) - May this day bring you, to salve your star-scarred heart, a truly perfect taco.
- [Blessing #2](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-2/) - May Love find you today wherever you are, snuggle up against your shoulder, and breathe a friendly sigh.
- [Blessing #1](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-1/) - May you breathe in the frigid winter, and taste it melting against the warmth in your heart.
- [Blessing #6](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2019/blessing-6/) - May your name bring comfort to the afflicted. May your kindness shine light into the darkness.
- [Spring Break 2015](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2015/spring-break-2015/) - I've done a couple of posts now about living the high life thanks to the slow, certain success of my most recent business venture. I have one more to share, but this one is only tangentially related to Draft2Digital. In fact, I think it was the first time this year I took time off from
- [GNU Terry Pratchett](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2015/terry-pratchett/) - Terry Pratchett died two weeks ago. I looked it up just to be safe, and was shocked to learn it wasn't last week. Feels like it was just yesterday. It nearly broke my heart to hear the news. I had to remove myself from social media for several days, because every new profession of respect
- [Courtside](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2015/courtside/) - A couple of weeks ago, Kris was talking with our company lawyers, and they invited Kris and me to join them in their courtside seats for an NBA game.
- [San Francisco, CA](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2015/san-francisco/) - Last week, I went to San Francisco at the invitation of one of our partners. Apple asked us to visit them to discuss how we could grow the business together.
- [New Release! The Dawn of a Desperate War (The Godlanders War, Book Three)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2014/new-release-the-dawn-of-a-desperate-war-the-godlanders-war-book-three/) - Last week saw the release of The Dawn of a Desperate War, the final volume in the first trilogy of The Godlanders War. It's the best thing I've ever written. I understand it's normal for all creators to feel that way about whatever happens to be their newest work. Maybe that's the only thing at
- [Family Photo](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2014/family-photo/) - You must sometimes wonder if fantasy authors, like rock stars and sports heroes and famous actors, have unbelievably gorgeous wives and children. The answer, of course, is yes.
- [Spring Break](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2014/spring-break/) - Last week I took a short vacation from all of my many day jobs and went to visit some long-neglected family down in Texas. I should probably include my wife and kids in that "long-neglected" category, but I spent five days doing my best to make up for that. Before we left, I wasn't terribly
- [2013](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2013/2013/) - It's been a busy year for me. I started 2013 as CEO of a charity that no longer exists, chasing a career as a publisher and fundraiser. I end the year as a part-time employee of an author-services company I helped start, with high hopes of becoming a full-time writer again in 2014. It's been
- [Oberon's Dreams is the Kindle Daily Deal!](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2013/oberons-dreams-is-the-kindle-daily-deal/) - My first traditionally-published novel came out back in May, and it's had a little trouble gaining traction. I suspect it has mostly to do with the branding, mainly because the reviewers are saying so. Seems it's not the story they thought they were getting (a sea-faring pirate tale), and somehow my Dragonprince fans aren't getting
- [New Release! Oberon's Dreams (The Godlanders War, #1)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2013/new-release-oberons-dreams-the-godlanders-war-1/) - I have a new book out! I've been talking about this one for a while, but Oberon's Dreams is now available. It's the first book in a new adventure fantasy universe that I'm really excited about. Corin Hugh thought his mission had come to a highly profitable end. But King Oberon made sure his quest
- [Souvenir (A Poem)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2013/souvenir-a-poem/) - I do forget from time to time That I'm a poet in my heart. I hone my craft. I work and train Until my words become a job; Until taletelling's commonplace And then I lose sometimes the why. But then I watch my children laugh Or my wife takes my hand in hers Or I
- [The Dragonprince's Legacy](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2013/the-dragonprinces-legacy/) - Note: The following is a cleverly concealed new-release notification. If you'd prefer to skip straight to the good stuff, click here. I just re-released The Dragonswarm (The Dragonprince's Legacy, #2) with a new Afterword. I thought my regular readers here might find its contents interesting, so here you go: Welcome to the end of The
- [An Excerpt from "A Darkness in the East"](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2013/an-excerpt-from-a-darkness-in-the-east/) - I've mentioned my upcoming Dragonprince novella several times now, but I don't know if I've ever called it by name. It's called A Darkness in the East, and takes place immediately after the events of The Dragonswarm. Last week I was drafting a work request for my cover artist and he needed a description of
- [The Next Big Thing](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2013/the-next-big-thing/) - My friend and fellow fantasy author (and now collaborator) Joshua Unruh asked me to write about my next project as part of a chain blog. He spent a lot of his own post talking about writing in my world, so it would be rude for me to ignore his request. But, then, I've struggled so
- [Candycreme Cookies](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/candycreme-cookies/) - Sometime last week, I was watching Twitter when a conversation developed concerning cooking as an art form. Argumentative as I am by nature, I immediately thought, "There's nothing that creative about cooking!" Argumentative as I am by nature, I immediately thought, "That's stupid! Of course there is! For instance, I could probably imagine an incredible
- [1492 in Oklahoma City (Restaurant Review)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/1492-in-oklahoma-city-restaurant-review/) - If you like Mexican food and you live in Oklahoma City (or near enough to visit), I'm about to make your life better. If you live more than...oh, let's say three or four hours away, I'm just going to make you intensely jealous. As you know by now, I've spent the last two months in
- [Working for the Man](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/working-for-the-man/) - I've mentioned more than once that I've been working on a book for 47North, a science fiction and fantasy publisher owned by Amazon. I even wrote an article for Unstressed Syllables explaining how to submit a book to an Amazon imprint. That has been one of my most popular posts there. But I don't think
- [I Always Knew this Day Would Come!](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/i-always-knew-this-day-would-come/) - I've been sued. It's not as exciting as it could have been (and surely will be in the future). This time, it's a small-claims matter. Way back in 2002, when I first graduated and discovered with a shock that I had to get a job, I found a Tech Writing gig in Tulsa. We relocated
- [Advance Reading Copy of Myth Reaver (Noir Viking Fantasy)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/advance-reading-copy-of-myth-reaver-noir-viking-fantasy/) - I mentioned this yesterday, but wanted to give it the full attention it deserves. So here's my official grand announcement: Someone decided to merge a neo-noir fantasy epic with a Viking saga...and nailed it. And I got to help. Joshua Unruh is my Marketing Czar at Consortium of Books, and we've just completed acquisitions for
- [Meanwhile, in Oklahoma City...](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/meanwhile-in-oklahoma-city/) - A title like that really shouldn't be followed with fascinating tidbits, should it? But life has been action-packed around here lately, and it's only getting more interesting by the minute. Here are some highlights: Most of my books are now available on Kobo! That means you can get DRM-free ePubs even if you're not living
- [Discipline(s)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/disciplines/) - You may not know this about me, but I'm a programmer. It took him years, but one of my best friends from college finally convinced me to try my hand at it...well, a decade ago, now. He found the right language for me (Python), and then my interest in tedious videogames sealed the deal. Most
- ["New Media" Empires](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/new-media-empires/) - I just started a new hashtag on Twitter: #NewMediaEmpires. Apparently it's something much on my mind. A couple weeks ago I had a dream that I was at a party--some Comic-Con social thing straight out of that last season of The Guild--when Felicia Day came up to me at the bar. She was the party's
- [Works in Progress](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/works-in-progress/) - I've spent most of July being a businessman. I've been shopping group insurance coverage for my editors and me, trying to find someone reliable to handle payroll and corporate taxes, and running board meetings. Most of the writing I've done recently has been on a formal business plan. Fun. But it's all to the good.
- [Afterword](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/afterword/) - Dear Readers, This is not the end. It's an end, but there's still plenty more to tell. The final book in the Dragonprince Trilogy has been available in e-book form for most of a week now. Within a few hours of its release, it was on the Science Fiction and Fantasy bestseller list at Amazon.
- [It's Out!](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/its-out/) - I know a lot of you have been anxiously awaiting the news, so I'll go ahead and share that right up front: The Dragonprince's Heir (The Dragonprince Trilogy, #3) is now available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble! You can read the official release announcement here. (And if you're interested, you can sign up for
- [Finding Art](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/finding-art/) - Last week was a frantic one for me. Well...that's barely an interesting statement, because all my weeks are frantic. So let's focus on the particular theme that dominated last week's frenzy: Art. Specifically cover art. I'm publishing two books on Tuesday--one of my own, and one of my friend's that was hugely influential to me.
- [Book Reviews (And Another Free ARC)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/book-reviews-and-another-free-arc/) - No matter how much time we spend living inside our own heads, no matter how hard we work to develop thick skin, no matter how dedicated we are to our own artistic vision...the most important thing in the world to a professional writer is someone else's opinion. I've recently published an incomplete list of the
- [Ask Me Anything](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/ask-me-anything/) - I've never been a regular at Reddit, but I have friends who are and they've been encouraging me for a while to do an AMA (Ask Me Anything) thread. It's a little scary, but that's how I plan to spend my work day today. Swing by if you get a chance. You might want to
- [Fanmail](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/fanmail/) - My final editorial review of The Dragonprince's Heir is done. I finished it around 10:00 last night, then sat up for another hour tweaking the custom metadata file we use to turn a Google Doc into an actual e-book. Then I wrote a little personal letter to tuck inside the back of the book, ran
- [While You're Waiting....](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/while-youre-waiting/) - Good news! We've got an official release date now for The Dragonprince's Heir (The Dragonprince Trilogy, #3). From my publisher, Consortium Books: We plan to release The Dragonprince's Heir on Tuesday, June 26th, along with the debut epic fantasy Schism by Courtney Cantrell. That's just two weeks away! Some of you have already applied for
- [Advance Reading Copy of The Dragonprince's Heir!](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/advance-reading-copy-of-the-dragonprinces-heir/) - For several weeks now (primarily at my Facebook page) I've been promising to provide some some Advance Reading Copies of The Dragonprince's Heir (The Dragonprince Trilogy, #3) to my fans. As you may know, that effort has been delayed a little bit, but I think I'm finally ready to follow through. I'd like to allow
- [Contribute to Our KickStarter Campaign and Secure Your ARC of Dragonprince #3!](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/kickstarter-dragonprince-3-advance-reading-copy/) - I've been talking a lot about this KickStarter campaign lately, and I'll probably keep on doing it for the next two or three weeks. We've got a lot hanging on this campaign. For one, it's the only way I get paid for The Dragonprince's Heir. I've already donated the proceeds of the book to the
- [The Quest for a New Patronage](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/the-quest-for-a-new-patronage/) - My Director of Marketing helped me come up with this tonight. He's a useful man to know, I'll say that much. There are a few things you can count on in fantasy novels: The hero is brave and strong, he always beats the monster, every quest is an adventure, and magic is a useful tool
- [Sneak Peek Blog Tour: Becca J. Campbell](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/sneak-peek-blog-tour-becca-j-campbell/) - It's been a while since I've made time for anything but work. At the beginning of the year, that work was my day job. I put aside everything--homework, recreation, family...even my writing and publishing--because I knew how close my goal was. For two months, I buried myself in the day job just so I could
- [Remnant (A Dragonswarm Short Story)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/remnant-a-dragonswarm-short-story/) - Some of you may have already seen it in A Consortium of Worlds, #2, but I've just released a new dragonswarm short story. Set thousands of years before the events of the Dragonprince Trilogy, "Remnant" tells the story of what happened last time the dragons woke. You can pick up a copy of the short
- [Nearly There!](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/nearly-there/) - On Friday, I dropped in to explain with great fear and trembling that I would have just three days to write 20,000 words. I sort of exaggerated the dilemma, because I was only counting Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. I left on Friday and Saturday, because I was heading to Arkansas for those two days to
- [NaNoWriMo Every Day](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/nanowrimo-every-day/) - I started writing books when I was...let's say twelve. I first wrote Taming Fire while I was in college (ten years ago now), but I didn't really hit my stride as a writer until 2007. In 2007, I finally finished two novels (my second and third). It felt awfully good to finish up two books at
- [Soccer Song](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/soccer-song/) - Through no fault of my own, my two-year-old son Alexander decided early to reinforce gender stereotypes by loving sports of all kinds. For a while there, he demanded the same lullaby every single night before he'd go to sleep. "Baseball song!" I don't know where he picked up "Take Me out to the Ballgame" --
- [Due Dates](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/due-dates/) - My big news for this week is that the masterpiece is done. Late in the day on Thursday, I finished rewrites on the first draft of The Dragonprince's Heir (The Dragonprince Trilogy, #3). It's a good thing I did, because Thursday was my due date for that one. I emailed a copy of it to
- [Caleb Drake (An Excerpt from The Dragonprince's Heir)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/caleb-drake-an-excerpt-from-the-dragonprinces-heir/) - I just started on the rewrites of The Dragonprince's Heir, and I already found an excerpt I want to share with you. Well, I say it's an excerpt. I should probably call it an excision. It's three or four paragraphs describing Caleb Drake from the point of view of Daven's son, Taryn, fifteen years after
- [Starbucks](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/starbucks/) - You know the guy sitting in the corner at Starbucks, typing away on his laptop and just desperately hoping someone will ask him what he's doing so he can brag about his novel. That's me. Well, not really. I've got enough social anxiety that I'd usually prefer to be ignored, and that's more true than
- [Cracking Skulls](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/cracking-skulls/) - When I was young, my parents owned a little hobby farm outside a little town outside Tulsa. This surprises people who know me now, but as a kid I spent all my time outdoors. I never got into comic books or G. I. Joe and Transformers, because I wouldn't sit still long enough. I loved
- [Overworked](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/overworked/) - My day job is killing me. I'm not complaining! My day job is a dream come true. It's also a frantic sprint from the moment I wake up until I collapse every night. Writing is not exactly the leisurely, contemplative life I imagined as a kid. Faith I think last time I posted I was
- [Self-Employed](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/self-employed/) - Last July, I started selling a lot of books. Last December, I started making a lot of money. Not just enough money from the self-publishing that I could afford to quit my day job, but enough that it was costing me money to keep going to work every day. Still, I kept going to work.
- [Just Getting Started](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2012/just-getting-started/) - Hey, there! This is the home page of international bestselling fantasy author Aaron Pogue! That's me. Yes, I call myself that. Wouldn't you? You may already be familiar with my writing advice website, Unstressed Syllables. I started building that one back in 2009, before I was an international bestselling fantasy author, and when AaronPogue.com was
- [The Week in Words (August 21)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2010/the-week-in-words-august-21/) - At the Editor's DeskThis week was so busy it ran into next week! Sorry for the late newsletter, but it's been delayed by some truly exciting projects, so I'm sure you'll forgive me.Master of Professional WritingThis week I attended the orientation for new graduate students in the Master of Professional Writing program at the University
- [The Week in Words (August 14)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2010/the-week-in-words-august-14/) - At the Editor's DeskThis week my works in progress included four books, and all of the How Tos. That's not normally the way I run things, but this week has been an excellent exception.Catching Up on My ReadingThis week I didn't get any new scenes written for The Girl Who Stayed the Same, but I've
- [The Week in Words (August 7)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2010/the-week-in-words-august-7/) - At the Editor's DeskAfter last week's big reveal of my other project, I think it's time to get back to a real focus on what brings us all together here: hating Dan Brown.Freelance ServicesIt's a shame that I've never gotten around to preparing a sales page around here, but as some of my blog posts
- [The Week in Words (July 31)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2010/the-week-in-words-july-31/) - At the Editor's DeskAt last, it's here! Three months of talking about it, a month straight of setting up, and a week-long, thrilling extravaganza of business plannery have combined to make this the most exciting weekend at Unstressed Syllables since that one time when I wrote an e-Book.We'd better get straight to the action!The ConsortiumThis
- [The Week in Words (July 24)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2010/the-week-in-words-july-24/) - At the Editor's DeskI spent the week getting ready for Trish's birthday. But that didn't take as long as it probably should have, so I've gotten some other stuff done, too.Consortium TimeI've gotten to the point I spend most of my project time these days doing something for my new patronage program (which I do
- [The Week in Words (July 17)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2010/the-week-in-words-july-17/) - At the Editor's DeskThis week I've spent a whole lot of time advancing hundreds of different projects and goals in hundreds of parallel paths. The net result is probably only a gain of a few inches on average, but miles and miles if you add them all up.I suppose that's too vague to be useful,
- [The Week in Words (July 10)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2010/the-week-in-words-july-10/) - At the Editor's DeskWow! Thanks to the holiday and some clever use of vacation time I ended up with a six-day weekend this week...and I'm still exhausted. The world is moving in fascinating directions, though.The Girl Who Stayed the SameI've stumbled a little bit with The Girl Who Stayed the Same this week. Monday's post
- [The Week in Words (July 3)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2010/the-week-in-words-july-3/) - At the Editor's DeskOnce again, I've had a remarkably busy week working on Consortium stuff, but the tidbits I've been doling out here just haven't been terribly enlightening. I've got a big reveal planned for the near future, so I'll just stop discussing it in my newsletter until then. Here's everything else I've been doing.The
- [The Week in Words (June 26)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2010/the-week-in-words-june-26/) - At the Editor's DeskThis week I finally started on a novel I'd been talking about for ages. And I talked to many people for many hours. And I learned way more about CSS than I ever wanted to know.The ConsortiumAfter about a week of researching various art grants, I met with an accountant Wednesday to
- [The Week in Words (June 19)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2010/the-week-in-words-june-19/) - At the Editor's DeskPerhaps my biggest accomplishment this week has been the production of an email newsletter. It has taken me a hair shy of seven weeks to prepare.I do apologize for the delay. I changed the blog posting schedule at the same time I took on three major new projects, and the newsletter fell
- [My 48 Hours](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2010/my-48-hours/) - Last Thursday, while I was still at work, T-- took the kids to Wichita to spend some time with her family there. The plan was to stay through a big birthday party Saturday evening, then drive home late Saturday night.I intended, as I often do on these occasions, to take advantage of the peace and
- [Flying Ice](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2010/flying-ice/) - Monday this week was a day made for disappointment. It always is, but this week was worse than most. After an ice storm lent me another four-day weekend, it was a real bummer to come back to the office. Nobody was in a great mood, and everybody had a lot of work that needed doing,
- [Journal Entry: February 2, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2010/journal-entry-february-2-2009/) - We ended last year with an honest-to-goodness blizzard that rolled in on Christmas Eve. Mom and Dad were here in town, staying at our place for the week before heading out to Germany on Christmas morning, and that ended up being quite an adventure. They made it, though.Anyway, we had a repeat of that foul
- [I Am a Writer](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2010/i-am-a-writer/) - I've been a writer all my life. I started inventing worlds and stories when I was in first grade, and I started learning the mechanics of it all even before that, when my granddad taught me touch-typing on a battered old typewriter. The Prologue I first started thinking of myself as a writer in a
- [Unstressed Syllables](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2010/unstressed-syllables/) - This isn't really news to any of you, but I've spent most of the last month getting a new blog set up over at Unstressed Syllables.I've told a couple people that I'd probably abandon my personal blog, but I don't think that'll actually happen. Not altogether, anyway. I've made the definite decision to give up
- [The OC (Week 16)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/the-oc-week-16/) - This post is part of an ongoing series.Final ExamTwo weeks ago, I wrapped up my Technical Writing class with a final exam. It was a little experimental (Courtney said more than once, "I've certainly never had a final like that!"), but it went perfectly.In case I didn't mention it before, Courtney joined us for the
- [The OC (Week 15)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/the-oc-week-15/) - This post is part of an ongoing series.Season FinaleWe have officially left the regular season. Post-season takes place tomorrow. Or something like that. Whatever.Week 15 marked the last week of regular classes for the semester, and we finished it by finishing up our presentations. Tuesday saw some technical difficulties, and Thursday saw some more, but
- [The OC (Week 14)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/the-oc-week-14/) - This post is part of an ongoing series.PresentationsI mentioned it in the last post, but we're done with lectures and mostly done with the tutorials (more on that in a minute). That just leaves presentations, and the final.We started the presentations this week, with four presentations a class period over four periods (in two weeks).
- [National Novel Writing Month 2009 Post Mortem](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/national-novel-writing-month-2009-post-mortem/) - I can't believe it's over.I did finish NaNoWriMo. I'm a winner. I could post a JPEG proving it, but it doesn't really, so I won't.I took a strange path to 50,000 words this year, cobbling together scenes from three different novels in two genres, an open-ended collaborative writing project, and a short story. In the
- [Journal Entry: November 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-november-2009/) - I survived.I'm tempted to make those two words my whole journal entry, but so much happened in November that I don't want to forget. And so much happened in November that I'm going to forget it.Even this post won't get it all, but I want to grab the highlights.I started the month with a NaNoWriMo
- [Journal Entry: November 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-november-2009-2/)
- [The OC (Weeks 12 and 13)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/the-oc-weeks-12-and-13/) - This post is part of an ongoing series.Week 12Back in August -- back when I had so much delicious free time on my hands that reactivating my WoW account seemed like a good idea -- I was just a bright-eyed kid all full of ideas. Those were the good old days, before bitter experience taught
- [National Novel Writing Month 2009 Progress Report](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/national-novel-writing-month-2009-progress-report/) - I'm fifteen days into NaNoWriMo, and doing terribly well.Well, okay, sixteen days. I was going for the parallelism, though, so shut up!I made a long post to my writing group's discussion board last week talking about goals -- specific, personal goals, and the impetus to reach them. The gist of it was that I had
- [The OC (Week 11)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/the-oc-week-11/) - This post is part of an ongoing series.Scary Professor GuyI brought back Scary Professor Guy to open the class this week when, two or three minutes into our class period, one of my Juniors was still trying to get one of my Seniors to help her with her programming homework.I barked, "Okay, okay, go sit
- [Vanity Plate](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/vanity-plate/) - I talked about it a lot back when it happened, but I don't think I ever posted any of the photos Julie took when she came up to do the maternity shoot for Trish.I asked her to get a couple of me for profile pics, and this is the one I'm using now.Thanks again to
- [The OC (Week 10)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/the-oc-week-10/) - This post is part of an ongoing series.Pulling My PunchlinesLast week's class was disappointing. I think, of all the classes I've prepared this semester, the only one I was more excited about (beforehand) was the one with the band flyers. That time I was excited about the in-class activity, though. This time I was excited
- [National Novel Writing Month 2009 Kick-Off](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/national-novel-writing-month-2009-kick-off/) - I'm five days into NaNoWriMo, and not doing terribly well. I'm right at 1/4 of my target word count. My writing group is on fire, though, and I'm taking a little bit of (probably undeserved) paternal pride in that.We started things off in a big way last Saturday night (Halloween), when a bunch of us
- [The Golden Age (a poem)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/the-golden-age-a-poem/) - "She's got a rule. She never dates her friends." "I know," he said. "I really hate that rule...."She keeps it, though, and she is all alone.Alone at home, at work when it gets bad.There's trouble in the air, has been for years,Then something breaks one quiet afternoonAt a presidential speech.A kid is killed, and soon
- [Journal Entry: October 30, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-october-30-2009/) - I'm not going to pretend any of you are surprised at the lack of updates. I'm also not going to pretend there will be any rectification of that issue in the next thirty-one days. NaNoWriMo is here, and it gets my words. What I have to spare will end up in emails and FaceBook Discussion
- [The OC (Week 9)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/the-oc-week-9/) - This post is part of an ongoing series.Life is FunnyI started class today with story time. See, one of my students mentioned a couple weeks ago that he didn't need to do the Employment Packet assignments because he already had a job. The Employment Packet assignments require them to research job openings, and develop a
- [The OC (Week 8)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/the-oc-week-8/) - This post is part of an ongoing series.The Anxiety PersistsSo, I've been through this often enough now that I can make a pretty good analysis of the situation. Early on it seemed like my pre-class anxiety was getting less and less as it moved from a weeklong problem to one that only took up a
- [Journal Entry: October 20, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-october-20-2009/) - Yesterday I made a To Do list, but I didn't actually do anything.I got home from work to find AB napping and XP about to, so I was all too happy to watch them while T-- ran to the store.She brought home pizza for dinner. While I played WoW, we watched some Psych and some
- [Journal Entry: October 19, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-october-19-2009/) - Last Saturday was the big Charboneau family birthdays party for everyone with a birthday in October, and T-- felt the itch to be a part of that, so she ended up packing up the kids Friday morning and heading to Wichita. That left me with a weekend of bachelor freedom. I mostly spent it practicing
- [Journal Entry: October 16, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-october-16-2009/) - Well, after all my angst yesterday over the NaNoWriMo prewriting stuff, I loaded up the rough draft of my novel-writing how-to, and discovered that it was already reformatted to work on two weeks of prep time (instead of the month I thought I'd used), and that all of the assignments were written out, and all
- [Journal Entry: October 15, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-october-15-2009/) - Yesterday I got started on NaNoWriMo. Specifically, I sent out an email to everyone I know who's going to be participating with some prewriting instructions to help get them started thinking toward the writing that's going to be going on.That's something I started doing two years ago, when I got Dad and Heather to do
- [The OC (Week 7)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/the-oc-week-7/) - This post is part of an ongoing series.After spending six hours or so on class prep Monday, I ended up canceling class yesterday with the following BlackBoard announcement:Your professor has granted himself an excused absence for sickness today.Thursday is Fall Break, so Week 7 will go down in the annals of history as one of
- [Journal Entry: October 14, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-october-14-2009/) - No, there is too much. Let me sum up....It's terribly frustrating to me that, as times get more and more interesting, I write less and less about it on my blog. That's been true of every NaNoWriMo I've been through (and how many birthday parties and Thanksgivings have been lost because of it?), and it's
- [The OC (Weeks 5 and 6)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/the-oc-weeks-5-and-6/) - This post is part of an ongoing series.Week 5Week 5 doesn't get its own post, because it would be terribly uninteresting. I gave them the day off last Tuesday so that they could work on their semester projects. I did still require them to turn in their proposals before the class's regular start time (by
- [Sad Little Cloud (a poem)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/sad-little-cloud-a-poem/) - In perfect honesty there have been timesWhen I wanted to say, "That's it! I'm done."Too tired, too exhausted by your grief,And suffering in the shadow of your pain.You've hurt, and yes I know that hurt was real(And no, my happy life cannot compare)But all your misery is wasted time --A gift to grief, withheld from
- [All Grown Up](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/all-grown-up/) - As I said in the journal entry for Saturday, I watched AB all morning, then took her to meet the rest of the family for lunch at Jason's Deli. She'd had enough fun playing with her daddy that she wasn't too happy when I said, "Okay, put on your shoes. It's time to go."I finally
- [Journal Entry: September 28, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-september-28-2009/) - WednesdayWednesday after work we met K-- and N-- at Johnny's Charcoal Broiler -- carrying on a tradition started the first time T-- took AB to church, and we ate there for lunch. The food was delicious, of course, and it was a fun time getting together with friends.Afterward, everybody but K-- and me walked over
- [September Seventeen (a poem)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/september-seventeen-a-poem/) - You're Alexander, son.You're born, you're named, you're blessed to be a king.It's up to you to choose where you end up,But already you've conquered hearts, and bent some lives to you-- At two weeks old.You're Alexander, son.You're stronger than you ought to be, but only just begun.There's power in your name and mighty destiny bestowed,And
- [My Tens of Thousands](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/my-tens-of-thousands/) - I'm an observant person. I'm introspective and extrapolative. I spend a lot of time thinking about how the world really is, and how that information should affect my decisions. I call this careful consideration my "governing intellect" -- not that it does a ton of governing. It ends up being more a source of guilt
- [Journal Entry: September 23, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-september-23-2009/) - On Monday I told a lot of people, "Oh, it's so much easier with the second baby. With Annabelle we were up all night, every night, startling awake at every tiny sound. With Alexander, we're a lot more relaxed. I'm actually getting a lot of sleep."On Monday night, he proved me a liar. Bigtime.So, as
- [The OC (Week 4)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/the-oc-week-4/) - This post is part of an ongoing series.Technical DifficultiesI had 13 of my 16 students at 1:00. I waited a couple minutes and a couple more showed up, but the rest were in full chatterbox mode by then. I'd spent the last ten minutes at the podium, getting my visual aids ready for the day's
- [Annabelle](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/annabelle/) - Two short stories. Here's the first.Sunday night, as kickoff time for the (highly disappointing) Cowboys game approached, T--'s mom was trying to get AB psyched up for the game. (She needn't have bothered -- as soon as the pregame footage started and they showed a quick pan past Romo, AB screamed at the top of
- [Alexander](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/alexander/) - We need a web nickname for him. AB is AB, but really only in writing. I don't know anyone who calls her that out loud.I think X would be legitimate, since we don't know anybody sporting an X in their names, but it needs widespread usage before it makes any sense, and I don't have
- [Journal Entry: September 22, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-september-22-2009/) - Yesterday evening I left a rain-soaked work and headed home to find it sunny and dry. I found the womenfolk out back, watching AB play and letting Alexander get some sun (following a "mildly jaundiced" prognosis from his doctor). AB and I played kickball for a little while, then I left her in the care
- [Journal Entry: September 21, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-september-21-2009/) - I've gotten a little behind. Sorry about that.WednesdayLast Wednesday after work we got together with D--, K-- and N--, and my sister's family at Senor Tequila up in Edmond. I'm sure I've been to one before (the name is really familiar), but I don't remember when. The food was really good, though (especially the salsa),
- [News Alert!](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/news-alert/) - We are preparing to make a surprise trip to the hospital!That means you should be preparing to do some surprise babysitting!More later.
- [Caring for Your Introvert](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/caring-for-your-introvert/) - I found this article amusing, but it probably comes across as combative and haughty. Still, there's good information in there.
- [Journal Entry: September 16, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-september-16-2009/) - I tipped my hand a little bit, with yesterday's blog posts, but I wanted to get the information out. But, yeah, I had a late start on the day, came to work for a few hours, then headed to OC to teach my class. I decided to skip lunch (because I never have any appetite
- [A Present for the Baby](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/a-present-for-the-baby/) - In case you weren't able to make it to the baby shower, or just want to get something nice for little Alexander, I recommend picking up this.
- [The OC (Week 3)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/the-oc-week-3/) - This post is part of an ongoing series.Video LecturesI got to class about ten minutes early today, and spent that time setting up my laptop while the students filed in. I turned on the projector and got it ready to go, but I didn't hook anything up yet because I didn't want the distraction.While I
- [Journal Entry: September 15, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-september-15-2009/) - Yesterday sucked.I mean, actually, I had a pretty pleasant chat with Julie, and one with N--, too. That was nice. And I got a call from B-- that was news-packed, and at least half of it was good! That was nice.But really I wasted most of the day (and significant parts of each of those
- [Journal Entry: September 14, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-september-14-2009/) - FridayFriday night T--'s parents came in from Wichita, and after unloading the newly refurbished dining table and chairs that John had brought down, we took them out to dinner at Mama Roja (of course). It was delicious. Other than that, it was just WoW.SaturdaySaturday around noon we went to Mayfair Church of Christ for D--'s
- [Home Work](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/home-work/) - Consider the following text
- [Journal Entry: September 11, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-september-11-2009/) - Yesterday morning we woke up to a little scare. T-- was having trouble with her stomach and pain in her lower back, and at bleary-eyed seven in the morning, it seemed a little too much like labor pains. So she curled up on the bed trying to find a comfortable position, and I called my
- [Journal Entry: September 10, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-september-10-2009/) - Yesterday was relatively quiet -- at least, the way my life goes now. A year ago, yesterday's events would have seemed positively newsworthy.Anyway, I had a busy day at work, I wrote 600 words on Restraint over my lunch break, I got a call from my mom and we talked about teaching, I wrote a
- [The OC (Week 2)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/the-oc-week-2/) - Someday, one of my students is going to call me "Professor Pogue" (or maybe someone who really hasn't been paying attention will even call me "Doctor Pogue"), and I'll say, "No, please, call me Mister Pogue. Professor Pogue is my father."I'll be the only one who laughs at that, but I will find it hilarious.Seventy-five
- [Journal Entry: September 9, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-september-9-2009/) - Last week, before my first day of class, I mistook a respiratory virus for anxiety.This week, there was no mistake. Anxiety shut me down. I didn't sleep Monday night, and I didn't eat anything yesterday until hours after the class. It was a miserable experience.Also, as anxiety tends to be, it proved irrational and unfounded.
- [Journal Entry: September 8, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-september-8-2009/) - FridayIn my blog post last Friday I went into great detail concerning a slow-build head cold I'd spent a week developing, but then never really talked about it. I talked about how I confused it with social anxiety for a couple days, but never said how I knew that was a misdiagnosis.I knew by Thursday,
- [The OC (Week 1)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/the-oc-week-1/) - Class BeginsI got to the school half an hour early. That gave me time to figure out how the projector worked before I got around to realizing I didn't really have anything to project. My students started filing in fifteen minutes early, and kept on filing until about ten minutes into the class.Ten minutes into
- [Journal Entry: September 4, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-september-4-2009/) - Big week for me, so yeah I should have been posting regularly. But, then, it was a big week for me, so I had other stuff to do.Starting with getting sick.Sunday(Yes, I already did Sunday, just bear with me.)Sunday morning I woke up with the sniffles and a severe, sinus-related headache -- harkening back to
- [Journal Entry: August 31, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-august-31-2009/) - Two days behind, and a busy weekend to cover, so brace yourselves.WednesdayWednesday night we had dinner at Taco Bueno, with my sister's family, K-- and N--, and D--. The girls ran amok, we ate cheap Mexican food, and we discussed idle frustrations. Then, in perfect consensus, we all decided not to go to church.I spent
- [Journal Entry: August 26, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-august-26-2009/) - Yesterday we had an appointment to go out to a Wells Fargo office on Northwest Expressway and MacArthur to talk about refinancing a couple of our loans that are in a bad way. We'd arranged that appointment last week sometime, when the loan agent cold-called me, and then she called back yesterday morning confirm.The appointment
- [Watching Dreams Die](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/watching-dreams-die/) - Another article worth reading.Some psychologists investigated what it takes to get people (students) to give up on their dream job and pursue some crappy day job to pay the bills.
- [The Placebo Effect](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/the-placebo-effect/) - Found this article through Digg, and thought it was worth sharing.The headline claims that placebos are getting stronger, but the real situation is a little more complicated than that. Still, it's a great review of the placebo effect in general and a fascinating look at how major pharmaceuticals are addressing it right now.
- [Journal Entry: August 25, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-august-25-2009/) - Shortly after I got home from work yesterday, I was trying to into our bedroom when Pastis felt a sudden, urgent need to get out of it, and she sprinted across my feet to achieve that goal. I had no shoes on, and she had her claws out, and now the big toe on my
- [Journal Entry: August 24, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-august-24-2009/) - FridayFriday afternoon I got home in a bad mood from work, walked into the kitchen to pour myself a Coke and after a quick, "Welcome home!" T-- told me a little about her day, and then said, "Oh, and I've got all my stuff ready."And the words, "Ready for what?" died on my lips. She
- [Journal Entry: August 21, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-august-21-2009/) - Yesterday after work I headed over to the hospital where Toby and Gwyn are staying so T-- and I could see the new baby. There's a new baby! With much tininess! T-- held him, and we talked with Gwyn for a while, but I spent most of my time keeping AB occupied so the girls
- [Journal Entry: August 20, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-august-20-2009/) - We had our Wednesday night meal yesterday, but K-- was feeling sick so we had to get by without him and N--. My little sister requested barbecue, but we're a pretty picky family when it comes to what barbecue we'll eat, and the only place currently high in our esteem (Steve's Rib) is miles and
- [Today's Poem](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/todays-poem/) - "Baby Nance" by Aaron PogueBaby NancePotato saladSent from my iPhone
- [Journal Entry: August 18, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-august-18-2009/) - It's been a while, so I need to get caught up. If you don't want to read the big long blog post, there's this: We had a garage sale over the weekend, and I caught a cold that lasted somewhere around 36 hours. That's it.ThursdayLast Thursday night, my little sister came over to help T--
- [Ghost Targets as Formula Fiction](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/ghost-targets-as-formula-fiction/) - I've had several conversations with people about my Ghost Targets series, and along the way I've surprised a couple of them by talking about the structure of these novels. Because it's consistent -- it's a known value. I aim for a 60,000 word novel, which is relatively light reading. I try to do fifteen 4,000-word
- [Journal Entry: August 13, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-august-13-2009/) - I've had a Draft email with no recipient sitting in my GMail inbox for a week now. It goes as follows:Well, to be fair, I did solve all crime, most hunger, energy dependence on fossil fuels, voter apathy, predatory lending, and unemployment BEFORE I started working on skanky sluts. That was never actually meant to
- [Journal Entry: August 11, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-august-11-2009/) - Yesterday after I got home I worked out for an hour before dinner. T-- made a delicious Mexican casserole, then we watched new episodes of Leverage and Psych while AB played with puzzles.Before we got started on the TV shows, I dug out the Tech Writing Handbook that Gail has been using for the last
- [Journal Entry: August 10, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-august-10-2009/) - I really only listen to music when I'm in my car, driving back and forth to work, so I've never developed very refined tastes. For the most part, I listen to hip hop stations. One thing you encounter with pop radio stations like that is a pretty small selection of music with heavy repeats. At
- [Sinful Saint (a poem)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/sinful-saint-a-poem/) - I've heard you -- full of spirit, right with God --In reverence and deep humilitySay, "I am just a sinful childMade clean by God's good love."I've heard you whisper hope to hurt and help to those in need.I've seen you shine and shape the world with faith.But life is long and comfort short and sharp
- [National Novel Writing Month 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/national-novel-writing-month-2009/) - Bring it on!
- [Journal Entry: August 7, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-august-7-2009/) - Yesterday, for the first time this week, I came home and worked out instead of taking a nap (even though I really felt like taking a nap). And, would you believe it, yesterday for the first time this week I actually felt better.D-- brought over dinner from BWW, and we watched an episode of Dexter,
- [Journal Entry: August 6, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-august-6-2009/) - In both of my last two blog posts I commented on being mysteriously ill, without once considering that the symptoms matched up to precisely the things I was talking about in my Social Anxiety post on Monday. It took T-- to spot it. When I was complaining yesterday at lunch, she asked if I thought
- [Journal Entry: August 5, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-august-5-2009/) - I spent most of yesterday feeling sickly again -- transparent, as I said last week. I got home from work and went to the room and crashed. T-- woke me up around 6:30 for dinner, and then afterward I went to the office to play some Fallout while T-- watched Pride and Prejudice again.A little
- [Journal Entry: August 4, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-august-4-2009/) - Last night I came home from work and played with AB instead of working out. Partly that was because I'm such an awesome dad, but mostly it was because we had uncertain plans for the evening that could have started as early as 5:30.Specifically, we expected D--'s mom to stop by on her way back
- [Social Anxiety](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/social-anxiety/) - I woke up this morning with grand plans for a blog post all about the role of vampires in fantasy literature. I spent much of the morning thinking about it, composing, and then over lunch something happened. As I was leaving the restaurant, a small group went out ahead of me: three grown men, and
- [Journal Entry: August 3, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-august-3-2009/) - FridayLast Friday I got to work to find an email from the Deputy Secretary of Transportation encouraging all FAA managers and supervisors to support a (highly symbolic) DOT Telework Day. Any employees who wanted to were encouraged to try out telework (that is to say, working from home), in the hopes of more permanent adoption.We
- [Journal Entry: July 31, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-july-31-2009/) - Last night I came home from work and talked with T-- a bit, then watched AB while T-- went to pick up some groceries and dinner. While she was out, I heard from D-- who offered to bring by some Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner, and I told him sure! By all means!So T-- brought
- [Journal Entry: July 30, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-july-30-2009/) - Tuesday night I came home from work, did forty minutes on the elliptical, and then had dinner with T-- and AB. It was a pot roast in gravy, with mashed potatoes, and it was incredible. Thanks babe!After AB went to bed, T-- and I retired to the room to read, and I found myself fast
- [Journal Entry: July 28, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-july-28-2009/) - Okay, fine, no more fun with footnotes....Yesterday after work I spent forty minutes on the elliptical and another twenty minutes after that in the Capitol Wasteland. Then D-- came over for dinner, for which T-- made up some cheese dip with taco meat that was phenomenal.Afterward D-- agreed to watch AB so T-- and I
- [My Website](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/my-website/) - I've got a link to it on the right (in my Elsewheres), and most of you have been pointed that direction by one email or another in the last couple months, but if you haven't seen my website yet, you should check it out.If you want to know the who, what, when, where, and why,
- [Journal Entry: July 27, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-july-27-2009/) - Hah! You just thought I was the perfect husband.* On Saturday N-- orchestrated a surprise party for T--, and I got her just what she wanted (SFW). In your face, Mister Darcy!Ahem.FridayFriday was a long day at work trying to figure out how we're going to handle the crippling documentation we got from Raytheon. Not
- [Journal Entry: July 24, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-july-24-2009/) - Oh man, I have got to be just about the perfect husband.*As you already know, I got T-- a brand new* car for her birthday,* but for practical reasons we had to pick it up two weeks early. So, y'know, I wanted her to have something to open on her actual birthday, so my special
- [Journal Entry: July 23, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-july-23-2009/) - I've been reading Courtney's fantasy novel, which is one of the better fantasy novels I've ever read. I spent much of my lunch break for each of the last two days working on that, and I find myself really regretting it when I've got to put it aside and go back to work.Work this week
- [Wrath of God](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/wrath-of-god/) - As you already know if you've read through my many posts on religion, I don't really believe in a punitive Hell. If you think that frees me from fear of God, though, you'd better think again. No, I live in constant, trembling horror of the threat in the Parable of the Talents. I wonder if
- [Journal Entry: July 22, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-july-22-2009/) - Yesterday was the twenty-first, so I fasted. We actually had dinner plans at 6:30 that I knew about, so to facilitate that I started early on Monday afternoon. It made for a long day yesterday (as it always does), but I got a lot done (as I always do).I got home from work at five,
- [Writer's Group](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/writers-group/) - Writers are supposed to group. This is a thing. Just trust me.J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis were in a writer's group called The Inklings. Look it up. I'm not lying.I started something like a Pogue Family Writer's Group back in '07, when I sent an email to my dad and older sister
- [Journal Entry: July 21, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-july-21-2009/) - Yesterday I spent all day in a meeting at work, which was brutal.After work, I did forty minutes on the elliptical machine while getting killed by fire ants on the XBox. It was...fun? Anyway, I did my workout, so that's good. Then I helped T-- hang some stuff in AB's room -- a mirror and
- [Journal Entry: July 20, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-july-20-2009/) - FridayAs I mentioned on Friday, my parents came in Thursday night for a brief visit -- primarily to celebrate T--'s birthday, since they couldn't make it here next weekend. I had to work Friday, but they drove down my way to meet me for lunch at On the Border. Then shortly after I got home
- [Memesmerizing](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/memesmerizing/) - Y'know, for such an asynchronous communication medium, the Internet spawns a surprising number of call-and-response memes, from the O RLY? bird to "I'm not your buddy, guy," to "Madness? This is Sparta!"I realize comedy has always had a place for the setup you can get with a good straight man, but it's still fascinating how
- [Journal Entry: July 17, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-july-17-2009/) - I spent all of yesterday in a really good mood. I'm not sure exactly why, but it persisted. Yay for that!We'd been expecting some rain all week, but I think we were all caught unprepared by the ferocity of the swift-passing tempest we got yesterday. I had the pleasure of leaving work in time to
- [Journal Entry: July 16, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-july-16-2009/) - Yesterday I finished my software course. It's a pretty cool program. I threw together a MaskedFox icon in it, and then drew an Eye of Horus that was pretty acceptable. That was killing time. For the actual training I built a workflow process flow chart, an organization chart with decorative groupings for the various departments,
- [The Secret to a Successful Marriage](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/the-secret-to-a-successful-marriage/) - I was at lunch at Taco Bueno today and T-- called to talk about a garage sale she wants to do sometime next month. At the end of our conversation, we spoke over each other a little saying, "I love you, bye."We do that at the end of pretty much every phone call. Sometimes it's,
- [Journal Entry: July 15, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-july-15-2009/) - I spent yesterday in software training at work. I'd complain, but I got two thousand words written on Ghost Targets: Restraint, so the day was definitely a win.After work I went home and grabbed a quick nap, but not long enough (as the evening proved). I woke up around six, and T-- had dinner ready
- [Journal Entry: July 14, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-july-14-2009/) - Yesterday morning (you'll recall) I was complaining about crippling back pain. During the course of the day I did some stretches my physical therapist had taught me a year ago (and prayed a lot), and by the end of the day I was walking normal.My back was still a little sore, but I basically spent
- [Journal Entry: July 13, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-july-13-2009/) - In my last journal entry I mentioned working in the garage last Wednesday night, which required me to move a couple window A/C units. Apparently in the process I severely hurt my back. I've been limping ever since, and for the last two days I can barely stand up or walk. It's awful.ThursdayLast Thursday evening
- [Journal Entry: July 9, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-july-9-2009/) - Not long after lunch yesterday I heard back from the dealership that my Honda was finally ready. I drove home from work, picked up T--, and we drove out there together to pick it up. The air conditioner repair (which turned out to be a computer repair) ended up costing just over $1,000.While we were
- [Journal Entry: July 8, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-july-8-2009/) - You know that old Chinese saying/proverb/curse about living in interesting times? If I had to put Western words to it today, I'd say happiness usually exists in direct proportion to the dullness of blog posts.So, yeah, I've got a story to tell.I drove my boss's spare BMW home from work yesterday, worked out briefly, and
- [Journal Entry: July 7, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-july-7-2009/) - The Saturn is dead.I got home yesterday evening and after complaining to T-- about the sorry state of my life for half an hour (car troubles), I went to the office to work out and she took AB to pick up some Taco Bueno for supper. Both of those things proved satisfactory.Then AB took a
- [My Most Earnest, Oft-Uttered Prayer](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/my-most-earnest-oft-uttered-prayer/) - Dear Lord, my Father and my King, bless my name and bless my household.
- [Journal Entry: July 6, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-july-6-2009/) - SaturdayQuite in defiance of my blog post, last Saturday turned busy. T-- went to her brother Matt's to get some advice from a veteran painter, and Karla and John went out shopping for dinner supplies and then picked T-- up at Matt's and took her to her other brother Chris's place to give some advice
- [Journal Entry: July 4, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-july-4-2009/) - Thursday T-- had plans to meet her dad at the halfway point between OKC and Wichita and hand over AB. Her parents had agreed to watch AB Thursday night and Friday so T-- could have a little bit of a break.The broken car put a little bit of a kink in that plan, but T--
- [Journal Entry: July 2, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-july-2-2009/) - I have spent much of the last week reading Courtney's blog from the archives. I hope she'll forgive the intrusion, but I've found it equal parts charming and inspiring. I liked reading her comments as a fellow writer enough that I went back to the beginning, and I've enjoyed reading her experiences as a missionary
- [Journal Entry: July 1, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-july-1-2009/) - Monday morning I stayed home from work because I had no car. My plan was to take the day off, go pick up the car once my mechanic was done with it, and then proceed through the rest of my week as normal.When I didn't hear back from the mechanic by ten, I decided to
- [Mission Report: British Isles Campaign](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/mission-report-british-isles-campaign/) - I always blush and give a little apology when I write a blog post four or five days late. The lag on this one comes remarkably close to a true decade.RememberingThe summer after our Sophomore year at OC, T-- and I went to the British Isles on a mission campaign led by Dr. John Maple.
- [Journal Entry: June 29, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-june-29-2009/) - Maybe I'll get back to daily eventually. For now, here's a big update!WednesdayLast Wednesday night we went to Poblano's for dinner, with D-- and my little sister, and K-- and N--. The tamale dinner was good as always, and too much food as always. T-- and my sister had to rush out early to get
- [Journal Entry: June 24, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-june-24-2009/) - Years and years and years ago, back when we were in college, T-- and I went to the British Isles on a mission trip. We spent six weeks working with kids in VBSs and summer camps.One of the young women at the last camp was named Siobhan, which is pronounced "shuh von" or something along
- [Journal Entry: June 23, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-june-23-2009/) - It's no surprise that I went a week without posting after accepting a teaching job for the fall, right? Because I had to start getting class materials together and all....Heh. Right.TuesdayLast Tuesday we had McDonalds for dinner. That's all I recall. I probably played a bunch of Civ, but who can say for sure?WednesdayWednesday night
- [Journal Entry: June 16, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-june-16-2009/) - The big news for yesterday is that I officially accepted the offer to teach Tech Writing at Oklahoma Christian this fall. My reasoning was as follows: if I couldn't survive a semester on improvisation and caffeine, I never would have graduated in the first place.I got home from work on jumped on the elliptical machine
- [Journal Entry: June 15, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-june-15-2009/) - This is the story of my first chainsaw....FridayT--'s family came down for a visit this weekend. They got in around mid-day on Friday, so when I got home I found Karla and John as well as T--'s cousin Owen to greet me. They all went out back to play with AB and I went into
- [Journal Entry: June 12, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-june-12-2009/) - Ten minutes ago I was reading an article about stupid mistakes to avoid on Facebook. Unfortunately, it didn't include anything about spoiling the twist ending of your whodunnit novel with a stupid teaser for book three.Bah.TuesdayTuesday night one of T--'s favorite scrapbooking stores held a we-don't-want-to-go-out-of-business sale, so I agreed to watch AB while she
- [Journal Entry: June 9, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-june-9-2009/) - Yesterday T-- got home in time to meet me for lunch at Schlotzky's, then I had to go back to work and she had to go face the grim reality of unpacking the car and washing all the laundry. Poor thing.After work I ran up to Home Depot to exchange a faceplate and pick up
- [Greatness: The Dream House](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/greatness-the-dream-house/) - A Postmodern Short StoryFacebook has recently put me back in touch with an old high school friend, G--. He was never a close companion on the scale of D-- or Brad or Mike, but we shared classes and we shared conversations for most of six years, so I was glad to see his name and
- [Journal Entry: June 8, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-june-8-2009/) - ThursdayLast Thursday night we had D-- over to babysit AB so T-- and I could go out on a date. When we started trying to decide where to go for dinner, though, we both thought pizza sounded best, so we just ordered in and shared with D-- and AB. Then he took her outside to
- [Journal Entry: June 4, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-june-4-2009/) - Last night after work I got a Father's Day present -- T-- picked up a couple new shirts for me from Kohl's. They were really nice, and I immediately changed into the blue one. (Yes, blue.) Then I ran up to Lowe's to buy a couple bags of play sand for T--'s safari-themed Wednesday night
- [Journal Entry: June 3, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-june-3-2009/) - Yesterday after work I hung new curtains in AB's room and spent about forty minutes cursing at the register and vent covers I had to hang in the ceiling. I hate those things. Finally got it done, though, and most of my pending work for the nursery is done now.T-- grilled up some hot dogs
- [Journal Entry: June 2, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-june-2-2009/) - It always surprises me to get that email from Facebook saying "Such-and-such confirmed you as a friend." Usually that's because of the "such-and-such" in question -- mostly people I vaguely remember from high school who apparently remember me well enough to confirm. Weird.I spent the weekend watching AB while T-- was out of town, so
- [Journal Entry: May 28, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-may-28-2009/) - I worked a little bit late yesterday, but still got home with enough time to do a short stint on the elliptical while checking out my new monitor. I played an episode of Comedy Central Presents, and watching TV on this screen is so much better than watching it on the laptop monitor was.Then we
- [Journal Entry: May 27, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-may-27-2009/) - I've got an eventful five-day recap, so prepare your scrolling finger!Err....ThursdayLast Thursday was the 21st, so I did another 24-hour fast. Much easier than the first, because I had a really good idea exactly what to expect. I'd considered going for a 36-hour this time, but decided not to because I had work to do,
- [Fair Notice](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/fair-notice/) - To anyone who has need to call me, ever:As a general rule, unless I have reason to suspect an emergency, I don't answer my phone while I'm in a conversation.That's what caller ID is for. And voicemail. I'll call you back when I get a chance. And if you're the caller, just know I'll extend
- [Journal Entry: May 21, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-may-21-2009/) - Yesterday after work I rushed home to get started on more work.Instead of exercising for the day, I toiled. T-- had cleared off a bookcase for me during the day, so I dragged the empty bookcase from the old office into the new one, found a space for it on the wall, and then made
- [Journal Entry: May 20, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-may-20-2009/) - Is it the twentieth already? Ugh.Yesterday after work I did forty minutes on the elliptical and finished off the first season of Dollhouse, which ended fantastically. I'm really looking forward to seeing where they go with the story (and, in the same vein, really stoked to learn that they are renewing it).Then after that we
- [Lyrics](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/lyrics/) - Because it's only fair. After all, I did the same for AB:v.1A and L and E and XAlex, Alexanderv.2X and A-N-D-E-RXander, Alexanderv.3L-E-W-I-SLewis, Alexanderv.4P and O and G-U-EPogue, AlexanderrefrainA-L-E-X-A-N-D-E-RAlexander(We'll usually just do verses one and two, but you've got to hit the refrain at the end.)
- [Journal Entry: May 19, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-may-19-2009/) - Yesterday I finally got a Google Profile built for Aaron Pogue. There's a basketball player of the same name who was some sort of phenomenon in high school, so this is the first time typing my name into Google has ever revealed a single result related to me. (I'm right there at the very bottom
- [Journal Entry: May 18, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-may-18-2009/) - ThursdayLast Thursday night I came home from work, played with AB a little bit, and then T-- and I settled in to watch the rest of Lost as soon as possible. When that was done we still had The Office and Parks and Recreation and 30 Rock to watch, so it was a busy evening
- [Journal Entry: May 14, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-may-14-2009/) - Tuesday night I got home late from work, but I still ended up doing thirty minutes on the elliptical before dinner. D-- came over, and T-- made this peppercorn turkey breast that was phenomenal.After that we watched the Biggest Loser three-hour season finale (while D-- read a novel and I played the original Fallout), and
- [Journal Entry: May 12, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-may-12-2009/) - Sunday morning, I woke up early enough to have a delicious breakfast and then write a rather extensive blog post before rushing off to church with T--'s family.Afterward we celebrated Mother's Day with the whole clan by throwing a cookout at her parents' place. The men provided and prepared the food. For me, that consisted
- [Journal Entry: May 10, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-may-10-2009/) - FridayLast Friday (the first of the month), after work, T-- went out shopping for the evening with Diana, leaving me to watch AB. I ended up taking her to the mall for dinner in the Food Court. N-- met me there and helped me find a Mother's Day present for T--. In the process, I
- [Journal Entry: May 1, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-may-1-2009/) - Tuesday T-- made enchiladas, D-- came over for dinner, and we watched TV while I played Demigod. The end.Wednesday, D-- came over right after work to babysit AB for the evening so T-- and I could go out on a date. We've started something of a ritual of going out to dinner whenever I finish
- [Journal Entry: April 28, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-april-28-2009/) - Yesterday, I finished Ghost Targets: Expectation! Let there be fanfare and a parade in the streets. Or whatever.And then, to be perfectly honest, I finished it again today. There were a couple scenes earlier in the book that became necessary by the end of the book, so I still have to go back and fill
- [Poker Night](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/poker-night/) - Except for D--, we are all now married dudes and fathers -- those of us that are dudes at all, anyway -- and as a result we live kinda boring lives with little flexibility. Our wives, of course, have the same problem (with considerably more of their time tied up by the children, nonetheless), but
- [Journal Entry: April 27, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-april-27-2009/) - Last Thursday I got chapter thirteen finished over lunch, then went home and typed it up. I skipped my workout (haven't done anything since last Tuesday) because I'm having trouble with my knee. I took those four days off to rest it, and I'm going to start back with leisurely walks for a week before
- [Journal Entry: April 23, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-april-23-2009/) - Yesterday, at work, I officially got the sort-of-demotion that I mentioned last Tuesday. My supervisor took the other tech writer and me into a conference room, laid out the problem for me, and then we spent half an hour discussing exactly how it should be resolved. I'm basically stepping into the publication process to do
- [Journal Entry: April 22, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-april-22-2009/) - About a month ago, our preacher did a sermon on fasting in which he discussed the physical, emotional, psychological, and (of course) spiritual benefits of fasting. It struck a chord with me, and as I had missed breakfast before church, and was already planning on skipping the Second Sunday Fellowship afterward, I decided on the
- [Journal Entry: April 21, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-april-21-2009/) - Yesterday's post I forgot to include an update on my writing, but I did a lot of writing on Friday, none of Saturday, and then some more on Sunday to get me up through the end of chapter 10 (at 40,000 words), and started into 11.Yesterday I did another 1500 words over lunch, which should
- [Journal Entry: April 20, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-april-20-2009/) - Friday afternoon I got off work an hour early. I stopped at the grocery store on the way home to pick up chili fixins, then got it started and turned it down to simmer. T-- agreed to stir it for me, so I disappeared into the office for my workout.After that I took a quick
- [Journal Entry: April 17, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-april-17-2009/) - So, I was wrong when I started my whining about the cost of our exterminator. I think I named a total figure around five hundred bucks, but we had the termite guys out to give us an estimate yesterday, and it's actually going to be closer to twelve hundred.That's a big stressor, especially given other
- [Journal Entry: April 16, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-april-16-2009/) - Yesterday was tax day, but that didn't mean a lot to us. Ours were done a while back. We ended up getting about the same amount back as I'd spent on the elliptical machine, so that works out nicely.I headed home from work a little bit early so I could get in my workout before
- [Journal Entry: April 15, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-april-15-2009/) - ThursdayLast Thursday night I got home from work and did my workout, then T-- and I watched TV for a while waiting to hear from D-- about possibly babysitting AB. He got caught up with a work event, though, so once we learned he wasn't going to make it, we packed up AB and took
- [Journal Entry: April 9, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-april-9-2009/) - FridayFriday night I got home from work and spent 40 minutes on the elliptical machine. Then I showered and had a quick dinner with T-- in which she lamented the trial of potty training. After supper we were supposed to go over to my sister's place to help set up for a party Saturday night,
- [Journal Entry: April 3, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-april-3-2009/) - Yesterday I got home a little late from work and then spent a little while talking with T-- and AB before working out, so it was nearly 6:30 by the time we started on dinner.I did put in a 35-minute workout, and I plan on doing 40 tonight. In just a week I've gotten past
- [Journal Entry: April 2, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-april-2-2009/) - Yesterday T-- started potty-training AB.And it was a miserable day for everyone. The end.Actually, lots of other stuff happened, but it would have been fun to leave the whole post at that.Anyway, after work I got home and spent a little time talking with AB, trying to reinforce some of the work T-- had done
- [Journal Entry: April 1, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-april-1-2009/) - Yesterday at work I got started on my application to OU. I wrote several of my old professors requesting letters of reference (and already got two positive responses, which is enough for the actual requirements). I signed up to take the GRE next Monday, and prepared a 50-consecutive-page writing sample (I just went with the
- [Journal Entry: March 31, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-march-31-2009/) - Yesterday our new elliptical machine showed up. The delivery guy actually called while I was getting ready for work, and said he could bring it by during the day if someone could be home to meet him. T-- graciously offered to commit to that, and was rewarded with an early delivery. She called me around
- [Journal Entry: March 30, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-march-30-2009/) - WednesdayLast Wednesday night we had dinner at the newly-reopened Moe's Southwest Grill up in Edmond, for the convenience of our Edmond contingent which consists of K-- and N-- as well as my little sister and her family (who live about a mile from the restaurant). Unfortunately my sister was sick, and K-- and N-- had
- [Journal Entry: March 25, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-march-25-2009/) - Friday evening, T--'s parents came in for a weekend visit. After dinner we introduced them to Flight of the Conchords and Castle (and they liked the latter considerably more than the former). We also rewatched Lost, because John hadn't seen it yet.When it came time for AB to go to bed, she had no desire
- [Journal Entry: March 20, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-march-20-2009/) - Okay, so my math was off yesterday. I didn't get chapter four finished last night, but I'm still on track to finish it in March, if I can do a chapter a day from here on out. And, y'know, even if I don't, then I finish it on April 3rd or 4th instead of March
- [Journal Entry: March 19, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-march-19-2009/) - Well, hmm....I don't usually talk about work much on my blog, because the life of a Technical Writer is not an interesting one. But this seems worth posting.Back in December, as you all know, our house was robbed. In addition to every single thing that makes our lives happy (read: electronic toys), I lost a
- [Journal Entry: March 18, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-march-18-2009/) - Last night I came home and crashed on the couch, playing with AB some whenever she wandered close enough. At some point T-- asked me what I wanted for dinner, and I floated the idea of chili cheese dip. She said, "I'll make it if you'll go buy the Velveeta."I should have jumped up right
- [Journal Entry: March 17, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-march-17-2009/) - Yesterday after work we grabbed some pizza from Mazzio's and headed over to K-- and N--'s place. We had dinner together, then watched about 45 minutes of the premier of Kings.Honestly, I'm disappointed, because it's a story I very much want to see. It's a retelling of the David story from the Bible, but pretty
- [Journal Entry: March 16, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-march-16-2009/) - Last Friday was my RDO, as well as our anniversary. After a quiet evening watching TV Thursday, we spent most of Friday morning getting ready for a trip to Dallas.There's this restaurant, Texas de Brazil, that D-- encountered in his business travels. When T-- went down to Dallas with him and his mom last Christmastime,
- [Journal Entry: March 12, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-march-12-2009/) - Tomorrow's my anniversary. I will have been married for...well, basically forever. Who's counting?On Tuesday night, T-- picked up pizza and D-- came over to share it with us. I spent the whole evening working on fileserver stuff. D-- worked on a laptop, trying to replace a bad harddrive, and he hung around late working on
- [Journal Entry: March 10, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-march-10-2009/) - ThursdayI left off last Thursday with a tale of woe concerning our garage door opener. Thursday afternoon when I got home, I immediately set to work on that. I climbed up in the attic to figure out where the mounting bolts actually came through the ceiling, and it turned out they're actually driven into studs.
- [Journal Entry: March 5, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-march-5-2009/) - When we were robbed last December, the most crushing loss by far was the information that was taken. I think T-- would readily agree to that. We lost a bunch of electronics and some of T--'s jewelry, but they also got all the movies T-- had recorded on her camcorder and a year's worth of
- [Journal Entry: March 4, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-march-4-2009/) - I haven't posted in a week, so here's my big update.WednesdayLast Wednesday, I mentioned that I'd just finished a major rewrite of Gods Tomorrow. I got two copies of it printed up, and had T-- take them to church Wednesday night to share with a couple folks who had asked to see some of my
- [Journal Entry: February 25, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-february-25-2009/) - Last Friday I got home almost an hour late from work, and that threw off our whole evening. We ended up having cheese dip for dinner after eight, and watched a little bit of TV before Mom and Dad got in, about half past ten..We chatted for about an hour, but nobody was interested in
- [Journal Entry: February 20, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-february-20-2009/) - Yesterday I got some major rewrite work done on Gods Tomorrow, and I hope to get as much again done today. I'll do a project report on the Projects blog sometime today or tomorrow, in case you want more details.After work yesterday, we had dinner at Taco Bell, then grabbed some Church's Chicken (by request)
- [Project Report: Masked Fox Publishing blog](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/project-report-masked-fox-publishing-blog/) - I created a new blog today under the name Masked Fox Publishing (the name I would use for my private company, if I ever ran into a reason to need a private company). It occurred to me while working on some of my recent project reports that some of the discussion that goes into them
- [Journal Entry: February 19, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-february-19-2009/) - So, I don't think I mentioned this yet, but we've been having plumbing problems.As part of the construction project to renovate the kitchen, we had to bypass an old copper drain vent that ran from the sink/dishwasher drain up through the roof (and right through our window). As I mentioned when describing the project, we
- [Project Report: BookMaker](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/project-report-bookmaker/) - This project report has been moved to my new Projects blog.
- [Journal Entry: February 18, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-february-18-2009/) - I'm finally over whatever ailment had me down all weekend. Last night I was still dragging some (and T--, too, but of an ailment all her own), but today I'm finally feeling pretty much well.After work yesterday we had D-- over, and T-- made him steaks as a birthday treat. They turned out awesome, as
- [Journal Entry: February 17, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-february-17-2009/) - Last Thursday night, T-- and I went out for a Valentine's date. She was at the zoo when I first got home from work, which gave me time to wrap my gift to her (season 6 of Law and Order) and scribble down a quick card by way of iambic meter. Then T-- got home
- [Project Report: My Constant (iPhone App)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/project-report-my-constant-iphone-app/) - This project report has been moved to my new Projects blog.
- [Project Report: Ghost Targets: Expectations](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/project-report-ghost-targets-expectations/) - This project report has been moved to my new Projects blog.
- [Journal Entry: February 12, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-february-12-2009/) - I mentioned feeling under-the-weather Monday morning, and that has kicked in with a vengeance. Starting yesterday morning (and then worse today), I've got a throatache, a headache, and a bit of an upset stomach. It feels like strep, but every time I say it feels like strep I end up with a sinus infection, so
- [Journal Entry: February 11, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-february-11-2009/) - Friday night, K-- invited the guys out for a long-discussed pre-baby drinking night. Sort of like last hurrah before fatherhood. I dunno.Although there were five names on the invitation, it ended up being D-- and K-- and me, and that was enough for a fairly impressive evening of revelry. We started at Henry Hudsons, where
- [Project Report: Midas](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/project-report-midas/) - This project report has been moved to my new Projects blog.
- [Project Report: OBDMultibox and WoWCast.ahk](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/project-report-obdmultibox-and-wowcast-ahk/) - This project report has been moved to my new Projects blog.
- [Project Report: Travelocity Researcher](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/project-report-travelocity-researcher/) - This project report has been moved to my new Projects blog.
- [Project Report: Movie Hoard](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/project-report-movie-hoard/) - This project report has been moved to my new Projects blog.
- [Project Report: TourGuide](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/project-report-tourguide/) - This project report has been moved to my new Projects blog.
- [Project Report: Programming](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/project-report-programming/) - This project report has been moved to my new Projects blog.
- [Journal Entry: February 6, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-february-6-2009/) - Yesterday after work I figured out how to install the cabinet doors on our new island. It's the most bizarre and, at the same time, coolest latching mechanism for a cabinet door hinge I've ever seen. (And, yes, you would be right to assume that's a fairly small set).The kitchen looks finished now. There's still
- [Project Report: Gods Tomorrow](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/project-report-gods-tomorrow/) - This project report has been moved to my new Projects blog.
- [Journal Entry: February 5, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-february-5-2009/) - Yesterday I had something of an epiphany concerning my posts to this blog, remembering that my original goal was to track my various projects through the idea, preparation, development, and distribution phases. That is to say, when I come up with a new idea for a story, I'd like to post it here, then chronicle
- [Journal Entry: February 4, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-february-4-2009/) - Last night after work we stopped by Best Buy to pick up my new laptop, and then headed north of Edmond for dinner plans at our preacher's house.T-- has been working with the preacher's wife, Terry McElroy, at Oklahoma Christian Academy, the private school associated with Oklahoma Christian University. She's gone in as a volunteer
- [Journal Entry: February 3, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-february-3-2009/) - Yesterday I got home from work and wedged myself under the kitchen sink to try to fix our garbage disposal. We'd disconnected it as part of our wiring project over the weekend, and then discovered that the power wiring wasn't labeled (it's usually color-coded for the hot wire and the neutral wire, and on an
- [Journal Entry: February 2, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-february-2-2009-2/) - And here's another week-in-one.Last Monday I got to work right on time (which is something of a rarity on Mondays). On the drive in I heard a brief weather report on the radio, and I mostly zoned it out until I heard, "...and then tomorrow afternoon even more snow and ice..." and that made me
- [Journal Entry: January 26, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-january-26-2009/) - Bah, another long recap.Last Tuesday morning while I was at work, T-- called me to tell me our refrigerator wasn't working. She'd opened the freezer and found condensation on the ice bucket. She picked up some dry ice during the day, and the refrigerator finally started going again, but we'd been meaning to get a
- [Journal Entry: January 20, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-january-20-2008/) - Back from a long weekend and, as always, hating to be at work.Not that there's anything to complain about with regard to my job. I just hate having to work. Call it a character flaw.Friday was my Regular Day Off, so I stayed up late Thursday night playing WoW, slept in on Thursday, then went
- [Journal Entry: January 15, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-january-15-2009/) - I had a busy lunch break yesterday. Called Sprint, TiVo, Blockbuster, Pikepass, and AAA Fire & Casualty Insurance, mostly doing account maintenance. I also picked up some text messages for my cell phone, so I can send and receive without worrying how much it's costing me.After work we met D-- and K-- and N--, along
- [Journal Entry: January 14, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-january-14-2009/) - Let's see...what did I miss?Friday night of last week we were invited to B-- and E--'s place for dinner and a movie, with commentary. T-- and AB and I went, as well as D-- and K-- and N--. We had barbecue and chips and dip, and watched Star Wars Episode 3 with the Rifftrax audio
- [Journal Entry: January 9, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-january-9-2009/) - Wednesday night we had dinner at Subway with my little sister's family, and D--. Much of the talk was of a "Biggest Loser"-style contest Dad has recommended for our family. We're all participating, as far as I know. We'll see how that goes.Afterward, T-- took AB to church and D-- dropped me off at home.
- [Journal Entry: January 7, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-january-7-2009/) - Monday's writing project never saw another word, after that blog post. I haven't given up on it yet, but I don't see myself making much progress at all before Friday, which means I'll have a hell of a lot of catching up to do.On a positive note, I did go to the gym after work
- [Journal Entry: January 5, 2009](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2009/journal-entry-january-5-2009/) - I haven't posted since before Christmas, and that's down to laziness and forgetfulness more than anything else.Christmas, we spent in Wichita with T--'s family. I took along a laptop, and whatever time I didn't spend on other events, I spent either sleeping or playing WoW. You can take that for granted, and I won't bother
- [Journal Entry: December 22, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-december-22-2008/) - So I spent some time whining about my situation last Thursday, and instead of complaining you all gave an outpouring of sympathy and encouragement. What can you say about such guys? You're all awesome.I went home Thursday night and talked with T--, and got permission to really take it easy over the weekend (I had
- [Journal Entry: December 18, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-december-18-2008/) - I'm tired.Last time I posted was December 5th. Back then, I was complaining about sleeping problems, and mentioned obliquely "drama with our Tulsa house."This year, we've paid $8,400 in mortgage payments on the Tulsa house. We have also spent that much more money repairing the house (the bulk of that going into a new air
- [Journal Entry: December 5, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-december-5-2008/) - Last night, on the way home from work, I stopped by B-- and E--'s on an impulse. While in Little Rock I'd picked up a bottle of beauj nouveau for them, and it had been kicking around in my floorboard since we got back. The weather being what it is (and extreme temperatures being so
- [November 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/november-2008/) - Which is fundamentally different from NaNoWriMo 2008. Somehow.November was a busy month for me, quite apart from my writing. Work was hectic, but nobody wants to hear about my work, so I'll let it slide.I got back into WoW sometime in October, which was pretty foolish. The expansion called to me, though, and I started
- [National Novel Writing Month 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/national-novel-writing-month-2008/) - I finished Gods Tomorrow last Wednesday afternoon. It came in at 60,080 words, or about 240 pages.I've done a read-through, and T-- and Toby have both read it as I was writing it, and it seems to be good. I've got some little changes to make in the first rewrite (and a couple big changes,
- [Gods Tomorrow](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/gods-tomorrow/) - Somebody made a news article about the backstory in my NaNoWriMo book:http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081117082425.htmI'm at 45,000 words now, or about 180 pages. I'm aiming for 60,000, but the official NaNoWriMo goal is only 50,000. I should easily hit that before we head to Little Rock for Thanksgiving.
- [Journal Entry: October 31, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-october-31-2008/) - Happy Hallowe'en!That's right, I used the apostrophe. Deal!And, jeez, E-- sure got caught up on her blog, huh? Wow.Yes, I'm putting off journaling. It's been a rough week. I'm still sick. Managed to have a decent evening last night, despite, by staying home and playing computer games all night. T-- made up some steaks before
- [Journal Entry: October 30, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-october-30-2008/) - So, yeah, yesterday I ended up sick. Unpleasantly so.Still, we had tickets to go see the Oklahoma City Thunder opener. B-- and D-- showed up at my place a little after 5:00, and then T-- (who had gone to Edmond to drop off AB at my sister's for babysitting) picked up N-- and the five
- [Journal Entry: October 29, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-october-29-2008/) - I guess I failed to post yesterday. No big deal.Monday night, I came home from work and played some WoW. Then T-- made chicken and pasta for dinner, and we watched Heroes and Chuck (both of which were pretty good).Before T-- fell asleep Monday night, she was complaining that her stomach hurt. By yesterday morning,
- [Journal Entry: October 27, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-october-27-2008/) - Thursday night, T-- invited D-- and K-- over for chilidogs for dinner, then we spent the evening playing Rock Band. Toby came over, and we introduced him to the game, then he showed me the game database module he'd developed (at my request) so that the games we work on in the future will have
- [Journal Entry: October 23, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-october-23-2008/) - Tuesday night I didn't do anything interesting. I signed some paperwork to get landlord's insurance on our house in Tulsa, I had dinner with T-- and AB, and I played some WoW. N-- headed to Tulsa for a medical conference, but that only impacted me obliquely (and not until last night).Last night we met K--
- [Journal Entry: October 21, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-october-21-2008/) - T-- made steaks for dinner last night. D-- came over in time to have one, then we played WoW for about an hour and a half. Afterward, he went home and T-- and I watched Heroes. My whole night.Other than that, it's just things and stuff.
- [Journal Entry: October 20, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-october-20-2008/) - Well, the first Pogue Family Writer's Conference is come and gone.My dad, my sisters and I were the participants (thus the name). A little over a month ago, we each submitted an original novel for everyone else to read. My task was made a little bit easier because, as I've chronicled here, I spent most
- [Journal Entry: October 17, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-october-17-2008/) - Last night we met K-- and N-- for dinner at Freddy's, then they came over and watched three episodes of How I Met Your Mother with us. It was a lot of fun, especially after skipping our regular Wednesday night dinner, this week.They left around 9:00, and T-- and I went back to the office.
- [Journal Entry: October 16, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-october-16-2008/) - I can only remember one book ever making me cry (err...with narrative emotion, that is, not terrible prose). The Stand has come really close twice now, though, and I haven't even gotten into the actual story yet.Last night after work T-- made up some steak and pasta for dinner that was phenomenal. Then she took
- [Journal Entry: October 15, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-october-15-2008/) - So, we have the Pogue Family Writer's Conference this weekend, and as part of the project, everyone submitted a manuscript that everyone else is supposed to read (before the conference) and critique on Saturday morning.I think we all feel pretty far behind on the reading part. I read all three books earlier this year, as
- [Journal Entry: October 14, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-october-14-2008/) - Friday was my Regular Day Off, and yesterday was Columbus Day (which, for some reason, Federal employees get as a holiday). I was home both days, and I was busy, so here's a long catch-up post for you.Thursday night I went down to Norman to hang out with Toby and do some programming. He'd actually
- [Journal Entry: October 9, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-october-9-2008/) - Yesterday was Wednesday, so we met up with K-- and N-- and D-- for dinner, this time at Souper Salad!. I brought a burger from Freddy's.It was a fun dinner, though, and afterward D-- and I went back to the house to play Rock Band while the rest went to church. They all came over
- [Journal Entry: October 8, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-october-8-2008/) - Yesterday after work, T-- and I ran up to Wal-Mart to grab some stuff for the office. We got a small bookcase to go under the window, a new curtain (because I'd been using a bedsheet thrown over a curtain rod), and a power strip for her desk. Then I built the bookcase while T--
- [Journal Entry: October 7, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-october-7-2008/) - Yesterday was wildly productive. I woke up early and painted (as I think I already mentioned), then went out to lunch with T-- and AB, and then when AB went down for a nap, instead of breaking out the game I went back to the office with T-- and started clearing books off shelves.We're rearranging.
- [Journal Entry: October 6, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-october-6-2008/) - So, I normally don't post on my days off, but none of you knew today was going to be a day off for me, so I decided out of merciful kindheartedness to update after all.Friday was my last day of classes in Chicago. There was one afternoon flight out of O'Hare to get me back
- [Journal Entry: October 3, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-october-3-2008/) - I tried to post this last night, because it was such a thing, but Blogger suddenly won't work on my laptop for some reason, so I'm just adding it to my journal entry, during class.Anyway, Sunday when I first got in, as I mentioned, I drove up to a Target really close to my hotel,
- [Journal Entry: October 2, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-october-2-2008/) - Yesterday was the last day of our Intro class, so we got out a little early. I went back to the hotel, spent 40 minutes in the gym (where I worked biceps and added a minute to my running time), and then stayed in my hotel room for the whole night. I had leftover pizza
- [Events](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/events/) - So, every time I get in the car, I hear a DJ pointing out that there are still tickets available for the Weezer concert tomorrow night.....Now that could be a way to kill a couple hours.
- [Journal Entry: October 1, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-october-1-2008/) - So, immediately after I posted yesterday, I made myself into a liar. I went out to the car for lunch, amazingly found myself with a solid GPS signal, so I checked on nearby restaurants and found a Buffalo Wild Wings about four miles away. The GPS said it would take about 8 minutes to get
- [Journal Entry: September 30, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-september-30-2008/) - Last Friday night we had K-- and N-- and N--'s mom over for dinner (I made some of my incredibly awesome chili), and then Rock Band. We played until 11-ish, I think. It was a late night for Preggers McKnockedup, whatever time we finally quit. We all had a lot of fun, though.Then on Saturday
- [Journal Entry: September 26, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-september-26-2008/) - I don't know how we even got a loan on our house. I'm pretty sure it's FHA, but there were all kinds of things wrong with it.One specific problem is exposed, unpainted wood around the frame of the garage door. That's bugged me ever since we moved in, but I never did anything about it.
- [Journal Entry: September 25, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-september-25-2008/) - At this certain time in the future, I will go to such and such a place and do this or that....Sorry, I've been working with my budget lately, and it always gets me thinking about that.Umm...last night, we had K-- and N-- and D-- over for dinner, which consisted of three giant Jersey Mike's sandwiches,
- [Journal Entry: September 24, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-september-24-2008/) - So, yeah, I think I mentioned it yesterday, but I'm going to Chicago next week. I'll be leaving Sunday evening, around 6:00, and getting in the following Saturday at 11:00 am. T-- will pick me up from the airport and we'll drive straight up to Topeka for our friend Julie's wedding (unless I can get
- [Journal Entry: September 23, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-september-23-2008/) - Yesterday after work, before I got settled in (which meant crashing on the couch and not moving), I decided with determination that I should get the tape down off the front of the house, so I could see how it really looked.And the answer: pretty okay. Also, since the tape mostly held when I peeled
- [Journal Entry: September 22, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-september-22-2008/) - I have this To Do list that I made in Google Documents, and I use it to keep track of little projects I can take care of when I have a spot of free time and am feeling productive (or stuff we need around the house that I can pick up if we have a
- [Journal Entry: September 18, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-september-18-2008/) - Wasn't I just sick? That's totally unfair!Well, okay, no. I scrolled back through my Blog posts, and it was at the beginning of August. Still, it sucks. We went to dinner with D-- and K-- and N--, it being Wednesday, then D-- came over with Rock Band 2 and we made new characters and learned
- [Journal Entry: September 17, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-september-17-2008/) - Yesterday, I made a To Do list, and crossed everything off it.The most important items were synopses for each of three finished novels that I have ready to submit, and generic cover letters to go with those. I finished that over lunch yesterday, although the King Jason's War synopsis still needs to be redone.That's a
- [Journal Entry: September 16, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-september-16-2008/) - What a game....Yesterday afternoon I got home from work, took care of some chores around the house, and returned some borrowed lawncare items to the neighbor across the back fence. He, in turn, gave us a gift for AB that he and the wife had found while out shopping. It's a pretty cool little alphabet
- [Journal Entry: The Rest of September](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-the-rest-of-september/) - I hate getting this far behind, because it means most days I don't have time to write a catch-up post, but then that just means the next day I have even more stuff that needs to be caught up on.Basically, I've got to cover the XBox party at church, and then last Saturday's wedding in
- [Journal Entry: September 5, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-september-5-2008/) - Okay, imagine if the Trans Siberian Orchestra got a lead singer who was really angry.That's Coheed and Cambria, in case you've never listened to them. The drum part of "Welcome Home" is amazingly fun.So, yeah, as you can see, more of the same. Wednesday night was a lot of fun. We got together with K--
- [Journal Entry: September 3, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-september-3-2008/) - I had been planning to write up a post about how I first got started writing for today's journal entry, just to preserve it for posterity (by which I mean my own, given my flaky memory), but I don't feel up to it. Remind me to get to that sometime, though.T-- and I are sick.
- [Journal Entry: Labor Day in Houston](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-labor-day-in-houston/) - Last Thursday night, after I got home from work, T-- and I spent a while talking, and I played with the baby, and I wrestled with my inner demons and finally settled on watching the entirely insignificant final Cowboys preseason game instead of playing Rock Band. Then, after the game, I played Rock Band.Friday morning
- [Journal Entry: August 28, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-august-28-2008/) - I still sometimes type 19- at the beginning of the date before remembering we're in the 2000s. Three times this week, in fact. Oops.Anyway, last night we went to Taco Cabana for dinner, and K-- and N-- met us there. D-- and I had to skip out early so I could get him to the
- [Journal Entry: August 27, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-august-27-2008/) - Big news, I guess, is the car. I talked with my dad last night about his experiences with such problems, and he recommended I take it in to a tire shop. He said if it was an alignment problem or a damaged strut (which it turned out to be), tire shops due those jobs in
- [Journal Entry: August 26, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-august-26-2008/) - It's been a while since I last posted, so I can't promise to get all the details right on this....Still, Friday night D-- and I went over to K-- and N--'s to watch the Cowboys game. The third preseason game is often called the dress rehearsal for the season, so most teams put in their
- [Journal Entry: August 22, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-august-22-2008/) - Last night was a bit of a strange one.Yesterday, during the day, we cooked up a plan for a Pogue Family Writer's Convention, which will be taking place in Branson in October. So, first thing after I got home, I got to explain to T-- that I was going off to Missouri for a weekend
- [Journal Entry: August 21, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-august-21-2008/) - I just finished reading my little sister's novel. It, like my older sister's and Dad's, was much better than I ever expected. I feel a little bit less special every day....I forgot to post yesterday, so I need to go back to Tuesday night, when T-- was in Tulsa for work. She stayed the night,
- [Journal Entry: August 19, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-august-19-2008/) - My life feels...weird when I'm not addictively playing a video game.I suppose I should get to that point with my writing, where I'm sitting up all evening at home working on Sleeping Kings while I watch CSI with T--, or whatever, but that takes a lot more focus. For me, video games are about winding
- [Journal Entry: August 18, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-august-18-2008/) - Thursday night I made my triumphal return to the gym. It was unimpressive. I spent forty-five minutes on the treadmill, then went home.One thing of note: there was no one there for childcare, even though we were within the regular childcare hours, so Brian -- K-- and N--'s trainer -- stepped in and spent the
- [Journal Entry: August 14, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-august-14-2008/) - Yesterday was Wednesday, but it didn't feel anything like a Wednesday.After work, I stopped by the chiropractor, got caught in traffic behind an accident, grabbed a snow cone (that was more snow than syrup, grr), and then waited in a long line at the pharmacist to pick up a refill of the medication that I
- [Journal Entry: August 13, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-august-13-2008/) - Yesterday after work, I was still hurting too bad to go back to the gym, and AB was still sick anyway. We don't much want to take her up to childcare when she's not feeling well.Anyway, I decided to stay home, and when I called D-- to check on his schedule, he said he had
- [Journal Entry: August 12, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-august-12-2008/) - Yesterday I got home from work to find AB burning up. It was terrible. She had a huge fever, and she hates getting her temperature taken (which is pretty odd, as it's a fairly casual process with modern baby thermometers).Anyway, we canceled our plans for the gym, because she was in no shape to go.
- [Journal Entry: August 11, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-august-11-2008/) - Holy cow, it's August 11.Anyway, I just spent a weekend being sick. I premonited it in my post last Thursday, and it got way worse before it got better.Actually, before I headed home from work Thursday I decided to drop by my boss's office and let him know I might not make it in on
- [Journal Entry: August 7, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-august-7-2008/) - There are those making a big deal about tomorrow being 8-8-08. I think it's sad that, back in 6 and 7 and 8 A.D., they didn't yet know that it was 6 and 7 and 8 A. D. But, then, if you think about it, there was a year 666 and a 777 and --
- [Journal Entry: August 6, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-august-6-2008/) - Something funny.I subscribe to a handful of news feeds just to get a quick overview of what's going on in the world, and there was a story this morning with the headline:"Mauritania forces stage coup after officers sacked."I also, just to keep a hand in, subscribe to a French news feed that pulls from some
- [Journal Entry: August 5, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-august-5-2008/) - I didn't mention it in the weekend wrapup, but Sunday morning I wrote some on my Sleeping Kings story. I did a page sometime last week, too (which may have made it into the blog -- I don't feel motivated to do the necessary research).Anyway, yesterday over lunch (and sitting in the waiting room at
- [Journal Entry: August 4, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-august-4-2008/) - Friday evening was interesting. I got home from work early enough for T-- to get to her crop on time, but she was concerned because Granddad hadn't made it in yet (he and Mom and Dad were coming in for my niece's birthday). With her permission, I went and grabbed a snowcone (which I'd skipped
- [Journal Entry: August 1, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-august-1-2008/) - Yesterday D--'s mom came into town and took us out to dinner, as she likes to do. My car was dead (as I may have mentioned), so D-- ended up picking me up from work, and I just left the Saturn there. We got to the house where D--'s mom was already playing with AB,
- [Journal Entry: July 31, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-july-31-2008/) - Tuesday night, T-- volunteered to help with an event at church, so I stayed home to take care of AB. I made up her dinner, and then D-- showed up with some dinner for me -- a turkey sandwich from Jersey Mike's. Awesome.T-- got home around 8:30 and put AB to bed, and D-- and
- [Journal Entry: July 29, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-july-29-2008/) - I was able to get home from work yesterday -- the car started just fine -- and when I got home I spent some time playing with AB because I could. We both had some cereal for a snack.Then D-- showed up at some point, and we got a couple pizzas from Mazzio's for dinner
- [Journal Entry: July 28, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-july-28-2008/) - It's been almost a week since I wrote last, but not a lot has happened in that time.Tuesday night went pretty much like I predicted it would. I lay on the floor and we watched TV. Wednesday I went to work all day, then afterward we didn't have our regular Wednesday night dinner because, frankly,
- [Journal Entry: July 22, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-july-22-2008/) - Believe it or not, I really try to limit the amount of complaining I do on this blog, particularly for ongoing things like back pain and insomnia. Yeah, I mean that, it could actually be worse....Today, I've got no choice, though, because most of my last 24 hours have been determined by back pain. I
- [Journal Entry: July 21, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-july-21-2008/) - Thursday night, T-- went to a church picnic with K-- and N-- (footage is available on her blog). I wasn't feeling up to pretending to be friendly with churchfolk, so I opted out. Instead, D-- and I grabbed a pizza from Falcone's, and took it over to B-- and E--'s place.You know, I really need
- [Journal Entry: July 17, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-july-17-2008/) - Last night, we met D-- and K-- and N-- at Jason's Deli for dinner. I had just the salad, which was a pretty poor choice on my part.Afterward, T-- took AB to church, and D-- and I grabbed snowcones on the way back to the house. Then we watched Family Guy until T-- got home,
- [Journal Entry: July 16, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-july-16-2008/) - My back hurts, and I'm tired all the time.I try not to spend all my time on this blog complaining, but that's a one-two punch right there that can really get a fella down. Ugh.Last night I got home from work and we went to the gym. The weights area was crowded and, as I
- [Journal Entry: July 15, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-july-15-2008/) - Last night, I got home from work and fell asleep on the couch, even with AB running up to me and screaming in my face every three or four minutes. Sometime around 6:00 she did that, and I noticed it was late enough we probably weren't going to the gym, so I got up and
- [Journal Entry: July 14, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-july-14-2008/) - I had a busy weekend.Friday after work, I stopped in to get a haircut, and my stylist told me she'd been pushing our Tulsa house. She said, by coincidence, she'd encountered five or six people in the last couple months planning to move to Tulsa, and she'd told them all, "I have the perfect house
- [Journal Entry: July 11, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-july-11-2008/) - No, I did not go to the gym last night. But it wasn't the sloth that prevailed. It was gluttony.Actually, D-- often picks up Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner for us on Thursday nights, and last night he said he really didn't feel like waiting until 7:30 for dinner, so he asked if we would
- [Writing Workshop: Overview of the Storytelling Process](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/writing-workshop-overview-of-the-storytelling-process/) - I am working on, among other things, a short guide to writing a first novel, tailored generally around the NaNoWriMo experience. It's based on some prewriting projects I made up for my dad and sister last fall, and all of the little lectures and lessons I've written up since then, trying to share my training
- [Journal Entry: July 10, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-july-10-2008/) - Today, it is six months since we joined the gym. In that time I've lost about 16 pounds, increased weights on my core workout three times, and increased my maximum sustained sprint (by which I mean jog) from about 12 seconds to about 5 minutes.This weekend I'm shaving the beard, because six months ago I
- [Dragon!](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/dragon/) - From an early age, we've been teaching AB about dragons.My goal is to teach her that she can respond to scary things by being just as scary herself. I'm hoping to focus that on silly or imagined scary things (as opposed to, say, the danger of talking to strangers), but that's probably going to be
- [Journal Entry: July 9, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-july-9-2008/) - I didn't get around to making an entry yesterday, but Monday night is pretty easy. After work, I went to the gym from 5:30-6:30, then took AB over to K-- and N--'s, where T-- was meeting with N-- to prepare for a class they're teaching together Wednesday night.While they finished working on that, I kept
- [Journal Entry: Nickipendence Day 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-nickipendence-day-2008/) - If you check the "My Favorites" links over on the right, you can find picture (and video) illustration of pretty much all the following events. It was a friend-heavy weekend, so all of my friends are chronicling the same things.Anyway, last Thursday night T-- and I went to the gym fairly early, then got home
- [Journal Entry: July 3, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-july-3-2008/) - Yesterday evening we went to Jason's Deli in Edmond for dinner. D-- showed up at our place about 5:15, and he rode with us. We met K-- and N--. It was fun.Afterward, T-- and D-- and I went to Barnes and Noble. I bought a Dickens, T-- bought an art history book, and D-- bought
- [Journal Entry: July 2, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-july-2-2008/) - Yesterday T-- had business up in Tulsa, so after work I ran out to miss Carla's place to pick up AB. She'd spent most of the afternoon playing in the dirt, so she was filthy but in a terrific mood.I was running late enough that T-- got home only fifteen to twenty minutes after I
- [Journal Entry: July 1, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-july-1-2008/) - Yesterday, as I said, I slept late. I got in to work around 10:00, spent some time on my major project, then at noon ran up to Taco Bueno to grab a real quick lunch.And, when I got there, discovered that I had no check card. I'd loaned it to T--, who lost hers last
- [Journal Entry: June 30, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-june-30-2008/) - We spent Friday evening with D-- and his mom.They came over shortly after I got home from work. We placed a take-out order at Abuelo's, then D-- and I ran up to a liquor store for a box of Chardonnay, grabbed a bag of ice so we could play MythBusters, and then picked up the
- [Journal Entry: June 27, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-june-27-2008/) - I probably mentioned that K-- and N-- got home from their Vegas trip on Tuesday night. I knew they both had the day off Wednesday, so I invited them to join me for lunch. Alas, I do work a long way from their home, so that didn't work out, but T-- came anyway, so we
- [Journal Entry: June 25, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-june-25-2008/) - Yesterday, again, T-- watched my niece Sophy as a favor for my sister. She had planned to just take both of the girls back to the gym (since we're already paying a flat monthly fee for childcare anyway), but she decided at the last minute that she had enough patience to watch them herself.More power
- [Journal Entry: June 24, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-june-24-2008/) - I have been suffering some pretty bad backache for about a week now, and I used that as an excuse to take the week off going to the gym last week.Well, that and the busyness of having my parents visiting for the second half of the week....Anyway, yesterday after work I was still hurting, but
- [Journal Entry: June 23, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-june-23-2008/) - I have some pretty ugly business going on with the Tulsa house, involving insurance stuff and roof problems, but I don't want to go into detail on that, because it's horribly depressing. If you're curious about it, ask me sometime when I'm in a good enough mood to handle it.Anyway, Thursday afternoon my mom and
- [Journal Entry: June 19, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-june-19-2008/) - We didn't really have a Wednesday night dinner last night -- at least, not one of the social ones I've talked about before here.Instead, we went to a fundraising dinner at church, intended to raise some money for the missionaries. K-- and N-- went, too, but we showed up fifteen minutes before they did, and
- [Sleeping Kings update](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/sleeping-kings-update/) - I've posted periodically about my plans and work on the series, since I finished Josh's story last July (including, of course, obnoxiously thorough coverage of my work on Sarah's story during National Novel Writing Month). But I just put together a single post on the old SleepingKings blog describing the current state of things, in
- [Journal Entry: June 18, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-june-18-2008/) - I stayed home again last night, feeling much as I had the night before. I spent some time considering and evaluation my symptoms, and I diagnosed myself with a condition doctors refer to as a "brain cloud."Of course, you have to get a second opinion for something as silly-sounding as "brain cloud," so I did.
- [Journal Entry: June 17, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-june-17-2008/) - Not a lot to report. Yesterday, I spent the whole day feeling tired (a condition which has persisted throughout today), and by the time I got home from work my back was killing me, so I decided not to go to the gym.T-- and I ordered dinner from Ole, to see how their take-out service
- [Journal Entry: Father's Day](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-fathers-day/) - This was Father's Day weekend, and we treated it with the respect and gravity such a significant holiday deserves.On Friday, T-- and I went to dinner at Ole (temporarily my favorite Mexican restaurant, for set-up anyway), and then went back home to wait for her parents to show up. They got in around 7:30, and
- [Journal Entry: 80's Movies Spectacular](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-80s-movies-spectacular/) - Yesterday for lunch, as has become my ritual, I went to Buffalo Wild Wings for some cheap boneless wings and some AoC on the laptop. Unfortunately, they didn't have the wireless network on. I'll give them another week to see if they fix that nonsense, and then I just may cancel my ritual. Jerks.I'd had
- [Journal Entry: June 12, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-june-12-2008/) - Yesterday after work I headed south. I had plans in place to meet Toby for an evening of programming. We've pursued projects together -- primarily video games, and particularly a single one, an MMO called Remnant -- ever since he taught me to program.Most recently, we'd started talking about building a Python client for a
- [Journal Entry: June 11, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-june-11-2008/) - So, I did go to the gym last night.As I said, it was the first time in a week. I'd had a pretty active day last Thursday, working on the house in Tulsa, but that was it for the week. Anyway, I've been tracking my weight, as I've made quite clear on here, and last
- [Journal Entry: June 10, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-june-10-2008/) - Friday afternoon, I left work early and dropped by the mall to pick up some new t-shirts, then went to get a haircut (always a pleasant experience). When all that was done, I still got home around 4:00.T-- took AB to a church Ladies' Night Out sort of a thing at the mall, after meeting
- [Journal Entry: June 6, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-june-6-2008/) - Yesterday was ass.On an unrelated note: I recently discussed a Cabrel song called "Je t'Aimais, Je t'Aime et Je t'Aimerais" at length. Since then, I've been working on learning the song. I can sing along with all but the first verse at this point, but I do get a little confused when I try to
- [Journal Entry: June 4, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-june-4-2008/) - Yesterday I started work on a review and markup of my sister Heather's novel, Light in the Darkness. It reminds me of the stuff I wrote when I was younger -- not in quality, because she's made a really good manuscript, but in...I dunno. Message.It's fantasy, driven by the Christian myth. It's not exactly or
- [Writing Workshop: Verily. Verily](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/writing-workshop-verily-verily/) - An easy rule in good writing (or, specifically, rewriting) is this:Steadfastly avoid using the word "very."Furthermore, when you go to cut it out, try to resist replacing it with a more specific adjective ("vastly," "immensely," "extraordinarily"). Any of those is better than "very," but they don't dodge the problem. It's much, much better to say
- [Journal Entry: June 3, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-june-3-2008/) - After work yesterday I stopped by the mall to pick up a new batch of protein shake mix, because that's one of the things I've been doing for the last four months in my never-ending quest for fitness (ahem). Anyway. K-- donated some old protein shake mix back when I first started (Champion brand, Cookies
- [Journal Entry: June 2, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-june-2-2008/) - Thursday afternoon, on my way home from work, I stopped at Ace Hardware to pick up a new garage door opener remote for T-- (one of our old ones just stopped working, and new batteries didn't fix it). It was cheaper than I'd expected, and I'd figured I would have to order it online, so
- [Journal Entry: May 29, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-may-29-2008/) - Yesterday was Wednesday, right?Ah, yes. Sorry, it's been a long day at work. Anyway, last night I invited our regular Wednesday dinner guests to pick up something of their choice, and bring it to our place (rather than meeting somewhere). Seemed like a pleasant change of pace.K-- and N-- couldn't make it, but my sister
- [Fostering Creativity](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/fostering-creativity/) - I just read an excellent article on fostering creativity, and I wanted to share it here, for my own reference and for any of you interested in the topic.http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=how-to-unleash-your-creativity&print=true
- [FAQ](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/faq/) - Q: You know what would be nice?A: Averaged monthly billing on gasoline use. Someone could probably make a killing charging a $5 service charge for that.
- [Journal Entry: May 28, 2008](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-may-28-2008/) - I had an incredibly productive day at work yesterday. I got a ton accomplished, and in between projects I spent some time working on our finances for the next four or five months, and found out that our prospects look a lot better than I had feared. Even with the double mortgage, we're going to
- [My Vices](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/my-vices/) - I have mentioned here before that I have a family history that predisposes me to an addictive personality. As so many silly children do, I spent much of my early twenties partying with alcohol, and (at my parents' insistence) I was on the constant lookout for any signs of alcoholism. Lucky me, I've never seen
- [Journal Entry: Memorial Day Weekend](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-memorial-day-weekend/) - I just finished a four-day weekend, and I definitely made the most of it.Thursday night T-- and I met N-- at the gym, and I worked myself sick. Afterward, T-- made us all Tilapia for dinner (an experiment for us, since T-- and I don't, generally, like fish). It was really good. We plan to
- [The Magic Architect](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/the-magic-architect/) - Okay, I keep reminding myself that the whole point of my blog migration was for my own personal archives, and that it's not an excuse to make you guys reread all my old posts, because how boring would that be?But, for anyone who wasn't reading my blog back in 2006, I do recommend that you
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry/) - Okay, I have good news and I have bad news.I bought Age of Conan last night. Also, it's awesome.So there you go. That probably qualifies as a full journal entry not only for last night, but for at least the next month or two.Ooh, we did do our Wednesday night dinner, and this time my
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-2/) - Okay, it's done. They're here. My blog is now 232 posts more content-rich.I've got at least a week's work ahead of me, double-checking them all and adding tags, but it will be fun work. I always enjoy reading through my old material, even when it's just diary stuff.So...hmm. Let me start with this. Whenever T--
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-3/) - Okay, anyone who has subscribed to this blog as an RSS feed is about to get inundated.I spent some time during the day yesterday working (with Kris's help via email) on my blog migration script. It's running right now and, with any luck, will keep right on plugging away for the next three to six
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-4/) - Friday after work I decided to mow the lawn for T--, so she wouldn't have to worry about it when she came home. I didn't want to feel all woozy and drugged out during my workout, though, so I didn't take a Benadryl. Instead, I had an allergy attack during my workout.I went ahead and
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-5/) - I just realized, for the first time, that the Alphabet Game is a total scam. It's a good one, though. I'll definitely use it on AB.Even though I don't socialize much when I'm at the gym, it still feels pretty lonely when I go and nobody else I know is there. I suppose not having
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-6/) - After work yesterday, I spent a while on the phone with my dad, discussing his book. He's deeply embroiled in trying to find an agent, and I'll probably do a couple posts in the near future talking about that.Anyway, as part of his quest, he also asked me to do a thorough critical and editorial
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-7/) - Ugh. I went to the gym to do an hour's cardio last night, and when I showed up K-- and N-- invited me to join them for a spinning class.I'd never done one, but I'd heard they were tough. And that's certainly true. Within minutes it had my heart pounding and my legs exhausted, just
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-8/) - Okay, here's the deal with Lost. About a year ago, the writers and producers worked out a deal which gave the series three more seasons (4, 5, and 6, and we're currently late in season 4), of 16 episodes each.Because of the writer's strike, season 4 is only going to be 14 episodes long, missing
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-9/) - It was a long weekend and busy, so there is much to report on. I promise there won't be much complaining this time, though. It was a thoroughly pleasant weekend.Well, okay, not Friday, but I won't complain too much. Ask me sometime if you want the long version of the story (apparently it takes about
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-10/) - Wednesday night is really my night off (apart from making the arrangements to work out dinner). Now that I'm trying to do six days a week at the gym, Wednesday is my day off, so that alone is a pleasant break. I also get a nice dinner out with friends (as discussed previously), and then
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-11/) - Yesterday I got home from work and learned AB had just gone down for a nap, so I needed to kill an hour before we went to the gym. I spent most of it talking to T--'s mom and then my dad, but I also wrote B-- an email that I may come to regret.
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-12/) - I didn't mention it in my weekend summary, hoping it would quickly pass and be not worth remembering, but I got...sick, I guess, while I was in Tulsa. Sometime in the afternoon, I started feeling an awful pain in my belly, like someone had just punched me.It didn't really feel food-related, if you follow me,
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-13/) - Another weekend come and gone.Friday evening, we'd talked about going to see Iron Man, all as a group, but it didn't seem to be in the cards. We were going to see it at the new Warren Theatre, but we'd have needed a babysitter and T-- already had her lined up to cover the crop
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-14/) - I found myself in a pretty bad mood yesterday, driving home from the gym.Here's what I was thinking about. Most weekdays, I have to wake up at 5:45 to be at work on time. If I sleep fewer than seven hours, I really can't get out of bed at all, so that means I'm going
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-15/) - My freshman year in college (so, 10 years ago, now), I started a tradition because of my deep, life-long love of cheap Mexican food.Specifically, it was Enchilada Night at El Chico's. They used to offer a Wednesday night special enchilada platter for $2.99. These days, I'm pretty sure it's running $4.99, but any time I've
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-16/) - I keep labeling these "Journal Entry" because, in theory, it's possible for me to log onto my blog one day and write something other than a mundane description of what I did yesterday (which was, in almost every case, also what I did the day before).Since I don't ever actually do that (writing something else,
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-17/) - Yesterday ended up being a pretty good day.I got a lot accomplished at work. I had to tell my boss that I wouldn't be able to finish a project by deadline (which is always uncomfortable to admit), but I learned that the larger project had slipped by two weeks, so my manual probably gets the
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-18/) - It was, for the most part, a disappointing weekend, but it had its spots of sunshine.Friday was my Regular Day Off, but I went in to the office for a few hours in the morning to make up for my late morning last Tuesday. Afterward, I had lunch with D-- at On the Border, and
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-19/) - Okay, obviously the waking up at 5:00 to jog thing was a bad idea. I'm sure everyone could see that coming, but I let optimism win out over reason.The problem with hitting the snooze button once is that it makes it so much easier to hit it the second time, know what I mean?I only
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-20/) - Yesterday I got home from work and found T-- and AB out in the back yard. Not a big surprise, since those two are always playing outdoors (yeah, I don't get it either), but T-- has also been talking a lot about gardening lately, and I found yesterday that she'd taken the first step.When we
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-21/) - I couldn't sleep last night.We went to the gym after work, then grabbed some dinner to-go and went over to K-- and N--'s place for a little bit. AB was better than usual, and it was a fun hour or so.I also sent E-- an email asking for her help with a project, and I
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-22/) - Busy weekend.Friday night, I went to the gym after work and put in an hour on the elliptical machine. It was a pretty good workout -- I stayed above 160 strides/min the whole time, and according to the machines burned 900 calories and ran 5 miles. I also weighed in at 239, which is only
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-23/) - I took a nap when I got home from work yesterday, and didn't wake up after the half hour I'd allotted myself. By the time I got up, we were running out of daycare time at the gym. Ugh. Still, we were both able to finish our strength training, and then I did a fifteen
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-24/) - I couldn't get it done. I even left work early to make sure I had time to pick up all my supplies and get started before dinner. I got home from Lowe's at 4:00, thinking, "Wow, I'll have time to get the whole project done before dinner!" I was wrong. I spent the whole evening
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-25/) - Last night I went back to the gym. As I mentioned, I've been going regularly three times a week since January, and I've seen a lot of strength and endurance improvement, but not a lot of weight loss. When I started in January I had a goal for June that wasn't terribly aggressive, but at
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-26/) - Amazingly enough, there has been more going on in my life than just the mess with the Tulsa house. I'm not sure how I keep up with it all, but I do. I'm making slow but steady progress on Sleeping Kings: Golden Age. The characters are at 50 Penn Place now, which means I'm into
- [Journal Entry: The Tulsa House](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2008/journal-entry-the-tulsa-house/) - Here's the whole story on the Tulsa house. If you're just interested in what's gone on lately, skip on down to the 2008 part. If you're looking for pictures, I don't have any here. Check out Trish's blog for that. 2003We moved to Tulsa in 2002, renting half of a duplex on the northwest side
- [National Novel Writing Month](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/national-novel-writing-month/) - I finished. Sleeping Kings: The Shepherd is done. I'm submitting it to my Ideal Reader and to my Medical Consultant for review of the rough draft and then I intend to do a full rewrite in the January-March timeframe, and it will be available for anyone who is curious about the ongoing story started with
- [One hundred and three thousand, one hundred sixty-nine.](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/one-hundred-and-three-thousand-one-hundred-sixty-nine/) - And I still have two more days. And four more chapters to write.
- [National Novel Writing Month](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/national-novel-writing-month-2/) - Last night, I won National Novel Writing Month.That means that I passed 50,000 words before the end of the month. It's not a race. Everybody who manages that is said to have "won." Heather and Dad both seem to be in an excellent position to make it through, too.I'm not cheering as much as I
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-27/) - Okay, I said I would make posts if anything big happened.How is 25,000 words, for something big? Eh? Huh? Bwa-hah!That's right, I've got 25,000 words done on my National Novel Writing Month. The goal for that project is 50,000 words in one month. My goal for this particular novel is about 70,000 words. So I'm
- [My Little Girl (a poem)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/my-little-girl-a-poem/) - Sometimes I dream of what you'll be,My little girl, my precious heart,So many things for you to seeIn this big life you've yet to start.I think you'll be adorable,Your happy smile, your eyes so wide,And anything is possibleFor you, who fill my heart with pride.I hope you'll be a brilliant oneBut there's so much to
- [Journal Suspension](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-suspension/) - I know you're all going to be heartbroken about this, but for the next month, I'm going to stop trying to post a daily record of events.As my dad put it, I'm throwing a lot of irons into the fire, over the next five weeks, and the biggest one is enough to take up all
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-28/) - Tuesday, October 23rdTuesday night was the next-to-last class in our wedding seminar. D-- wasn't available to babysit AB, so we had more work than usual as we got her ready to take with us, but we were still only a few minutes late to class (and not the last ones to arrive). Class went pretty
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-29/) - Wednesday, October 17thLast Wednesday I got sick.Well, on my drive home from work, I got a call from K-- asking if I could help him try something out on D--'s 360 (which was temporarily sheltering at my house) when I got home. I did, and the long and the short of it is that he
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-30/) - Tuesday, October 16thYesterday was a good day.November is rapidly approaching, and I'm coaching three or four folks in preparation for the terrifying marathon that is National Novel Writing Month. These are all people who have told me (often) that they want to write a book, but have never been able to get it done. National
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-31/) - Ugh, I hate these long catch-up posts as much as you do, but part of my goal with the diary-style blog is to be able to look back a year in my life to see what was making daily news for me, and it helps with that for me to put in everything. I don't
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-32/) - Friday, October 5thFriday night, I'd agreed to watch AB so that T-- could go do some scrapbooking with her friend. Said friend ended up changing plans a little, but T-- still went out to see a movie, and I had the baby for a few hours.D-- came over to help out, and brought his new
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-33/) - Wednesday, October 3rdWednesday night, after supper, T-- took AB to church. I went to Best Buy with D--, because...well, I left that bit out of Saturday's story, but when he went to research his options on TVs, he picked the model and size he liked best, and then learned the Best Buy was offering it
- [Dedication: A Prayer](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/dedication-a-prayer/) - Before she had a name, she was a hope,A dream, a prayer breathed in her mother's heart.Before she had a name, she had our loveAnd all the family she'd ever need.Before she had a name, sweet Annabelle,We loved her more than any words could tell.She has her father's cheeks, her mother's ears,Her precious little features
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-34/) - Monday, October 1stAfter our busy weekend, Monday was another pretty slow and restful evening at home. I pushed AB in her swing some, checked out my new grass in the back yard, and got violently bitten by a billion mosquitoes. No fun, that last bit.I also finished my homework for the week, played a little
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-35/) - Wild weekend. I've said before, and I'll stand by it. I'm doing too much on a weekend to keep my blog updated. I don't really apologize for that. Problem is, if I let Wednesday and Thursday slip, then that easily becomes a weeklong backlog.Err...not that any of you really care. I'm just explaining that to
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-36/) - Thursday, September 27thLast night was a pleasantly relaxing one. I finished typing up the first draft of Royal Holiday and got that to D-- and T-- for reviews. Then I got home and talked with the wife a bit, and then went back to my office to play some Heroes for about an hour. I
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-37/) - Today, I finished typing up a long backlog of longhand "Royal Holiday" pages. It feels good to have that done. I've got about a dozen pages left in the story, before I get to the end. I'm looking forward to finishing.We'd made some tentative plans to have dinner with K-- and N-- and D-- tonight
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-38/) - It was a really busy week, last week. Some of the highlights have shown up already on T--'s and N--'s blogs, but I feel like I've got to fill out the form, anyway.Tuesday, September 18thTuesday morning I had a doctor's appointment. I've been getting high blood pressure readings for about a year now (ever since
- [Webcomic](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/webcomic/) - I've been reading a webcomic called Achewood, which is...quite entertaining. It's not family friendly, by any means. But the artist has developed some incredibly detailed characters. He maintains blogs for all of them. It's wild.Anyway, I just read this line in an edition of The Phillipe Times' Friday Facts:"Soccer is popular everywhere but America. Why,
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-39/) - I can't say it was good to be back to work, but I had a good day nonetheless. As you saw, I had time to do an update for the weekend. I also had some time to take a lunch at Taco Bell, and got four or five pages written on Royal Holiday.Here's what I
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-40/) - Friday, September 14thFriday was a busy day at work, catching up on all the things I'd put off to finish the A/C manual. It was a good sort of busy, though, and I finished the day ready for the weekend.I came home, and had some chores I'd offered to do for T--. The biggest one
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-41/) - Today was a good day.You already saw my pictures, probably. I'm glad I finally got that done. I've found a few more, mostly older pictures (closer to high school age), so people checking out my Facebook profile can remember who I was. I'll get those up in a couple days.But, yeah, work went well. I
- [Picture Pages, Picture, etc.](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/picture-pages-picture-etc/) - By popular demand, I've added a bunch more pictures of "that baby." Just click the "Photos" link above, and choose the "AB" album from the list at the right.I also added a bunch of pictures of me, for my profile (and friends trying to look me up on MySpace or Facebook). Most of those have
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-42/) - My busy week at work continues, but it's getting better.I took some loaves of bread that T-- made to work for a bake sale today, and they were a big hit. I also got some serious praise from the editor in my writing group, who's been reviewing the work I've done so far this week,
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-43/) - Tuesday, September 11thYesterday I worked late again, getting home with just enough time to eat a sandwich T-- had waiting before we headed off to our marriage seminar class. That started at 6:30. It involves sharing time (think of a support group setting, albeit with a less frightening affliction), which is not my forte. We
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-44/) - Hmm. I've got to either get caught up (so I'm writing 2-3 paragraph entries again), or start living an interesting life. Otherwise, nobody's going to read any of this.Of course, I choose "get caught up." No one is surprised by this.Friday, September 7thLate Thursday night (after a couple Jack and Cokes), I sent a ransom
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-45/) - Okay, that's another long week without updates. The sad fact is, I've gotten to a point where I don't really do much on computers at home. I'll play a video game if I've got hours to burn up, and I update our finances regularly, but I don't really do a very good job of doing
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-46/) - Meanwhile, our heroes....Ugh. I thought I was two or three days late on posting. Maybe four. But no. It's worse than that.I have a sore ankle tonight. That's why I'm not walking right now. Not sure how it happened, but I noticed it walking out to my car after work today.Work? Work has been awful
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-47/) - Same story as yesterday, really. Had a sore back, went to work, wrote a couple pages on "Royal Holiday" over lunch.When I got home, I played with AB a bit until T-- made supper, and then I called my dad to see if he and Mom wanted some help in WoW. Turns out, they were
- [Poor Trish](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/poor-trish/)
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-48/) - Is it really only Monday? Ugh. I've got get that best-seller sold.Today went pretty well. I think I'm finally feeling better. I did have a sore back from scooping water yesterday, and we had several awful things come up at work, but they were just things, y'know? I got two pages written on "Royal Holiday"
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-49/) - I don't know why I have so much trouble updating over the weekend. Maybe it feels like work, and I'm just convinced I shouldn't have to work on weekends (in spite of much evidence to the contrary). Anyway, here's the weekend's posts.Friday, August 17thFriday was my RDO. I planned to take full advantage of that
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-50/) - Today was unlike yesterday. I made it in to work on time, spent the day working on profitable things (albeit work-related), and then went home.I stopped by B-- and E--'s on the way home to pick up AB, because T-- was working in Tulsa. I got to chat with them for a while, which is
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-51/) - Woke up late this morning, and the whole day went that way. I've felt like I was running behind ever since I got up.I spent most of the day at work wrestling with silly little thing. N-- got us some tickets to an OU game through her work, so that should be fun. Then I
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-52/) - Nothing terribly exciting to report for the day. I considered some fun ideas for the story I mentioned last night, but I didn't do any writing on it.Actually, I've remarked before on a recent difficulty motivating myself to write, and that persists. I've been able to commit a handful more pages of the Auric-meets-Queen-Sera story
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-53/) - Hmmm. I had a media-heavy weekend.....Saturday, August 11thAs mentioned, I was up late Friday night reading Harry Potter. I woke up around 11:00 Saturday morning, only to be told we had to be at T--'s brother's place for lunch at noon. So I got cleaned up, and read another chapter of the book.We went over
- [Harry Potter and the Deathly et cetera](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/harry-potter-and-the-deathly-et-cetera/) - Well...That's that done, then.
- [Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows/) - Y'know, I kept telling people I wasn't really that excited about Harry Potter anymore. And I really meant it. I couldn't explain it, but somehow as all the hype about the final book built up, I really just didn't care.I got done with WoW around...oh, I dunno, whenever I made my last post, and then
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-54/) - Big news for today is that I'm posting blogs on MySpace and Facebook now. I actually created accounts on both of those sites in order to search for E--'s blog, which ended up being on Blogger. So, in its way, a big waste of time.I probably do have enough friends from days long gone, who
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-55/) - Today...turned out relatively fantastic.I woke up still feeling sick, but for the first time this week I was able to breathe through my nose. I have progressed to the part of my disease where I have a hacking cough, and that had my throat raw within the first couple hours, and my chest aching before
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-56/) - It's been a bad week. Specifically, I've been sick. (See how I did that, with the parallelism with last Thursday's post?) Actually, there's more than just the sickness, but I'm not sure how much I'll tell. I guess we'll find out.Okay, where were we? I told you about last week in a general sort of
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-57/) - It's been a weird week.Specifically, my melancholy funk from last week has persisted. Now it's possible that I gave myself the melancholy by writing it so much into Jason's story last week, or it's possible I was already there and that's why I inflicted it on my protagonist. The first seems more likely given our
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-58/) - Still a little drunk, even after two hours and a three-mile walk.I had a pretty good day. Work was a little rough this morning. I did not sleep any better, and I was late getting in again, and then I had an angry email from an engineer to whom two hundred pages worth of technical
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-59/) - Is it only Wednesday? Ugh. I feel like it's been weeks since last Sunday.I haven't been sleeping well, all week, and I've been feeling absent and spacey during the day. I blamed it on Benadryl on Monday, but it's more than that. I'm just...ugh.Anyway, Wednesday's done. I woke up late this morning and barely made
- [Test, test](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/test-test/) - This is just a test.
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-60/) - Tuesday, July 24thI've said it before and I'll say it again: if I had an ounce of self control, I'd be the perfect man.Ugh. So, no, I didn't walk last night and I didn't post to Xanga, either. I did have a really fun evening, though.Yesterday, as the blog post shows, I finished up the
- [The Love Story in King Jason's War: Part Two](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/the-love-story-in-king-jasons-war-part-two/) - Robert brought more than just the horses. He had cold meals wrapped in butcher’s paper, for lunch and supper, and a change of clothes so Jason wouldn’t have to go spend a day in the woods wearing his court apparel. He also had two good hunting bows, and a wicked-looking skinning knife in case they
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-61/) - I feel like I've spent the whole day mowing, from sunup to sundown. In truth, it's been a little less than that.Back to work this morning, and really not as bad as I expected. I had clean, easy work to do today. I had a meeting last week with the engineer, in which we went
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-62/) - Just got home, at ten to eleven. Home safe, though, and it was a fun weekend in Little Rock. The older I get, the more I appreciate my relationship with my parents.As I said earlier, morning came way too early today. We got to church on time, though, and I got a section of KJW
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-63/) - Saturday, July 21stYesterday was a slow and easy sort of day. I woke up around nine, and Mom made me some bacon to go with my breakfast croissant. Then Dad and I played some WoW for a couple hours (I spent most of it fixing Mom's AddOns and getting them updated). I also got to
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-64/) - Dateline Little Rock.We got up way too early this morning, in order to be an hour late getting in to Little Rock. We were anticipating arriving between noon and 1:00, and somehow got in right at 2:00. We grabbed some breakfast on our way out of town (which was pretty much factored into the noon-1:00
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-65/) - Today was a much slower day than I expected, and I turned it into a productive one. I was able to finish three sections of King Jason's War (which leaves only eight more). That's pretty exciting.Then we got to have dinner with B-- and E--, which is always fun. We ate and talked for a
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-66/) - Wednesday, July 18thI spent nearly the entire day at work yesterday filling out paperwork for the contract transition. It was wild. I had set aside yesterday to get that done, but really figured it would take maybe an hour. It took six. And that made for a very long day.Got home, and our friend Vicki
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-67/) - Feels like old times....Today, I came home from work, sat down at the computer and logged into WoW, and that was my whole evening. For more than a year, I did that pretty much every weekday. Then I hadn't really played WoW at all for more than three months.I'm not relapsing. I'm just working a
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-68/) - I got six pages written at church. That finishes B19 (the "B" stands for "backstory" and refers to one of 30 6-page segments that take place in the narrative past -- there are also 30 1-page vignettes that take place in the narrative present, and I have all but 6 of those done). So I
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-69/) - I went to bed fairly late last night (just check the timestamp on my blog post), and woke up at 8:30 this morning to mow the lawn. I should've waited two hours. For one, I was still exhausted. For another, the grass was still wet. It was awful, but I got the job done. My
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-70/) - Friday, July 13thFridays are always slow days at work. Half the office is out on Regular Day Off on any given Friday, and those who aren't are often on leave. Or comp time, from travel. For whatever reason, there's rarely more than a handful of people in the office, and those who are there don't
- [Journal Entry: Thursday, July 12th](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-thursday-july-12th/) - Wow. It's been a long day, and I've got an early morning tomorrow.We were supposed to have a big goodbye lunch for our departing Branch Manager today, at Steak and Ale. I can't really justify a steak lunch these days, financially, but I was looking forward to giving in to social pressure. Unfortunately, the guest
- [Journal Entry: July 11, 2007](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-july-11-2007/) - Today was a strangely productive day.I've talked several times about my various writing projects. I don't know if I did so publicly, but I mostly decided to go ahead with the idea of writing several short stories to get into the swing of the collaborative novel I'm going to be working on. To that end,
- [Journal Entry: July 10, 2007](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-july-10-2007/) - I left one thing out of Saturday's account: by the time I was done working in the yard Saturday, I had over 70 fresh mosquito bites. I counted them as I treated them. It was bad.Sunday, July 8thOn Sunday, I had a headache. The crippling sort, that rather stops you doing anything else. The sort
- [Journal Entry: July 8, 2007](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-july-8-2007/) - Saturday, July 7thToday was a long day. First, in spite of my insistence that I should go to bed instead of writing last night, I did stay up late. I didn't write, though. I was up until nearly 3:00 finishing this week's Civ game. It was a monumental victory, but probably not worth the late
- [Journal Entry: July 6, 2007](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-july-6-2007/) - Just back from my walk. It was invigorating.Today was slow, and mostly uneventful. We had a meeting at work, and I'm relinquishing some of the authority I'd been given last fall (with no pay to supplement it), so that I can resume control of the IETM project that had been canceled in the spring.Things are
- [Journal Entry: July 5, 2007](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-july-5-2007/) - Tuesday, July 3On Tuesday, I finished my second novel. I wrote the epilogue to Josh's story, the first volume in the Sleeping Kings trilogy. Nobody needed that amount of detail (if you're reading this blog, that event was nothing like a surprise), but it's a dramatic enough thing for me that I wanted to spell
- [Journal Entry: July 2, 2007](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-july-2-2007/) - Biggest news of the day: I finished Josh's story. I won't post the last three pages until tomorrow morning, because that's what my schedule says to do, but it's done.The book isn't quite finished there. I've got an epilogue -- a single scene that ties up the book, and reframes the whole story you just
- [Journal Entry: July 1, 2007](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-july-1-2007/) - Seething with fury. I'd already typed up through Saturday night when my Firefox did something weird, and I lost it all. Grrrr!Friday, June 29thOur friend Julie is in town housesitting for some family for a couple weeks, so she stopped by Friday night after work to drop off some bead jewelry for T--, and visit
- [Journal Entry: Thursday, June 28th](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-thursday-june-28th/) - Heh, this is getting very confusing. Every day this week, I've written a post on alexpoet about yesterday, and a post for SleepingKings that'll go up tomorrow. It's wiggin' me out.I guess that can end early next week, though. Teehee.All I've got left is the action sequence, and the epilogue (also known as the "denouement,"
- [Journal Entry: Wednesday, June 27th](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-wednesday-june-27th/) - Okay, no meeting yesterday, but by casual email it was officially announced that my boss, our Team Lead, is going to be Acting Branch Manager (that is, he's stepping into the shoes of his previous boss) until a permanent replacement is found. In addition, he's going to be interviewing for the position.Admittedly, I haven't worked
- [Journal Entry: Tuesday, June 26th](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-tuesday-june-26th/) - Yes, I went for my walk last night. I did the longer route that I'd come up with, too. It still only took 45 minutes. I'm hoping to find a convenient route that's right at an hour.Hmmm.... I just read that Denise Richards is having a luau at the Playboy Mansion. That sounds like fun.Yesterday
- [Journal Entry: Monday, June 25th](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-monday-june-25th/) - I made chili for dinner last night, which was delicious. T-- and D-- complained that it was too spicy, but I don't get that. I'm not exactly good at predicting how spicy something will be, while making it, but I can usually tell exactly how spicy something is when I'm eating it. And last night's
- [Journal Entry: Sunday, June 24th](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-sunday-june-24th/) - Closer and closer....My comment yesterday was, "hopefully I'll get a couple more pages written." All told, I got eleven pages done (T--'s parents' church is a kinda long-winded one). Most of it is mediocre stuff, but it gets me from where I am in the story, to where I want to be (where, hopefully, the
- [Journal Entry: June 24, 2007](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-june-24-2007/) - Friday, June 22ndFriday night, we didn't end up doing the Family Fun Night. It was rainy, and the event was an outdoor event. As far as I know they didn't cancel it, but I wouldn't have wanted to be there.Instead, we went over to K-- and N--'s for the evening. We made mini-pizzas (which were
- [Journal Entry: Thursday, June 21st](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-thursday-june-21st/) - Ah, finally got around to having a wasted evening last night. Well, a lazy one, anyway. I did nothing more notable than working on SK over lunch yesterday during work, and when I got home, I crashed on the couch for most of the night. Played a game of Civ, and watched a lot of
- [Journal Entry: Wednesday, June 20th](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-wednesday-june-20th/) - Strangely busy night last night. I'd go so far as to say hectic.Work was mostly uninteresting. I was late getting in, and then over lunch I wrote an SK post that introduced a scene I've been looking forward to for a long time. Then Xanga was down for the rest of the day, so I
- [Journal Entry: Tuesday, June 19th](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-tuesday-june-19th/) - See how I'm doing that? Posting every morning concerning the day before? It looks funny with the headlines, but I think it's a better way to do things than trying to remember to post something just before bed.Yesterday ended up with kind of a rough evening, but up until then it was a pretty cool
- [Journal Entry: Monday, June 18th](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-monday-june-18th/) - A long day at work yesterday. Mondays always are. I'm working on the Air Conditioner mod Technical Issuance (TI, which is a maintenance manual, really), and will be at least until the middle of July. It's really a lot of work. I've been spending all my time in Section 3, so far, and it's well
- [Journal Entry: June 18, 2007](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-june-18-2007/) - Hmm...okay, I'm only four days behind, so far. So today's will be a long one.Friday, June 15thI took off work last Friday, because I get one day per pay period, and my regular day off (this coming Friday, the 22nd) I'm going to be busy with work, so I took it early.Thursday night, I agreed
- [Journaling](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journaling/) - I think I'm going to start posting on this blog as a blog. Well, more like a journal, or diary. I first started it with the intention of putting down on paper all my many diatribes, in essay form, but that didn't take as long as I thought it would, and wasn't nearly as interesting
- [My Boardgame](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/my-boardgame/) - Okay, it's basically a pentagon-shaped game of Risk, mixed with Othello (or, if you're Japanese, Go), mixed with Pente, mixed with, I dunno, Chinese Checkers and darts.It's for 1-5 players. It can be played with flat-sided beads (like the ones used as counters by many Magic players, but I'm sure they're sold for some more
- [Journal Entry: June 6, 2007](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-june-6-2007/) - Huh.I think I may have invented a board game today.News to follow.
- [Story Idea](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/story-idea/) - As the result of several weeks of work on a collaborative writing effort with Daniel, I was thinking about a Bible passage this morning:"You will be hearingof wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for thosethings must take place, but that is not yet the end."Matthew 24:6. And what I was
- [Her Name is Lola](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/her-name-is-lola/) - I have a new niece, to add to the already-impressive collection. She was born a couple weeks ago, but I just now got around to posting it. Here's Shannon's new daughter (I've rotated it 20 degrees clockwise, dropped out the background, cropped the picture and changed it to black and white just to save on
- [Journal Entry: April 12, 2007](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-april-12-2007/) - This afternoon, I got a rejection letter from Tor. They don't want King Jason's War. I didn't say here, but I got a rejection letter three weeks ago for Sleeping Kings. That just leaves Taming Fire, but they've already rejected that one four times, so I don't have a ton of hope left....Sigh. Sad sigh.
- [Annabelle](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/annabelle-2/) - This is my favorite one so far.
- [Journal Entry: February 23, 2007](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-february-23-2007/) - I wrote a new song.I wanted to share it with you guys, but there's something very important for you to understand, first. You see, a song is a literary work. It's just like a story -- it can be true, while still being a fabricated thing. There is a narrator in a story, and there
- [The Love Story in King Jason's War](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/the-love-story-in-king-jasons-war/) - Jason immersed himself wholly in his quest for Miriam's attention. He devoted even more of his time to studying, learning the topics that interested her and reading anything he hadn't already seen. He attended every class offered at the Academy, and did everything he could to engage in the conversation whenever she was there, to
- [Journal Entry: January 22, 2007](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-january-22-2007/) - I probably ought to do a post on the birthing class that we're taking, but I don't feel up to it at the moment. I'm in a good mood, is why.It's not an unpleasant class...it's just not much fun to spend nine hours at work, come home for an hour, and then spend three hours
- [Journal Entry: January 17, 2007](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2007/journal-entry-january-17-2007/) - Did I talk about Christmas? I really didn't. I don't really need to. Christmas this year was everything it's supposed to be, and nothing it's not. Which is, you must agree, pretty dang good.New Year's Eve was fun. We went to the Austins', and watched old movies, and snacked and drank. And got a promise
- [Journal Entry: December 5, 2006](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-december-5-2006/) - I'm starting on the Bible again. Wish me luck.I'm starting on my Meaning of Life book again. Wish me luck.I'm starting on Sleeping Kings again. Wish me luck.I'm starting on the SK website again. Wish me luck.I'm starting on Neverwinter Nights module development again (after a five year break). Wish me luck.I'm starting on the
- [Journal Entry: November 27, 2006](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-november-27-2006/) - Thanksgiving come and gone.It was a really good one. Honestly, Thanksgiving doesn't really stand out to me as the sort of holiday I think about any time other than late November. Mostly just Thanksgiving week. It's not high on my list of priorities, is what I'm getting at. I usually enjoy a pretty good meal,
- [My Daughter](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/my-daughter/) - Okay, so we're focus-grouping a couple names for our upcoming production: Daughter. That is, our actual daughter. We're looking for popular input, so...well, this being voting week or whatever, I'm going with the theme. Step right up and fulfill your democratic duty, or whatever.These are the current choices:Annabelle Grace (R)Diana Grace (D)Please make your pick.
- [Journal Entry: November 2, 2006](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-november-2-2006/) - Some of you will have heard all this already. These topics have been very much on my mind over the last few days....There are a lot of people who turn to literature (or art or entertainment in general) as a form of escapism. Especially the fantasy genre. There are many, many artists who create art
- [Rhetorical Question](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/rhetorical-question/) - Here's a rhetorical question:Who wants chili burgers?...Ack! Okay, now, see, if you said, "I do," then that shows you're pretty smart, because you want chili burgers. But, at the same time, it shows you're pretty dumb, because you answered a rhetorical question.On the other hand, if you thought "I do," then good for you. Gold
- [Journal Entry: October 16, 2006](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-october-16-2006/) - What incredible friends! I mean really!Friday, we went to Tulsa to work on the house. I think I mentioned before that that was the plan. Basically, everyone I know offered their help, and/or expressed their frustration that they wouldn't be able to come help us work on the house. I can tell you this: if
- [Journal Entry: October 5, 2006](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-october-5-2006/) - There are two ways to stop writing a story.Wait, before I get into that, I've reminded myself of something else.Ah, haha.No, seriously, the something else: there are two ways to end a story when you, as the writer, completely give up on finishing it. You can either kill off all the characters (or enough of
- [Greatness: Heart's Desire](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/greatness-hearts-desire/) - There's a verse in the Psalms that took me by surprise, first time I read it. "Delight yourself in the Lord; and he will give you the desires of your heart." That's Psalm 37:4. It's in a familiar vein, "Ask and you shall receive," and the kid asking his father for a loaf of bread,
- [Journal Entry: September 26, 2006](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-september-26-2006/) - RAGING FURY!!!!!!Trish just called. (No, that's not why!)Right, well, as you all know, we lost our renters in Tulsa a long time ago (however long it's been since the last time I posted -- so, ages). Actually, we lost them a month before that, but it took a month for our rental manager to let
- [Once I Was a Child (A Poem)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/once-i-was-a-child-a-poem/) - Once I was a ChildHave you ever read The Little Prince?Or Catcher in the Rye? Or just Jesus' admonition,"Blessed are these little ones."There's a purity in joy and hope that only children know.Crave that peaceful chaos.I grew older, though, and outgrew those things.I've grown old enough already to yearn for those lost things.I cast aside
- [The King, to the Poet (A Poem)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/the-king-to-the-poet-a-poem/) - The King, to the PoetSomething happened, when no one was looking.Quietly, politely, we tore it all down--Ages old, majestic and mighty, we tore it down to build something new.Shiny and new.It was a tapestry once, that told a story around which we built our lives.It was a mighty whole, a single fabric, built of myriad
- [Journal Entry: August 11, 2006](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-august-11-2006/) - Ugh!We lost our renters in Tulsa.Seems they disappeared, and their July rent check bounced. That leaves us with no rent check for August (although the mortgage has already come due and been paid), and means that even if our manager there got us new tenants tomorrow, we wouldn't see another check until October (he gets
- [Words and Meaning](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/words-and-meaning/) - You know what's annoying? In the game "Blackjack," a black Jack is exactly as valuable as any of 14 other cards in the deck. That's 30% of the possible cards.That's just dumb.
- [Journal Entry: July 25, 2006](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-july-25-2006/) - So...yesterday was Trish's birthday. As many of you know, we are excruciatingly broke at the moment, but due to good graces, poor filing, and silly forgetfulness, I stumbled across an uncashed check yesterday (for me, not against me), that allowed for a Trish's birthday party.Here is what I did:* I bought her a cake.* I
- [FAQ](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/faq-2/) - Q: Will P. F. Chang's leftovers stay fresh in an office mini-fridge for a little over a week?A: Blech.(Same for delicious leftover grilled hamburger patties, alas.)
- [Journal Entry: July 17, 2006](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-july-17-2006/) - 1,000 words a day is taxing.Hmm...that doesn't quite say it strongly enough. I could just add profanity to spice things up, but instead I'll go into a boring level of detail. I am a true protestant.See, okay, if I sit down and write a 1,000 word story (or essay), then I'd guess that, if I
- [Journal Entry: July 4, 2006](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-july-4-2006/) - Happy Independence Day!I woke up this morning to a cat with an impressive set of lungs on it. Hmm...okay, some of the more literal ones among you are going to be thinking unpleasant things, so I should be entirely clear: it was yowling for some breakfast. At 6 AM. While I'm on vacation. I woke
- [Journal Entry: June 29, 2006](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-june-29-2006/) - Y'know how I once said that days off during the week have a ridiculously high chance of going bad?I took the day off yesterday, mostly to hang out with Trish, partly (and specifically) because we had to go to a closing on the refinancing of our house. Well, that last bit was the part that
- [Greatness: Books of Legacy (or "On Fatherhood")](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/greatness-books-of-legacy-or-on-fatherhood/) - When I was...I dunno, fifteen or so, my family took a long summer road trip. We'd often done summer road trips as a family for my whole life. This one was the whopper, and my parents had probably been planning it for years.Trish and I were dating at the time, and I faced the terrifying
- [Journal Entry: Big News](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-big-news/) - Well...I guess now I'll have something else to talk about all the time.
- [Journal Entry: June 22, 2006](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-june-22-2006/) - It seems like all I talk about lately is Sleeping Kings. I guess I should feel bad about that, but...I dunno. I haven't written in so long. And now, this story has me writing again, and remembering why I used to call myself a writer.Let me tell you, it has nothing to do with my
- [Copyright and Me!](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/copyright-and-me/) - Copyright is a tricky thing....The basic idea is that, by law, you automatically own copyright to anything you create. If I write a poem on a napkin, that poem is copyrighted and I own the copyright.But what does that really mean?That means I, alone, have the right to produce, publish, copy, or otherwise distribute the
- [Journal Entry: June 19, 2006](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-june-19-2006/) - Back to work.Yesterday was a good weekend. Actually, taken in combination with the better aspects of Saturday (and ignoring the worse ones), I'd go so far as to say I had a really good weekend.I'm excited about Sleeping Kings. In the past, I've said that because I was just excited that it was still going,
- [Journal Entry: Home Safe](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-home-safe/) - I'm home safe, everyone.You can knock off the prayer chains and stuff.
- [Journal Entry: June 17, 2006](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-june-17-2006/) - Good morning!I'm doing a lot better today. I can't really say why, but yesterday afternoon went a lot better than I'd expected. I watched some standup, which almost always puts me in good spirits, and then my inner demon/angel combo talked me into going to Bennigans and getting a steak and a margarita.Actually, I had
- [Greatness: Story Idea](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/greatness-story-idea/) - I took a nap and had a dream.It was mainly about a little girl, named Ideine, who had a bunch of friends, but wasn't happy. The actual scene in the dream was kinda something out of Buffy, and the girl was kinda Willow (but, to all of that, not really).The story would start, "Ideine sat
- [Journal Entry: June 16, 2006](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-june-16-2006/) - Blar.I had a late night last night. Finally fell asleep about three-thirty-two-thirty-central. No coffee, last night or this morning. Just...things on my mind.I spent a few hours last night reading The Invented Reality (a book I mentioned in Sleeping Kings, that I just happened to have on my bookshelf). It's really good. You should all
- [FAQ](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/faq-3/) - I know some of you are wondering, "Will one of those crappy little mini-fridges that they have in hotel rooms keep a half-gallon of ice cream frozen?" Wonder no more!The answer is, "Probably, as long as the cleaning ladies don't flip the switch that shuts off power to all the room's outlets when they're cleaning
- [God and Greatness: The Writing Process, and Censorship](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/god-and-greatness-the-writing-process-and-censorship/) - My older sister Heather has started reading Sleeping Kings, and she somehow stumbled across this website (and pity to her for that), and she read and responded to my post on The DaVinci Code (something none of you regulars were brave enough to do!).That conversation was here:http://www.xanga.com/alexpoet/487784416/greatness-the-power-of-the-written-word.htmlI started to reply to her comment, and in
- [Journal Entry: June 15, 2006](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-june-15-2006/) - Trish's laptop doesn't have enough RAM.Umm...if you know what I mean?So, I brought the laptop with me so I can play some WoW while I'm alone at night (oh, man, the inuendos just don't stop!). Unfortunately, it just barely runs WoW at all. I made some plans with the guys last night for a late-night
- [Journal Entry: June 14, 2006](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-june-14-2006/) - Okay, I'm going to try to start writing more of a journal here, because I really can't keep my friends and family updated with emails to any extent, and because I've started writing all my good ideas into Sleeping Kings, instead of writing essays about them here.I'm still sticking with the G, G, and G
- [Journal Entry: On Travel for Work](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-on-travel-for-work/) - Ross: Baby and eagle, still ablaze, swirl around the whirlpool that has become of the apartment.Rachel: Boy are you going to be sorry if that's true.Thank goodness for TBS, when away from home and TiVo. KnowhwatImean?
- [Journal Entry: A Fantastic Story Idea](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-a-fantastic-story-idea/) - Okay, I was thinking of this on the drive in to work this morning....What if the patriarchs from the Old Testament were gnomes? Eh? Eh???No, no, I'm not suggesting they were (but I would be, in the story). Little tiny gnomes who can reasonably live 800 years, and for whom the whole world flooding wouldn't,
- [Journal Entry: Holiday Weekend](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-holiday-weekend/) - Just got back from a three-day weekend spent with family. Trish and I had off work yesterday, so we drove to Little Rock Friday night after work, and just got home late last night.It was a good weekend. Shannon and Jeff were there, and Sophie was more smiley than usual, so that was cute. Jeff
- [Greatness: A Parable](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/greatness-a-parable/) - There was a man who lived next door to an artist's studio. The artist was a scupltor who made fine, exquisite porcelain figurines. Every day the man walked past the artist's studio on his way to work, and often the artist would ask him to stop by and look at the figurines. The man always
- [Sleeping Kings](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/sleeping-kings/) - Okay, I'm gonna give this a try again. So far, my average rate of progress on this storyline has been about one page per five months, so I'm not incredibly optimistic, but I'd sure love to get this story written.The idea behind it was to write it serially -- something I've tried before, but never
- [The Clearing](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/the-clearing/) - Last night, Trish and I watched a movie called The Clearing, starring the Green Lantern and that dude from Sneakers.It sucked. Don't ever watch it. Did you like Ransom? Watch Ransom. Seriously. No matter whether your answer was yes or no. If you think you might like to watch The Clearing, watch Ransom instead.The Clearing
- [Greatness: The Power of the Written Word](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/greatness-the-power-of-the-written-word/) - We went to see The DaVinci Code yesterday....Here's the thing. I'm often going to be called a snob, or just generally hateful toward popular culture, and to some extent both of those things are true. I mean, I just hate Tom Hanks because I hate him -- I've got no good reasons.The DaVinci Code, though,
- [Backstory for My Vampire Book](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/backstory-for-my-vampire-book/) - There are two distinct elements at work here....First: hundreds of years ago, there was a boy named Daven who went up against a dragon and lost. In the process, though, each received a kind of infusion of the other's blood, creating a bond between them.(There's a whole long story, there, but to sum up, dragons
- [Oh Happy Day!](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/oh-happy-day/) - The snowcone stand is open again!
- [Journal Entry: My Weekend In Review](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-my-weekend-in-review/) - I have just finished, through no fault of my own, a four-day weekend.And when I say "through no fault of my own," what I mean is that, left to my own machinations, it would have continued for at least one more day. Probably three.I really love long weekends. Day off during the week? Oh, don't
- [Words](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/words/) - What's your favorite word?Mine is "nevertheless." It sounds awesome, it's got a lot of syllables without being complicated, and it's so optimistic, while still recognizing the negative reality.That's what I love about this word. It's me. It's a practical optimist. Yeah, sure, everything's gone bad. Nevertheless!Oh! I also like it because it makes such a
- [Greatness: A Poem](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/greatness-a-poem/) - Today is like every other dayIn one way at leastThe dead pity the living.
- [God: A Poem](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/god-a-poem/) - He looked me in the eye, and said,"If I'm going to Hell anyway, I might as well do it."And none of us has seen him since.
- [Greatness: Archetypes](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/greatness-archetypes/) - Daniel and Brad and I used to sit around discussing such things, and we once settled on a set of four symbols, four archetypes to define the various kinds of Great Men -- those people living the deliberate, examined life.These are the ones we settled on: the Shepherd and the Wolf, the Poet and the
- [Greatness: Silence](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/greatness-silence/) - Daniel has often commented that the time he spent with my whole family growing up has had a big impact on his friendship with me, as he has had the opportunity to see the dynamics and factors that went into making me who I am.One of those factors, from the time I was about six,
- [God and Greatness: Absolution](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/god-and-greatness-absolution/) - I've been thinking a lot lately about absolution -- about sin in general, and the afterlife as well.In my time, I've been a lot of different places on the topic of life after death. There was a long time when I felt like there was no NEED for a life after death -- on a
- [Journal Entry: Sketch Comedy Night](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-sketch-comedy-night/) - I had two dreams this morning that, upon later consideration, both ended with a punchline that really read like sketch comedy. I thought I'd share them with you, for a peek into a mind that is always trying to build stories, not just settle for simulated experience.First, "Setting a Trap":Daniel and Trish and I are
- [Greatness: "Othering"](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/greatness-othering/) - In college, I took a class called "Search for the American Identity: Race, Class, and Gender." It may have been called "Quest for the American Identity," (that's how I remember it), but that's probably just my Fantasy Lit slant on things. Probably "Search."Anyway, as part of the "Race" segment, we read several articles on the
- [Greatness: Listen Up!](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/greatness-listen-up/) - This is very important people, so pay attention!All of you! Even you in the back of the class. Listen up!It is now time to watch The Zero Effect. Hop to it. No delays, no excuses. Your reports are due by 4:00 tomorrow (or Monday, if you still have an excused absence left for the semester).You
- [Greatness: A Story Idea](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/greatness-a-story-idea/) - A long time ago, I had a dream in which I was reading a short story by Zelazny, and when I woke up I remembered the story that I had been reading. It was a good one (and very Zelazny-esque), and I made some short notes to myself, in the hopes that one day I
- [Journal Entry: Seeing-Eye Aaron](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-seeing-eye-aaron/) - I wrote Bruce yesterday and got him caught up on my surgery and follow-up, and it ended up being a long email. Occurred to me that some of you might be interested, too, so here's a quick edit of the email I sent him.Thursday I got to the Center at 2:30. They took me to
- [God and Government: The Cartoon Thing](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/god-and-government-the-cartoon-thing/) - Have you heard about the whole Muhammed cartoon controversy? Every other blog in the world is talking about it as though everyone is entirely up to speed, but I can't really trust you people to read the news, so let me summarize.Islamic tradition (law?) holds that it is wrong to draw images -- particularly cartoons
- [God and Greatness: A Maxim](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/god-and-greatness-a-maxim/) - When it comes to religion, your average scientist is a person who can ask "Why?" a thousand times, but call someone a superstitious fool for asking it a thousand and one.
- [Looking Ahead](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/looking-ahead/) - These are some topics I'd like to write about at some point in the future. I'm mostly posting them here as a reminder to me (in case I lose the little scrap of paper I scribbled them down on), but if any of the titles particularly piques your interest, I suppose you could vote for
- [Journal Entry: Home Again](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-home-again/) - I wanted to have a thoughtful, serious essay for you today, but I just can't seem to find it. I figure, anyway, that the least I can do is provide some details on my trip, from which I am safely returned.Seattle is very cool. I liked it quite a lot. I really love big cities
- [Journal Entry: Hiatus](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/journal-entry-hiatus/) - These are things in my life:This morning I went by the ClearSight Center for a preliminary exam, in the hopes of getting LASIK sometime soon.Tomorrow morning (early) I'm heading to Seattle for a business trip. Not the fun kind. I'll be there through Friday evening. Trish is letting me use her laptop, so that's something,
- [Greatness: Biography (Part I)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/greatness-biography-part-i/) - There's a very ancient custom (tradition, superstition, whatever you wish to call it), that orphans and foundlings must be treated with a special dignity. The story goes (or went, if you will) that the gods, whatever their names, have a surprising predilection for going disguised as men, and they certainly tend to get about a
- [Writing Workshop: The 5-Paragraph Essay](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/writing-workshop-the-5-paragraph-essay/) - I assume most of you have, at some point, learned how to write the 5-paragraph essay. If you haven't...well, here's how. For the rest of you, this is just a refresher, but with some helpful hints thrown in.I really wish I'd written this up years ago (like, right after my junior year in high school),
- [God: The Magic Architect](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/god-the-magic-architect/) - Once upon a time there was a Magic Architect and he was the best Magic Architect that had ever lived. The Magic Architect was able to build any kind of house or building just by wishing for it. Anything he could imagine, he could create, with just a word! His own home was a huge
- [Greatness: Self-Determinism and the Nature of Reality](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/greatness-self-determinism-and-the-nature-of-reality/) - One of the most fascinating aspects of human history has been the remarkable success of the human species. Man, pitted against all Nature, has been able to thrive in nearly every climate. Man's dominance over his environment can be seen in every aspect of his life. Man acts as Creator, Preserver, and Destroyer, building environments
- [Government: On Self-Government](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/government-on-self-government/) - One of the most bitterly fought debates in human history is the nature and extent of a state's authority over its citizens. The histories of all cultures are filled with stories of rebellion, revolution, and contention between the citizens and the state, and yet every culture in history returns to government authority in one form
- [God: Interaction with the Father-King](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/god-interaction-with-the-father-king/) - One of the most compelling aspects of the Christian concept of God (borrowed, as it is, from the Jewish tradition) is the image of the Creator as a Father-King figure. This is not, by any means, an image unique to the Judeo-Christian religion, but its role within the religion is, at the same time, one
- [No, There Is Too Much. Let Me Sum Up.](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/no-there-is-too-much-let-me-sum-up/) - Okay, Cindy (Julie's sister, for those who haven't been paying attention) mentioned not knowing my position on politics, and I was thinking about ways to answer her, and I was just working with Trish last week on the old tried and true 5-Paragraph Essay, and I ran into a confluence of ideas.My ideas on God,
- [Government: The Cycle of Revolutions](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2006/government-the-cycle-of-revolutions/) - I actually wrote up these ideas for a paper my junior year in high school. It fits into the conversation very well, here, given that I just posted my views on relationships and society.It goes like this:When people work together, they become more than the sum of the parts (as I said a couple days
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/journal-entry-71/) - Yay!I just got an email from Brad. He's doing really well. It was awesome to hear from him.For any of you who can't immediately place the name, Brad was the "bad boy" in the boy band that was Daniel, Brad, and me, for all of high school.Okay, now you want to know the rest. Daniel
- [Greatness: Irreconcilable Differences](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/greatness-irreconcilable-differences/) - There's this proposition that...err...proposes... that all Men are created equal. I am dedicated to this proposition. Now, when, in the course of human events....Beh. Whatever. Here's the point: every person has within him the ability to become anything any other person can become. Yes, that includes Wolverine, but if you really think about it, really,
- [God and Greatness: Honesty and/or Truth](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-and-greatness-honesty-andor-truth/) - This is a bit of a puzzler....Y'see, I'm a fantasy writer. I write fiction. Not, y'know, professionally, because apparently it's not good enough. Pah. But deep down, that's who I am. A storyteller. That's quite apparent to all of you, of course.And in the course of becoming that, you have to confront the possibility that
- [God and Government: Christian Leadership](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-and-government-christian-leadership/) - I've got two words for you: "oxymoron."Now, admittedly, that comment is going to get me a lot of flak ("flack"? whatever) from everyone who read Christian Leadership and thought about those retreats we went to in youth group and the really eloquent speakers you've heard at a workshop or lectureship. That's not really what I'm
- [For the New Folks](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/for-the-new-folks/) - Those being the Julies and their sisters, inasmuch as they have sisters.I noticed some discussion among you concerning "I Heart Huckabees." I wrote a post on May 22, after I watched it the first time. The post is mostly about my take on the relevant philosophies, not the movie itself, but if you think you
- [Greatness: Man's Divine Nature](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/greatness-mans-divine-nature/) - Okay, for several of you, about three paragraphs into this post, you're going to think, "He's talking about me!" And that "me," in case you didn't catch it, is shrill and outraged. Honestly, though, this is something everyone needs to hear, often. It's not directed at or wholly inspired by any one of you. (No,
- [Worldmaking](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/worldmaking/) - On the drive in to work this morning, the fog was incredible. Glancing out the window, even now, it still is.Actually, while I was on the highway, I was thinking, "This fog isn't that impressive. It couldn't even cause an accident at 75 mph." Well, actually I thought, "at seventy-five miles per hour," because that's
- [Some Autobiography](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/some-autobiography/) - As an aside: someone once said, "No autobiography is worth reading." And he meant it. Cynical as I am, I'd be tempted to agree and go around quoting him all the time, except that Benvenuto Cellini's Vita is one of the most interesting pieces of literature I've ever read.Go get a copy. Read it. Now.Anyway,
- [Government: Freedom of the Vicious](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/government-freedom-of-the-vicious/) - On the drive to work this morning, I was listening to NPR and there was a brief discussion of the current scandal wherein the Pentagon has paid Iraqi journalists to publish pro-American stories in Iraqi newspapers.Meh.I've said it before and I'll say it again: Freedom of the Press, like the right to vote, is a
- [God, Government, and Greatness: Adoption](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-government-and-greatness-adoption/) - I have my doubts that I will get across everything that needs gotten, but there is a base concept of Adoption which I really need to establish.I may have mentioned this to some extent in my earlier posts on Goverment (Monarchy specifically), but I couldn't find it if so, which means I didn't go into
- [Government and Greatness: The Contemplative Way, and the Active Way](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/government-and-greatness-the-contemplative-way-and-the-active-way/) - This is an excerpt from King Jason's War, that I enjoy. It is, here, entirely out of context, but I'm hopeful that it will still make some sense. It describes, I think, some of what's going on between the radical Liberals and the radical Conservatives, in these days.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------"It's amazing, really." Jason sighed. "They have their
- [Ewww!](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/ewww/) - Eww. Ew.Ew.I read an article about a Chinese cosmetics firm using the flesh of executed prisoners in the formation of their makeup.Ewwwww!
- [Habanero Pepper Oil Recipe](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/habanero-pepper-oil-recipe/) - From Teresa Nielsen Hayden's infuriating (read: liberal) weblog. To all my reading public: do not read the rest of the website. Just this one post, with associated comments. I emailed most of you the recipe, but once I got to the comments, I realized those needed to be preserved, too, so here's your link.http://nielsenhayden.com/makinglight/archives/006812.html#006812Daniel...you're an
- [Government: America is NOT a Democracy](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/government-america-is-not-a-democracy/) - HaHA! I have fooled you all. You expect me to spend a page and a half talking about how, technically, it's a Republic. To that I say "Pshaw!"America is a very polite, Practical Anarchy.We are a nation so founded on hatred of tyranny that we established a non-government government. Our greatest political pride comes from
- [The Nature of Prescriptive Linguistics](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/the-nature-of-prescriptive-linguistics/) - Read this link, too. It's funny.http://www.newyorker.com/talk/content/articles/050829ta_talk_alford
- [Instructions](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/instructions/) - http://www.endicott-studio.com/cofhs/cofinstr.htmlOkay, perhaps I wasn't perfectly clear, but everyone needs to READ this link.
- [God: Christian "Science"](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-christian-science/) - I got this passage from someone else's blog, which I clicked through to from a blog that makes me entirely furious, every time I glance at it. So, instead of following proper etiquette and linking you to the other blog, I'll just paste the relevant bit here:---------------------------------------------------------------------------------"Usually, even a non-Christian knows something about the earth,
- [God: The Lord's Supper](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-the-lords-supper/) - Quick question, for every single one of you who might possibly have an answer: in what way is What We Do as Communion (and by "We," there, I mean the group you belong to -- Catholic, Methodist, whatever) anything close to the circumstance of the Last Supper?Consider this very carefully before you completely disregard it:
- [The Story of King Jason's War (Major Spoilers)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/the-story-of-king-jasons-war-major-spoilers/) - Once upon a time there was a boy named Jason, who grew up in a time of war. He lived in the Ardain, a great land of rolling hills and fertile plains, and the biggest, darkest forest in the world. His home was a little town called Gath-upon-Brennes, which straddled the mighty Brennes river. It
- [Greatness: Change](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/greatness-change/) - It's easier to initiate change on objects in motion than on those that are sitting still. Once change happens (for good or ill), you have a special opportunity to initiate a little change of your own.It's complicated, though. Sometimes you want to make a change in a particular directions, other times it's toward a particular
- [Review of "Pearl Harbor"](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/review-of-pearl-harbor/) - THIS is why you never take a woman's word for it that a war movie is good.Did you ever see "Enemy at the Gates"? Same sorta story (without quite as much skanky), but that was a good war flick. This one sucks.
- [Journal Entry: My Life](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/journal-entry-my-life/) - I just wrote a short email to an old friend, to let him know I'm moving and, in a page, make up for not talking for six months. Err....I ended it with a line that seemed right to the email, without really thinking it through before writing it. I DID think that line through after
- [Harry Potter](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/harry-potter/) - Who would have guessed a children's book could inspire so much adult language in its readers....
- [Harry Potter (Major Spoilers)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/harry-potter-major-spoilers/) - Okay, I'm halfway through the book, and here's my most recent theory:Harry is falling in love with Ginny, throughout the first half of the book. Well, I think Harry is going to just keep getting more and more obsessed with Ginny, and worried about her (y'know, with all the disappearances, and all the danger now
- [Journal Entry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/journal-entry-72/) - We bought the house in OKC. Everyone who reads this, knows that already. Most of them were there, even, before dinner.We bought the house in OKC. A week from tomorrow is my last day at work in Tulsa. We've got the move, and I've got finishing up here, and then I've got all the learning
- [A Word of Advice](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/a-word-of-advice/) - Never, ever, under any circumstances, ever, try Coca Cola Zero.Ever.
- [Greatness: From Me to You](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/greatness-from-me-to-you/) - This is what I would have you know:Life is big. Really big. It's amazing. It's...dynamic. We stop it from being so, every day, for our own comfort.That's okay. It's nice to be comfortable most of the time. There's a certain thrill to going camping, sleeping under the stars, eating fresh-caught fish pan-cooked over a little
- [A Word of Advice](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/a-word-of-advice-2/) - Never, ever, under any circumstances, ever, try to close on a house in a different city in a two-week timeframe.Ever.
- [God: The Holy Temple](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-the-holy-temple/) - Why do you go to church?
- [Greatness: Constructed Reality and You](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/greatness-constructed-reality-and-you/) - Here's the thing: you're already familiar with constructed reality on a day-to-day basis.Have you ever had a dream that felt real? So real you couldn't tell it was a dream until afterward? A dream in which all the pieces fit together, logically, within the dream (even if they seemed entirely absurd after you woke up)?That's
- [Government: A Maxim](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/government-a-maxim/) - If it does not cost lives to depose a Prince, the People will depose him out of boredom, rather than need.
- [Greatness: Okay, for Real, The Matrix](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/greatness-okay-for-real-the-matrix/) - (Now...I always have trouble in these conversations knowing exactly when to STOP. That is, I can't necessarily tell when I've lain a foundation AND drawn an explicit conclusion. Or, more often, I'll lay a foundation and think the conclusion is so obvious that it would be insulting to ACTUALLY state it explicitly, and so I
- [Greatness: The One with All the Matrix](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/greatness-the-one-with-all-the-matrix/) - (That was for you, Kris.)(I wonder if, a hundred years from now, English Majors reading through my blog posts will all see me occasionally speaking directly to a "Kris with a 'k'" and just assume it was a girl, and then someone will do a dissertation in which they link the Kris from my blogs
- [Greatness: Some Honesty to Upset You Science-Types](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/greatness-some-honesty-to-upset-you-science-types/) - I'd kinda planned on skipping these points, or glossing them over, so as not to lose some of you completely (I'm looking at you, Kris). But, any meaningful philosophical discussion really does require a significant degree of intellectual honesty, so I'll drop some on you.I believe pretty much everything modern science claims to be true
- [Government: *Crickets Chirping*](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/government-crickets-chirping/) - The thing about Government is, nobody agrees with me, and a couple of you are patriotic enough that I'm scared of hurting your feelings. Also, I don't really feel that passionately about my opinions, I'm just pretty sure they're right.THAT's all. So...not worth rocking the boat until I've got more of you following my line
- [God: Trish's Church and Manufactured Meaning](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-trishs-church-and-manufactured-meaning/) - I've PRObably made it clear already that I don't think Meaning can be manufactured (so the title of this article is intended to be a little tongue-in-cheek). Meaning comes from our encounters with Real Truth, and therefor anything we can Construct must inherently be other than Real Truth and, therefor, not a source of real
- [Greatness: Resources, Powers, and Good and Evil](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/greatness-resources-powers-and-good-and-evil/) - Power is not good or evil. Power is a tool.(Fantasy authors are obligated to devote at least one chapter in their first novel to this topic. Generally it is a discussion between an old, wise man, and a confused young hero.)The metaphor generally goes something like this:* A hammer is a useful tool for building
- [God: God's Divine Plan and the Meaning of Life](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-gods-divine-plan-and-the-meaning-of-life/) - I've already told you the meaning of life (that is, the reason for this temporal existence). It's an opportunity for us to learn that Man's way doesn't work -- that striking out on our own is...unpleasant. Even with all the beauty and the love and goodness we DO manage to effect, the sum total of
- [God: The Call to Worship](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-the-call-to-worship/) - Trish's church presents me with a real challenge....Let me say this: the body has cravings. A body needs certain things to survive, and it expresses these needs to the mind as desire. I'm not trying to posit some clever point here, I'm just trying to state something we'll all agree on, so if you don't
- [God and Greatness: Attainable Virtue](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-and-greatness-attainable-virtue/) - It is a very good book, as I said before. It SUCKS, as I said before, but it is a very good book. You all have to read it, on pain of dire disgrace.I liked this bit:------------------------------------------------------------------------------God had said that it was only the men who could give up their jealous selves, their futile individualities
- [](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/780/) - This book sucks.
- [Greatness: The Seventh Sense](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/greatness-the-seventh-sense/) - I have a quote for you today, a passage from "The Once and Future King." First, though, let me mention the book to you.You should read it. You, personally, should read it, if you haven't already (or haven't otherwise made your own study of King Arthur's legend).It's the story of King Arthur. It's actually (at
- [A Story Idea](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/a-story-idea/) - I woke up this morning with an idea for a sci-fi story. Actually, it was an idea for creating a technological immortality, but I decided it would be better to make it a story than a reality.It has to do with version control systems, and nano-technology, with a little bit of dynamic evolution in the
- [Greatness: Reading Recommendation](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/greatness-reading-recommendation/) - (First, let me say this: if you people don't COMMENT, how am I going to know how wrong I am? C'mon!)Okay, finished Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell (it's mentioned in the Recommended Reading post I made earlier). I now highly urge you to read this book. Not just because it's got ideas relevant to these
- [God and Greatness: Those Who Are For Us](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-and-greatness-those-who-are-for-us/) - I went to church with Trish last night. I've commented before how topics on my mind seem to crop up throughout the day in surprising places, most notably at church. There was a Bible passage I'd discussed with Toby at work yesterday morning, and when I sat down in the pew for class Wednesday night,
- [Greatness: Colors Again](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/greatness-colors-again/) - Daniel just sent this link, and I find it awesome.http://www.newscientist.com/channel/being-human/mg18625015.500The news story is quite short. Read it through. It's not arguing my case at all, but it's talking about the issue, and that alone is cool. Kris, you should love it. Nobody else really got the POINT of my question, so I'm just posting this
- [God: A Tangent on Paul](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-a-tangent-on-paul/) - This is a link Daniel sent me forever ago, which I only just now got around to reading through.http://www.metalog.org/files/paul_p1.htmlIt's mostly absurd, with some pretty ugly misunderstandings thrown in to REALLY upset you. In other words, I'm not advocating or agreeing with this guy's ideas. But it's an interesting read, and I recommend it to all
- [Greatness: Point-by-Point](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/greatness-point-by-point/) - There appears to be some significant level of misunderstanding what I am proposing to be the case, and what I am suggesting as a profitable course of action. So let me recap. Most of these are not new ideas (within these conversations), but I'm going to try to bullet-point a bunch of them, in a
- [God: A Place of Learning](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-a-place-of-learning/) - I have been asked a serious, challenging question that I cannot easily answer (at least, not right away). It was asked in an email, so I could just skip it (or reply to the asker), but the fact of the matter is that I come here to be challenged and I'm ASKING for criticism of
- [Greatness: Existentialism, Nihilism, and You!](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/greatness-existentialism-nihilism-and-you/) - Dan and Trish and I watched "I Heart Huckabees" last night (against my wishes!). It's about an existential detective agency which you hire to spy on you, and figure out your innermost...whatnot.I don't like Existentialism because it stikes me as an entirely Constructed method of Deconstruction (in the movie they called it "dismantling," but the
- [Greatness: A Reminder](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/greatness-a-reminder/) - Your life has meaning.The things you do, matter.
- [God: Reframing](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-reframing/) - I want to take a moment to introduce a specific concept to you, in case you're not already familiar. Therapists and counselors sometimes use a technique called "reframing" to help a patient deal with a traumatic or otherwise negative experience.One of the books I'm working on, which would use largely the material I'm putting forth
- [God: Shouting Violently to Get Your Attention](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-shouting-violently-to-get-your-attention/) - What then, should we go on sinning so that Grace may increase?BY NO MEANS! This life is our only opportunity to learn how to be good. It was given to us as a gift. Yes, we will fail, we will be forgiven for that, but if we spend all of our time JUST indulging in
- [God: The Tree of Knowledge and the Free Will Myth](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-the-tree-of-knowledge-and-the-free-will-myth/) - The question of the day is this: Why would a loving God introduce Sin into our world?Why would a loving God plant a Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden?And, at its root, "Why would a loving God fashion Hell?"Our mythology is full of the answer to that in kings putting down rebellion. Actually,
- [God: The Workers' Wages](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-the-workers-wages/) - Now on to this one, and back to my real topic of conversation -- the meaning of life and the path to Salvation. Well...okay, when I put it like that, the last article works really well too....How about this: the difference between the Path to Salvation as we learned it from Church, and the one
- [God: Deconstruction as the Path to Salvation](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-deconstruction-as-the-path-to-salvation/) - "Yeah, yeah," you're saying, "motives are all well and good, but WE want to know what you think about those Bible passages!"Fine. Jerks.There are two important bits here. The first goes like this: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------And someone came to Him and said, "Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?" And He
- [God: Structure of My Conversations](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-structure-of-my-conversations/) - It's interesting how, in this life, things come together. Spend an hour or a day pondering some deeply serious issue, and you'll be amazed how many movies you watch, songs you hear, conversations you have, all seem to have very specific bearing on that topic. Significantly more so with sermons, too. Every time I write
- [Greatness: A Mind Puzzle](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/greatness-a-mind-puzzle/) - Okay, I've been told that I haven't made some points clear enough, and I'm going to stay within that theme....This one you have to do for yourself. When you first read it, it probably won't seem significant or reasonable. It is, though. It's a REALLY tough one. Spend some time, figure out what I'm really
- [God: A Metaphor](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-a-metaphor/) - I'll give you a simple metaphor, that may help convey what I'm trying to say about sin.I've spoken several times about our Infinite Decision. When we die, we will become Infinite Beings (not the frail temporal things we are now). We'll still be US, we'll still have the same soul, the same memories, the same
- [God: Jesus' 6 Commandments](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-jesus-6-commandments/) - Okay, I've talked about sin in an abstract way, and repeated myself four times and am still getting the same questions, which means I haven't been clear.Also, a lot of my answers were, "This will have to wait until later," so I'm going ahead with the later, now. I'm going to post two separate posts
- [God: Verses](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-verses/) - Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your spiritual act of worship.Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.Then you will be able to test
- [Greatness: Metals](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/greatness-metals/) - As I have said before, all of our constructed reality begins with a foundation of Real Truth -- chaotic energy that gives strength to the forms we build. However, most of our reality is an abstracted reflection of an abstracted reflection of an abstracted reflection to such an extent that the underlying Thing is entirely
- [God and Greatness: The Meaning of Life](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-and-greatness-the-meaning-of-life/) - I feel like I've lain enough of a foundation now that I can begin to draw some conclusions. If I'm wrong in this, let me know. I like a challenging comment as much as a supportive one (although I do like a little bit of cheer-leading from time to time, y'know, 'cuz of the ego).
- [Greatness: Solipsism](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/greatness-solipsism/) - Okay, this is a tricky one, because I learned in philosophy class that it was pretty much true, and so I didn't bother memorizing all the reasons. After all, it made perfect sense to ME. But I keep meeting people who don't get it.Well, okay, good point. I don't ever meet people. BUT I am
- [God story](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-story/) - Remember that scene in the Old Testament, where Elijah is running from the agents of Jezebel, and he's hiding in a cave, and God comes to talk to him to tell him he's being a coward?That's the whole story, right there. That's all we needed. It could've been a vision from God, it could've been
- [Greatness: Real Truth](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/greatness-real-truth/) - So far I've used this term a little loosely, but relied on the capitols to convey my meaning. Let me attempt to clarify a little.When I say "reality," I don't mean it. I mean what we THINK of as reality or, in other words, the whole constructed universe. In other words, I'm using YOUR definition
- [Greatness: The Forms of Magic](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/greatness-the-forms-of-magic/) - There are various kinds of magic. Essentially, it is just this: changing the world to suit your desire. It can be done gradually with tools, and then is considered no kind of magic at all, but just "doing stuff."As I said before, sorcery or bulldozers. It's all the same, really.I would try to define it
- [God and Greatness: Jesus, Miracles, and Social Constructionism](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-and-greatness-jesus-miracles-and-social-constructionism/) - I very nearly wrote this as a comment on my previous post, but decided it was important enough to merit a post of its own.It's important to note that all of my thoughts on God and Greatness, as expressed throughout this blog, began sometime in high school (yes, BEFORE the Matrix), while considering the words
- [God: The Fall of Man](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-the-fall-of-man/) - This is, in fact, one of my conclusions, several months from now, but I'll post it now, so you can scoff and ridicule, and several months from now, you can feel sheepish. Because I'm that kind of tyrant.It is my goal to establish that Social Constructionism (that very Human Greatness that I'm attempting to describe
- [God, Government, and Greatness: Suggested Reading](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-government-and-greatness-suggested-reading/) - Well, we've already discussed the viability of my ideas in the classroom. How about a reading list?These are a few of the works that I'm closely familiar with which, I would say, bear direct and meaningful impact on the ideas I'm discussing in these conversations. If you have a recommendation of the same sort, I'd
- [God, Government, Greatness: The Concept of Sin](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-government-greatness-the-concept-of-sin/) - Sin: the deliberate prevention of the realization of potential.Just like that.I don't believe in Positive Divine Law (that is, something is Evil because God says it's evil). I don't think there are sins that are sins because they're "against the rules." It doesn't make sense, it doesn't WORK (God MADE people in such a way
- [Poetry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/poetry/) - Wow....I never realized I had written so many poems, or how much they said. I could put you guys through a month of Poetry Interpretation 101, and still not be done with my own stuff.I should be a professor, just to inflict this stuff on my students.Actually, I'll probably save them up and use them
- [Refined Understanding (A Poem)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/refined-understanding-a-poem/) - Okay, back to business. This is a poem, not so much proposing my ideas about Social Constructionism, but assuming them and describing their ultimate effects. If you don't see it at first, by all means ask. I'd love to discuss this one. I think of it as one of my most fun poems.Refined UnderstandingThey say
- [I Feel Alive (A Poem)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/i-feel-alive-a-poem/) - This is a poem I'm thinking of submitting to the Writer's Digest competition this year. Let me know what you think.And, yeah, I know you'll all be wondering, so I'll just tell you now to keep you from having to ask. It's Chris O'Donnell.I Feel Alive….I feel alive…Like, what it means to feel alive--Not just
- [In Loving Memory of God (A Poem)](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/in-loving-memory-of-god-a-poem/) - In Loving Memory of GodThe last time that I tore my clothes to shredsAnd dressed in sacks, with ashes on my headAnd fell upon my knees at Mercy Seat,I thought of you, my God, and you seemed real. The last time I placed lamb upon the stone— A lamb that I had raised by my
- [Looking Forward: Future Discussion](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/looking-forward-future-discussion/) - Okay, as I probably got across clearly with that last post, I'm pretty into the whole religion discussion. Actually, I was mentioning this morning that I feel kinda compelled to get on with that conversation but, and this is pretty important, most of what I have to say there depends on an understanding of my
- [God: Opening Shots](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/god-opening-shots/) - Personal IntroductionAnd now I've come to the one that scares me most. For one reason: Mom and Dad. I invited both of them to read this blog, and I know they strongly disagree with me on my premises here and, most of all, I realize that this is not an issue of differing opinions but
- [Greatness: Opening Shots](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/greatness-opening-shots/) - I'll say up front that most of my thoughts on Human Greatness are nothing more than a wholehearted adoption of Post Modernism. If you're familiar with Post Modern thought, and Social Constructionism in particular, you're already aware of most everything I have to say. That said, I haven't read the canon of the philosophy nearly
- [Government: Opening Shots](https://www.aaronpogue.com/2005/government-opening-shots/) - I will (always) begin with this: The United States of America is an exception.Ack, I wanna put that in bold and repeat it four or five times. You cannot -- CANNOT -- discuss philosophically what human government is or should be based upon what the world has seen in America's wholly unique situation.You can argue

## Pages

- [Books](https://www.aaronpogue.com/) - If you want to know when my new books come out, you can sign up at Books2Read for new release notifications. You can also read my (infrequent) blog posts under News. These are my books that are currently available: The Dragonprince's Legacy The Dragonprince's Legacy is the bestselling fantasy story of Daven Carrickson, a humble
- ["Surveillance" Series Bible](https://www.aaronpogue.com/surveillance-series-bible/) - Based on the Ghost Targets novels by Aaron I. Introduction and Overview A. Log Line: "Surveillance" is a near-future cop drama that follows Katie Pratt as she joins the FBI Ghost Targets team. In a world with near-perfect AI surveillance, her team tracks the criminals rich or powerful enough to evade the all-seeing eye of
- [Why Isn't Surveillance Streaming Yet?](https://www.aaronpogue.com/why-isnt-ghost-targets-streaming-yet/) - I hear the major streaming services are all hungrily searching for new material, especially for genre series content. I've got a great recommendation. It's an established series with four books out and a fifth in development, already boasting tens of thousands of sales despite its indie pedigree. The storyline is family-friendly with a strong female
- [About](https://www.aaronpogue.com/about/) - I'm Aaron Pogue, international bestselling fantasy author. I self-published my first book in 2010, founded an indie publishing company with some of my best friends, and sold more than 100,000 books in our first year and a half. I've just agreed to a traditional publishing deal that will see my books in bookstores (and probably
- [The Dawn of a Desperate War](https://books2read.com/the-dawn-of-a-desperate-war)
- [The Wrath of a Shipless Pirate](https://books2read.com/the-wrath-of-a-shipless-pirate)
- [The Godlanders War](https://www.aaronpogue.com/books/the-godlanders-war/) - The Godlanders War If you've already read all the dragonswarm stuff, I've got another whole universe of fantasy to offer. The World of Auric features a brand new genre, "superhero fantasy," where larger-than-life adventurers battle sinister supervillains in a setting that is pure, epic fantasy. Discover the mysteries of this magical world along with the
- [The Dreams of a Dying God](https://books2read.com/the-dreams-of-a-dying-god)
- [Ghost Targets](https://www.aaronpogue.com/books/ghost-targets/) - The Ghost Targets mysteries The Ghost Targets mysteries are sci-fi novels exploring a near-future world with perfect universal surveillance. Or...almost perfect. We abandoned privacy and turned databases into something like gods. They listened to our prayers. They met our needs and blessed us with new riches. They watched over us, protected us, and punished the
- [Camouflage](https://books2read.com/gt4)
- [Expectation](https://books2read.com/gt2)
- [Surveillance (or Gods Tomorrow)](https://books2read.com/gt1)
- [Restraint](https://books2read.com/gt3)
- [The Dragonprince's Heir](https://books2read.com/the-dragonprinces-heir)
- [The Dragonswarm](https://books2read.com/the-dragonswarm)
- [Taming Fire](https://books2read.com/taming-fire)
- [The Dragonprince's Legacy](https://www.aaronpogue.com/books/the-dragonprinces-legacy/) - The Dragonprince's Legacy The Dragonprince's Legacy is the bestselling fantasy story of Daven Carrickson, a humble shepherd who experiences firsthand the cataclysmic waking of the dragons, and fights men and monsters for humanity's survival. There are currently three books available in this series. Taming Fire The Dragonswarm The Dragonprince's Heir You can get started on
- ["The Bloodshield Betrayal"](https://www.aaronpogue.com/books/excerpts/the-bloodshield-betrayal/) - An Excerpt The old man followed Danae to the doorway, and for a moment he stared into her eyes, searching. Then Yewan parted his lips, and barely breathed the word, "Why?" She looked away. Bands like iron seemed to squeeze her chest, but she had come here for this. She forced a breath and made
- [Excerpts](https://www.aaronpogue.com/books/excerpts/)
- [Contact](https://www.aaronpogue.com/contact/)

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/uncategorized/)
- [Blogging about Blogging](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/blogging-about-blogging/)
- [BookMaker](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/bookmaker/)
- [constructionism](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/constructionism/)
- [dreams](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/dreams-2/)
- [essays](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/essays/)
- [family](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/family/)
- [fitness](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/fitness/)
- [friends](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/friends/)
- [games](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/games/)
- [Ghost Targets](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/ghost-targets/)
- [Ghost Targets: Expectations](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/ghost-targets-expectations/)
- [god](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/god/)
- [government](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/government/)
- [greatness](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/greatness/)
- [home repair](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/home-repair/)
- [journal](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/journal/)
- [magic](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/magic/)
- [Masked Fox Publishing blog](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/masked-fox-publishing-blog/)
- [Midas](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/midas/)
- [Movie Hoard](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/movie-hoard/)
- [My Constant](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/my-constant/)
- [OBDMultibox](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/obdmultibox/)
- [poems](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/poems/)
- [Poker Night](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/poker-night/)
- [programming](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/programming/)
- [project report](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/project-report/)
- [reading](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/reading/)
- [Recommended Readings](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/recommended-readings/)
- [reviews](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/reviews/)
- [science](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/science/)
- [sin](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/sin/)
- [Sleeping Kings](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/sleeping-kings/)
- [social anxiety](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/social-anxiety/)
- [sports](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/sports/)
- [teaching](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/teaching/)
- [The Books](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/the-books/)
- [The Writing Life](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/the-writing-life/)
- [TourGuide](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/tourguide/)
- [Travelocity Researcher](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/travelocity-researcher/)
- [Unstressed Syllables](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/unstressed-syllables/)
- [What I Know](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/what-i-know/)
- [work](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/work/)
- [Worldbuilding](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/worldbuilding/)
- [writing](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/writing/)
- [writing exercise](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/writing-exercise/)
- [writing group](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/writing-group/)
- [blessing](https://www.aaronpogue.com/category/blessing/)

## Tags

- [1492](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/1492/)
- [47North](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/47north/)
- [A Consortium of Worlds](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/a-consortium-of-worlds/)
- [A Darkness in the East](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/a-darkness-in-the-east/)
- [Action Scenes](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/action-scenes/)
- [Adele Lorienne](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/adele-lorienne/)
- [Advance Reading Copies](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/advance-reading-copies/)
- [Advance Reading Copy](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/advance-reading-copy/)
- [Alan Pogue](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/alan-pogue/)
- [alexander](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/alexander/)
- [Alexander Pogue](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/alexander-pogue/)
- [AMA](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/ama/)
- [Amazon](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/amazon/)
- [annabelle](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/annabelle/)
- [Annabelle Grace](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/annabelle-grace/)
- [Auric and the Wolf](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/auric-and-the-wolf/)
- [Auric's Valiants](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/aurics-valiants/)
- [Barnes and Noble](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/barnes-and-noble/)
- [Baseball](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/baseball/)
- [Becca J. Campbell](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/becca-j-campbell/)
- [Blogging](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/blogging/)
- [Book Reviews](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/book-reviews/)
- [Books](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/books/)
- [Buffalo Wild Wings](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/buffalo-wild-wings/)
- [Building Plans](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/building-plans/)
- [Camouflage](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/camouflage/)
- [City of Orphans](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/city-of-orphans/)
- [Collaborative Writing](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/collaborative-writing/)
- [Consortium Books](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/consortium-books/)
- [Copyright](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/copyright/)
- [Corin Hugh](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/corin-hugh/)
- [Courtney Cantrell](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/courtney-cantrell/)
- [Covers](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/covers/)
- [Currently Reading](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/currently-reading/)
- [Dad](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/dad/)
- [Damion Dragonprince](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/damion-dragonprince/)
- [Daven](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/daven/)
- [Daven Carrickson](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/daven-carrickson/)
- [Day Job](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/day-job/)
- [Deborah Chester](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/deborah-chester/)
- [Draft2Digital](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/draft2digital/)
- [Dragonprince](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/dragonprince/)
- [Dragonrider Novellas](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/dragonrider-novellas/)
- [dragonriders](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/dragonriders/)
- [Dragonriders of the Tower](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/dragonriders-of-the-tower/)
- [Dragons](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/dragons/)
- [Dragonswarm](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/dragonswarm/)
- [Dragonswarm Short Stories](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/dragonswarm-short-stories/)
- [Dreams](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/dreams/)
- [Excerpts](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/excerpts/)
- [FAA](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/faa/)
- [Facebook](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/facebook/)
- [Faith](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/faith/)
- [family photo](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/family-photo/)
- [Fan Art](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/fan-art/)
- [Felicia Day](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/felicia-day/)
- [Fiction Writers of Central Arkansas](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/fiction-writers-of-central-arkansas/)
- [Foreign Identity](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/foreign-identity/)
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/frequently-asked-questions/)
- [From Embers](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/from-embers/)
- [Ghost Targets: Camouflage](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/ghost-targets-camouflage/)
- [Ghost Targets: Expectation. Ghost Targets: Restraint](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/ghost-targets-expectation-ghost-targets-restraint/)
- [Ghost Targets: Faith](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/ghost-targets-faith/)
- [Gods Tomorrow](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/gods-tomorrow/)
- [Guest Speaker](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/guest-speaker/)
- [Heather Sutherlin](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/heather-sutherlin/)
- [Indie Publishing](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/indie-publishing/)
- [International bestselling fantasy author](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/international-bestselling-fantasy-author/)
- [Into the Flames](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/into-the-flames/)
- [J. Madison Davis](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/j-madison-davis/)
- [Jen](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/jen/)
- [Jessie Sanders](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/jessie-sanders/)
- [Jim Gaffigan](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/jim-gaffigan/)
- [Joshua Unruh](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/joshua-unruh/)
- [Keith Birdsong](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/keith-birdsong/)
- [KickStarter](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/kickstarter/)
- [Kindle](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/kindle/)
- [Kindle Daily Deal](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/kindle-daily-deal/)
- [Kindle Publishing](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/kindle-publishing/)
- [Kobo](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/kobo/)
- [Lane Brown](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/lane-brown/)
- [Lawsuits](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/lawsuits/)
- [Legends of the Light-Walkers](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/legends-of-the-light-walkers/)
- [Live Life](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/live-life/)
- [Lost](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/lost/)
- [Lyrics](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/lyrics/)
- [Master of Professional Writing](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/master-of-professional-writing/)
- [Mel Odom](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/mel-odom/)
- [Mexican Food](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/mexican-food/)
- [Myth Reaver](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/myth-reaver/)
- [NaNoWriMo](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/nanowrimo/)
- [Nathan Fillion](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/nathan-fillion/)
- [Neo-noir](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/neo-noir/)
- [New Media Empires](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/new-media-empires/)
- [Nook](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/nook/)
- [Notes from a Thief](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/notes-from-a-thief/)
- [Novellas](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/novellas/)
- [Oberon's Dreams](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/oberons-dreams/)
- [Office Space](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/office-space/)
- [Oklahoma City](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/oklahoma-city/)
- [Patronage](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/patronage/)
- [Poetry](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/poetry/)
- [public domain](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/public-domain/)
- [Rafflecopter](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/rafflecopter/)
- [Recommendations](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/recommendations/)
- [Recreation](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/recreation/)
- [Reddit](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/reddit/)
- [Remant](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/remant/)
- [Remnant](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/remnant/)
- [Restaurants](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/restaurants/)
- [Rethana's Surrender](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/rethanas-surrender/)
- [Reviews](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/reviews-2/)
- [Roger Zelazny](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/roger-zelazny/)
- [Saga](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/saga/)
- [Self-Publishing Success](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/self-publishing-success/)
- [Sheep](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/sheep/)
- [Short Stories](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/short-stories/)
- [Soccer](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/soccer/)
- [Starbucks](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/starbucks/)
- [Taming Fire](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/taming-fire/)
- [Terry Pratchett](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/terry-pratchett/)
- [The American Cancer Society](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/the-american-cancer-society/)
- [The Consortium](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/the-consortium/)
- [The Dawn of a Desperate War](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/the-dawn-of-a-desperate-war/)
- [The Dragonprince Trilogy](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/the-dragonprince-trilogy/)
- [The Dragonprince's Arrows](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/the-dragonprinces-arrows/)
- [The Dragonprince's Heir](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/the-dragonprinces-heir/)
- [The Dragonprince's Legacy](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/the-dragonprinces-legacy/)
- [The Dragonswarm](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/the-dragonswarm/)
- [The Dreams of a Dying God](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/the-dreams-of-a-dying-god/)
- [The Family](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/the-family/)
- [The Farm](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/the-farm/)
- [The Godlanders War](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/the-godlanders-war/)
- [The Guild](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/the-guild/)
- [The Rent House](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/the-rent-house/)
- [The Truman Show](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/the-truman-show/)
- [The World of the FirstKing](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/the-world-of-the-firstking/)
- [The Wrath of a Shipless Pirate](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/the-wrath-of-a-shipless-pirate/)
- [trish](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/trish/)
- [Trish Pogue](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/trish-pogue/)
- [Tulsa](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/tulsa/)
- [Viking](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/viking/)
- [Vintage Timeless Coffee](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/vintage-timeless-coffee/)
- [D2D](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/d2d/)
- [Apple](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/apple/)
- [Scribd](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/scribd/)
- [Business](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/business/)
- [Travel](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/travel/)
- [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/oklahoma-city-thunder/)
- [NBA](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/nba/)
- [McAffee & Taft](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/mcaffee-taft/)
- [Kris Austin](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/kris-austin/)
- [Discworld](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/discworld/)
- [Nicki Austin](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/nicki-austin/)
- [Jason](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/jason/)
- [Maggie](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/maggie/)
- [Texas de Brazil](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/texas-de-brazil/)
- [Dallas Cowboys](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/dallas-cowboys/)
- [AT&T Stadium](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/att-stadium/)
- [Ikea](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/ikea/)
- [Ghost Targets](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/ghost-targets/)
- [The Writing Life](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/the-writing-life/)
- [security](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/security/)
- [thresholds](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/thresholds/)
- [comfort](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/comfort/)
- [peace](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/peace/)
- [winter](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/winter/)
- [cold](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/cold/)
- [warmth](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/warmth/)
- [love](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/love/)
- [friends](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/friends/)
- [cuddling](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/cuddling/)
- [breath](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/breath/)
- [food](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/food/)
- [tacos](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/tacos/)
- [healing](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/healing/)
- [kindness](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/kindness/)
- [light](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/light/)
- [sacred](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/sacred/)
- [profane](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/profane/)
- [blessing](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/blessing/)
- [prayer](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/prayer/)
- [meaning of life](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/meaning-of-life/)
- [essay](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/essay/)
- [philosophy](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/philosophy/)
- [mythology](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/mythology/)
- [goodness](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/goodness/)
- [mercy](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/mercy/)
- [Bible](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/bible/)
- [moon](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/moon/)
- [sun](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/sun/)
- [clarity](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/clarity/)
- [path](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/path/)
- [goals](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/goals/)
- [confidence](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/confidence/)
- [power](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/power/)
- [fear](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/fear/)
- [words](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/words/)
- [Stillness](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/stillness/)
- [quiet waters](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/quiet-waters/)
- [soul](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/soul/)
- [rest](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/rest/)
- [wishes](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/wishes/)
- [hopes](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/hopes/)
- [possibilities](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/possibilities/)
- [welcome](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/welcome/)
- [belonging](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/belonging/)
- [hidden strength](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/hidden-strength/)
- [thunder](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/thunder/)
- [gaze](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/gaze/)
- [sorrow](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/sorrow/)
- [trials](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/trials/)
- [ease](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/ease/)
- [magic](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/magic/)
- [environment](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/environment/)
- [body](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/body/)
- [earth](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/earth/)
- [fire](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/fire/)
- [water](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/water/)
- [elemental magic](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/elemental-magic/)
- [fortitude](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/fortitude/)
- [freedom](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/freedom/)
- [passion](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/passion/)
- [success](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/success/)
- [ambition](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/ambition/)
- [hope](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/hope/)
- [miracles](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/miracles/)
- [scripture](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/scripture/)
- [sin](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/sin/)
- [grace](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/grace/)
- [redemption](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/redemption/)
- [providence](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/providence/)
- [beauty](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/beauty/)
- [self-care](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/self-care/)
- [heartbeat](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/heartbeat/)
- [anticipation](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/anticipation/)
- [positivity](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/positivity/)
- [past](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/past/)
- [present](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/present/)
- [future](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/future/)
- [wisdom](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/wisdom/)
- [joy](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/joy/)
- [time](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/time/)
- [memory](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/memory/)
- [Creation](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/creation/)
- [home](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/home/)
- [purpose](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/purpose/)
- [chances](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/chances/)
- [mistakes](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/mistakes/)
- [failure](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/failure/)
- [aspiration](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/aspiration/)
- [rainsong](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/rainsong/)
- [dawnsong](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/dawnsong/)
- [play](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/play/)
- [names](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/names/)
- [integration](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/integration/)
- [shelter](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/shelter/)
- [connection](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/connection/)
- [spirit](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/spirit/)
- [laughter](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/laughter/)
- [sacrifice](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/sacrifice/)
- [incense](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/incense/)
- [blessings](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/blessings/)
- [obstacles](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/obstacles/)
- [sunlight](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/sunlight/)
- [overcoming](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/overcoming/)
- [victory](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/victory/)
- [admiration](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/admiration/)
- [seen](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/seen/)
- [self-consciousness](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/self-consciousness/)
- [springtime](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/springtime/)
- [shining sparkle](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/shining-sparkle/)
- [new creation](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/new-creation/)
- [life](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/life/)
- [renewal](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/renewal/)
- [gift](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/gift/)
- [surprise](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/surprise/)
- [delight](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/delight/)
- [inspiration](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/inspiration/)
- [convergence](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/convergence/)
- [ocean](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/ocean/)
- [waves](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/waves/)
- [oak](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/oak/)
- [nurture](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/nurture/)
- [patience](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/patience/)
- [support](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/support/)
- [self-image](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/self-image/)
- [identity](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/identity/)
- [mirrors](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/mirrors/)
- [stream](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/stream/)
- [riverbanks](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/riverbanks/)
- [heart](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/heart/)
- [heaven](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/heaven/)
- [eyes](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/eyes/)
- [face](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/face/)
- [kites](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/kites/)
- [flying](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/flying/)
- [invasion](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/invasion/)
- [resistance](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/resistance/)
- [overwhelmed](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/overwhelmed/)
- [happiness](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/happiness/)
- [smiles](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/smiles/)
- [military](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/military/)
- [soldiers](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/soldiers/)
- [productivity](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/productivity/)
- [usefulness](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/usefulness/)
- [transformation](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/transformation/)
- [rain](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/rain/)
- [sunshine](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/sunshine/)
- [encouragement](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/encouragement/)
- [waters](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/waters/)
- [recovery](https://www.aaronpogue.com/tag/recovery/)