2006 recap

Well, it’s now early January (2007 for those keeping track) and that’s usually when I post a short rundown of my previous year. So rather than break with tradition, here we go:

What I did in 2007:

• Published two novels and two anthologies (and two roleplaying game books).

• Wrote three more novels. At least two of those will be out this year. Also wrote one educational book and three roleplaying game supplements.

• Watched my daughter grow from a toddler to a preschooler. She gets smarter, funnier, more communicative, and more self-sufficient every day. She still has issues sharing, particularly with her little brother, but she’s also still a sweetie. Her delighted squeal and huge smile when I get home each evening are one of the highlights of my day.

• Watched my son grow from a newborn to a sturdy infant. It’s been great watching him develop his own personality, which is very laidback and affectionate, and to see him crawling (fast!) and grabbing everything he can reach and watching his sister with loving fascination. He and I also developed a strong bond, and his big grin and excited bounce when he sees me get home is another highlight.

• Spent time with my lovely wife, who is still wonderful and amazing and gorgeous and the love of my life.

• Did a little work on the house, decorated a bit more, etc. The process continues, but every step makes it a warmer, friendlier environment, and more ours.

• Traveled back to Kansas to see some of our good friends. This was the only trip we took this year—no gaming cons at all—and it was great. We also got to attend two weddings while there, both of old and dear friends, which was very cool.

• Went to a con as an author guest for the first time. That was fun.

• Made some excellent new friends, through LJ and through the Malibu. Spent time with friends in general, though never as much as I’d like.

• Gamed a bit, though again not as often as I’d have liked.

• Stayed with my day job, made some new friends there as well, and (hopefully) smoothed out a few wrinkles.

• Became more mobile, thanks to my father’s long-term loan of a car. Which enabled us, among other things, to visit my wife’s grandmother more often, which is great.

• Got to see my extended family (mine and the wife’s) more than once, including a huge turnout for my son’s baby naming (which was beautifully handled by dochyel).

• Had an awesome surprise birthday party, and got an amazing memory-book present, courtesy of my wonderful wife.

All in all I’d say it was an excellent year, professionally and personally. I know some of you were not as happy with 2006, and I hope 2007 is better for all of us, in as many ways as possible.