Paradoxical Structures

Part of my job includes performing audits of vending machines, which is almost as fun as it sounds. I had the distinct privilege (sarcasm) of spending most of this afternoon in a hospital, tracking down and auditing random drink machines. I didn't find it fun -- I'm not fond of hospitals at all. They are a strange breed of institution; they are a paradox by nature. Most lives begin there; many lives end there. They're distinctly built as to not evoke any emotion, yet it's possible that the widest range of human emotions possible are present in the same building. It's an interesting thought that human culture has managed to bring all of that together in one place.

Unfortunately for me they're more on the negative side of emotion. I suspect that partially that's because I don't have kids; I've never experienced the usual joy that gets expressed in hospitals. I have, unfortunately, experienced the pain that gets expressed in hospitals. I saw it today and it reminded me of my own experiences. I can't help but notice all of the little quiet garden nooks or skylit corners with comfortable seats -- you don't go sit and reflect in them when you're happy.

But enough of that. I audit vending machines, not write black artsy poems about dark subjects and whatnot.

The novel (the one I'm writing, didn't you know that?) is coming along nicely. I finally got the motivation to do something with it last night, but I'm not entirely satisfied with the results. It feels rushed, and that means it probably is. But the framework is there, at least, and that's a good start. I can fill in the meat later.

On the slate for tomorrow:

• The Alias episode I taped tonight (Mrs. Gonktacular was out, and we watch it together)
• Star Wars: The Clone Wars Vol. 1 DVD, rented it and intended to watch it tonight but didn't get to it
• Fable, which I found at Hastings for $20 (score!) -- but that's if I can get Mrs. Gonktacular away from the highly excellent Kingdom Hearts. Yes, we are waaaay behind the video game curve, I know.
• The continuation of the lawn mower maintenance saga, in which I scored a major victory today after being defeated by a cheap shot to the back on Sunday. More about that later.
• Perhaps I'll find some time to write. I hope so.