Sasha Distan

First off, this entry took forever to write because of all the typos. If any make it through, do forgive me. I write, it's what I do. And because I spend so long doing it, I am very aware of how I type, the motions I make, and the relationship I have with a keyboard. For a long time now it has shocked and appalled me that most people never think twice about their keyboard. They want a machine with all the fancy specs, but they don't care, or know, anything about the main interface they are going to use to interact with the thing. Most of (you) will be using touch screens for your browsing by now, but I doubt that many are using that to actually type anything. And trust me, what you're using at work will be a standard, shitty, 'squashy' keyboard. Lever up a key, any key, and underneath in a little silicone nubbin. When pressed, it makes the electrical circuit and you get a letter. That silicone nubbin is the bane of my life right now. I am a haptic, tactile, touch sensitive person, and so I bought the most wonderful keyboard. And when I say wonderful, I mean mechanical. Now if you don't understand what this means, I pity you, and look it up. But basically a mechanical keyboard uses actual mechanisms so that when you push a key something happens underneath. There are lots of different switches, for those who like tacky, or hard, or clacky, or soft but loud, or a dozen other sorts besides. I have (had) Cherry ML switches, which make a 'soft' noise but give great feedback. For those of you who are now confused, this means that the keystroke registers before the key is fully depressed, which gives 'bounce' to the typing. The upshot of this was an increase in typing speed of 30%. Yes, thirty percent. A third faster, just by switching to a keyboard designed to actually be used rather than one produced for cheap. I kid you not (and everyone wonders how I write so fast). And being carried out in my bag everyday for two years has taken it's toll. Not on the keyboard, but on the cable, which has died somewhere inside, rendering the whole thing useless. I am going to be forced to do some creative slicing to fix it. In the mean time, I am stuck with the crappy, squashy piece of shit this laptop came with. the keys are flat, there's no feedback, I miss keys all over the shop, and the shift is just too far right and I always hit \ instead. So here I am with my dying laptop (he's old now), and my rubbish keys, and ideas which were moving too fast for my fingers before I lost a third of my efficiency. But I am a writer, and therefore I will be here, writing, regardless.

specific

He's not being a great boyfriend at the moment, is he?

him!

rub

Ohh,,, good analogy. Nathan does need a second chance, that's for sure. And I really agree with you about what Nathan might see as walking away from his dad will also mean walking away from the ranch and the horses and the part of the universe he loves - and that loves him back. You said once that a guy who loved horses couldn't be all bad, and his horse loves him back. There is something there worth saving.

I hope he doesn't let you down!

You realize he will beat you with his reins if he hears you say that... right? It's a funny image though. *runs and hides*

crossword, crossword, crossword! I have no idea if there is a way of making an interactive version, so people could save it and fill it in themselves, but that would be cool too.

I have just made a new forum, before I actually saw this. so if everyone is OK with that, then we'll move tables and get another round in!

Lonely At The Top is the story of Nathan Cole, Clem Linton's dominating, very angry, and homophobic ex-boyfriend. But how did he end up that way, is he aware of the hurt he causes, and how is the universe going to conspire to fix him. After all, when all your friends side with your ex, it can be a bit lonely. Nathan might be able to drink everyone in town under the truck, but now he's doing it by himself. Five chapters, to post every Friday.

He's got a long way to go...

"baby steps"... teheheheheI'm really glad you're enjoying it already, and I agree with you that even though he is an ass, there is something in him which is worthwhile. I like the idea of him currently being Taylor's "perk"

I swear you must know everything! I didn't know he had written for a lot of others, but it explains why I was so so drawn to his stuff. If I had to pick one album, it would probably be that one.I'm glad you like Taylor, I think he's gonna be fun. As for Nathan's father - that is exactly why he accepts it. Regardless in his mind, Nathan is still a man because he's not a pansy, not weak, and is more butch and buff than most of the straight guys around there. I can't tell you anything else though. Thank you sweetie!

Oh Irri!I can see I've done my job well, because he's worse than he was before, but now you care about him in some uncomfortable sort of way. Hang on sweetie, you're in for a bumpy sort of ride.

thank you, and you're welcome. Cole Senior is a douche, no doubts about it. and yes, Taylor is a confident and confusing creature to Nate - we'll see how he gets on.

this is true. trust the Sashaforce

oh he is selfish, but he'll learn!

lacquered

you guys do such good analogies... makes me jealous. He's got a long way to go, but it's nice to know that he has people rooting for him.

haha! I don't think I've ever had a pre-review before. but I like it! I'll count you in, don't worry about that. Looking forwards to hearing what you think.

Thawing is a nice word for it... nice one. I hope that you find more room in your heart for Nathan. He deserves a second chance.

Super, I am very happy that Nathan's "biggest fan" is pleased with the beginning of his new beginning. He is going to have to come a very long way...

After getting dumped by Clem Linton, Nathan Cole spends his time breeding and training horses and sleeping with who ever he pulls in Austin nightclubs when drunk. After he wakes up next to Taylor, Nathan starts to realize quite how wrong his outlook on life is. But dealing with how low he has sunk and being willing to find the strength to pull himself into redemption are not quite as simple as galloping across a field.

Nathan Cole opened his eyes and wished he hadn’t. The world was too bright, his ears were ringing, his brain felt like someone had squeezed it, and his mouth tasted like… someone else. Nathan rolled over to find out what he’d done, and found the bed beside him empty. It was also, unsurprisingly, not his bed. Nathan’s bed did not have clean white sheets offset with teal and steel grey throw pillows, and there certainly wasn’t the lingering aroma of very expensive coffee wafting through the air. S