Got back from my vacation a couple of days ago. And I think I'm getting sick again, for the second time in about a month. I'm not sure yet, but my throat has been feeling scratchy since I was still in Florida. Just my luck. Settled back into real life, but I've been pretty tired. As the cliché goes, I need a vacation.

Have been reading a few books lately, one is a series of essays and interviews on various aspects of women's images. Women from filmmakers to actresses are included, and the book (entitled Damage Control) gives a look at several aspects of image issues, even some that are fairly universal. My boyfriend hates the texture of his hair. One chapter in the book, in which actress Minnie Driver talks about how she grew to appreciate her dark, thick, curly hair, reminded me of him.

The other book I'm reading is I, Jedi, by Michael Stackpole. It is what it sounds like, part of the Star Wars Expanded Universe. A very good book so far, I'm about halfway through. I should hurry up, as I have book one of the Thrawn trilogy awaiting pickup at the library this week. I'm reading these books in reverse of what I should have, given that the events of Thrawn are discussed and mentioned various times in I, Jedi, but that won't ruin the experience for me.

I have the His Dark Materials trilogy coming my way as well soon. I'd better get cracking on the Star Wars books.

On my trip, I made a lightsaber toy for my boyfriend. I've joked multiple times that I'm keeping it. It has been fun to play with, swinging it around in places, but I'll be bringing it to him soon, provided I'm not super sick in a few days' time.

Oh, and before I forget, my piece was published in this week's issue of The Escapist. I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out. It evolved from a few different directions over time, but it's nice to finally have it out there.