On Saturday morning I went to see my doctor. I had bruised a rib and it was sore. I thought, given that I’d not seen a doctor in some time, that I’d also have a bit of a check up. He took a blood pressure reading which was high, very high. It was clear some immediate intervention was necessary. Blood tests were arranged. A stress test scheduled (though it will be post-Denvention). I worried, as I now do. I changed my diet, and will see a dietician on my return from the US. I had to see the doctor again yesterday. My blood tests were all normal, and my blood pressure was down more than 25% (I suspect the original reading wasn’t entirely accurate), so things are all clear for Oakland and Denver, which is a relief. I’ll be keeping an eye on it, though, and my dealing with this will dominate the rest of the year.
What else, oh blog? Well, I’m pretty much ready to travel. I’m due to pick up the old folks’ glasses today, and might see The Dark Knight. I’m also going to take a second look at what I’m taking to read. The spare battery died for the laptop, so whatever I read will have to be printed (oh the old-fashionedness of it). I have candidate or two in mind, though the most likely choice will be an anthology or a magazine so I keep up to date. I’ll also review what’s in the laptop. It’s 24hrs till I leave, so that’s the kind of thing on my mind.
On things SFnal – I’m reviewing the current list of anthology projects, and also seeing how they impact on panels for Denvention. I have a panel on the year’s best SF with Charles and David. It seems very specific. Not fantasy. SF. Maybe we should invite Gary to join us, I don’t know. I’ve read some excellent SF short fiction, so I’ll spend an hour or so in Oakland putting together a list and discussion points. I also am doing panels on the comeback of original anthologies and reviewers. The anthology panel will be interesting, if only to see how we fill our time. There are some basic observations that can be made, and Lou, Ellen and Lee will have a lot to say, but I’m pondering the complexity. As to the reviewing panel – it touches on some cherished shibboleths, which will be interesting to discuss.
And then there’s Oakland. My time there is short, and is always complicated, but I hope I get to see everyone.