First let me say thank you to all who have commented on my entry from last night. I didn't really intend to bare my soul so much, it just sort of happened, but the response was very encouraging. I might need to consider a No BUI (Blogging Under the Influence) rule, however.

I'm only slightly tipsy this afternoon, so I should be safe. Hey, like Jimmy Buffet says, it's 5 o'clock somewhere.

It's very lovely here. I'm on vacation in Hollywood, Florida, which, for those of you who may not know, is situated between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. My hotel is right on the beach, I have a lovely view of the ocean. When I arrived yesterday, the room they put me in was not what I had reserved. Once upon a time I would have let it slide and made do, I mean it wasn't a bad room. But I was determined to make the most of this vacation and I decided to call the desk and register a complaint. I am now in a one bedroom suite with a full kitchen, and they graciously waived the upgrade fee. It does indeed pay to be the squeaky wheel sometimes.

I just got back from a stroll on the boardwalk. If I had the money, I'd move here in a heartbeat. It has everything; a gorgeous view, beach access and there are hundreds of shops within easy walking distance. I think I could get accustomed to being a beach bum very easily.

AS I walked along the boardwalk I of course took in the sights. Yes, I looked at the ocean once in a while, but the sights I speak of are all the lovely women that passed by, most clad in swim wear. I'm sure a few noticed my attention, I tried to be discreet but I imagine many of them are used to such attention, and have a kind of radar. Of course I seriously doubt any of them realized what was going on behind my eyes, that the thoughts running through my head were less, "She's hot!" and more, "I wish I could wear that bikini."

Okay, I admit it, there were plenty of musings about their hotness as well. My brain may tell me I'm female, but my body is quite male and I do have a healthy appreciation for beautiful women. I'd just much rather be walking along with them, enjoying the knowledge my own radar gave me when someone decided to check me out.

I am a bit annoyed, however. Over the last two days my bank card has been declined 4 times. It's definitely not an issue of money, I made sure I was well prepared for this trip and I can check the balance online and transfer more if need be. I haven't spent that much anyway. I suspect the bank noticed charges coming from this area and suspended the account out of fear that my card has been stolen. That wouldn't bother me too much, except I called the bank before I left to inform them I was coming here on vacation. I was told it wasn't necessary unless I was traveling outside the country. I tried calling them a little while ago, but of course it's Saturday and their offices are closed until Monday.

Other than that, it's very nice. The weather is wonderful; there's a constant breeze off the ocean that keeps the heat at bay. The smell is intoxicating - all the little hints of delicious treats from the many restaurants and cafes. All in all just a very laid back sort of atmosphere. There's a little bar right outside the hotel called O'Malley's and they have a sign that says, "No shirt, no shoes ... no problem!"

One of the reasons I came here was to get a little perspective and do some writing. I am currently hard at work on the sequel to Genomorph, as well as a revised version of the original. I wanted to go to Venice Beach and tread along the same boardwalk as Brandi, but that wasn't possible. This area is suppose to be very similar, however, and has the added bonus -- the Atlantic waters are considerably warmer than the Pacific.

So I am having a great time, and I hope everyone else is doing well!