extended absence
When I was young, my parents suggested I start some sort of collection. My sister started a book of stamps; I went into coins with a kind of vicarious pleasure at pretending I was wildly rich. The collection petered out after five years or so - I realize, now, because collection is the gathering of elements of the self, the acquisition of what we identify with, rejoined with the source of the identification. These days I collect jokers. Infer what you wish from the self, from there.
I mention this because lately I've come up with a Grand Plan for my collection of jokers: I am aiming to collect 2,704 jokers in total. No more, no less. There's reason behind the madness, and if anyone figures it out, I'd be interested to hear your speculations :)
In the mean time, I'm away until Sunday, Monday or Tuesday, seeking out some solitude in the mountains. Updates will depend entirely on propitious circumstances, viz., finding a free wireless spot. Don't hold your breath.
PS: I've recently seen the light, and embraced faith. As a good convert, I urge you to read this article and visit this page to find out why you should convert too.
It's so easy to be deadpan on the internet.