2026 has been a weird one. I suppose all years are filled with adventures and wild events, but this one particularly so. In February, I got a pacemaker. By April, it was becoming apparent that I’d be leaving Atlanta, and in July, we packed everything up and moved to Richmond, Virginia.

Trying to unpack everything, settle into a new home, and get back on a regular podcast schedule was challenging, but I finally managed it. Right before coming down with a cold. When I finally beat that, my wife got the flu and generously passed it along to me.

And that’s where I am currently. Sitting in my living room in Virginia with the flu and a functioning heart thanks to advanced robotics. Who would have seen this stuff coming?

I’ve grown weary of making excuses for not creating new shows. Everything just sounds pitiful at this point. But what else can I do? Life keeps happening, apparently without consulting my podcast schedule. At some point, I’ll get back to something resembling regularity. I expect whatever podcast audience I had has probably moved along by now. Understandable. I’m used to talking into a microphone with no one else in the room, so I can handle that.

But I’m not done just yet. Unless 2026 has a few more surprises waiting for me. There’s still time.

I often forget I have a blog here on the Outta Toon site. I really should use it more. Do people still read? My last entry before this one was over a year ago. I think it might be a good idea to keep something happening regularly in this space. At least it won’t matter if my voice sounds like Barry White and I can’t stop coughing.

I have plans to do an episode this week, even if I’m in less than great shape. I have some things to talk about. And if I can’t manage that, maybe I’ll just write something here. I mean, I have to be able to do something while sitting around waiting for my immune system to do its job.

In the meantime, Happy Halloween, and save me some Reese’s.