As you might or mightn’t know, Project Gutenberg etexts are all issued a distinct number, counting up from their very first, etext #1, the US Declaration of Independence.

Just for the fun of it, I looked up what etext #1414 is: Somebody’s Luggage by Charles Dickens, from 1862. Here’s the first paragraph of Chapter I: “His Leaving It Till Called For” —

The writer of these humble lines being a Waiter, and having come of a family of Waiters, and owning at the present time five brothers who are all Waiters, and likewise an only sister who is a Waitress, would wish to offer a few words respecting his calling; first having the pleasure of hereby in a friendly manner offering the Dedication of the same unto Joseph, much respected Head Waiter at the Slamjam Coffee-house, London, E.C., than which a individual more eminently deserving of the name of man, or a more amenable honour to his own head and heart, whether considered in the light of a Waiter or regarded as a human being, do not exist.

Any story with the “Slamjam Coffee-house, London” in it must be worth a read. :)

A few weeks ago, I noticed that I was approaching Node #1414 for this site (nodes being Drupal parlance for page or story IDs), which wouldn’t really be a milestone for anybody except this site. ;) I pondered some possibilities to mark the occasion but hadn’t reached any conclusions.

Then, three weeks ago tomorrow, I got, ah, interrupted. ;)

So here I’ve been, stuck at the house for three weeks straight, apart from a few errands starting this week. I’ve been pushing my impatient self probably quicker than I should be doing things, but there’s only so much daytime television I can take. (Thank God for the FOX Soccer Channel.) Coincidentally, a couple of folks way more famous than I am have had shoulder injuries — Laker Vladimir Radmanovic and Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade.

No outdoors make Robert a grouchy patient.

At the moment, I am feeling better — I’m able to type more with both hands now, which is a relief, though I do have to take breaks. Except first thing in the morning or late in the day, the shoulder feels much better, as do the ribs. In fact, my shoulder seems “normal” when I don’t move it around. When I bend forward, though, it shifts as if my arm is falling off my body. Shudder!

I am now engaged in the usual crap with the medical field. My doctor is awesome, love her like crazy, but most of her office staff is just awful when it comes to paperwork, communication, and other bureaucrap. I was allegedly supposed to see her this week, but then got a referral to an orthopedic doctor and when I called my doctor’s office, I couldn’t get an appointment till next week. Gah! Anyhow, I’m hoping to get in on Monday if at all possible.

Anyhow, despite that and despite the cabin fever, I’m doing more or less okay. About ready to be talking to a physical therapist. I’m going to try a mile or so walk later.

More news after the weekend.

Check out Greg Maddux’s Win-Loss record going into today’s game:

Heh heh. ;)

New 1414 desktop picture:

Older ones here…

(From early 2004)

I had a good time cycling this evening, venturing farther afield and trying new routes. Tied my record for Max MPH hurtling down a hill (could have sworn I broke it, grrrrr). Anyhow, I also went exactly 14.14 miles and not on purpose. A sign, eh? It’s amusing to pass by particular intersections or landmarks and realize that a month ago, getting to that point would have been notable; now, it’s halfway or less. My hands don’t hurt as much this time even though I went farther for longer, as I tried to switch up my grip often. Still need to get a hold of those bar ends.

Didn’t have enough water for the circumstances. Interestingly it was the new flats I was riding on that did me in — since I’m am almost always in hills or at least inclines, it seemed as if I wasn’t using the same “functionality” cruising along a flat road for miles at a time. Not that I wasn’t up to the task, but that I was exerting for a longer period at once and was getting dehydrated faster. Thus, more water next time.