A Relatively Realistic Birthday Wish List

Tomorrow is my birthday. Naturally, this means I want presents.

Rather than wishing for the at best impractical dovetailing into implausible (“I want a million dollars and a pony”), or that which will lead into either maudlin moroseness or me getting slapped by various members of the fairer sex – hey, I’m a guy, okay? – thought I’d put together a birthday wish of the relatively realistic. Some more than others, but hey. My birthday; my wish list.

• An external keyboard for the iPhone. The iPhone has grown into being a terrific mobile platform for productivity. E-mail, writing, blogging, etc. Compose it, transmit it. Whenever AT&T is in the mood to do so, that is. (The iPhone I love; AT&T, not so much. But I digress.) However, one factor limits its usefulness. In order to write anything you have to tap tap tap away on its minuscule on-screen keyboard, which even in portrait mode is anything but comfortable on which to write more than a brief note. An external portable keyboard of a decent size I could simply connect the iPhone to and write away would be a terrific tool. Come on, Apple!

• A special hardback edition of the book. This falls more into the “if I can ever afford it” department. It’s also not so much for me as others. After all, I’ve read the book already. Anyway, what I’d like to do sometime in the not too terribly distant future is publish a hardcover version of the book; not so much for sale as to be able to give a special copy to each of the artists in it. Hopefully someday, although at the moment given the financial aspect of life I haven’t been able to so much as send all the artists a regular copy.

Let’s see what else I’d like…

• I’d like to be able to earn my living as a writer doing pretty much what I’m doing now. Borderline fantasy there, but it’s not utterly beyond the realm of possibility.

• I’d like to spend time in person with my online friends.

• I’d like Marillion to tour the U.S. And have really great seats for the show in my neck of the woods.

• I’d like to get all the artists I want in the next book in there.

• I’d like to do some high profile promotional spots for the current book in addition to more like the ones like I’ve already done.

• I’d like the high rollers to treat me and others in the same manner they want to be treated. Unless that’s nothing more than being sucked up to. I can’t stand that.

• I’d like to see Allahpundit have a head-on encounter with Jesus Christ. Maybe then he’d get it.

• I’d like to meet the Palins so I can tell Sarah how much I appreciate and respect her. And talk some NASCAR with Todd.

There are other wishes. But that’s enough for now.