So, your spouse/partner/boyfriend/girlfriend has decided to be a writer? Congratulations and welcome to Hell, <cough> I mean… the glorious opportunity to love and support a creative genius while they work to achieve their dreams of seeing a book in print. You are a lucky man/woman, because not everyone is afforded a chance to live with one of these mercurial, er… whimsical creatures.

6 Things You Should Know about Your Writer:

1) Writers are Territorial– Do not invade the writer’s space while they are working. Doing so can invite bodily harm. Threat index will be significantly elevated if they’re in the middle of revisions or struggling with a certain scene. 

2) Bring Offerings– If you must invade your space writer’s space, bring a fresh cup of coffee or a snack. Such concern for their well-being will remind the writer that you’re there for support and they can’t lob pens…

No, I wasn’t really trying to edit my tattoo–I like what it says.  And, no, I wasn’t trying to end it all.  I believe that since I didn’t create myself, I don’t have the authority to destroy myself.  And anyway, I mostly like being alive.  Besides, my cats would miss me.

No, I was replacing a ballast on a light fixture at work today.  It’s a job I have done thousands of times.  What’s more, I am Mr. Safety at work.  I had the breaker locked off.  I had inspected the ladder and had it set properly.  I had my safety glasses on.  I removed the bulbs and set them to the side.  I tested the line voltage at the ballast, even though I had the breaker locked off.

I did everything right, damnit! 

So what happened?  I dropped the sheet metal ballast cover and tried to catch it, and…