It’s been far too long since I wrote for fun. But I’m still underwater, work- and project-wise, and thus don’t have the time and focus for a decent post.
I wish I could rise above the buzzing and busy-ness, because I don’t want to neglect the community that’s developed here. Sometimes you just don’t have it in you.
Hang in there, and thanks for checking back in.
In other news:
My daughter, who blogs at I Pick Up Pennies, is a finalist in the Plutus Awards. She’s up for the People’s Choice Award, which carries no monetary value but does earn you the respect of your peers.
She and I have some crossover readership; those who aren’t familiar with her work can visit her through the above link. To vote for her, please go to the Plutus site – and thanks.
A giveaway, and two (potential) meetups
One of those crossover readers, who blogs at the eponymous Funny About Money site, has branched out into the episodic e-novels business. Right now she’s having a giveaway: Your choice of any of the 11 “Fire-Rider” episodes currently online. To enter, leave a comment over at FaM.
Finally: I’ll be speaking at both Digital CoLab and the Financial Blogger Conference in Charlotte, NC next week, and staying a couple of extra days. After that I’m heading north to visit relatives in South Jersey (first Erial, then Bridgeton). Let’s talk meet-ups.
After the conference I’ll be staying in the university area. So, Charlotte residents: Got any suggestions/preferences for the Charlotte location? If not, my current plan is to be at the Panera Bread in the U district starting at about 7 a.m. on the morning of Monday, Sept. 21 – that is, if anyone thinks that s/he can make it.
Thoughts?
As for South Jersey, the Pope’s visit will be bollixing up traffic so there won’t be a Philly meet-up. Earlier a reader had suggested gathering in Voorhees Town Center. However, I might not have access to a car.
Who’s up for meeting in Erial, even if it’s in a fast-food place? I’ll be there through Saturday, Sept. 26. If you’ve got any ideas, I’d love to hear ’em – although I grew up in South Jersey, it was much south-er than Erial.
Hope to get a chance to meet some (or lots) of you in either state. At this point, I can’t guarantee what kind of state I’ll be in.
What does Plutus mean?
Plutus (also Ploutus, Pluto) is Greek god of wealth. Ploutos was identified with Plouton, the god Haides in his role as the deity of the earth’s hidden stores of wealth who was also depicted with a cornucopia in this guise. So pluto is a combining form meaning wealthy: plutocracy, rule of the wealthy. I take it that the Plutus Award is given to those who deal with money.
Thanks, Amber — you beat me to it! The Plutus Awards were created by Luke Landes of Consumerism Commentary. They’re given away to writers and financial institutions/service providers during the Financial Blogger Conference.
I wish I lived closer and had time off work because I would love to do a meet up. Good Luck with the conference and safe travels!
I can find my way to Erial, NJ. Saturday is possible if the Pope doesn’t make it impossible. If I go down Rt206 that should be far enough away from anyone planning to go into Philly.
Would be great fun to meet you, Cathy. Here’s how I did it in Phoenix: Decided on a Wendy’s within walking distance of my daughter and son-in-law’s place, then announced I’d be there between 1 and 3 p.m.
I’ve been told there’s a McDonald’s near where I’ll be staying. If I find a better bet, then I’ll take it — but fast food places generally don’t have to turn the tables as often as, say, a diner.
When I find out the location (and about any other options), I’ll post an update with an address and a time frame. It’s something like giving a party: You sit there and wonder if anyone will show up. But I’ll have my laptop with me so I can get ahead on some writing if it winds up being just me.
Seriously, though: I’d like to meet some Jersey readers. Hope to see you and others there.
I will keep checking for updates. McDonalds, Wendys, all are fine. God willing and the river don’t rise, I will happily join you in Erial.
Hi Donna…You had us worried…long time since your last post. Hope you’ve got Panera gift cards….in this neck of the woods Panera can be pretty expensive…Enjoy your visit with the folks in Jersey…
In fact, I do have a Panera gift card — cashed in some of my reward credit card points to get it, so that Abby and I can get French toast bagels one morning.
Thanks for hanging in there.
Your Welcome!!! Sounds like a great time with DD…Though a bit pricey Panera bagels are excellent. Good to hear your heading back Jersey to visit Family I hope…Best Wishes and safe travels…
I’d been hoping my husband and I could get to the Charlotte area for a different event that weekend and swing by to meet up with you Sunday. Unfortunately, we’re not going to be able to make it for any of that to either event. I hope you do get some takers and that you all have a wonderful time!
Well, pooh…Another time, I hope.
Read your GRS post on Friday. I do watch for you in several places. Can you post here (link?) when you have an article on some other site?
Every now and then I do put up a “read me elsewhere” post. Could be time for another one, especially since I just did a couple of podcast interviews; when at least one of them is live I’ll put something up.
Thanks for being such a consistent reader and commenter.
Erial would work if it is for lunchtime.
Any chance of ever coming to the Boston area? I and your other fans up here would love to meet you!
It could happen. I’ll certainly let you know.
Y’all have a grand time, now, and catch up on some sleep on the plane since it looks like you’ll be running for quite a bit there.
Sadly, I slept barely at all on the plane. But I’m here and determined to get on local time.