So I would like to tell you that in about three months (exactly on July 21st) I am retiring the army! So that pretty much means I'm going to have to become a real part of society and step into the proper working circle. Brrr. Anyway, I'm using the term 'retirement' as I am not exactly getting discharged, but I'll be a part-time reservist, apparently. Intels do that. Should have researched before choosing that position... fun! Hopefully I'll manage to get a job and save up some cash to not, like, starve, and provide for my... pets. I got no life XD

The second thing is that, unfortunately, only one chick out of the entire clotch made it, and his name is Pushkin. He has opened his eyes and has a pretty fine looking baby chick plumage, with the flight feathers coming in nicely. Super hyperactive, loves to snuggle into my hands and shirt and crawl all over my cat (without him so much as lifting an ear). Very adorable in general, and I can't wait for him to wean already~

Named after the famous Russian fairy tale writer, play-write, poet, novel author: Alexander Sergeivich Pushkin-- a charming fellow who always spoke his mind even if the government didn't like it and constantly challenged people to duels. He died in a duel, protecting his woman's honour. What a guy! Yup. He was pretty crazy. And awesome, made my childhood, I still remember some of his poems by heart.

Fact: Riding bicycles for long distances is much cooler once you actually figure out the gear system. I have been a dumb fuck for the past four months, not understanding why it makes so much noise and pretty much feels like it would die on me any second now.
But it's all better now that I actually know what I'm doing : )

Holy mother of books, the writer of the Bartimaeus trilogy is going to publish a new series! [link]
Second half of 2013 can't come any sooner! Must be the ultimate proof that the world is not going to end this year. Phew.
It's Gonna be awesome!

"After a few exciting weeks working on publishing deals in the US, UK and Germany, I'm so pleased to be able to announce my new project: Lockwood & Co.

"The series contains lots of ingredients you'll recognize from my earlier books – there's plenty of action, suspense and humour. But this time there's a definite supernatural twist too, as we follow three young operatives of a Psychic Detection Agency as they battle an epidemic of ghosts in London.

"Deals concluded so far are with Disney-Hyperion in the US, Random House Children's Books in the UK, and Random House in Germany. The first title will be published in the second half of 2013.

"I'm having great fun writing it, but as it's at an early stage I can't say too much yet. I'll be sure to keep you fully posted as I go along. Meanwhile I hope you like the name and . . . watch this space!"

No longer having internet on base got me working on a shit ton of original writing, so that's making me feel good and accomplished~ It will never see the light of day XD