It's this time of year that makes me wonder why I pay a mortgage and own a couch. I don't even eat at home anymore, really. I just come here to wash my face and sleep, then shower in the morning. Why do I own furniture? I never see it or use it. My bed isn't that much more comfortable than the floor in my cubicle. The health club in the building has a shower. I could spend mortgage money on something fun and useful - like a killer stereo for my cube.

Don't panic, Sarah. This time of year doesn't last forever. I will soon be relishing my large apartment and comfy couch again. And I will continue dutifully paying my part of the mortgage.

I forgot to mention that I went to a bar-b-que at my boss' house on Sunday. It was a lot of trying to socialize with people I didn't really have a lot in common with - except work. And of course, everyone was trying not to talk about work. At least directly.

I really like my boss, actually. She goes skydiving and takes vacations to New Zealand to go spelunking so they can see glow-worms. During my time in the midwest I have definitely crossed paths with some interesting people.

Books: Well, I tried to get that scene written. But found I would rather re-write the scene before it that had been giving me so much trouble. I am getting a lot of help from a male friend of mine on these conversations between guys. He laughs a lot at my dialogue. Then he shows me how to fix it. Now the real trick will be seeing if other guys think it's right or not....