Sorry but lately it seems I do a lot of apologizing and explaining, if not just ranting and raving. Such is my life lately.

Just wanted to note a few things before everyone wonders what is going on.

First up is Jonas. No I haven't forgotten him. I am still writing, although I don't think I have ever thrown out so many copies of a chapter never being quite content with what I have written. For something I had hoped to have finished by now I am getting really picky about how it is going. I am still going on and both my beta and editor ask about it.

Second my beta work. I do apologize to both people I have been beta working for. I will explain part of my lack of progress on your work and my own in a moment.

Third my health. Okay here is the deal. I have been really tired lately and not sure why. I went for my yearly physical last week and suddenly I seemed to find a new specialty doctor to see and have half the pills I am on changed. Seems my blood pressure is through the roof. I have had to wear a heart monitor and gone for a stress test. All the results aren't back but you can bet my nerves are shot. I have blood work and more tests scheduled so my ability to focus is way off.

Finally is my job. I have reached the end of my rope there. I have been applying for work in dozens of places. I hit the cap that my job has for my job role and haven't seen a raise in three years. I have gone for more interviews for jobs all over that ended with the interviewer telling me I was great, but I am over qualified for the job. Over qualified? The job pays more than I am making and I am willing to take it. Who cares about over qualified. To make matters worse I have applied for a job in my own store and told I didn't have enough knowledge for a job I used to hold before I had to move down to Long Island to help look after my father. The job went to someone who has never done the job before. To make it clear I need a new job my review was done and I was basically told while I know the job cold, do good work, I need more time in it and I am capped so no raise for year four. I'm worn out and looks like things just aren't getting any easier. To add insult to injury I found out after I didn't get my raise I will be training a new hire who used to be my student from when I was teaching. Yes, fate is having fun laughing and smacking me around lately.

So just forgive me if things are taking five times or longer to get anything accomplished.